Exposed to the CEO Behind the Mafia Mask (by Silver Spoon) novel Chapter 440

Chapter 440: Chapter 36 Birthday Bliss

Lila’s POV

The music flowing through Daniel’s bulletproof sedan transported me back to a very specific memory. These weren’t just random songs—they were the exact playlist from our first night together in his fortified penthouse. I glanced at my detective, noting his self-satisfied smile as he navigated through the city’s elite district.

"These songs..." I started, watching his expression grow even more pleased.

"Our playlist. Created it specially for our first night. Seemed appropriate for today too. Do you like it?" His eyes briefly met mine before returning to the road, ever vigilant for potential threats that came with our underground aristocracy lifestyle.

"I adore them! Did you personally select each one?" I asked, genuinely curious. I’d known he planned our first night together with military precision, but this level of attention to detail surprised me.

"Every single one was deliberately chosen," he confirmed with a sideways glance. "Nothing random about it—not when it comes to you, little one."

"I’m not sure I deserve this much thoughtfulness," I sighed contentedly, overwhelmed by my good fortune in finding love within our dangerous world.

"You deserve infinitely more, Lila! So much more! I only hope I’m worthy of having you." Daniel’s gaze locked with mine as we paused at a red light. The sincerity in his eyes nearly brought tears to mine, despite all the darkness surrounding our families.

We pulled up to an unfamiliar tower housing a restaurant I’d heard whispered about in elite circles but never visited—an exclusive rooftop establishment known for its panoramic city views and clientele from the most powerful families. The kind of place where business deals worth millions were sealed with handshakes and where silence was golden.

Daniel swiftly exited the car and handed his keys to the waiting valet—a man I recognized as one of Thorne’s security personnel—before circling around to open my door. We rode the private elevator to the top floor where we were greeted by a stunning hostess whose overly friendly smile and lingering gaze on my big guy did not escape my notice. She led us toward a secluded section of the restaurant separated by bulletproof glass partitions.

To my complete astonishment, all our friends were waiting—Inspector Adler with his wife, Jade alongside Sebastian, and many others from our interconnected world of legitimate businesses and underground power.

"I can’t believe this!" I exclaimed, immediately feeling emotional as they erupted into an enthusiastic chorus of "Happy Birthday," their voices echoing through the private dining room.

After exchanging hugs and collecting gifts from those who hadn’t presented them earlier, I settled into my seat with Daniel beside me, his hand protectively resting on my thigh. The evening unfolded beautifully with delicious food, premium drinks, and lively conversation about everything except the business that actually funded our lifestyles. When dessert time arrived, they presented a stunning multi-tiered cake—the bottom tier pink, the top white, adorned with cascading pink and white lisianthus flowers and flickering candles. Accompanying the cake were trays of traditional birthday treats and chocolates.

A violinist played a beautiful melody as the cake was placed before me. When the musician transitioned to "Happy Birthday," everyone rose to their feet, singing and clapping with genuine warmth that reminded me family wasn’t always about blood.

"Make a wish, tiny cipher," Zoe encouraged before I blew out the candles. I closed my eyes, silently wishing for all my future birthdays to be as joyful as this one, with my big guy by my side, safe from the dangers that lurked in our world.

After the celebration wound down, we returned to the car. I was already anticipating revealing the lingerie hidden beneath my outfit to my handsome inspector. Daniel entered the car with a beautiful smile, his earlier vigilance softening into contentment.

"Finally, I have you all to myself," he said, giving me a quick kiss before starting the engine. "Are you enjoying your birthday so far?"

"More than enjoying—it’s the best birthday imaginable! Thank you for organizing everything." I cupped his face and kissed him again, tasting the sweetness of champagne on his lips.

"I still have one more surprise," he said mysteriously. I studied him curiously, continually amazed by his creativity and thoughtfulness despite the weight of his double life.

"You never cease to amaze me. You consider every little detail," I said admiringly as he simply smiled in response. I noticed we were taking an unfamiliar route through the city’s outskirts. "Aren’t we heading home?"

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