Second Marriage, The Billionaire's Planned Love novel Chapter 120

120 Chapter 120 Moving Forward

Ivy’s POV 1

When I reached the executive floor of Thorne Group, Gemma practically launched herself from behind her desk and dragged me toward the private conference room we

used for sensitive conversations.

“Tell me everything right now! How did your lunch with the casino boss go?”

“It went well, Gemma, really well. But you’ll have to wait until tonight when we’re all together at the safe house. I’m not telling this story multiple times.”

“You’re seriously going to torture us with curiosity until then?” Gemma’s face scrunched into a dramatic pout. “But heads up, the Don found out about your lunch

with Parker.”

My stomach dropped like a stone. In the mafia world, nothing stayed secret for long. “How could he possibly know?”

“Caleb told him.”

“That traitor…” I muttered, though I knew Caleb was only being loyal to his Don.

“I heard Caleb telling Xavier that maybe it’s better if you move forward. He said the Don doesn’t want to see you hurt anymore, and Parker’s reputation in neutral territory is solid. But Ivy, Caleb looked completely destroyed when he heard.”

The familiar ache twisted in my chest like a knife. “I know he is, Gemma, but I can’t keep drowning in this situation. I have Max depending on me. Parker understands we’re just friends establishing trust. He knows exactly where I stand emotionally. Caleb’s engagement is still pending family approval, and I refuse to be anyone’s kept

woman.”

“You’re absolutely right. We should get back to work before the other families start watching our movements.”

At my desk, I pulled out my encrypted phone to find it buzzing with notifications. The syndicate wives had bombarded our secure group chat with messages about my lunch with the casino kingpin, complete with ridiculous emojis and animated stickers. I quickly typed that I’d give them all the details tonight at our weekly gathering.

My parents had sent their usual check–in message to my civilian phone. I still hadn’t

17.06

120 Chapter 120 Moving Forward

found the strength to tell them about the dangerous world I’d become entangled in. That conversation would have to wait until my next visit to their quiet suburban home, far from the blood and violence that now defined my daily life.

Carmen had sent the most adorable photo of Max completely covered in vanilla gelato from the Italian place in Little Italy, his tiny hands raised in victory with the biggest grin on his chocolate–smeared face. Her message explained that the heat had been unbearable during their walk through the family’s protected neighborhood, but Max had been such an angel during lunch that he earned the special treat. I couldn’t help but smile. My son would eat anything I put in front of him, but gelato and sweets were his weakness, just like his father’s sweet tooth that I’d observed during late–night

strategy meetings.

Then there was Parker’s message, sent through encrypted channels, which made my

smile feel different somehow.

“I can’t stop thinking about our time together, and now I’m sitting here grinning like an idiot while my lieutenants think I’ve lost my edge. I have territories to oversee and gambling debts to collect, but all I can focus on is you. Don’t be surprised when my next invitation comes very soon. The neutral zone feels too empty without your

presence.”

My fingers moved quickly across the secure keyboard:

“I had an amazing time too. I’m already looking forward to whatever you have planned next. You definitely know how to make a woman feel safe in dangerous times.”

His response came immediately, a cartoon kitten face–down on a pillow surrounded by floating hearts with the caption “completely smitten by the syndicate’s most dangerous woman!” I tucked my phone away, feeling lighter than I had in weeks. Parker had this incredible ability to brighten even my darkest days in this blood–soaked

underworld.

After the legitimate business hours ended, Xavier’s armored driver took Gemma and me to the family safe house. The moment I stepped through the reinforced steel door, several sets of expectant eyes locked onto me like snipers.

“Finally! Ivy, we need every single detail about your date with the casino don right now!” Zoe practically shouted, her voice echoing off the bulletproof walls.

“Hold on, I need to see my little prince first.” Carmen appeared carrying Max, who immediately reached his arms toward me the second he spotted me, his ice–blue eyes

lighting up with pure joy.

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