Exposed to the CEO Behind the Mafia Mask

Chapter 443: Chapter 39 Dangerous Homecoming

Lila’s POV

The months following my birthday lunch with Jude had flown by in a whirlwind of changes. Finally, the corrupt detective Roman had been arrested by my inspector, who seemed to grow more commanding with each passing day. My relationship with Daniel had developed naturally, without the usual complications I feared. The only persistent thorn in my side was my adoptive mother Claire, who continued her relentless campaign to drag me back into the Sullivan family’s money laundering empire.

Time had slipped through my fingers like sand. Between my work at Thorne Group’s legal department and spending time with Daniel, I’d started screening Claire’s calls more carefully. When I did speak with her, she invariably ruined my day with threats that if I didn’t return to manage the family’s art gallery fronts voluntarily, she would send Connor’s men to drag me back herself. Despite repeatedly telling her she had no power over me anymore, a lingering fear kept me nestled in the safety of Daniel’s fortified penthouse, unconcerned about how long I’d been staying there.

Reality, however, was beginning to tap me on the shoulder. After months together, I needed to consider returning to my own apartment. Eventually, I would have to face Claire and the family business head-on.

The truth carved a painful hollow in my chest—I didn’t want to leave the comfort of waking up in Daniel’s strong arms each morning, protected by his security system and the Martinez family’s influence. Yet something held me back from fully committing. Despite all his affection and attention, he still hadn’t said those words I longed to hear. Perhaps it would be better to maintain my own space, so when he inevitably tired of me, I wouldn’t need to gather my belongings in a heartbreaking exit. Only Jude knew about this insecurity; our friendship had deepened considerably over these months, becoming a trusted confidant for my deepest fears.

Fortunately, I had options. Gemma had offered me a place to stay since her aunt Jade had finally moved in with her boyfriend. But first, I needed to handle the logistics of my apartment. I needed my father’s signature to cancel the rental agreement. I arranged to visit my hometown over the weekend, but with a crucial caveat—Beckett insisted I stay at his heavily guarded estate to avoid a confrontation with my increasingly unhinged adoptive mother.

”Tiny one, I don’t like this—you going to Sullivan territory alone when Claire is so determined to keep you there,” Daniel said, his brow furrowed with concern as he loaded my suitcase into my bulletproof sedan that morning.

I’d told Daniel about needing to speak with Beckett in person about family business, though I’d kept the details vague. He hadn’t pressed me for more information, respecting my boundaries as always. My plan was simple: drive there, handle the paperwork, and return the next day.

”Big guy, I need to go. If I don’t come back, you’ll know she’s trapped me in some warehouse,” I joked, trying to lighten the mood. ”Then you’ll come rescue me with your badge and your gun.”

”That’s exactly what I’ll do,” Daniel replied, his expression deadly serious. ”So you better be here by tomorrow evening. And today of all days when I’m working a federal case and can’t escort you. Can’t this trip wait?”

”No, it can’t. I need Beckett’s signature on this document.”

”I don’t like being away from you.” His admission warmed my heart.

”I don’t either, but I need to go.”

”Since there’s no other way.” I laughed at his grumpy expression.

”Call me as soon as you arrive,” he instructed. ”And after you talk to Beckett. Call me before bed, when you wake up, and when you leave. And if you run into Claire, call me immediately.”

”At this rate, I’ll spend the whole day on the phone with you,” I laughed, touched by his protectiveness.

”Not a bad idea.” His expression remained serious. ”If you don’t call, I’ll contact Beckett directly. I’ll turn that whole territory upside down to bring you back.”

His concern was both endearing and comforting. I kissed him goodbye and got in the car.

”Take care, little one. And be careful on the road.”

The drive through Sullivan family territory consumed most of my day. By the time I pulled up to Beckett’s compound, it was late in the afternoon. My sister-in-law Katarina stood waiting with the garage door open, her security detail quickly closing it behind me as if we were conducting a covert operation.

When I stepped out of the car, her eyes widened dramatically.

”Oh my goodness! Lila, is that really you?” Her expression was one of pure astonishment.

”The one and only! What, you don’t recognize my voice?” I joked, but her shocked expression remained unchanged. Zoe had certainly transformed me with a new wardrobe, hair color, and the removal of my braces, but surely I wasn’t that different.

”Come here, my little Lila,” she said, pulling me into a tight hug. ”Beckett is going to flip when he sees you!” Her voice seemed to catch with emotion. ”I missed you! Let me look at you.” She stepped back, examining me from head to toe. ”You look gorgeous! What did you so much good, the city or the inspector boyfriend?”

”I think both,” I admitted honestly. ”And Beckett, isn’t he home?”

”No, he went to the legitimate businesses for something. I’m calling him right now to come quickly.” Her expression darkened. ”Lila, Claire can’t know you’re here, neither her nor Justin. It’s best if nobody in the family network knows.”

”Gosh, you’re talking like she’s going to chain me up in some basement,” I laughed nervously, finding her caution extreme.

Katarina’s serious expression silenced my laughter. ”That’s exactly what we’re afraid of. Claire had reinforced steel bars installed on all the doors and windows of the main house. Beckett says she put multiple locks on your bedroom door and hired private security to watch it. She’s been telling everyone in the family she’ll drag you back here by your hair if necessary.”

”She’s not crazy enough,” I whispered, disbelief washing over me.

”Oh, yes she is. You know Genevieve who works at my mother’s estate?” I nodded. ”She’s Flora’s sister—Flora works at Connor’s casino. She overheard Claire and Connor discussing a dowry arrangement for you to marry his youngest son. Claire guaranteed she’d bring you back to Sullivan territory in the coming months.”

Horror gripped me as I processed this information. My own adoptive mother was plotting to essentially sell me into a strategic marriage that would give Connor access to the Sullivan family’s money laundering operations. I needed to hide from the woman who should have been my greatest protector. The realization left me shaken to my core.

As Katarina called Beckett, I called Daniel to let him know I’d arrived safely. Within a short time, Beckett and my father appeared, their expressions a mix of joy at seeing me and concern for what might happen if Claire discovered my presence in family territory.