Exposed to the CEO Behind the Mafia Mask (by Silver Spoon) novel Chapter 32

Chapter 32: Chapter 32 Invisible Allies

Ivy’s POV

I stood before Caleb’s imposing glass tower, its gleaming facade reflecting the morning sun like polished steel. The building served as the legitimate front for the Thorne crime family’s vast underground empire. After passing through multiple security checkpoints and identifying myself to the armed guards, I stepped into the private elevator that led directly to the Don’s penthouse.

My mind raced with anticipation as I thought about the ways I planned to unsettle my dangerously attractive boss today. Zoe and I had spent hours the previous night crafting what she dramatically termed my "seduction warfare strategy." She had insisted I wear this burnt orange dress that hugged every curve of my body, claiming the bold color made my pale skin luminous and enhanced the richness of my dark hair. The knee-length fabric clung perfectly, with provocative slits along each side that would reveal tantalizing glimpses when I sat down. The square neckline and structured straps gave it an elegant sophistication that screamed confidence and power.

Beneath the dress, I wore the white lace lingerie set Zoe had selected, complete with delicate ribbon details that made me feel like a gift waiting to be unwrapped. My black strappy heels added dangerous inches to my height, and she had styled my hair in that effortlessly seductive half-up arrangement with face-framing tendrils. The subtle makeup completed the look that Zoe insisted would "bring any man to his knees in submission."

Now here I was, ascending to the penthouse while fantasizing about how I would make the most powerful crime boss in the city squirm, instead of focusing on the serious business of tracking down traitors within his organization.

The elevator opened directly into his luxurious penthouse sanctuary, and I couldn’t suppress my admiration. Everything radiated absolute power and refined menace without being ostentatious. The space perfectly captured Caleb’s commanding presence and lethal authority.

A distinguished older gentleman approached me with a respectful smile. "Miss Ivy, good morning. I’m Walter, Mr. Thorne’s head of security. The others are waiting on the private terrace."

I followed him through the corridor, already hearing Xavier’s familiar laughter echoing from outside. Caleb, Heidi, Jude, and Xavier were gathered around a secure conference table when I appeared. The moment I stepped onto the terrace, their conversation immediately ceased.

Xavier released a low appreciative whistle while Jude began humming "Pretty Woman" under his breath. This had become their standard greeting ritual whenever I arrived.

"Good morning, gentlemen. Were you discussing my reputation?" I asked with a playful smile.

"Ivy, that dress is absolutely devastating on you," Xavier said, his eyes filled with genuine admiration.

"If I weren’t happily married, Ivy, I would never let you leave my sight," Jude added with a conspiratorial grin.

Caleb’s jaw clenched as he rose to his feet with predatory grace. "If you weren’t married, Jude, and if I didn’t know you’re completely devoted to Nora, you’d be swimming with the fishes by now." His smile held no warmth whatsoever. "And you, tesoro, are going to start wearing a nun’s habit to all family meetings."

He moved toward me with the fluid menace of a apex predator, pressing a possessive kiss to my cheek before capturing my hand in an iron grip that sent electric currents racing up my arm.

After exchanging greetings with Heidi, I settled into my chair and crossed my legs deliberately. Caleb leaned close, his breath scorching against my ear. "I’m going to have Walter bring a blanket to cover those incredible legs before I lose what’s left of my self-control."

Before I could respond with a cutting remark, Mr. Scott’s cheerful voice filled the terrace. "Good morning, everyone!"

He approached me with the warmth reserved for family, kissing both my cheeks in the traditional manner. "Ivy, cara mia, how wonderful to see you again. How have you been feeling?"

"Very well, Mr. Scott, thank you for asking. And how are you managing?" The genuine paternal affection in his eyes always made me smile.

"Thanks to your sharp instincts, I’m getting my financial house back in order, my dear girl."

"Please, I barely did anything substantial. But I’m relieved that your situation is improving."

He squeezed my hand affectionately before turning to Caleb. "Take exceptional care of her, Caleb. This young woman is a precious treasure."

"I know exactly how invaluable she is, Scott. I’m keeping her under constant protection," Caleb replied, his intense gaze finding mine with an intensity that made my pulse race dangerously.

Mr. Scott’s attention shifted to Heidi, his expression growing wistful. "And you, Heidi, are you truly relocating to Boston?"

"Yes, I am, Harold. I want to be closer to my daughters and grandchildren," she replied with a gentle smile.

"That would be a critical error. If you give him too much authority, it will raise suspicions and nobody will trust him," Scott cautioned wisely. "All the operatives you need will be hired for seemingly insignificant positions. This ensures they remain invisible and unnoticed. You’ll also add additional custodial staff and cleaning personnel on each floor." 𝓯𝓻𝓮𝙚𝙬𝓮𝙗𝒏𝙤𝒗𝙚𝙡.𝒄𝒐𝓶

"What’s the strategic reasoning behind that?" Xavier asked, puzzled.

"Let Ivy explain the principle to them. She taught me this concept," Scott said with obvious pride.

"They’re invisible people," I explained. "They’re everywhere, but nobody truly sees them. People mistakenly assume they lack intelligence, so they don’t guard their conversations around them. There’s prejudice against people in humble positions. Arrogant people with money think they’re incapable of understanding important business matters. In Mr. Scott’s case, one of the cleaning women knew exactly where the accountant was funneling the stolen money, but she didn’t have sufficient information to be certain he was embezzling."

"And it was precisely this cleaning woman who provided the evidence I needed to eliminate the accountant, thanks to Ivy actually listening to what she had to say. Today, that woman is my personal assistant, she’s pursuing her education, and she’ll become an exceptional professional. She possesses remarkable intelligence," Scott added with obvious pride.

"That’s brilliant strategy," Jude said with genuine admiration. "At our legitimate operations, I observe how some people completely ignore the existence of service workers. It’s incredible that you recognized their value, Ivy."

I felt warmth rise to my cheeks at their praise.

"Let’s proceed then. Scott, provide Xavier with the complete list of everyone who needs to be recruited and their positions," Caleb commanded, his approving smile making my stomach flutter. "Xavier, I don’t care what methods you employ, but these operatives need to be hired without arousing any suspicion whatsoever."

"That’s simple enough. I can ensure Miles from personnel recruits exactly who we want," Jude said confidently. "He owes me several significant favors, and our families have history together. He’s honest, so I can manipulate the situation without him realizing he’s being directed. I think we should stagger the hiring though. Too many new employees simultaneously might appear suspicious."

"Perfect, Jude. Miles and the recruitment timeline are your responsibility," Caleb agreed.

After lunch, everyone departed for the organization’s headquarters to handle the relocation and hiring operations. Caleb and I remained at his penthouse to analyze the Syndicate’s extensive financial records.

There was an enormous amount of money laundering data to review.