Exposed to the CEO Behind the Mafia Mask (by Silver Spoon) novel Chapter 282

Chapter 282: Chapter 66 Mothers Dark Secret

Gemma’s POV

Bee studied me with those distinctive emerald eyes that Dominic and his nephew Vincenzo had inherited. Yet hers carried a maternal tenderness that immediately dissolved my tension.

"I’m certain you’ve realized by now that my former husband is absolute scum, correct?" Bee began with startling directness.

I shook my head slowly. "Bee, I cannot comprehend how someone as remarkable as you survived being bound to that monster for so many years."

"Different times, different family codes, my dear," she sighed deeply. "My marriage to Marcus wasn’t founded on love—it was a strategic alliance between two powerful mafia families. As the sole daughter of a feared Don who valued tradition above all else, I was essentially traded to cement his partnership with Marcus’s father." Her voice held no trace of self-pity, merely cold acceptance. "My father was fully aware of Marcus’s countless affairs with other men’s wives and daughters. His response? ’That’s simply how made men conduct themselves.’ He made it clear that if I ever attempted to break the marriage contract, I would forfeit everything—my protection, my status within the family, and most crucially, access to my children. So I endured and survived."

"Until he abandoned the family for another woman," I said, finishing her thought.

"Precisely. Fortunately, by that time, my father had developed Alzheimer’s, and the family council appointed me as his legal guardian, granting me authority over his entire criminal enterprise." A flash of fierce pride crossed her elegant features. "When Papa’s mind began failing, I refused to allow Marcus anywhere near the power structure. I seized control of everything. Marcus had already squandered most of his inheritance through reckless gambling and failed territory expansions—Zenith Systems was his final remaining asset. If I hadn’t taken a stand, supported by Gerard and several loyal capos, he would have left me and the children with nothing but debt and enemy contracts on our heads. Instead, I assumed control of Papa’s operations and, with Gerard’s strategic guidance, assembled a trustworthy inner circle to help me manage the family’s interests."

Bee recounted her history like someone observing scenes from another lifetime—detached yet fully present. Looking at her now—vibrant, confident, commanding respect from soldiers across multiple territories—no one would suspect the steel resolve beneath her gracious demeanor.

"I had no idea you wielded such influence," I admitted with genuine admiration.

"Indeed. I oversee Papa’s entire criminal portfolio and hold a seat on Dominic’s legitimate business board. After Papa’s death, we acquired all of Marcus’s remaining shares and expelled him completely from family operations. We paid far above market value, but eliminating his influence was worth every dollar." Her eyes gleamed with satisfaction. "Dominic assists me with the other enterprises as well. I’m preparing for him to inherit everything eventually, with Vincenzo serving as his lieutenant once he comes of age."

"Vincenzo possesses exceptional intelligence and idolizes his uncle," I observed.

"Absolutely. And he has developed profound affection for you too." Her comment warmed my heart unexpectedly. Then she asked, "Do you know the identity of the woman Marcus abandoned his family obligations for?"

"Some young opportunist seeking protection and money, from what I understand," I replied, puzzled by her question.

"No, you don’t know the complete truth." Her smile vanished entirely. "Even my son remains unaware that I know." She lowered her gaze, appearing to wrestle with internal conflict. "I’ve always feared that if Dominic discovered I possessed this knowledge, his guilt would destroy him completely."

"What do you mean?" I asked, growing concerned.

"Gemma, Dominic was barely of age when his father deserted our household. Their relationship was already poisonous. Nothing Dominic accomplished ever satisfied Marcus’s expectations, despite being exceptional in every aspect—devoted son, brilliant strategist, ruthless when necessary—he excelled at everything required of a future capo." Bee’s voice grew quieter.

"Was he desperately seeking his father’s approval?" I asked. She nodded sadly. "I’ve witnessed how that monster treats Vincenzo, and if he was worse with Dominic, it explains so much about his behavior."

"Infinitely worse. The constant humiliation, brutal punishments—including physical beatings that left scars—cruel psychological games designed to break his spirit... Dominic endured it all since childhood, and I failed miserably to shield him." Tears gathered in her eyes. "I made a catastrophic error by concealing Marcus’s true nature from my children. I never revealed the affairs, the humiliation I suffered, his complete emotional abandonment of our family. I believed I was preserving household stability."

She paused, gathering her resolve. "When Dominic came of age, he fell deeply in love with a young woman named Nancy. She was young. Dominic, desperately wanting to do everything properly, introduced her to Marcus first, seeking his blessing. Instead, Marcus seduced his son’s girlfriend and then demanded I grant him a divorce so he could parade her publicly."

"That’s absolutely monstrous!" I gasped, genuinely horrified.

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