Exposed to the CEO Behind the Mafia Mask (by Silver Spoon) novel Chapter 538

Chapter 538: Chapter 134 Gathering Conspirators

Claire’s POV

That little princess had slipped through my fingers once again. I had been certain fortune favored me when I spotted her leaving Thorne Group’s corporate tower, but luck sided with her instead. Those patrol officers materialized from thin air, destroying my carefully laid trap. Now I was returning to the Sullivan family estate with empty hands and growing desperation. Connor’s ultimatum was approaching fast, and failure would mean losing everything I had fought for years to build within this organization. I needed to devise a new strategy, and quickly.

When I arrived at the estate, Felicia was waiting in the marble foyer. She had proven herself a remarkably useful asset—the detective’s wife who would move mountains for me. Her husband danced to her every whim, and she performed the same obedient choreography for me. Despite her devout Catholic facade and constant appearances at Sunday mass, she was as corrupt as any of us—a beautifully useful sinner. Her addiction to gossip made her an invaluable source of intelligence about every family’s secrets in this city. Well, nearly every family’s. She remained blissfully ignorant about the true extent of my ambitions, believing me to be some kind of charitable benefactor. The entire community viewed me as a devoted mother and philanthropist, which sometimes made me want to burst into laughter.

"Claire, where’s Lila? Weren’t you able to bring her home?" Felicia’s expectant expression signaled it was time to deploy my most convincing performance.

"You simply wouldn’t believe what happened, Felicia. That ungrateful child refused to accompany me," I said, allowing genuine frustration to crack my voice. "She caused this absolutely mortifying spectacle right there on Fifth Avenue, screaming hysterically and begging strangers to summon the authorities. She actually accused me—her own mother—of attempting to abduct her. The public humiliation was beyond endurance, Felicia. Absolutely soul-crushing." Right on cue, tears began streaming down my cheeks.

"Oh, my dearest friend! What a horrible daughter you’re dealing with. I’m so deeply sorry for your pain." Felicia wrapped her arms around me in a tight embrace. "I’ve discussed this situation with my husband repeatedly, Claire. I’ve begged him to use his detective shield to retrieve that girl and bring her back to you. But he keeps refusing, insisting it could destroy his entire career if anyone discovered his involvement. And now that she’s romantically involved with another detective, he claims he absolutely cannot risk any interference."

"How exactly did your husband learn she’s dating a detective?" I found this particular detail suspicious since I hadn’t shared that intelligence with her.

"Your former husband mentioned it during one of their conversations. According to what my husband has been able to gather through department channels, your daughter’s boyfriend possesses significant political influence and maintains extremely close relationships with the Public Safety Commissioner’s inner circle. My husband insists it would be professional suicide to antagonize such a well-connected individual," Felicia explained, inadvertently reminding me of something critically important.

"Felicia, here are your car keys. Thank you for absolutely everything today, but I’m completely exhausted and need to rest and strategize." I needed her gone immediately so I could execute my next move.

"Of course, dear friend. If you need anything at all, just call me anytime," Felicia said before making her exit.

Once I was completely alone, I rushed to my private study and frantically searched through my desk drawer until I located the business card I was looking for—it was finally time to activate this particular connection. I dialed the number with trembling fingers.

"Elias Martinez speaking," a gravelly voice answered after ringing.

"Mr. Martinez, this is Claire Sullivan, Lila’s mother," I announced, waiting as uncomfortable silence stretched between us.

"What can I do for you today?" His tone carried unnecessary coldness and formality.

"It’s time to implement our partnership agreement. I know exactly how to separate those two lovebirds, and I require your immediate assistance," I declared with complete confidence, certain I could finally drag that defiant little princess back under my control.

"Ma’am, circumstances have dramatically changed since our last meeting. I’ve had opportunities to observe the young lady more closely and have completely reconsidered my original position. I no longer have any desire to separate them from each other. In fact, I genuinely hope their relationship continues to flourish and strengthen," he responded, leaving me absolutely bewildered and furious.

"Is this some kind of elaborate joke?" I snapped with barely contained rage.

"Not in the slightest. I’m being entirely serious with you. You no longer have my support in any scheme to separate them. On the contrary, if you attempt to proceed with such plans, you’ll discover me standing firmly in opposition to your efforts." His complete reversal made absolutely no logical sense to me.

"But, Mr. Martinez, during our meeting you specifically said—" He interrupted me mid-sentence with obvious impatience.

"Claire, I believe I’ve made my position crystal clear. My stance has fundamentally changed, and I have zero interest in interfering with our children’s happiness. Lila is truly an exceptional young woman with remarkable character, and my son appears genuinely happy with her—that’s what matters most to me as a father. I’ve come to understand that his authentic happiness directly translates to my own contentment," he stated with unwavering conviction that surprised me.

"Sir, this is absolutely preposterous and completely unacceptable!" I protested desperately.

I heard him tell someone in his vicinity that he was coming shortly, before addressing me one final time.

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