Exposed to the CEO Behind the Mafia Mask novel Chapter 361

361 Chapter 145 Blood on Wedding Plans

361 Chapter 145 Blood on Wedding Plans

Gemma’s POV

With Nora unable to attend our wedding as one of my bridesmaids, I asked Dominic’s sisters, Erica and Audrey, if either of them would step in as Jude’s partner. Those two immediately turned it into a competition, arguing playfully before settling on a game of odds or evens. Audrey won, prompting Erica to issue a warning that she wouldn’t let her sister monopolize “the hottie” at the reception. Poor Jude was in for quite an experience with those two Frost sisters, but I figured some distraction would do him good after all the family warfare we’d been through.

The dress fitting at the exclusive boutique included both sisters, who kept everyone in stitches with their antics despite the armed security detail stationed outside.

“Girl, this boutique is fabulous!” Audrey announced dramatically as they arrived, flanked by their usual bodyguards. “Since I’m officially one of your bridesmaids now, we’re planning the most epic bachelorette party you’ve ever imagined.”

A shiver ran down my spine thinking about what this wild daughter of a mafia elder might have in store, though I knew whatever it was would be both entertaining and heavily guarded.

Zoe groaned from her position by the window, scanning the street. “Seriously, Audrey’s handling the bachelorette party? God help us all.”

“Honey, you and Nadia have the ceremony and reception security covered,” Audrey replied with a mischievous wink. “I’ll take care of the fun stuff.”

“Hold up,” Erica interjected. “We’re handling it together. I’m definitely involved in this.”

Nadia laughed, checking her encrypted phone. “Don’t worry, Gemma. If

381 Chapter 145 Blood on Wedding Plans

there’s anything these two excel at, it’s throwing unforgettable parties that won’t end up on the FBI’s radar.”

“I hadn’t even considered a bachelorette party,” I admitted. “But I’m game. Just remember, my grandmother will be in town, so nothing too

outrageous, okay?”

“Relax,” Erica winked. “Grandma’s going to adore us.”

The boutique designer had already sketched my dress based on Zoe’s specifications and the family’s requirements for concealed weapon access, and I fell instantly in love. No question – this was the one. Then came the fun part – selecting the bridesmaids’ dresses.

“What are you looking for, Gemma?” Ivy asked while casually monitoring the street through the boutique’s reinforced windows.

“Light fabrics in pale colors to match our beachfront estate wedding,” I explained. With that, they scattered throughout the store, eagerly searching through racks of dresses while their security detail maintained watchful positions.

A while later, chaos reigned as everyone modeled different dresses – colors clashing, some too light, others too dark, fits ranging from too tight to shapeless. They were all giggling at each other’s choices, temporarily forgetting the dangerous world we inhabited.

“This is a disaster,” Erica declared, taking charge with the authority that came naturally to Thorne family women. “Audrey, I’ve told you countless times to avoid pleats – they make your butt look enormous!” Everyone erupted in laughter, including Audrey. “Let’s go with candy colors, ladies. It’s totally on-trend for bridesmaids. Step aside, I’ll handle this.”

I watched in amazement as Erica confidently selected dresses for everyone with the precision of someone used to making life-or-death decisions. When they lined up in front of me, the visual was stunning. She truly knew her fashion, a skill honed by years of attending high-stakes mafia social

361 Chapter 145 Blood on Wedding Plans

there’s anything these two excel at, it’s throwing unforgettable parties that won’t end up on the FBI’s radar.”

“I hadn’t even considered a bachelorette party,” I admitted. “But I’m game. Just remember, my grandmother will be in town, so nothing too

outrageous, okay?”

“Relax,” Erica winked. “Grandma’s going to adore us.”

The boutique designer had already sketched my dress based on Zoe’s specifications and the family’s requirements for concealed weapon access, and I fell instantly in love. No question – this was the one. Then came the fun part – selecting the bridesmaids’ dresses.

“What are you looking for, Gemma?” Ivy asked while casually monitoring the street through the boutique’s reinforced windows.

“Light fabrics in pale colors to match our beachfront estate wedding,” I explained. With that, they scattered throughout the store, eagerly searching through racks of dresses while their security detail maintained watchful positions.

A while later, chaos reigned as everyone modeled different dresses – colors clashing, some too light, others too dark, fits ranging from too tight to shapeless. They were all giggling at each other’s choices, temporarily forgetting the dangerous world we inhabited.

“This is a disaster,” Erica declared, taking charge with the authority that came naturally to Thorne family women. “Audrey, I’ve told you countless times to avoid pleats – they make your butt look enormous!” Everyone erupted in laughter, including Audrey. “Let’s go with candy colors, ladies. It’s totally on-trend for bridesmaids. Step aside, I’ll handle this.”

I watched in amazement as Erica confidently selected dresses for everyone with the precision of someone used to making life-or-death decisions. When they lined up in front of me, the visual was stunning. She truly knew her fashion, a skill honed by years of attending high-stakes mafia social

361 Chapter 145 Bload on Wedding Plans

events.

“Erica, you naffed it!” I praised. “Are you all happy with these?” They all nodded enthusiastically, clearly impressed by how cofresive they looked together.

“High five, sis!” Erica held up her hand for me to slap. These two were not only fun but seriously talented with fashion and firearms.

Erica went the extra mile, selecting perfect dresses for my mom, Bee, and my grandmother – who would look magnificent in a lovely light green shade that wouldn’t show bloodstains. By the time we left the boutique, everything was settled except for my final dress fitting.

Outside on the sidewalk, we continued chatting excitedly about wedding plans and the mysterious bachelorette party Dominic’s sisters were concocting. I noticed Lila step away to answer her phone while our security team maintained their protective formation around our group.

Suddenly, a scream pierced the air. I whipped around to see one of Caleb’s security guards holding Lila protectively while Hunter sprinted down the street in pursuit of someone, his hand reaching for his concealed weapon.

The guard brought Lila back to our group, his face grim.

“What happened?” I asked, frantically checking Lila for injuries while Zoe immediately got on her radio to coordinate with additional security.

“A street thief tried to snatch the young lady’s phone and slashed her arm with a knife,” the security guard explained, his trained eyes scanning for additional threats. “Could be a random robbery or reconnaissance. It’s not serious, but I couldn’t pull her away fast enough to prevent the cut.”

“This territory gets more dangerous every day,” Erica commented, her hand instinctively moving to her designer purse where I knew she kept a small pistol.

Hunter returned, breathing heavily and clearly frustrated. “Miss Gemma, I

10:10

home

381 Chapter 145 Blood on Wedding Plans

couldn’t catch him. He escaped of a motorcycle through the back alleys.”

“Thank you for trying,” I said, pulling Lila into a hug. “We need to get you to the family’s private medical facility. We’ll call Daniel on the way”

The girls all volunteered to accompany us, but I knew the waiting area would soon be overrun with their husbands, boyfriends, and armed escorts. I convinced them to return to their secured locations, promising updates. In the armored car, Lila continued crying, clearly shaken by the experience. “Thank goodness it wasn’t worse,” I said, examining her wound, which appeared superficial. “Could have been a setup for something bigger.”

“Those security guards saved me,” she said, calming slightly. “I was talking to Daniel when it happened.”

“Oh lord, he must be mobilizing half the police force right now. I’d better call him.” Daniel needed reassurance before he did something that would

draw federal attention.

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