Exposed to the CEO Behind the Mafia Mask (by Silver Spoon) novel Chapter 250

Chapter 250: Chapter 34 Black Velvet Box

Dominic’s POV

"Uncle, don’t you think this might be crossing into dangerously sentimental territory?" Vincenzo questioned, watching me scatter the final handful of deep red rose petals across my penthouse carpet.

"Not even close to excessive," I replied with satisfaction, surveying my apartment transformed into what could only be described as a romantic fortress. Blood-red petals carpeted every surface like fallen soldiers, elaborate floral arrangements commanded each corner like silent sentries, and metallic heart balloons floated against the ceiling like surveillance drones.

The rose trail wound through the entire space, creating a crimson pathway that led straight to my bedroom sanctuary, where I had devoted equal attention to transforming the bed and bathroom into a silken paradise.

"I’m fairly certain you monopolized every flower vendor in our territory," Vincenzo observed, his trained gaze sweeping the decorated room with the analytical precision our family had drilled into him. "Same situation with those heart balloons."

"Don’t be ridiculous," I shot back. "I placed specialized orders through our network contacts weeks in advance."

"Christ, uncle! Who knew the Thorne family’s most ruthless Capo had such an outrageously romantic side buried beneath all that calculated violence!" Vincenzo burst into laughter, clapping me on the shoulder with genuine amusement. "But I need to extract myself now. Mother dispatched her personal driver."

"I already informed her I would escort you home personally," I protested, my protective instincts automatically engaging.

"You understand how Mother operates within family protocol," Vincenzo shrugged apologetically. "Uncle, this entire week under your roof has been absolutely incredible."

"Kid, the sentiment is completely mutual. My territory is permanently open to you. This stronghold is your sanctuary too." My nephew wrapped me in an enthusiastic embrace, and I realized how profoundly I had treasured having him under my protection.

"Thanks, uncle. We’ll see you both at tomorrow’s family gathering, correct?"

"Without question. Gemma and I wouldn’t dare miss the family assembly. Your mother guaranteed me your grandfather won’t be making any unwelcome appearances."

After seeing Vincenzo safely to his extraction point, I retreated to the guest bathroom for a strategic cleansing, carefully avoiding my masterpiece in the master suite. By evening precisely, I was positioned at my goddess’s front door like a disciplined soldier.

"Dominic! Good evening, sweetheart," Gemma’s mother welcomed me with notably enhanced warmth.

"Good evening. You look absolutely radiant tonight!" I meant every calculated word - she possessed genuine beauty, and Gemma had inherited those commanding features that could stop traffic or negotiations cold.

"You’re such a smooth operator! I’m orchestrating my own romantic campaign actually," she beamed with obvious contentment. "Allow me to introduce you to Ryder, my gentleman companion."

After some diplomatic conversation, my goddess and I were finally advancing toward my fortified apartment. I couldn’t help registering that Gemma seemed unusually withdrawn, her mind clearly processing some internal intelligence.

"My goddess, I’ve arranged an intimate operation at my headquarters, but if you’d prefer to relocate to neutral territory, just give the order."

"No, Dominic, your place sounds absolutely perfect for tonight’s mission!"

"Excellent, because I’ve been going completely insane missing you! This entire week felt like a prolonged siege," I confessed.

"I’ve missed you desperately too." Her smile didn’t quite achieve full deployment, and something was obviously weighing heavily on her strategic thinking. "So what’s behind that troubled expression you’re carrying?"

"It’s genuinely nothing significant. Probably just tactical exhaustion. We spent today completing all the logistics for the territorial relocation, and soon the moving crew will transfer all assets to the new safe house."

"Aren’t you excited about establishing new ground?"

"I’m absolutely thrilled and counting down the hours until I’m operating from completely secure territory."