Exposed to the CEO Behind the Mafia Mask (by Silver Spoon) novel Chapter 93

Chapter 93: Chapter 93 Coming Home

Ivy’s POV

That afternoon, Zoe, Max, and I boarded our private jet to Greenleaf. The familiar landscape below made my chest tighten with longing as we descended toward the place I still called home. At the small regional airport, one of Zoe’s family’s security drivers waited by the terminal, just as she had arranged. He drove us through winding country roads to my parents’ sprawling farm, where I could see the warm glow of lights cutting through the gathering dusk.

I embraced Zoe goodbye at the wrought iron gates, and we confirmed plans for her to visit tomorrow. Then I walked up the familiar gravel path with Max heavy in my arms, my pulse quickening with anticipation and nervous energy.

"Ivy!" My mother burst through the heavy oak door before I could reach for the bell, tears already streaming down her weathered cheeks as she rushed toward me with open arms.

"Mom!" I breathed, allowing her to envelop me in the embrace I had been desperately craving for months.

"And where is my precious grandson? Come to grandma, sweet boy!" Mom immediately reached for Max, who went eagerly into her welcoming arms. This gave me the perfect opportunity to step into my father’s strong, waiting embrace.

"My girl," Dad murmured against my hair, his voice thick with emotion. "Having you both here safely feels like divine intervention."

"I know, Dad. Being here feels like I can finally breathe again."

"Come inside before we attract unwanted attention. Tomorrow when there’s proper daylight, you can walk the property lines with me." Dad’s protective instincts were evident in his tone as he scanned the treeline.

Inside, the house carried exactly the same comforting scents of childhood - Mom’s cooking, Dad’s strong coffee, and that indefinable essence of sanctuary. The dining room table was already set with our finest china, laden with all my favorite dishes. We settled in for dinner, and I felt the constant tension in my shoulders finally begin to dissolve. This was what I had been missing in the dangerous world I now inhabited - this sense of unconditional acceptance, of being completely known and cherished.

Max dozed against grandma’s shoulder halfway through her homemade apple pie. Mom carried him upstairs to settle him into my childhood bedroom, then returned to join Dad and me in the living room where we had spent countless evenings in deep conversation.

"So tell us honestly, sweetheart, how is life treating you in that complex world you’ve entered?" Dad settled back in his worn leather armchair, his experienced eyes studying my face with genuine concern.

"It’s been transformative, Dad. I’ve built this incredible network of allies who have become like chosen family. The city operates by different rules than Greenleaf - most people there don’t judge you by your background or circumstances. I rarely feel the burden of being a single mother the way I used to here. Yes, there are still dangerous people, but I’ve found my inner circle. Max has gained so many devoted protectors who would die for him."

"That’s wonderful to hear, Ivy," Mom said softly, though worry flickered in her eyes. "We miss you terribly, but we can see that you’re thriving in ways we never imagined possible. This quiet farm life isn’t your destiny anymore."

"But I do miss this sanctuary. I miss you both more than words can express."

"Of course you do, and that’s natural," Dad replied carefully. "But you need to forge your own path, not remain sheltered under our wing forever."

"I didn’t want that kind of life, so just like you now, I had sworn off men entirely. Then your father appeared and completely shattered my carefully constructed defenses."

"But it worked out perfectly in the end, didn’t it Mom?"

"Your father’s persistence eventually won me over, and marrying him became the most important decision I ever made."

Dad reached over and squeezed my hand firmly. "Listen carefully, sweetheart, if this man protects you and brings you joy, nothing else should matter. Don’t allow fear to steal your happiness. How does he treat Max?"

A smile spread across my face before I could control it. "Max is completely devoted to him. And he spoils that little boy beyond belief."

"Then what exactly is the problem?" Dad pressed with gentle determination.

"It’s just incredibly complex and dangerous, Dad. Can we continue this conversation another time? I’m exhausted from all the traveling and tension."

"Of course, honey, whenever you feel ready to share more," Dad said, rising from his chair to kiss the top of my head protectively. "Let’s all get some rest. Tomorrow I want to show you and my grandson all the security improvements we’ve been implementing around the property."