Exposed to the CEO Behind the Mafia Mask (by Silver Spoon) novel Chapter 255

Chapter 255: Chapter 39 Shadows and Schemes

Marcus’s POV

I stood in the shadows of the Social Union’s VIP lounge, my burner phone pressed against my ear for what felt like countless times tonight. Robert Miller’s voicemail mocked me once again. Multiple attempts at reconciliation, and the old bastard still refused to take my calls.

All because I’d made a move on his precious daughter without realizing she was under his protection. Instead of understanding it was business as usual, Robert delivered some righteous lecture about honoring the code regardless of family connections. Then he had the nerve to tell me our years of alliance in the underworld was finished.

My jaw clenched as rage burned through my veins. This was all Dominic’s doing. My worthless son had recruited Miller’s daughter into his operation without bothering to inform me, and now I’d lost a crucial ally because of his incompetence. But Dominic would learn the price of crossing his father.

I forced myself to breathe steadily. Tonight’s gathering at the underground gambling den was about rebuilding connections with other powerful figures, and I needed to maintain my composure. As I moved toward the private dining area, movement near the entrance caught my attention.

A group of stunning women had just arrived, each one more captivating than the last. The Social Union certainly attracted quality companions for the family bosses these days. My eyes narrowed as I studied them carefully, recognizing two faces that made my pulse quicken with interest.

Zoe Miller stood among them, along with Gemma, Dominic’s current obsession. The others were unfamiliar, but if they moved in these circles, they were worth investigating. Information was leverage, and I always collected both.

Inside the dining hall, I spotted Arnold Cross sharing a meal with his daughter Beatrix. Arnold controlled key shipping routes for several families - exactly the kind of connection I needed to cultivate tonight. His daughter, however, was unremarkable in every way. Plain features, forgettable presence. Yet I knew Dominic had kept her as his companion for months, and the poor girl was completely infatuated with my son.

She must be seething about his new fixation. Perhaps that wounded pride could prove useful.

I approached their table with my most disarming smile. "Arnold, what a pleasure seeing you here. And Miss Beatrix, radiant as always. Will you be joining us for the evening’s entertainment?"

Beatrix’s cheeks flushed as she shook her head. "Thank you, Mr. Frost, but I’m meeting some associates. Perhaps another time?"

"Indeed, what a shame." I settled into conversation with Arnold, steering toward the topic weighing on my mind. "Tell me, how are your operations running these days?"

"Can’t complain about business. And Dominic? How’s that boy of yours managing his territory?"

I let my expression darken slightly. "Becoming more reckless by the day, I’m afraid. Sometimes I wonder where I failed in raising that kid."

Beatrix’s eyes lit up with sudden interest. "Oh Mr. Frost, I couldn’t help but notice Dominic’s been acting strangely lately. Ever since he started running with that crew over there." She gestured toward the women I’d spotted earlier.

"Really?" I kept my tone casual while my mind calculated possibilities. "And you know these women?"

"Unfortunately." Beatrix’s voice dripped with barely concealed venom. "They’re nothing but ambitious social climbers. That Zoe girl is absolutely vulgar - acts like some kind of enforcer. Gemma has somehow managed to completely bewitch Dominic. The brunette is Ivy, she was with Thorne until my friend Yara put an end to that arrangement. The redhead is with Black now, there’s another I don’t recognize, and the married one runs with Jude from Xavier’s crew."

"Troublemakers, then?"

"Completely toxic," Beatrix spat, her composure cracking. "They’re corrupting every decent man in the organization."

I leaned forward conspiratorially. "As his father, I’m genuinely worried about Dominic’s judgment. You know I’ve always believed you’d make an ideal match for him."

Beatrix’s smile could have powered the entire building. "I just need Dominic to see past that manipulative gold-digger and remember what we had together."

"Perhaps I could provide some assistance," I offered smoothly.

Arnold shot me a warning look. "Don’t fill my daughter’s head with schemes, Marcus."

I waved dismissively. "Relax, old friend. I’m simply looking out for Dominic’s future."

Beatrix practically vibrated with excitement. "Oh, here come my contacts now! Goodbye, Papa. Goodbye, Mr. Frost!" She hurried away, radiating anticipation.

I had to admit, Dominic’s taste had evolved considerably. Gemma was absolutely breathtaking, while Beatrix looked like a plain little sparrow. Still, sometimes the sparrow proved more useful than the prize.

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