Exposed to the CEO Behind the Mafia Mask (by Silver Spoon) novel Chapter 342

Chapter 342: Chapter 126 Terror in Aisles

Gemma’s POV

Recently, my nights had been shattered by phantom calls that left me on edge. Each time my phone rang in the darkness, I’d answer to find nothing but labored breathing on the other end—someone lurking in the shadows but never revealing themselves. The relentless harassment had carved deep shadows under my eyes, and exhaustion clung to me like a second skin in this dangerous world I’d been pulled into.

"Gemma... Gemma!" Dominic’s commanding voice sliced through the haze clouding my thoughts.

"What? I’m sorry, what did you say?" I blinked hard, forcing myself to focus on his concerned expression across our breakfast table in the secured penthouse.

"You need proper rest," Dominic stated, his jaw tightening with the controlled anger of a man accustomed to eliminating threats. "We should get you a new secured line through the family’s network."

I shook my head firmly. "That won’t be necessary. These calls will eventually stop." The idea of surrendering yet another piece of my independence to the Thorne organization’s protective web felt like another small defeat.

"Then at least power down your phone during the night," Dominic suggested, his tone carrying the authority of someone used to giving orders. "If there’s family business requiring your attention, they can reach me instead."

"Actually, that makes sense." I nodded, rising from my chair. "But right now, I need to get to my position at Zenith Systems."

Dominic’s hand closed around mine with the possessive grip that had become familiar. "Stay in the compound today. Rest under proper security. Caleb would understand completely."

"Working keeps my mind occupied," I explained, squeezing his fingers. "I need that mental distraction from all this chaos."

"Understood," he conceded with obvious reluctance. "But were you listening to anything I discussed earlier?"

"Um..." I hesitated, realizing my thoughts had been completely scattered during our conversation.

Dominic’s smile carried both affection and exasperation. "Was I conducting a one-sided briefing this entire morning, my queen?"

"I apologize," I whispered, settling onto his lap and pressing my lips to his in a soft kiss.

His emerald eyes brightened with renewed focus. "I was explaining that your parents and I are coordinating a visit to your grandmother’s estate this weekend. And Vincenzo is joining us—he’s particularly enthusiastic about the trip."

"Really?" The prospect immediately lifted my spirits. "Let’s include Carmen in our plans too!"

"My sister and Gerard are going to be completely pampered," Dominic laughed with genuine warmth.

"Honestly, I’m seriously considering permanently relocating those two to our household," I teased.

"Nadia would probably hand them over with signed custody documents and a bow on top." His comment drew the first genuine laughter from me in days.

"I’ll coordinate all the arrangements then," Dominic promised with the efficiency of someone who commanded resources.

The thought of a weekend escape to the countryside filled me with genuine excitement. Visiting Grandma and stepping away from the city’s dangerous undercurrents would provide exactly the respite I desperately needed.

Later that afternoon, I informed Dominic I’d return home slightly delayed. I wanted to select a special gift for my grandmother along with her beloved imported chocolates—a sweet addiction that definitely ran through our bloodline.

At the upscale shopping center, I made my way directly to the luxury home furnishings store. I instructed Hunter, my assigned security detail, to maintain his position at the main entrance. The retail environment seemed secure enough, and I didn’t require a imposing shadow trailing me through every aisle.