Exposed to the CEO Behind the Mafia Mask (by Silver Spoon) novel Chapter 443

Chapter 443: Chapter 39 Dangerous Homecoming

Lila’s POV

The months following my birthday lunch with Jude had flown by in a whirlwind of changes. Finally, the corrupt detective Roman had been arrested by my inspector, who seemed to grow more commanding with each passing day. My relationship with Daniel had developed naturally, without the usual complications I feared. The only persistent thorn in my side was my adoptive mother Claire, who continued her relentless campaign to drag me back into the Sullivan family’s money laundering empire.

Time had slipped through my fingers like sand. Between my work at Thorne Group’s legal department and spending time with Daniel, I’d started screening Claire’s calls more carefully. When I did speak with her, she invariably ruined my day with threats that if I didn’t return to manage the family’s art gallery fronts voluntarily, she would send Connor’s men to drag me back herself. Despite repeatedly telling her she had no power over me anymore, a lingering fear kept me nestled in the safety of Daniel’s fortified penthouse, unconcerned about how long I’d been staying there.

Reality, however, was beginning to tap me on the shoulder. After months together, I needed to consider returning to my own apartment. Eventually, I would have to face Claire and the family business head-on.

The truth carved a painful hollow in my chest—I didn’t want to leave the comfort of waking up in Daniel’s strong arms each morning, protected by his security system and the Martinez family’s influence. Yet something held me back from fully committing. Despite all his affection and attention, he still hadn’t said those words I longed to hear. Perhaps it would be better to maintain my own space, so when he inevitably tired of me, I wouldn’t need to gather my belongings in a heartbreaking exit. Only Jude knew about this insecurity; our friendship had deepened considerably over these months, becoming a trusted confidant for my deepest fears.

Fortunately, I had options. Gemma had offered me a place to stay since her aunt Jade had finally moved in with her boyfriend. But first, I needed to handle the logistics of my apartment. I needed my father’s signature to cancel the rental agreement. I arranged to visit my hometown over the weekend, but with a crucial caveat—Beckett insisted I stay at his heavily guarded estate to avoid a confrontation with my increasingly unhinged adoptive mother.

"Tiny one, I don’t like this—you going to Sullivan territory alone when Claire is so determined to keep you there," Daniel said, his brow furrowed with concern as he loaded my suitcase into my bulletproof sedan that morning.

I’d told Daniel about needing to speak with Beckett in person about family business, though I’d kept the details vague. He hadn’t pressed me for more information, respecting my boundaries as always. My plan was simple: drive there, handle the paperwork, and return the next day.

"Big guy, I need to go. If I don’t come back, you’ll know she’s trapped me in some warehouse," I joked, trying to lighten the mood. "Then you’ll come rescue me with your badge and your gun."

"That’s exactly what I’ll do," Daniel replied, his expression deadly serious. "So you better be here by tomorrow evening. And today of all days when I’m working a federal case and can’t escort you. Can’t this trip wait?"

"No, it can’t. I need Beckett’s signature on this document."

"I don’t like being away from you." His admission warmed my heart.

"I don’t either, but I need to go."

"Since there’s no other way." I laughed at his grumpy expression.

"Call me as soon as you arrive," he instructed. "And after you talk to Beckett. Call me before bed, when you wake up, and when you leave. And if you run into Claire, call me immediately."

"At this rate, I’ll spend the whole day on the phone with you," I laughed, touched by his protectiveness.

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