Exposed to the CEO Behind the Mafia Mask novel Chapter 345

were worth killing to protect.

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346 Chapter 130 Blood Qath Proposal

346 Chapter 130 Blood Oath Proposal

Dominic’s POV

I worked closely with Carmen to keep Gemma occupied, ensuring she stayed inside with her grandmother while we prepared everything under the cover of enhanced security protocols. Vincenzo had been invaluable, coordinating with our trusted soldiers to execute the plans Willow, Ryder and I had meticulously crafted for Gemma’s surprise. The backyard of Edith’s heavily fortified safe house was our chosen location-a perfect sanctuary filled with vibrant flowers and cherished memories, now protected by our best men stationed at every entrance.

Time passed quickly as we transformed the space under the watchful eyes of our security detail. Willow had shared how this backyard held special significance for Gemma; it was where she’d spent countless childhood hours before the streets became too dangerous. Learning this only

med my choice was perfect for what could be our most vulnerable

ent.

uring our preparations, Edith pulled me aside into her private room, now equipped with panic buttons and bulletproof glass. Her eyes glistened with emotion as she discussed my intentions with the gravity of a mafia matriarch approving a union. Then, with trembling hands, she presented me with something that would make this blood oath even more meaningful. Her blessing overwhelmed me, and I embraced her, knowing I was gaining not just a grandmother-in-law, but a powerful family ally.

By evening, everything was ready. Edith’s trusted housekeepers, all background-checked by our intelligence network, had prepared an exquisite dinner. The table settings sparkled under strategically placed lights that also served as additional security illumination. Throughout dinner, conversation flowed easily despite the underlying tension of our dangerous world, punctuated by laughter and carefully chosen stories.

344 Chapter 128 Dangerous Family Encounter

Dominic aside to inform him about the unpleasant encounter with Mar keeping my voice low enough to avoid alarming the others.

“Vincenzo, you might want to consider avoiding this location for a while Uncle Dominic suggested with concern, his expression darkening. “Marc cornered Gemma here yesterday too, and his behavior is escalating beyo acceptable limits.”

“What did that bastard do to her?” My blood immediately began to boil, th protective instincts that ran in our family flaring to life.

“He tried to grab her, but our security detail intervened before he could make contact. She’s unharmed, but his boldness is becoming a serious problem,” my uncle explained, his voice carrying the cold edge that made him so effective in family operations.

“I don’t know if I should inform mom about these escalating incidents,” I admitted. “She’s been doing so well lately and returned from her business trip incredibly happy and relaxed.”

“Let me speak with your grandmother/first, and we’ll decide how to approach this situation with her. Marcus’s behavior suggests he’s getting desperate, which makes him exponentially more dangerous.”

I nodded in agreement, understanding the delicate balance required wher dealing with family security matters. When we rejoined the others at the table. I noticed Phoebe sporting a satisfied smile that suggested her

onversation with Aunt Gemma had gone węli.

uss what you wanted with my aunt, Phoebe?” I asked, still cover her secret, though I suspected it involved something budding relationship with Zander.

did, Vincenzo,” she replied smugly, blowing me a teasing kiss. “And ore you ask, it’s classified family business now.”

She really wasn’t going to tell me, and that only made me more curious

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about what kind of advice or assistance she’d sought from someone who’d successfully navigated the complex world of loving someone in our family’s unique circumstances.

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346 Chapter 130 Blood Qath Proposal

Edith rose from her seat, tears glistening in her eyes, and placed her weathered hand over our joined ones with the solemnity of a mafia blessing.

“I’ve treasured these rings since the day I married, Clair. My marriage brought me incomparable happiness despite the dangers we faced. Not would honor me more than seeing my only granddaughter marry weari these symbols of loyalty stronger than death. They brought me joy and protection, and I wish the same for you, sweetheart.”

“I’ve dreamed of this my whole life, Grandma,” Gemma whispered, tears flowing freely as she embraced her grandmother tightly. “Thank you for trusting me with something so precious.” She pulled back, her hands shaking as she looked at the delicate bands. “I promise to honor their lega and the love they represent.”

With infinite care, I slid her grandfather’s wedding band onto Gemma’s trembling finger, sealing our bond with the weight of family history and unbreakable promises. She took my left hand, sliding her grandmother’s wedding band onto my ring finger with reverent precision.

Gemma’s

The

was contagious, spreading through everyone present. ented everything I promised her-unwavering loyalty, n, absolute faithfulness, and a household that would kill for

erupted with applause and cheerful whistles from our security r delivered an elaborate toast with all the ceremony our

s world deserved. As I held my fiancée close under the starlit sky, ded by armed guards and loved ones, I knew with absolute

ty that no man-criminal or otherwise-had ever been happier than I it this perfect, heavily protected moment.

345 Chapter 129 Grandmas Dreams

peace were in our violent world.

“Clair, my dear, I’ve missed you so much!” The petite woman with kind eye returned Gemma’s hug with equal fervor, oblivious to the fact that her granddaughter now lived under the protection of one of the city’s most feared crime families.

When they finally separated, Gemma pulled her grandmother forward. “Grandma, I brought four very special people for you to meet. This is Dominic, my boyfriend. And these are Dominic’s nephews, Vincenzo and Carmen. Everyone, this is my grandmother, Edith.”

Edith welcomed us with the warmth only a grandmother could provide, her smile genuine as she ushered us to the dining table. Her eyes lingered on me with curiosity – probably wondering how a man like me had captured her granddaughter’s heart. She greeted Willow and Ryder with familiar affection, Gemma’s cousins having accompanied us on previous visits. “Clair, my dear, where did you find this young man? He’s quite a catch!” Edith winked, making me smile despite the weight of the Glock beneath my jacket. “And these children! They look like they stepped out of a magazine!” “Grandma, what if I told you I met Dominic thanks to you?” Gemma said, settling into her chair while I remained alert to every sound from outside. “Thanks to me?” Edith raised an eyebrow skeptically.

“I met him at the store where I bought your birthday present,” Gemma explained, causing her grandmother to beam with delight. She had no idea that store was in the heart of our family’s territory, where I’d been collecting protection money that fateful day.

“Well, a man of faith!” Edith nodded approvingly in my direction.

“A little bit,” I admitted, thinking of the rosary my mother had given me before I took my first life for the family. “I was at the store buying a present for my mother; she has more faith than I do.”

345 Chapter 129 Grandmas Dreams

“Mothers always do,” Edith replied wisely. “We ask God to protect you wh we can’t, and we have faith that He listens to us.” Her words hit deeper tha she knew, reminding me of my own mother’s desperate prayers for my so in this blood-soaked life.

Suddenly, Edith looked around the table. “Clair, where’s the fourth person you mentioned? I’ve only counted three, and you said you brought four special people.”

“Ah! The other person…” Gemma stood up, her eyes twinkling with excitement that made my chest tight with fierce protectiveness. “The other person, Grandma, is right here.” She placed both hands gently on her still-flat stomach.

The room fell silent as Edith processed the news. Then, her hands flew to her face, tears welling in her eyes. She approached Gemma slowly, placing a trembling hand on her granddaughter’s belly. Gemma began crying too, the moment more beautiful than anything I’d witnessed in the brutal underworld we inhabited.

“I can’t believe you’re giving me the joy of meeting my great-grandchild!” Edith exclaimed through happy tears. “I need to go out and buy wool to start knitting my great-grandchild’s layette!”

We all burst into laughter at her enthusiasm, the sound foreign in my world of hushed conversations and coded warnings

“Take it easy, Grandma,” Gemma smiled. “There’s plenty of time. I’m still in

ly weeks.”

s, sweetheart,” Edith insisted. “After lunch, I’m heading to the craft buying lots of blue yarn because I’m certain it’s going to be a boy.”

ow can you be so sure it’s a boy, Grandma?” Gemma questioned with amusement.

“I can see it in your eyes, dear,” Edith declared confidently. “And I never get

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it wrong.”

“She was right about me and all my cousins,” Willow confirmed, prompting Gemma to flash me an enormous smile that made every enemy I’d eliminated to keep her safe worth it.

After our delicious meal, Edith showed us to our rooms. The house was truly magnificent – a spacious colonial mansion with high ceilings and numerous rooms that our security team had already swept for threats. Its pristine white exterior was accented by blue double doors and windows, situated perfectly in the town center where we could monitor all approaches while appearing like any other visiting family.

True to her word, Edith soon prepared to visit the craft store. When Vincenzo and Carmen asked to join her, she was delighted. Vincenzo gallantly offered his arm – the boy’s natural charm serving him well even at his young age – and the three set off at a leisurely pace, with Edith pointing out various landmarks while our discrete security detail shadowed them from strategic positions.

With Gemma napping due to pregnancy fatigue, I seized the opportunity to discuss my surprise plans with Willow and Ryder in the secured study. Their enthusiasm and willingness to help coordinate the logistics reinforced my confidence in this decision that would change everything.

lith returned with the children, they were laden with shopping d with laughter. Carmen had purchased her own yarn and to learn knitting from Edith. I chuckled, knowing how niece could be when she set her mind to something – we’d eceive handmade scarves before the next territory war broke out. th and Carmen settled in to start their knitting lesson, but they were soon interrupted when Gemma awoke, requesting her grandmother’s special fried doughnuts – what she affectionately called “grandma’s dreams.” Without hesitation, Edith bounded to the kitchen, her energy love filling the house with a warmth that reminded me why some things

and

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Hled the girls to a nearby upscale café where we settled into a private booth. As expected, Phoebe immediately bombarded me with question her journalistic instincts kicking in.

“What was that all about, Vincenzo?” she demanded, her voice lower no she picked up on the serious undercurrents.

“That was my mother’s father, Phoebe. He’s a dangerous individual who cast out of our family’s business operations,” I explained with a heavy sig choosing my words carefully.

“Is he the one who keeps harassing your household? The one who abandoned your grandmother for a woman half his age and tried to steal from the family accounts?”

“The very same,” I confirmed grimly. “I need to ask something important of you – if you ever encounter him again, keep your distance and contact me immediately. Marcus is genuinely dangerous. Don’t engage with him under any circumstances, and absolutely don’t allow him anywhere near you without proper protection.”

“Wow, you’re describing him like he’s some kind of criminal mastermind,” Phoebe said, though her tone suggested she was beginning to understand the gravity of the situation.

“He’s not quite that, but he might as well be given his connections and his complete lack of moral boundaries,” I replied, dead serious.

“I can tell this isn’t a joke. We’ll stay away from him and follow security protocols,” Phoebe promised, though her reassurance did little to ease my concern about Marcus’s bold approach in such a public venue.

My encrypted phone buzzed with a message from Uncle Dominic saying they’d arrived at the shopping center. I quickly replied with our location, and it wasn’t long before they joined us at the cafe, their own security detail seamlessly coordinating with mine.

344 Chapter 128 Dangerous Family Encounter

“Hmm, I think I’ll treat myself to their signature cappuccino,” Aunt Ge announced as she approached our table, her pregnancy glow making look radiant despite the underlying tension I could sense. “How are yo girls doing?”

“Ge

ju

We’re fantastic! And so thrilled about the baby news!” Phoebe p to hug my aunt before presenting her with a small, elegantly gift bag.

this?” Aunt Gemma’s eyes lit up with curiosity as she peeked ins I noticed Uncle Dominic’s protective stance hadn’t relaxed since arrival.

e carefully removed a decorative box and opened it, her eyes instantly ling with tears. Inside was an exquisite white hand-knitted blanket, adorable booties, and a pompom beanie, all delicately adorned with satin ribbons and clearly made with extraordinary skill.

“Oh, Phoebe, this is absolutely beautiful!” Aunt Gemma exclaimed, her voic thick with emotion. “My baby’s very first gift!”

“I hope I’m not overstepping any boundaries,” Phoebe said hesitantly. “I assumed the little one would already have a fully stocked nursery by now, given your family’s resources.”

“Not at all,” Uncle Dominic assured her with a warm smile, though his eyes continued to scan the area with practiced vigilance. “We’ve been taking our time with preparations. This was incredibly thoughtful of you.

“Ge

other made it specially for you. She’s incredibly crafts and creates the most beautiful pieces,” Gemma enveloped her in another tight hug.

! Please give my heartfelt thanks to your unt Gemma was genuinely moved by the gesture.

girls were distracted with the gift, I discreetly pulled Uncle

346 Chapter 130 Blood Qath Proposal

As the main course concluded and before dessert arrived, I knew my moment had come Rising from my seat, I commanded everyone’s attention, my heart pounding against the bulletproof vest hidden beneat my formal shirt.

“Gemma,” I began, my voice surprisingly steady despite knowing snipers from rival families would love nothing more than to disrupt this moment “with everyone’s help here, I’ve prepared something special for you. I wanted this moment to be shared with the two remarkable women who brought us together in this blood-soaked world-Edith and my mother.” I gestured toward the encrypted tablet positioned on the table where my mother waited on our secure video line, her smile wide with anticipation from her protective location.

Vincenzo gave me a thumbs up, indicating that our private livestream to trusted family members across our territories was running. Our soldiers and allies from around the country were now watching, ready to witness what would bind our futures in the most sacred way our world understood. “Gemma,” I continued, looking directly into those fearless eyes that had stared

un barrels and emerged victorious, “you make me the most ve every single day. Now you’re carrying our heir-the ing I could ever imagine. I never thought a man with blood on deserved such overwhelming happiness.”

rling,” Gemma responded, her eyes growing misty, “you make me ke the most protected woman in this dangerous world too!”

king a deep breath, I reached into my jacket pocket, past the concealed weapon that never left my side. “Gemma, I love you more than I ever thought possible for someone in our line of work. I’ve waited my entire violent life for you.” My hands trembled slightly as I withdrew two small boxes. Kneeling beside her chair, I opened the blue velvet one first, knowing this moment made us vulnerable but willing to risk everything.

“Before you, my life was empty-days filled with blood and business deals I

346 Chapter 130 Blood Qath Proposal

can barely remember now. From the moment you challenged me on m own territory, my soul recognized yours, creating a bond stronger tha family loyalty. I want to call you my wife, I want you to bear my name w all the protection it provides, and I want your face to be both my first s every morning and my last vision every night.” The diamond ring sparkl like the city lights over our territory. “Gemma Valance, would you do m the extraordinary honor of becoming Mrs. Gemma Frost, my partner in dangerous life?”

“You… you…” Gemma stammered, tears streaming freely down her face. you asking me to take a blood oath with you?”

“Yes, my Songbird,” I confirmed, my voice thick with emotion and the weight of what this meant in our world. “I want to be your husband and protector for the rest of our lives. Will you marry me and share my name, my power, and my enemies?”

For a terrifying moment that felt like standing in sniper crosshairs, she couldn’t speak through her tears, just threw herself into my arms. As her crying subsided, she pulled back slightly, her hand caressing my scarred cheek as she gazed into my eyes.

“Domini

F

v said, “I would be honored to become Mrs. Gemma

antly, I’ll enjoy showing off my dangerous husband scheming women run for their lives.” Her teasing

al tension, causing everyone to laugh despite the gravity

dly unsteady hands, I slid the engagement ring onto her finger-a that would mark her as untouchable to every criminal in the city.

I opened the second box–the small black one Edith had entrusted to earlier. Gemma gasped, looking between me and her grandmother in sbelief.

“These are my grandparents’ wedding bands,” she whispered, her voice filled with awe. “But, Grandma…”

345 Chapter 129 Grandmas Dreams

345 Chapter 129 Grandmas Dreams

Dominic’s POV

After the incident with Vincenzo at the shopping district – where one of Marcus’s remaining associates had been spotted tailing us through the family’s territory – I knew I needed to brief my mother and Nadia and our security detail about Shelton’ escalating surveillance attempts before our countryside trip. When I informed them about his latest breach of our perimeter, Nadia was absolutely livid. Since discovering his connection to the rival families trying to infiltrate our operations, she’d become fiercely protective, determined to keep that snake away from the children at all

costs.

During our tactical meeting, I also shared details about the surprise I was orchestrating for Gemma. Despite my mother and Nadia’s assurances that Gemma would be thrilled, I couldn’t shake my nervousness. This meant everything to me, and in our world where a single mistake could be fatal, I wanted it to be flawless.

The week passed in careful preparation, and before I knew it, Saturday arrived. We departed early for the countryside in an armored convoy, heading to Gemma’s grandmother’s house outside our usual territory. Throughout the drive, Gemma was bubbling with excitement, chattering

atedly about her childhood visits to the only place that had ever felt nctuary. Her joy was infectious, making the tense journey through ground feel lighter despite our armed escort trailing at a discrete

nce.

By lunchtime, we pulled up to a beautiful colonial mansion that stood like a fortress of normalcy. Gemma practically leaped from the reinforced vehicle, dashing through the house until she found her grandmother in the kitchen. “Grandmaaa!” she exclaimed, wrapping the older woman in an enthusiastic embrace that reminded me how precious these moments of