Exposed to the CEO Behind the Mafia Mask (by Silver Spoon) novel Chapter 63

Chapter 63: Chapter 63 Lightning Before Storm

Ivy’s POV

When we reached the entrance of The Darkstone, Ruby was already waiting in the arms of a towering man whose piercing eyes matched her fierce gaze perfectly. The establishment’s neon sign cast red shadows across the sidewalk, and two armed doormen nodded respectfully as they recognized our group.

"Holy hell, you three look like goddesses descended from Mount Olympus! I absolutely must know where you found those dresses," Ruby exclaimed, rushing toward us while her escort maintained his protective stance.

"Trust me, girl, you’re definitely coming with us next time we hit that boutique. Fair warning though - that place will drain every account we have," Zoe laughed, and I mentally calculated how many months of overtime I’d need to recover financially.

"Ladies, allow me to introduce my older brother Parker. He controls this entire district and secured us the most exclusive table in the house tonight."

"Welcome to The Darkstone, the crown jewel of neutral territory. What a damn shame that business obligations will keep me from enjoying your captivating company all evening," Parker said, lifting my hand to his lips with practiced charm. "Though I sincerely hope this mesmerizing woman will honor me with at least one dance before the night ends."

Parker possessed the same penetrating stare as Ruby, but his radiated the calculated charm of someone accustomed to wielding power. He guided us through the crowd with the confidence of a man who owned not just the building, but everyone in it. Our table commanded a perfect view of the dance floor, where a live jazz ensemble filled the air with sultry, intoxicating melodies.

The venue overwhelmed my senses completely. Deep crimson walls adorned with gold baroque molding stretched toward a ceiling dripping with crystal chandeliers that cast amber light across everything. The expansive dance floor dominated the center, surrounded by intimate booths upholstered in rich leather. A winter garden lounge filled one corner with emerald velvet sofas and wrought iron tables, while an enormous carved mahogany bar commanded the opposite wall. Behind it, towering shelves displayed premium liquor like treasured artifacts, and skilled bartenders performed mesmerizing tricks with bottles and flames. A mezzanine wrapped around the entire space, accessible by marble stairs behind our seats. The place breathed old-world elegance mixed with dangerous undercurrents.

"Well, well, my most valuable assets all gathered in one place," Dominic announced his arrival with typical arrogance, Gemma glowing beside him in that golden dress he’d supposedly bought for a business associate. The manipulative bastard had been orchestrating this seduction for weeks.

"Gemma! Finally made it!" Zoe launched herself at Gemma, immediately pulling her into our circle and introducing her to Finn and Ruby while Dominic watched with possessive satisfaction.

Jude materialized moments later with his wife Nora, completing our party. After quick introductions involving careful handshakes and knowing glances, Zoe dragged us onto the dance floor as the band launched into an irresistible rhythm, leaving the men to their whiskey and whatever territorial discussions men in their line of work always seemed to have.

We lost ourselves completely in the music for a while before thirst drove us back toward the table. But Parker intercepted my path, his fingers brushing my arm as he leaned close enough for his breath to tickle my ear.

"One dance, beautiful Ivy. I insist."

"Such a tragedy that duty calls me away," he murmured against my ear as the song ended, his voice carrying subtle threat beneath the charm. "But allow me to escort you back, beautiful Ivy." 𝚏𝗿𝗲𝐞𝐰𝚎𝕓𝐧𝚘𝘃𝗲𝐥.𝐜𝚘𝕞

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