Exposed to the CEO Behind the Mafia Mask (by Silver Spoon) novel Chapter 17

Chapter 17: Chapter 17 Office Wars and Dangerous Territory

Ivy’s POV

I clutched my coffee mug with trembling hands, settling into my desk chair as my legs continued to shake from this morning’s encounter. Minutes later, an encrypted email from Caleb appeared in my inbox with detailed instructions for tomorrow’s territory meeting preparation. I dove into the work immediately, and by the time other operatives began filtering into the office, I had organized every document and intelligence briefing perfectly.

Heidi breezed through the entrance with a man’s arm linked through hers, her eyebrows shooting up when she spotted me.

"Ivy, what happened to you? You look like you wrestled with a tiger and lost. Good morning, honey."

"Morning, Heidi. Caleb requested I arrive early to set up for tomorrow’s operations meeting."

"That demanding Don of yours better not make this your new normal."

"He won’t, Heidi. Actually, it worked out well since I managed to finish everything ahead of schedule." I forced a smile, hoping she wouldn’t notice the flush still warming my cheeks from memories of his hands on my skin.

The gentleman beside her was studying me with an appreciative grin that made me self-conscious. He possessed classic dangerous good looks with sun-kissed skin, impressive height, warm brown eyes that held secrets, and slightly tousled black hair that complemented his well-groomed stubble. His tailored suit and designer glasses completed the polished killer image.

"Heidi, my boss mentioned the new assistant was attractive, but he seriously undersold the situation. She’s absolutely lethal." His voice carried genuine warmth and friendliness that immediately put me at ease. "You’re going to turn this entire operation upside down."

"Jude’s right, she’s devastating, and the chaos has already started," Heidi responded with knowing amusement. "Let me handle introductions properly. Jude, meet Ivy. Ivy, this is Jude, Xavier’s lieutenant. You two will collaborate frequently, but don’t worry about Jude. He’s completely professional despite his reputation."

"Ivy, the pleasure is entirely mine. Consider me your office guardian, especially when it comes to fending off the inevitable parade of admirers." Jude extended his hand with genuine sincerity, and something told me we’d develop a solid alliance.

"Nice meeting you, Jude."

We dedicated the morning to synchronizing our intelligence systems, ensuring seamless coordination between our respective operations. Throughout these hours, Caleb remained conspicuously absent from his office. By eleven o’clock, we had established foolproof procedures that would function with military precision. Jude suggested lunch together while Heidi would spend her afternoon managing secure video conferences with the Boston operations. As Jude returned to collect some classified files, I finally stood to refill my coffee when that familiar whistle echoed through the space, making me look up with involuntary amusement.

"Is this performance scheduled daily, Xavier?"

"Ivy, it wasn’t planned this way, but honestly, what did you expect wearing that particular weapon? You’re well aware of your effect on people. Your boss is in serious fucking trouble." His mischievous grin widened as he continued. "Speaking of Caleb, is he available in his fortress?"

Before I could respond, we heard Caleb’s office door slam open like a gunshot, followed by his irritated voice cutting through the air with lethal precision.

"Xavier, I’ve already warned you about this shit."

When his gaze landed on me, I witnessed pure fire blazing in those ice-blue eyes as they traveled over my body with undisguised hunger that made my skin burn. I couldn’t resist seizing this perfect opportunity.

"Sir, perhaps some calming chamomile tea would help?"

His eyes narrowed dangerously as a low growl escaped his throat that sounded like a predator ready to strike. Xavier observed our exchange with growing confusion before addressing his boss.

"Since when do you drink chamomile tea, Caleb?"

"Since my assistant decided to test every fucking limit of my self-control," he replied, never breaking eye contact with me in a stare that promised retribution.

I smiled sweetly, placing my palm against my chest in mock innocence.

"I would never deliberately provoke you, Mr. Thorne. Xavier, would you prefer coffee?"

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