Exposed to the CEO Behind the Mafia Mask (by Silver Spoon) novel Chapter 176

Chapter 176: Chapter 176 Wedding Announcement

Ivy’s POV

When I pushed open Caleb’s private office door at Thorne Syndicate headquarters, our tight-knit crew of mafia associates flooded into the room like a tactical breach.

"Dear God, I need to hold my precious godson! Is he sleeping?" Zoe’s face crumpled with disappointment as she gazed at Max nestled securely in Caleb’s arms.

"Ivy, for the love of all that’s sacred, lock that door immediately." Finn burst through the entrance, his usual swagger replaced by something bordering on genuine terror.

"Finn, what the hell is wrong with you? You look like you’ve witnessed a federal raid." I couldn’t hide my confusion as he twisted the deadbolt behind him with the desperation of someone barricading against a SWAT team.

"A raid would be preferable to what’s actually downstairs. We’re talking about my father from the Chicago outfit, your parents from witness protection, Zoe’s family from the Portland syndicate, Caleb’s foster parents from retirement, Xavier’s old-school Italian famiglia, Dominic’s socialite mother, and even Walter, Carmen, and little Katelyn from the neutral territories." Finn’s face had drained of all color, like he’d witnessed an execution.

"Caleb’s foster parents flew in?" My eyebrows shot up in surprise.

"Heidi and Scott caught the red-eye from Vegas this morning." Finn’s explanation made warmth spread through my chest.

"Your famiglia made the trip too, Xavier? And your mother came, Dominic?" Caleb’s curiosity was tinged with genuine affection.

"Yeah, boss, they got wind of everything through Finn’s old man’s connections and booked the first available charter. They wanted to be here for you during this territory consolidation. But I’m not gonna lie, they’re pushing me to the breaking point!" Xavier ran his hands through his hair in exasperation.

"My mother pulled the same move. She was at some exclusive spa retreat with her society circle in the Hamptons, and she abandoned her detox treatments to race back here. But she’s also determined to meet Gemma, and I’m not confident that encounter will end well for anyone involved." Dominic paced the room like a caged predator.

"What’s your problem, Dominic? You might be a complete disaster with women, but your mother is charming and I genuinely enjoyed her company." Gemma’s voice carried a sharp edge of irritation.

"The problem is my mother doesn’t exactly approve of my bachelor lifestyle choices." Dominic met her glare head-on.

"You don’t help your own reputation, you absolute player!" Zoe’s correction sent ripples of laughter through the room.

"Alright, but why are you all hiding from what sounds like a perfectly normal family gathering?" Caleb’s question was reasonable enough.

"Normal? Caleb, this isn’t just a family gathering. These people are like a coordinated strike force with a master plan to reform each and every one of us into respectable citizens!" Finn’s terror was so genuine it was almost endearing.

"Finn might be dramatizing slightly, but I’ll be honest with you, even I was feeling overwhelmed by their unified front." Lila’s admission painted a clear picture of the chaos waiting downstairs.

"Lila, my mother tried to personally serve me lunch because she thinks I’m neglecting my health! Look at me, do I appear malnourished?" Finn gestured wildly at his clearly muscular build, his physique evident even through his expensive suit.

"So how did you manage to escape their surveillance?" Caleb leaned forward with genuine interest.

"Ah, my friend, I orchestrated a magnificent catered lunch in the main conference room." Jude revealed their escape strategy with the pride of a master tactician. "Thank whatever higher power exists that my parents and Nora’s famiglia are safely in Houston and completely unaware of this situation, or we’d have an even larger invasion on our hands."

"Well, since the family coalition is temporarily occupied with their feast, let’s make the most of this brief window of freedom. Because I have a feeling they’re going to be monitoring our every move for the rest of the week." My words triggered a chorus of horrified protests.

"Not happening, Ivy. I’m already having the private jet fueled to transport the entire East Coast delegation back where they came from." Xavier’s voice held the desperation of a man at his breaking point.

"And I’ve already booked my mother on a luxury European tour that’ll keep her occupied and away from my business for an extended period." Dominic’s complaint carried equal weight.

"Unfortunately for all of you, those evacuation plans are going to have to wait. We need every single one of them to remain here until Sunday, minimum." My serious tone cut through their protests.

"Have you completely lost your sanity, Ivy! It took considerable strategic maneuvering to get my transfer approved specifically so my father couldn’t oversee my every operation. And now you want him camping out in my territory until Sunday?" Finn’s eyes were wide with disbelief.

"Listen, Ivy, I never thought I’d have to say this to you of all people, but it’s going to be them or me! I can’t survive much more of this maternal supervision!" Zoe’s declaration was so dramatic I couldn’t suppress my laughter.

"You’re all being incredibly theatrical. But they’re staying, and so are all of you." I paused for maximum effect.

"Come on, Ivy, you better have one hell of a convincing argument or I’m joining that European tour myself." Dominic’s threat lacked conviction.

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