Exposed to the CEO Behind the Mafia Mask (by Silver Spoon) novel Chapter 283

Chapter 283: Chapter 67 Truth and Surrender

Dominic’s POV

I wanted to put a bullet through Xavier’s skull for dragging me away from Gemma. But his revelation explained why she had been giving me the icy treatment all evening.

"Dominic, Gemma knows," Xavier said the moment we entered Caleb’s private study, away from the family gathering.

"Knows what?" I asked, completely lost.

"About yesterday. Your meeting with Beatrix at the Social Union," Xavier clarified.

I frowned. "What the hell are you talking about?" I had already briefed the crew about the Beatrix situation when I arrived at Xavier’s safe house for poker night.

"It was a setup, man. That snake Beatrix orchestrated the whole thing, and you walked straight into her trap. Elza captured photos of Beatrix all over you and fed them directly to Gemma," Xavier explained, and suddenly the pieces clicked into place like rounds sliding into a chamber.

"How did you uncover this?" I asked, my fists clenching with murderous intent.

"Ruby’s threatening to castrate me with a rusty blade if she catches me anywhere near Elza! I had no clue what bloodbath was brewing until I cornered her for details. She told me Zoe managed to keep Gemma from doing something reckless and promised to investigate the situation." Xavier paced like a caged animal. "I’m worried Elza might try to frame me next."

"Stay calm, Xavier," Jude advised. "Now that you know their game, just avoid their snares."

"I need to fix this mess with Gemma," I stated with deadly certainty. "Things were progressing yesterday. If Beatrix hadn’t interfered, Gemma probably would have forgiven me by now."

"Whatever you do, don’t take her to your penthouse," Caleb warned. "She’ll remember the betrayal the moment she steps inside and want to burn it all down with you in it."

"I’ve prepared things at the estate. I’ll take her there again," I told my brothers-in-arms. "I want her to claim it, make it her domain."

"Well, gentlemen, shall we return to our women?" Finn suggested, rubbing his hands together with anticipation.

When I rejoined the family celebration, I spotted Gemma chatting with my mother. They seemed to be bonding perfectly, and my mother had already confessed how enchanted she was with Gemma. This warmed my cold heart immensely.

I approached with a plate full of desserts they had requested, just as my sister sat down with her husband, and my niece and nephew materialized beside us.

"Auntie, you look absolutely stunning in that dress!" Carmen complimented Gemma in her sweet voice, looking adorable herself in a blue dress with ribbons and princess sleeves.

"Thank you, sweetie! You look beautiful too," Gemma responded warmly.

"Auntie, are you coming to the shopping center with us tomorrow?" Carmen asked, executing her plan flawlessly.

"Shopping center?" my sister questioned with confusion.

"Mom, I thought uncle had told you," Vincenzo jumped in smoothly. "He invited Carmen and me for lunch. He said he’s been on edge lately and wants to spend time with us. He even promised to take us to the movies."

I immediately recognized their scheme. Carmen was cashing in on our deal, and Vincenzo was cleverly tagging along.

"Your uncle didn’t mention anything about this," Nadia looked at me suspiciously.

"It’s exactly as Vincenzo said. I want to spend quality time with my favorite niece and nephew," I confirmed, avoiding further interrogation.

"That’s wonderful, Dominic," Gerard chimed in. "And since you’ll be babysitting my little soldiers tomorrow, I’ll take my beautiful wife on a romantic evening." His eyes sparkled as he gazed at my sister, who finally dropped her questioning.

"So, auntie, will you join us?" Carmen persisted with Gemma.

"I wouldn’t miss it for the world, Carmen!" Gemma replied enthusiastically. At least I’d get to spend the day with her.

"How perfect! Substitute parents!" Gerard exclaimed. "We should leave the little operatives with them more often, darling."

"You’re coming too, aren’t you, Bee?" Gemma asked my mother.

"No, dear, I have other, more intriguing plans," my mother replied cryptically, leaving me wondering what could possibly be more intriguing than spending time with her grandchildren.

For the remainder of the celebration, I stayed glued to Gemma’s side like a bodyguard. When it was time to leave, she attempted to escape with Finn and Zoe, but I pulled her back and dismissed Finn with a wave.

"Not happening. You’re coming with me," I said, wrapping an arm around her waist with possessive authority.

"Dominic, I want to go home," Gemma sighed, looking exhausted.

"I’ll take you home," I promised, guiding her to my armored vehicle.

When I parked in the secured garage of the estate in the gated compound, Gemma huffed and shot me an irritated look. Before stepping out of the car, she complained, "I said I wanted to go home."

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