Exposed to the CEO Behind the Mafia Mask (by Silver Spoon) novel Chapter 79

Chapter 79: Chapter 79 Memorial Betrayal

Ivy’s POV

We stepped out of the exclusive boutique that catered to the wives and daughters of the city’s most powerful crime families, and the men escorted us toward the private dining room on the third floor of the Thorne family’s legitimate restaurant front. The atmosphere felt warm and inviting, exactly what we needed after our afternoon of acquiring appropriate attire for upcoming family functions.

"Ladies, I cannot express how grateful I am! What you purchased today has already secured my entire monthly sales quota. You are absolute angels!" Gemma beamed at us, her relief evident as she spoke about the commission from outfitting the wives of such high-ranking famiglia members.

"Gemma, please, the pleasure was all ours. Those dresses are absolutely gorgeous, and we adore every single piece," Zoe responded warmly, adjusting the silk scarf that would help her blend into the sophisticated world of organized crime social gatherings.

"Honestly, Gemma, we should be the ones thanking you for making our ladies look absolutely breathtaking," Xavier said, his eyes never leaving Ruby’s face as he spoke with the protective intensity typical of a high-ranking enforcer.

Caleb turned his attention to Gemma with genuine curiosity, though I could see the calculating look of a Don always seeking to expand his network of loyal associates. "Gemma, do you enjoy working at the boutique?"

"I do appreciate it, but this isn’t my forever career. The work is draining, not every customer is as wonderful as these ladies, and having to work weekends and holidays makes maintaining any kind of personal life nearly impossible," Gemma explained honestly, unaware she was speaking to one of the most powerful crime bosses on the East Coast.

"How would you feel about joining my organization?" Caleb asked, catching all of us completely off guard. Working within the Thorne Syndicate’s legitimate businesses would be an incredible opportunity for Gemma, not to mention much safer than her current exposed position.

"Caleb, I appreciate the gesture, truly, but I know you’re only offering because Dominic asked you to. I cannot accept charity, even from someone as kind as you," Gemma replied with the utmost sincerity and grace, clearly not understanding the weight of receiving a direct offer from the head of the family.

"You misunderstand me completely. Dominic has nothing to do with this decision. This is purely business, benefiting both of us. My current secretary will be eliminated from her position soon, and I need someone trustworthy in that role. Since Ivy hasn’t returned to her duties yet, your business degree would be invaluable to me. For you, it means regular weekday hours, exceptional compensation, and the protection that comes with being part of our organization," Caleb explained earnestly, his words carrying the subtle weight of mafia recruitment.

Gemma’s eyes found mine, silently seeking my opinion on what she didn’t realize was essentially an invitation to join one of the most feared crime families in North America.

"Gemma, this is an extraordinary opportunity. Working within the organization opens countless doors and provides security most people in this city can only dream of. You should definitely explore this further with Caleb," I encouraged her, knowing how life-changing and life-protecting this position could be in our dangerous world.

"Caleb, first you steal my best contact, now you want my goddess too?!" Dominic protested dramatically, sending us all into laughter as he played up his mock outrage with typical soldier theatrics.

The evening flowed beautifully, filled with animated conversation and laughter as Dominic regaled us with tales of their recent escapades during territory negotiations with rival families. The mood was perfect until several women appeared from nowhere, practically launching themselves onto Dominic’s, Caleb’s, and Xavier’s laps like predatory cats marking their territory. My blood ran cold when I recognized one of them as Yara, the daughter of Underboss Rossi.

"Hey gorgeous! I have missed you desperately!" she purred, planting a possessive kiss directly on Caleb’s lips while her companions did the same with Dominic and Xavier, displaying the kind of brazen behavior typical of spoiled mafia princesses.

"I was just telling the girls about our incredible night of passion in your office during Heidi’s party. That leather couch has become my absolute favorite place in the world."

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