Exposed to the CEO Behind the Mafia Mask

Chapter 179: Chapter 179 Ring From The Vault

Caleb’s POV

The morning sun cast long shadows across my office as I stared at the encrypted message from Detective Adler that had arrived during the night. Rossi remained at large, a venomous serpent slithering through the shadows of our territory. While I had been lost in Ivy’s embrace, danger had been circling us like vultures waiting to feast on carrion.

I couldn’t afford such distractions anymore. Not when my family faced mortal threats from every corner of this blood-soaked underworld.

My first call went to Fisher, my voice cutting through the dawn silence with deadly precision. ”I need six of your most trusted soldiers at my compound within the hour. Full background verification, no exceptions.”

”Already anticipated your needs, Don,” Fisher’s voice crackled through with practiced efficiency. ”These men have served under me for years. I’d stake my life on their loyalty.”

Soon after, a team of armed professionals arrived at my private residence. I observed as they systematically evaluated every entrance, every potential weakness in our defenses. Their presence should have provided comfort, but the knot of dread in my gut only tightened further.

I assembled my family in the main living area, Ivy cradling Max protectively while tension radiated from every line of her elegant frame. The security team leader, a scarred veteran named Anderson whose movements spoke of countless battlefield encounters, briefed us on the new operational protocols.

”Max doesn’t move without two bodyguards,” I commanded, my tone brooking absolutely no argument. ”Ivy, you take a minimum of three armed escorts for any movement beyond these walls.”

Ivy nodded without hesitation, and I could see the fear she was desperately trying to conceal behind her composed mask. She understood the gravity of our situation with the same clarity that I did.

”I’ll be at headquarters handling some urgent family business,” I informed her, pressing a tender kiss to her forehead. ”My phone remains on at all times.”

The drive to our legitimate front office felt interminable, every shadow seeming to conceal potential assassins. Once I arrived, I immediately contacted Detective Adler, my fingers drumming restlessly against my mahogany desk as the secure line connected.

”Detective, my apologies for the delayed response to your intelligence.”

”No concerns, Thorne. I figured you needed time to process yesterday’s developments.”

”Regarding Rossi’s escape from custody,” I said, cutting directly to the heart of the matter. ”Xavier mentioned he vanished just before your arrival. That timing suggests more than mere coincidence.”

Detective Adler’s pause carried weight. ”I’ve been considering the same angle. Thorne, I believe you still harbor a traitor within your organization. Someone Rossi’s known associates haven’t identified. Someone who’s been feeding him classified information.”

The words struck me like physical blows. ”You’re informing me that after everything we’ve exposed, there’s still a rat in my operation?”

”Search for someone who blends seamlessly into the background,” Adler advised. ”Someone with access to multiple departments, someone who observes more than they speak. The type of individual who becomes invisible precisely because they’re always present.”

I massaged my temples, feeling the crushing weight of perpetual betrayal pressing down on me. ”I’ll identify this snake.”

”Exercise extreme caution, Thorne. Rossi has already demonstrated he’ll eliminate anyone who threatens him. One additional matter - this Brodie character involved in the kidnapping operation. He was Ivy’s former lover, correct?”

”Affirmative, they maintained a relationship for several years. She terminated it upon discovering his infidelity with her cousin.”

”Fascinating. He claims he’s maintained contact with Rossi for years. Does Ivy possess knowledge of this connection?”

”Absolutely not. She was completely devastated to learn of his involvement in Max’s abduction.”

”I suspected as much, but verification was necessary. Speaking of Ivy, when can I obtain her official testimony? I can visit your headquarters or she can come to the precinct.”

”Could we arrange it for early next week at my office? I prefer limiting her exposure currently.”

”Understood completely. I’ll be there early next week.”

After terminating the call, I immediately summoned Scott. Despite my instructions for him to take the weekend off, he’d insisted on working, claiming too many critical matters demanded attention. He arrived at my office within minutes, Heidi accompanying him.

I explained the situation regarding the potential infiltrator, watching as Scott’s expression grew increasingly grave. ”We must identify this individual rapidly. They’re providing Rossi with dangerous tactical advantages.”

”I’ll initiate a comprehensive audit of all personnel immediately,” Scott assured me. ”I’ll examine access records, communication patterns, everything.”

”Excellent. However, Scott, there’s another matter I wish to discuss.” I leaned back in my leather chair, studying the man who had proven himself invaluable. ”Your work here has been exceptional. You’ve resolved not just the embezzlement issues but identified numerous other operational problems. I want you to remain permanently.”

Scott’s eyes widened with surprise. ”Are you offering me a position, Caleb?”

”I’m offering you a directorship. I want to establish an internal audit department with you as the head. You’d have complete autonomy and I’d also value your counsel as a business advisor.”

The transformation in Scott’s expression was remarkable. ”When I lost everything, I thought my career was finished. The Morgans and Ivy threw me a lifeline, and when you requested my assistance, it restored my sense of purpose. This audit work has rebuilt my confidence, made me feel valuable again. But I was considering relocating to Boston to be closer to Heidi.”

”Absolutely not!” Heidi interjected quickly, causing Scott’s face to fall. ”I mean, Scott should accept your proposal, Caleb. I have something to discuss with you as well.”

I regarded Heidi expectantly, noting the determined set of her jaw.

”I want to return,” she announced. ”Boston hasn’t fulfilled my expectations. My daughters are established there, but my life is here with you and Scott. I’d like to apply for the chief financial officer position.”

The smile that spread across my face was genuine and broad. Having Heidi return exceeded my greatest hopes. ”Heidi, you know any position here is yours. I simply need to arrange someone to replace you in Boston.”

”Already handled. Sawyer is more than capable of assuming control of the Boston operations. I don’t even need to return for transition.”

”Then it’s settled. You’re our new chief financial officer, and we’ll conduct a video conference with Sawyer next week.”

As the team began gathering in my office for our meeting, I shared the news about Scott and Heidi’s new appointments. The enthusiasm in the room was infectious, a bright moment in an otherwise tense situation.

As Heidi and Scott prepared to depart, I confirmed their dinner arrangements for the evening. ”You’re both still joining us tonight, correct?”

”Wouldn’t miss it for anything,” Heidi said, heading for the door. Then she paused, a mischievous glint in her eye. ”Caleb, don’t forget to retrieve the engagement ring and wedding bands from the bank vault.”

I stared at her in astonishment. ”How could you possibly know about that?”

”I know you better than you realize, boy,” Heidi said with a knowing smile, blowing me a kiss before disappearing through the door.

I settled back in my chair, marveling at how well those closest to me could read my intentions. Despite the threats surrounding us, despite the unknown traitor still lurking within my organization, I felt a moment of pure anticipation. Tonight would mark the beginning of a new Chapter, one where Ivy and I would face whatever came next as an officially engaged couple.

The ring waited for me at the bank, and soon it would rest on Ivy’s finger where it belonged.