Exposed to the CEO Behind the Mafia Mask (by Silver Spoon) novel Chapter 442

Chapter 442: Chapter 38 Confession Vault

Lila’s POV

My birthday weekend with Daniel had been absolute perfection. Every moment felt like a dream—he had meticulously planned each detail to create unforgettable memories. I found myself constantly drifting into daydreams, wishing that magical time together could stretch into eternity. More than anything, I longed for him to crave me with the same inexplicable intensity that I felt for him.

After he accompanied me to secure my jewelry in a private vault at the bank—a necessity in our world where valuable assets needed protection from both law enforcement seizures and rival family raids—he admitted he’d had the best weekend of his life too. Those words played on repeat in my mind as I sat at my desk at Thorne Group’s legal department, absently chewing on my pen cap and replaying our time together.

"Lila, Lila!" Jude’s amused voice broke through my reverie. "Are you still with us, or have you drifted off to some distant realm?"

I blinked back to reality. Jude was Thorne Group’s financial advisor, a sharp-minded man who handled the legitimate investment portfolios that served as our family’s public face. His father had been a trusted ally to the Thorne organization for decades.

"Not a distant realm—just Daniel’s wonderful world," I confessed with a dreamy smile.

"Has the inspector completely captured you then?" Jude teased, his eyes twinkling with knowing amusement.

"Completely arrested and convicted with no chance of parole," I admitted.

"I can see that." He chuckled. "Have lunch with me today, little cipher? It’s been too long anyway. Ready to go?"

Jude and I strolled out of the Thorne building together as I enthusiastically described my weekend getaway and the breathtaking private estate Daniel had chosen for our celebration. But I couldn’t help noticing something seemed off with Jude. Once seated at our usual restaurant—a discreet establishment where family associates could speak freely—I went straight to the point.

"What’s bothering you, Jude?"

"What do you mean?" he replied, feigning innocence while scanning the room with practiced caution.

"Something’s weighing on your mind. I can tell."

"Yeah, you’re right, Lila," he finally admitted, signaling the waiter. After ordering our meals, he continued, "It’s Nora. She’s been acting... different lately. More distant. When I mention it, she insists nothing’s changed, but I can feel her pulling away."

"You two have been together quite a while, right?"

"Many years now. Since college, before I fully understood what it meant to be part of this life."

"Have you talked about taking the next step? A proper family union, perhaps?"

In our world, marriages weren’t just romantic partnerships—they were strategic alliances that strengthened organizational bonds and secured bloodlines. The pressure to formalize relationships carried extra weight when family reputations and business interests were at stake.

"It’s complicated," Jude sighed. "I’ve always wanted children, but Nora keeps saying she wants to wait. She’s in her thirties now, and I’m concerned about timing. The biological reality for women isn’t forgiving, and I’m beginning to wonder if she truly wants to bring children into this life at all."

I understood his dilemma. Growing up in a mafia family meant accepting that your children would inherit not just wealth and privilege, but also dangers and obligations that most people couldn’t imagine.

"Have you asked her directly about it?"

"Countless times. She always says ’yes, but not yet.’ Can I ask you something personal?" When I nodded, he continued, "If Daniel wanted a child with you—I know you’re young—but what would you say?"

I considered this carefully. In our families, children weren’t just personal choices—they were the next generation of the organization, future heirs to both legitimate businesses and underground operations.

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