Exposed to the CEO Behind the Mafia Mask (by Silver Spoon) novel Chapter 367

Chapter 367: Chapter 151 The Red Rose Trap

Dominic’s POV

The poker game at Jude’s penthouse was Xavier’s suggestion—a way to lift Jude’s spirits after Nora had fled the city following a territory dispute. I only showed up because Jude had stood by me through countless family wars, and loyalty demanded I return the favor. But my mind was elsewhere, consumed by thoughts of returning to Gemma and the fortress we called home.

As cards were dealt around the mahogany table, I found myself unable to concentrate on the game. Something gnawed at my instincts, that sixth sense every made man develops to survive in our world. Vincenzo’s persistent calls weren’t helping my already frayed nerves. I let the first few ring through to voicemail, but when another call came, concern overrode annoyance. In our business, family emergencies could mean life or death.

"What is it, Vincenzo?" My voice carried the edge that made soldiers in our organization step carefully.

"Well hello to you too, uncle. I’m doing fantastic, thanks for your concern. How about you?" His sarcasm was thick whenever I answered him with the tone reserved for insubordinate foot soldiers.

"Cut the bullshit, kid. You sound healthy enough to me," I shot back, already questioning why I’d answered.

"Yeah, I’m fine. Just wondering about something that’s been eating at me."

I pressed my fingers against my temple, feeling a headache building. "Vincenzo, learn to get to the fucking point instead of wasting my time with your roundabout approach."

"Alright, alright. I just got off the phone with Aunt Gemma, and I’m confused—since when do you plan romantic gestures for her without involving the whole family network?"

His words made no sense in the context of our organized world. "Vincenzo, I have no clue what the hell you’re talking about."

"Seriously, uncle? Are you suffering from brain damage or something?"

"Watch your goddamn mouth, kid!"

"I called Aunt Gemma to invite her to that new place downtown for dinner—" I cut him off before he could launch into one of his meandering family stories.

"Vincenzo, enough with the background bullshit. What’s your point?"

"Aunt Gemma told me she was meeting you tonight. Said you’d arranged some surprise and even sent her a single red rose with a handwritten card..."

Ice flooded my veins. In our world, red roses meant blood loyalty—or blood vengeance. "What the fuck are you talking about?"

"Christ, uncle, wake up!" Vincenzo’s voice turned urgent, the playful nephew disappearing as family alarm bells started ringing. "I called Aunt Gemma recently. She received a red rose with a card claiming to be from you, telling her to meet you at some hotel for a surprise. I thought it was strange because you always involve our security network when planning anything for her."

"Did she specify which hotel?" My heart hammered against my ribs like a prisoner trying to break free.

"No! Wait—it wasn’t you who sent that rose, was it?" Real fear crept into his voice now.

"No, it wasn’t. I need to locate Gemma immediately. I’ll contact you later."

I terminated the call, my hands trembling with a rage that could level buildings. Looking up, I realized my associates were already studying me with the sharp attention that kept them alive in our dangerous world. I immediately speed-dialed Gemma’s assigned bodyguard.

"Hunter, report your location," I commanded.

"At your residence, sir. Miss Gemma dismissed our detail after we escorted her to the hotel. She insisted you were waiting inside for her."

"Son of a bitch!" My fist connected with the poker table, sending chips scattering like shrapnel. "Which hotel, Hunter?"

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