Exposed to the CEO Behind the Mafia Mask (by Silver Spoon) novel Chapter 96

Chapter 96: Chapter 96 Venom and Victory

Ivy’s POV

After Caleb and Finn departed for urgent family business, I tucked Max into bed in my childhood room and returned to the living room where my parents waited. The evening air carried the familiar scent of my hometown, but tonight felt charged with an undercurrent I hadn’t anticipated.

"Why didn’t you tell us about the troubles you faced at your previous job, sweetheart?" Dad’s voice cut straight to the matter, as it always did.

I settled into the worn armchair that had been my sanctuary since childhood. "I didn’t want you both losing sleep over my problems. Besides, I had someone powerful looking out for me who helped me secure a position with an even more influential family."

"Caleb mentioned you’re working for his friend now, but that you might expand your role within the Thorne operations eventually," Dad continued, his weathered hands folded carefully in his lap.

"I haven’t committed to that expansion yet. We’ll have to see how the territorial negotiations develop," I replied, avoiding his penetrating stare.

"Ivy, your safety and happiness are our only concerns," Dad said gently. "I have to say, I’m deeply impressed with this young man. He carries himself with honor, shows genuine accountability and remarkable leadership qualities. When he came here today, he was completely transparent about his past mistakes and took full responsibility for every decision. He strikes me as a man of his word, and the way you look at him tells me everything I need to know about your feelings."

My father had always possessed an uncanny ability to read people like classified documents.

"Yes, Dad. He is extraordinary, and I am completely devoted to him," I admitted, the words feeling both vulnerable and empowering.

"Then don’t let stubborn pride stand in your way," Mom interjected softly. "Forgiveness strengthens the soul, darling. Remember that holding grudges never brought anyone lasting peace."

"I’ll keep that close to my heart, Mom," I smiled warmly at her. "Speaking of the past, we encountered Brodie at the market today. He looked absolutely destroyed."

Mom’s expression shifted, becoming more serious. "Oh sweetheart, some people are blessings when they disappear from our lives. You truly dodged a bullet with that worthless piece of trash."

"What exactly do you mean?" Curiosity sparked in my chest.

"From what I’ve been hearing around the neighborhood, his marriage to your cousin is completely toxic. They fight constantly, and her pregnancy has only intensified their problems," Mom revealed.

"She must be approaching her delivery date by now, right?" I asked.

"Yes, the baby is expected soon. They’re having a boy," Mom confirmed. "Your cousin is absolutely useless around the house, refuses to contribute financially, and spends every waking moment glued to her phone scrolling through social media. Now that they’re living independently from family support, their problems have exploded. The house is always filthy, so your aunt visits daily to clean and prepare meals."

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