Exposed to the CEO Behind the Mafia Mask

Chapter 205: Chapter 205 Plans Fall Apart

Roman’s POV

I was sprawled across my worn leather chair in the abandoned warehouse, savoring every detail of my upcoming vendetta against Thorne. The anticipation burned through my veins like molten steel. Then the rusted door slammed open with such violence it echoed through the cavernous space. Derek stumbled inside, his face ashen as a corpse.

”Boss, we are completely screwed!” Terror leaked from every syllable Derek spoke.

My body shot upright, chair spinning behind me. ”What disaster have you idiots created this time? Where is your partner with the Thorne heir?”

Derek’s Adam’s apple bobbed frantically. ”Boss, the entire operation went straight to hell!”

”Explain yourself immediately!” My voice could have shattered concrete.

”It exploded, crashed, became a bloodbath, turned into a nightmare!” This fool’s pathetic vocabulary grated against my nerves like broken glass.

I advanced toward him with predatory steps. ”What specifically went wrong, you worthless piece of garbage?”

”Okay, so Roxanne grabbed the screaming baby like we planned. Then this massive security guard spotted her, so I cracked his skull with a metal pipe. We separated afterward because Roxanne figured splitting up would throw off the heat. But suddenly every hospital exit locked down tight, and they started broadcasting some emergency code over the speakers. I had no idea what that meant. All I knew was they began searching every corner of that place, so I slipped into a supply room and grabbed some scrubs. When the lockdown finally lifted, I escaped, but I watched them drag Roxanne away in handcuffs.”

Rage boiled in my chest like liquid fire. ”How is this possible? You both scouted that location repeatedly. We planned every detail meticulously. You even successfully lifted identification badges from hospital staff. How did everything collapse?”

Derek planted his hands on his hips with infuriating casualness. ”Well, we never expected that muscle-bound detective being there!”

”What detective?” My patience was evaporating rapidly.

”I overheard some nurse talking about how lucky it was that the built detective happened to visit the maternity ward right when Roxanne disappeared with the baby. He immediately triggered the lockdown before she could escape with the Thorne brat.”

”Damn it all to hell! Cannot a single thing proceed smoothly?” I slammed my fist against the brick wall. ”Now explain to me, you brain-dead moron, why you came here? Are the authorities tracking you?”

Derek puffed out his chest with misplaced pride. ”No way, Boss! I am slicker than oil on ice. Vanished without leaving a single trace.”

”Will your arrested partner expose our operation?” Anxiety crept into my voice despite my efforts to suppress it.

”Absolutely not! Roxanne is solid as a rock. Besides, she never learned my real identity. To her, I am simply the Phantom! Like from those old movies, you understand? Pretty intimidating alias, right Boss?”

I massaged my throbbing temples. Dear God, this individual was a walking catastrophe! How could someone so utterly clueless survive in the underworld?

”Listen carefully, you imbecile. Roxanne knows this warehouse location. She has been here before,” I reminded this amateur.

”Chill completely, Boss. I have everything under control. I contacted my lawyer connection, Professor High, and sent him to the station. He will tell little Roxanne to keep her mouth shut and she will get paid later.” Derek settled into my chair with smug satisfaction. ”You see how it works, Boss. I operate like a real made man!” I seriously doubted that assessment, but silence seemed wiser.

”This Professor High character, did he understand his instructions, or was he high during your conversation?” I struggled to maintain composure.

”Ha! That guy stays permanently stoned. Even when he is not high, he is somehow still high. You catch my drift?” Even Derek appeared confused by his own explanation.

”Just leave immediately and let me think. I must completely restructure my plans now.” I collapsed into another chair and buried my face in my hands.

”Hey Boss, I can recruit some muscle to grab the baby. I heard the whole Thorne family is leaving the hospital today. Should be much easier at their compound,” Derek suggested.

”They received discharge?” This information had potential value. The idiot might actually be correct about residential vulnerability, despite their fortress-like security measures.

”Look Boss, I do not know if it was discharge or whatever medical process they went through. I just overheard the nurse mentioning the doctor approved taking the little ones home,” Derek explained with his characteristic eloquence.

”I will consider it carefully. Now get out immediately,” I exhaled heavily. He had been present less than thirty minutes and my energy was already depleted.

”Alright then, Boss. Just call me if you need backup. I will return tomorrow so we can plan properly,” Derek headed toward the exit.

”Derek, can you acquire some equipment for me tomorrow?” I called before he departed.

”Absolutely, Boss. Text me details. Need me to arrange some girls to relieve stress? I can organize that service too.” Derek disappeared through the doorway, leaving me questioning whether he was soldier, con artist, or pimp.

I settled down to strategize my next approach when I already had preliminary ideas forming. But barely moments after leaving, the fool poked his head back inside.

”Hey Boss?” Derek called out.

”What now?” I asked without patience, lacking energy to dismiss him again.

”You know what, you are an excellent capo. We click like Gladys and Clyde, you understand? We operate like authentic wiseguys, can create chaos together,” Derek spoke with excitement while I felt like weeping.

”Kid, Gladys and Clyde were bank robbers, not mafia! They got gunned down by cops!” At this point, we resembled comic relief more than criminal masterminds.

”Oh right, Boss! Forgot that detail. But I am genuinely enjoying our partnership!” Derek performed some ridiculous gesture before pointing at me. I felt like a joke! ”Want me to send Shirley over for personal services? She is young but experienced, provides excellent satisfaction, will keep you completely relaxed.”

”No! I require solitude for planning. Leave now!” I was trapped in purgatory with a brainless demon assistant!

The following day, Derek delivered my requested items while persistently demanding details about my developing plan. I evaded his questions, claiming I was still organizing preliminary strategies. I promised updates once everything crystallized. I dismissed him quickly and prepared for surveillance of the Thorne compound.

I spent subsequent days observing that fortress and refining my strategy. Thorne employed three nannies: one lived onsite, another stayed weekdays, and the third commuted daily in her personal vehicle. I would follow her home and coerce her into providing access to Thorne’s property. To infiltrate undetected, I needed to work alone since I recognized the head of security as competent.

After extended surveillance and planning, I noticed something unusual. Caleb departed the compound with his wife. This seemed strange because she had avoided public appearances since my shopping center intimidation, except for medical appointments and childbirth. I decided to follow them. When they entered the police station, every alarm in my head screamed warnings. I would need to accelerate my timeline significantly.

I returned to the warehouse and mentally rehearsed my plan repeatedly. I would breach the compound, restrain and secure everyone present, force Thorne to transfer funds to offshore accounts, four untraceable ones I had established. Then I would compel him to arrange private jet transportation out of the country. I would depart the compound with him and one baby as insurance, and at the airfield, I would eliminate both Thorne and the child. Only after that worthless Caleb was dead would I live like a king in another country.

Perhaps I would even enjoy some personal time with that interfering Ivy. I had observed her from distance, and she had maintained reasonable appearance despite bearing four children simultaneously.

Perfect! Now I simply needed to remain calm until execution time arrived.