Exposed to the CEO Behind the Mafia Mask (by Silver Spoon) novel Chapter 444

Chapter 444: Chapter 40 Lila Transformed

Lila’s POV

When my father and Beckett arrived at Katarina’s penthouse, their reactions mirrored hers perfectly. They stood frozen in the marble foyer, staring at me with bewildered expressions, my father’s eyes glistening with unshed tears.

"Is everyone just going to stand there without giving me a hug?" I planted my hands on my hips, feigning annoyance as they continued to gape at my transformation.

"Lila, what happened to you?" Beckett finally broke the silence before pulling me into a tight embrace, his voice thick with emotion.

"Just a makeover courtesy of a friend," I explained excitedly, twirling around in my designer dress. "What do you think? Does it suit me?"

"You look absolutely stunning, sis!" My brother’s voice cracked as he held me at arm’s length. "Those eyes... Where are the braids? The bangs that used to hide your beautiful face? Those rosy cheeks from always keeping your head down?"

"Your sister isn’t a little girl anymore," Katarina interjected with a knowing smile, answering for me. "She’s become a woman who knows her worth."

"She certainly has." My father cleared his throat, emotion evident in his voice as he enveloped me in his strong arms. "My little girl, you look absolutely radiant!"

"She looks so much like—ouch!" Beckett started to say before Katarina shot him a warning glare that could have stopped a freight train.

"Stop comparing people, Beckett," Katarina scolded sharply. "She looks like a movie star, that’s what she looks like."

"But, Lucy, she really does look like..." Beckett tried again, but Katarina’s almost menacing growl silenced him immediately. Their heated exchange piqued my curiosity, but I sensed this wasn’t the time to push for answers.

My father wiped away tears and guided me to sit beside him on Katarina’s luxurious Italian leather couch. The way he looked at me felt different somehow—more attentive, more intense, as if he was seeing me for the first time. He must have missed me terribly during my time away.

"First things first," he said, his arm still protectively around my shoulders. "Tell me about this boyfriend of yours. Does he treat you with the respect you deserve?"

"Better than I could have ever imagined," I answered, happiness radiating through my words as I thought of Daniel’s gentle strength.

"And why didn’t he join you today?" my father pressed, his businessman’s instincts kicking in. "I want to meet this man who’s captured my daughter’s heart, Lila."

"He wanted to come, truly," I explained carefully. "But he’s a police inspector and couldn’t get away from a major case today. Plus, I was eager to discuss something important with you privately."

"A police inspector?" Beckett’s eyebrows shot up in surprise, and I caught the meaningful look he exchanged with my father. "You leave home as our shy little Lila and return this gorgeous, confident woman dating law enforcement? Are we sure you’re really our Lila?"

"Don’t be ridiculous!" I laughed at their dramatic reactions, though I understood their shock. "If any of you had bothered to visit me in Port Harbor, you wouldn’t be so amazed by the changes."

"Well, I’m definitely making that trip now," my father declared, his protective instincts clearly activated. "I need to meet this inspector. He sounds like a good man who cares for you, but a father needs to see these things for himself." He squeezed my hand. "Now, what was this important matter you needed to discuss?"

"Dad," I took a deep breath, knowing this conversation could get complicated, "a friend invited me to live with her, and I’ve decided to accept. I want to surrender the penthouse you’ve been maintaining for me."

"Wait," Katarina teased with a knowing smile, "wasn’t it your inspector boyfriend who invited you to move in, Lila?" Heat rose to my cheeks at her perceptive observation.

"Sweetheart," my father said gently, his voice understanding, "there’s no need to be embarrassed. I’m not like your mother—I understand that times have changed. Young couples live together now. You can be honest with me about your relationship."

"No, really," I insisted, though it wasn’t entirely the whole truth. "Gemma invited me to move in with her, and I’ve been staying there for some time already. It’s been wonderful having a true friend."

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