Exposed to the CEO Behind the Mafia Mask

Chapter 176: Chapter 176 Wedding Announcement

Ivy’s POV

When I pushed open Caleb’s private office door at Thorne Syndicate headquarters, our tight-knit crew of mafia associates flooded into the room like a tactical breach.

”Dear God, I need to hold my precious godson! Is he sleeping?” Zoe’s face crumpled with disappointment as she gazed at Max nestled securely in Caleb’s arms.

”Ivy, for the love of all that’s sacred, lock that door immediately.” Finn burst through the entrance, his usual swagger replaced by something bordering on genuine terror.

”Finn, what the hell is wrong with you? You look like you’ve witnessed a federal raid.” I couldn’t hide my confusion as he twisted the deadbolt behind him with the desperation of someone barricading against a SWAT team.

”A raid would be preferable to what’s actually downstairs. We’re talking about my father from the Chicago outfit, your parents from witness protection, Zoe’s family from the Portland syndicate, Caleb’s foster parents from retirement, Xavier’s old-school Italian famiglia, Dominic’s socialite mother, and even Walter, Carmen, and little Katelyn from the neutral territories.” Finn’s face had drained of all color, like he’d witnessed an execution.

”Caleb’s foster parents flew in?” My eyebrows shot up in surprise.

”Heidi and Scott caught the red-eye from Vegas this morning.” Finn’s explanation made warmth spread through my chest.

”Your famiglia made the trip too, Xavier? And your mother came, Dominic?” Caleb’s curiosity was tinged with genuine affection.

”Yeah, boss, they got wind of everything through Finn’s old man’s connections and booked the first available charter. They wanted to be here for you during this territory consolidation. But I’m not gonna lie, they’re pushing me to the breaking point!” Xavier ran his hands through his hair in exasperation.

”My mother pulled the same move. She was at some exclusive spa retreat with her society circle in the Hamptons, and she abandoned her detox treatments to race back here. But she’s also determined to meet Gemma, and I’m not confident that encounter will end well for anyone involved.” Dominic paced the room like a caged predator.

”What’s your problem, Dominic? You might be a complete disaster with women, but your mother is charming and I genuinely enjoyed her company.” Gemma’s voice carried a sharp edge of irritation.

”The problem is my mother doesn’t exactly approve of my bachelor lifestyle choices.” Dominic met her glare head-on.

”You don’t help your own reputation, you absolute player!” Zoe’s correction sent ripples of laughter through the room.

”Alright, but why are you all hiding from what sounds like a perfectly normal family gathering?” Caleb’s question was reasonable enough.

”Normal? Caleb, this isn’t just a family gathering. These people are like a coordinated strike force with a master plan to reform each and every one of us into respectable citizens!” Finn’s terror was so genuine it was almost endearing.

”Finn might be dramatizing slightly, but I’ll be honest with you, even I was feeling overwhelmed by their unified front.” Lila’s admission painted a clear picture of the chaos waiting downstairs.

”Lila, my mother tried to personally serve me lunch because she thinks I’m neglecting my health! Look at me, do I appear malnourished?” Finn gestured wildly at his clearly muscular build, his physique evident even through his expensive suit.

”So how did you manage to escape their surveillance?” Caleb leaned forward with genuine interest.

”Ah, my friend, I orchestrated a magnificent catered lunch in the main conference room.” Jude revealed their escape strategy with the pride of a master tactician. ”Thank whatever higher power exists that my parents and Nora’s famiglia are safely in Houston and completely unaware of this situation, or we’d have an even larger invasion on our hands.”

”Well, since the family coalition is temporarily occupied with their feast, let’s make the most of this brief window of freedom. Because I have a feeling they’re going to be monitoring our every move for the rest of the week.” My words triggered a chorus of horrified protests.

”Not happening, Ivy. I’m already having the private jet fueled to transport the entire East Coast delegation back where they came from.” Xavier’s voice held the desperation of a man at his breaking point.

”And I’ve already booked my mother on a luxury European tour that’ll keep her occupied and away from my business for an extended period.” Dominic’s complaint carried equal weight.

”Unfortunately for all of you, those evacuation plans are going to have to wait. We need every single one of them to remain here until Sunday, minimum.” My serious tone cut through their protests.

”Have you completely lost your sanity, Ivy! It took considerable strategic maneuvering to get my transfer approved specifically so my father couldn’t oversee my every operation. And now you want him camping out in my territory until Sunday?” Finn’s eyes were wide with disbelief.

”Listen, Ivy, I never thought I’d have to say this to you of all people, but it’s going to be them or me! I can’t survive much more of this maternal supervision!” Zoe’s declaration was so dramatic I couldn’t suppress my laughter.

”You’re all being incredibly theatrical. But they’re staying, and so are all of you.” I paused for maximum effect.

”Come on, Ivy, you better have one hell of a convincing argument or I’m joining that European tour myself.” Dominic’s threat lacked conviction.

”You’d get kicked off for trying to charm the tour guide’s grandmother,” Gemma’s jab at Dominic made him wince visibly. ”So, Ivy, quit torturing us and reveal your hand. Why do they all have to remain in our territory?”

”Because Caleb and I are getting married this Saturday!” My announcement exploded through the room, followed immediately by cheers and applause that could probably be heard throughout the entire building.

”Excellent, you just startled my son awake. Easy there, Max, it’s just your completely insane godmother making noise.” Caleb’s voice was gentle as he soothed our baby, who had jerked awake at the sudden commotion.

”Oh, sweet prince, godmommy is so sorry!” Zoe immediately swooped in to lift Max from Caleb’s arms. ”Step back, you overgrown enforcer,” she commanded Caleb firmly when he attempted to protest losing his son.

”Finally! Welcome to the married life!” Nora practically bounced with excitement. ”I was seriously considering asking Jude for a trial separation just so I could experience being single again.”

”But why Saturday specifically?” Sarah’s practical question cut through the celebration.

”Now there’s someone who understands priorities!” Caleb’s grin was infectious. ”I lobbied hard for tomorrow, but Ivy insists she needs a few days to coordinate everything and find the perfect dress.”

”My mind is already spinning with a thousand possibilities!” Ruby’s eyes lit up with the fervor of someone who lived for high-stakes events. ”You’re officially off duty for the rest of the week, my friend. We’re going to create a wedding that rivals royal ceremonies. Right, ladies?” The chorus of agreement was immediate and enthusiastic.

”Perfect timing, because I already cleared your entire schedule.” Gemma’s efficiency never ceased to amaze me.

”If you’re looking for honeymoon suggestions, that European tour is still available,” Dominic’s joke sent everyone into fresh peals of laughter.

These people were everything to me. They were the kind of allies who would eliminate threats at a moment’s notice, who had become the chosen famiglia we had built together, bound by loyalty rather than blood.

”But I need you all to keep this confidential for now. I want to do this properly and ask Ivy’s parents for their blessing. Jude, could you arrange a private dinner?” Caleb’s traditional approach touched something deep in my heart.

”Caleb, you don’t have to go through all that formality.” I reached for his hand.

”I absolutely do. I want to honor your parents properly. Everything about this needs to be done the traditional way.” His explanation was filled with conviction.

”Dinner tomorrow then, because today has already exhausted us all. And we’ll all be there because I wouldn’t miss this for the world.” Jude’s enthusiasm was contagious.

”We’ll host it at my compound,” Xavier immediately volunteered.

”Actually, no.” I interrupted gently. ”Let’s have it at our house. What do you think, love?”

”I think it sounds absolutely perfect!” Caleb’s smile could have powered the entire syndicate.

”But Ivy, that’s a massive crowd. I know your penthouse is spacious, but...” Jude’s practical concern was valid.

”I’m not talking about the penthouse. I mean the estate that belonged to Caleb’s parents.” My words created a moment of tension as everyone’s eyes shifted to Caleb with concern.

”We visited there earlier this week. That’s where I want to build our legacy together and watch our children take their first steps.” Caleb’s voice carried deep emotion.

”You actually went inside?” Xavier’s question acknowledged what everyone knew, that Caleb had avoided that estate for years. Caleb’s nod was firm.

”Then it’s settled. You’re going to have an engagement dinner worthy of syndicate royalty.” Xavier’s declaration was final.

”But let us handle the dinner arrangements, boys.” Nora’s suggestion was met with immediate resistance.

”Absolutely not! You ladies get the entire wedding to orchestrate. The engagement dinner belongs to us men!” Jude’s competitive spirit wouldn’t accept any negotiation.

”Ladies, consider yourselves officially on vacation for the rest of the week.” Dominic addressed Zoe, Ruby, and Lila. ”And clear my schedule too, Zoe.”

”Already handled that, you shameless player.” Zoe had clearly embraced her new favorite nickname for Dominic.

Our peaceful moment was short-lived as the door burst open and the family coalition streamed in, their worried faces scanning the room before they herded us toward the conference room where lunch was waiting. The brief respite was over, but somehow, with our wedding announcement still fresh in the air, even the prospect of managing our well-meaning but overwhelming parents seemed entirely manageable.