Exposed to the CEO Behind the Mafia Mask (by Silver Spoon) novel Chapter 360

Chapter 360: Chapter 144 Devastating Rejections

Gemma’s POV

Ever since Daniel, our family’s inside man in the police force, warned me about Nick being released from lockup, I had been living under strict security protocols. My routine became regimented: straight from our fortified compound to my office at Thorne Enterprises’ legitimate front, then directly back. No detours, no exposed lunch meetings. Lila had become my constant shadow, while Jude spent most of his time sulking about Nora’s reassignment to the Frost Coast operations.

That day brought a rare respite when Bee, Dominic’s mother and former wife of the underboss, invited me to lunch. I met her and Andrew at an upscale restaurant in the neutral territory near our financial district headquarters. They looked absolutely radiant together—the way Andrew treated Bee with such reverence made my heart warm, especially knowing how her disastrous first marriage to Marcus, Dominic’s father, had been so brutal.

"You two are honestly the perfect match," I announced as I approached their corner table, strategically positioned with clear sightlines to all exits.

Bee’s eyes held an unexpected vulnerability. "You really believe that, Gemma?"

"It’s not just my opinion—anyone with half a brain can see it," I replied, leaning down to kiss her cheek while discretely scanning the restaurant for potential threats.

Andrew’s weathered face creased with genuine happiness. "I couldn’t agree more with our future daughter-in-law!"

Once we were settled with our backs to the wall, Bee immediately focused on my expanding belly. "How’s my future grandchild treating you?"

"Making me raid every kitchen in the compound! Bee, I swear, nothing satisfies this appetite," I confessed, still amazed by my constant hunger.

She laughed knowingly. "Exactly how I felt carrying Dominic. Already showing the Frost family appetite, I see."

The lunch was delightful despite the underlying tension of our world. Bee mentioned she had already contacted the priest, who had connections to our family’s preferred clergy, about the wedding ceremony. We would need to complete the marriage counseling sessions, but everything was falling into place within the family’s traditional framework.

After our meal, they escorted me back toward the Thorne building, Andrew’s trained eyes constantly sweeping for surveillance. We were nearly at the secure entrance when an unwelcome voice cut through our conversation like a blade.

"Well, well, little Gemma!" Nancy’s poisonous tone made my skin crawl. She had clearly been watching, waiting for an opportunity.

I turned, fixing her with the ice-cold stare Dominic had taught me. "If it isn’t the family embarrassment. Looking to get eliminated today?" I mimicked her condescending tone with lethal precision.

"Don’t overestimate your importance in this organization," she replied with a venomous smile before shifting her predatory attention to Andrew and Bee. "My, my, look who we have here. Found another benefactor, you pathetic old relic?"

Bee’s response carried the authority of someone who had survived decades in this life. "My personal affairs are none of your concern, Nancy."

"At least you have expensive taste," Nancy purred, circling Andrew like a shark sensing blood. "The distinguished gentleman is quite appealing. Perhaps we could discuss some private business arrangements." She boldly placed her manicured fingers on Andrew’s expensive suit jacket.

Without hesitation, Andrew seized her wrist and forcefully removed her hand. "That will never happen. I don’t conduct business with bottom-feeders like yourself. I already have perfection beside me, and I have zero interest in the cheap entertainment that appeals to degenerates like you and that disgraced exile Marcus."

I nearly applauded. Nancy stood frozen, clearly not expecting such a direct rejection from what she assumed was easy prey. Bee’s face bloomed with a smile that radiated pure satisfaction—vindication and delight at watching her man put this parasite firmly in her place. But Nancy wasn’t someone who accepted defeat gracefully.

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