Exposed to the CEO Behind the Mafia Mask (by Silver Spoon) novel Chapter 530

Chapter 530: Chapter 126 Inner Circle Revelations

Daniel’s POV

After their luxurious spa retreat, the women returned energized and unanimous in their desire for an evening out. Zoe, in her typical commanding fashion, had already arranged everything. The Famiglia Club became our destination—an exclusive establishment we hadn’t frequented in quite some time. This wasn’t just any venue; it was neutral territory where different mafia families could conduct business without the usual territorial tensions. Caleb and Ivy joined us, along with Dominic and Gemma, completing our inner circle.

Following dinner in our private suite—one of the soundproof rooms reserved for family discussions—Zoe shattered the comfortable silence. "So, who’s volunteering to start?" She had just finished entertaining us with tales of her decadent getaway with Prince Finn, heir to a shipping empire.

Caleb shot her a puzzled look. "Start what, princess?"

"Bringing me up to speed, obviously," Zoe replied, adjusting her diamond bracelet. "I was away handling family business for quite some time—my diplomatic mission was absolutely divine, as you now know. I want every detail about what transpired while I was securing our European connections. Most importantly, where the hell are Xavier and Ruby hiding?"

That was Zoe in her element—eccentric but fiercely protective of our brotherhood’s inner workings.

"You’re not the only one wondering about those two," Dominic interjected, swirling his whiskey. "I’m curious myself. By the way, the family missed having your intelligence network around, Zo."

Zoe flashed him her signature knowing smile. "I’m aware of that, West!"

"I suppose I’ll break the ice," Caleb volunteered, his voice carrying the weight of someone who’d seen too much family drama. "Ruby walked away from Xavier. Nobody knows the exact reasons—you know how these family secrets go. He’s taken off to handle some overseas business for a while. He’s struggling with it, but I think the distance will help him regain his focus. Sometimes you need to leave the territory to see clearly."

"Ruby left Xavier?" Zoe’s jaw dropped, her shock mirrored on Dominic and Gemma’s faces. "Nora definitely knows what’s happening—those two have been sharing secrets like sisters in a convent. What did she tell you, Jude?"

Jude’s expression darkened, the kind of look that preceded bad family news. "Sorry, Zo, I can’t help there. Nora filed for separation."

"What did you just say, Wright?" Zoe leaned forward, her instincts sharpening. "When did this bomb drop? I knew something felt off during our last family gathering. Come on, give me everything."

Jude explained how Nora had initially requested space, which explained her recent trip to their family’s estates. Then, without warning, she served him separation papers through her attorney and refused all contact. She provided virtually no explanation, just the cold legal statement that she wanted to dissolve their union.

"But I won’t sign those documents until she has the courtesy to face me and explain herself properly," Jude concluded, pain evident beneath his controlled facade. "Years of marriage deserves more than legal paperwork delivered by strangers."

Ivy squeezed his hand supportively. "Jude, you’re an honorable man. If you want my honest assessment, she’s the one losing out. Just sign the papers and focus on your own interests. Don’t waste energy on someone who doesn’t value what you bring to the family."

"Thanks, Ivy," Jude replied, "but after years of building something together, I need to understand the why. She claimed she was confused and needed space before vanishing. Then came the legal demands through intermediaries. I deserve explanations, not evasion."

We all understood Jude’s position. In our world, closure meant everything, and proper explanations were the minimum someone deserved after years of loyalty.

"We’re all here for you, Jude," Zoe assured him, then smoothly pivoted. "Now, Ivy, how’s your perfect little empire with your perfect don and perfect heirs?"

"Oh, Zo, everything is absolutely perfect!" Ivy replied, triggering laughter around our table. The truth was, Ivy and Caleb had genuinely built something remarkable together—a rare love match that also strengthened both families’ positions. "The major news is I stepped back from active operations. I decided I want to be present while my children learn the family business."

"I can’t believe it!" Zoe gasped. "Ivy, you’re a full-time family matriarch now? That’s serious work, girl!"

"It’s absolutely exhausting," Ivy admitted with a laugh. "Max has endless energy, and with the quartet running in different directions, I’m constantly managing someone’s activities around the estate. But I wouldn’t trade this life for anything."

Caleb kissed her forehead tenderly. "Maybe now I can convince her to give me one more heir. I’ve always envisioned a large family dynasty."

"Now you’re definitely not convincing me!" Ivy shot him a mock glare.

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