Exposed to the CEO Behind the Mafia Mask (by Silver Spoon) novel Chapter 200

Chapter 200: Chapter 200 Betrayal from Within

Ivy’s POV

After my parents departed for their safe house in the mountains, I asked Caleb if I could visit Finn at the private medical facility where the family’s wounded soldiers recovered. His steel-blue eyes hardened with that familiar protective edge.

"You need complete rest, tesoro. The family doctor specifically ordered minimal movement."

"I have the wheelchair," I countered, placing my hand on his tattooed forearm. "I promise not to push myself."

Caleb’s protective instincts battled against his desperate need to keep me content. After several tense moments, he relented and had his driver take us to the secure medical compound. Finn appeared healthier than anticipated, discussing strategy with his mother when we entered. The visit lasted only briefly but significantly lifted my spirits.

As we prepared to leave, I seized my opportunity.

"Since we’re already away from the estate, could we make a stop at the shopping district? I still need supplies for the babies."

Caleb’s expression grew thunderous. "Ivy, I have territory meetings scheduled this afternoon. I cannot escort you personally." 𝙛𝓻𝒆𝓮𝒘𝙚𝙗𝒏𝙤𝙫𝓮𝒍.𝓬𝒐𝙢

"The soldiers will accompany me," I pressed. "Plus I’m meeting the other wives there. Please, amore, I’m losing my mind confined to the compound all day with nothing to occupy my time." I deployed my most pitiful expression.

He exhaled heavily, running his scarred hand through his dark hair. "Very well. But you stay within arm’s reach of security, no wandering alone, and you contact me regularly without fail."

"You’re impossibly controlling when the mood strikes you," I teased, earning a reluctant smile.

At the upscale shopping center, the wives were already assembled. We headed directly to the exclusive children’s boutique, where miniature designer garments and luxury accessories filled every showcase. I was examining delicate infant gowns near the floor-to-ceiling windows when an unsettling sensation crept along my spine. I turned toward the main display area but observed nothing suspicious. Moments later, Lexi and Zoe surrounded me with armloads of exquisite outfits, successfully diverting my attention from the uneasiness.

Following our shopping expedition, my pregnancy appetite struck with brutal intensity. The wives settled me at a prime table in the food court and departed to retrieve our meals. I observed a young mother at a nearby table, her twin sons laughing over their lunch, when something lightly brushed against my hair. The contact sent ice water through my bloodstream.

I whirled around but glimpsed only a figure in a black overcoat and baseball cap moving away through the crowd. My pulse hammered against my throat. Everything recently felt menacing, and the relentless stress was gradually breaking me down.

When the wives returned bearing food, I forced myself to eat and maintain normalcy. After lunch, Zoe expressed interest in visiting the bookstore to find reading material for Finn. The establishment was packed with weekend customers.

"I’ll remain out here," I informed them, gesturing toward the gelato cart positioned strategically outside. "That crowd is overwhelming."

They vanished inside while one of my assigned soldiers purchased a vanilla cone for me. I was savoring the cold sweetness when my phone vibrated with an incoming message.

"Savor your treat while you still have the chance."

Unknown sender. My blood transformed to liquid nitrogen.

I frantically scanned the surrounding area but detected nothing alarming among the casual shoppers and families strolling past. The wives emerged from the bookstore, chatting animatedly about Lexi’s discovery, when my phone rang.

"Caleb..." My voice emerged breathless and trembling.

"My queen, what is your exact location right now?"

"At the shopping center." I struggled to sound composed, not wanting to create unnecessary alarm.

"Ivy, listen very carefully. I need you to return to the compound immediately. Can you do that for me?"

"What’s happening?"

Caleb’s heavy sigh carried through the connection. "I just received a photograph of you enjoying gelato outside the bookstore. From an untraceable number. I believe it’s Rossi."

My hand trembled so violently I nearly dropped the device. "I received a message as well."

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