Exposed to the CEO Behind the Mafia Mask novel Chapter 486

486 Chapter 82 Meeting the Family

Daniel’s POV 1

The morning light filtered through the bulletproof windows of my penthouse as I entered the kitchen to find Lila already moving about with infectious energy. The secure high-rise apartment had become our sanctuary, a place where the weight of Martinez family politics and Thorne business couldn’t reach her. This carefree version of my girl was precious beyond measure.

“What’s on today’s agenda, little one?” I asked, mentally planning a peaceful day with my beautiful girlfriend, away from the underground power struggles that defined our world.

Lila spread preserves across her toast with deliberate care before responding, “First, I’d like to read that note my friend gave me yesterday— the one you confiscated, detective.”

I maintained an innocent expression. “Note? What note are you referring to?”

Her knowing gaze met mine with that familiar intensity. “Daniel, do we need to revisit our discussion about trust again?” The gravity in her voice made it clear she wasn’t playing games.

With a resigned exhale, I stood and walked to the living room. The note remained tucked in my suit jacket from the previous evening, forgotten after I’d swept her into my arms. Last night had been extraordinary. Returning to the kitchen table, I reluctantly handed over the folded paper.

“There! Was that really so challenging?” Lila asked with teasing undertones.

“Actually, yes,” I admitted with complete honesty. “It’s agonizing watching

486 Chapter 82 Meeting the Family

some college student flirting with my girlfriend. Knowing you encounter him daily while I must maintain professional boundaries is driving me insane.”

She smirked knowingly. “But you did take action, detective. That outrageously passionate kiss you gave me in front of everyone yesterday was quite the possessive statement. I doubt any man will dare approach me now-romantically or otherwise.”

The memory of how I’d boldly pulled her against me and kissed her thoroughly brought satisfaction to my face. “That kiss was indeed memorable.”

“It’s the only reason I’m not arguing with you right now,” she countered. “Besides, I enjoyed observing the reaction from that chattering group of students behind me. They spent the entire lecture discussing how attractive the detective was.”

My smile broadened. “So you experienced jealousy too? At least those girls weren’t embracing me, unlike your friend…”

“Daniel, please,” she sighed heavily. “Do you genuinely believe any man could compete with you? Look at yourself—you’re practically carved from marble. How could I possibly consider anyone else?”

“So I have your complete attention?” When she nodded, I continued. “Then explain why that student had his arm around your shoulder.”

With an exasperated sound, Lila pushed the note toward me. “Read it.”

“I trust you completely,” I said, giving her a gentle kiss.

“No, I insist you read it,” she persisted, extending the note further.

Taking the paper reluctantly, I unfolded it, completely unprepared for the words scrawled inside. I glanced at Lila, who was struggling to suppress her laughter, then back at the message: “Who is this gorgeous man, girl?

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486 Chapter 82 Meeting the Family

Any chance he might be interested in men and willing to give me his number after class?”

Lila burst into laughter at my stunned reaction.

“Your friend is gay?” I asked, disbelief evident in my voice.

“Yes, MP is. He’s simply a friend, nothing more. He could never see me the way you do. But he’s quite interested in your contact information, detective.” She was thoroughly enjoying my embarrassment.

Playing along with her amusement, I responded, “Tell your friend I’m unfortunately committed to a little devil who made me suffer jealousy all night.”

I pulled her from her chair onto my lap. She looked radiant laughing at my expense, so carefree and joyful that I couldn’t help joining her laughter.

“I thoroughly enjoyed your suffering,” she teased with mischievous delight, clearly recalling how I’d passionately demonstrated she belonged to me alone.

“You’re wicked,” I complained without real annoyance. “But I enjoyed it as well.”

Our kiss was interrupted by her phone ringing. Without breaking contact with me, she reached for the device, answered on speaker, then returned her hands to my chest.

“Good morning, sweetheart!” A deep masculine voice resonated through the speaker.

Her face illuminated with joy. “Dad! Good morning! How are you doing?”

“I’m well, sweetheart. I was hoping to visit briefly this afternoon. I’m in the city with Beckett and Katarina.”

Seeing her excitement grow, I decided to join the conversation. After all,

486 Chapter 82 Meeting the Family

meeting her father was something I eagerly anticipated.

“Nathaniel, good morning! Why not join us for lunch? We’d be delighted to have all of you,” I offered, watching Lila’s smile widen further.

“Hello, Daniel. Thank you, son, but I have business matters requiring

attention that will consume considerable time. We’ll reserve lunch for

another occasion, but I’ll gladly accept coffee.”

“That’s disappointing, but we’ll be thrilled to have you here regardless,” I replied, gently moving Lila off my lap and gesturing for her to continue. the conversation while I cleared our breakfast dishes.

After the call concluded, Lila and I spent the morning walking through the secured neighborhood surrounding my building and enjoying lunch at a restaurant under Thorne protection. We purchased some delicacies for her family’s visit, and when we returned home, she was practically vibrating with anticipation. When building security announced their arrival, she waited at the open door like an eager child.

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