Exposed to the CEO Behind the Mafia Mask

Chapter 448: Chapter 44 Political Storm Rising

Daniel’s POV

Life in the metropolis had found its perfect rhythm lately. My position as Senior Inspector in the major crimes division offered far more compelling challenges than the sleepy precinct I’d abandoned years ago. I had an extraordinary woman who consumed my thoughts completely, and a tight circle of allies who had become my chosen family. Everything seemed flawlessly arranged.

Well, nearly everything. Lila’s foster mother remained our persistent nemesis, bombarding her daughter with relentless phone harassment. The situation had escalated to the point where my sweet girl kept her old phone powered down most hours of the day. This morning, however, Lila had overlooked this essential precaution, and that manipulative harpy had launched her verbal assault before dawn. I couldn’t restrain myself—I seized control of the conversation immediately. There was absolutely no possibility I’d allow that woman to continue her delusional schemes of forcing my girlfriend into some arranged marriage with a casino baron.

Meanwhile, my own bloodline had maintained an eerily suspicious silence. My regular check-ins with my mother consisted primarily of her inquiring about my health and voicing complaints about my sister Sybilla’s latest rebellious antics. My father hadn’t spoken a single word to me since I’d established myself in this territory. Instead of finding this troubling, I was genuinely amazed that my parents appeared to be tolerating my career choices without orchestrating elaborate schemes to manipulate me back into their carefully planned trajectory. Perhaps Lila and I had more common ground than I’d initially recognized.

How monumentally foolish I was! The day had already begun with tension after being jolted awake by that witch calling Lila, and circumstances were about to deteriorate dramatically. I’d barely settled into my desk at headquarters when my phone blazed with my older brother’s contact information. Gregory represented the diplomatic force within our household—he maintained his neutrality, cherished his tranquil existence, and steadfastly refused to choose sides in our parents’ ongoing battles with me and Sybilla. He embodied the perfect definition of the model son, not because he permitted our parents to control his decisions, but because his personal aspirations naturally harmonized with their expectations.

”The golden heir calling the family disgrace? Something catastrophic must be unfolding,” I responded with dark humor.

”You make it sound like I only contact you during emergencies,” he chuckled from his end.

”Not entirely accurate, big brother. You also call to provide advance warning of approaching disasters.” Gregory had consistently served as my intelligence source regarding our parents’ elaborate plots to force me back into line.

”Well, today I’m unfortunately delivering news of an approaching disaster,” he announced, his tone becoming gravely serious. ”What’s the latest development?”

”Father just exploded out of the boardroom, heading directly toward your jurisdiction. He declared he’ll exploit every political connection he possesses, but he’s absolutely determined to terminate what he calls your ’playing law enforcement’ charade.” The weight in Gregory’s voice was unmistakable. ”Steel yourself—he’s planning to have you stripped of your badge. I overheard him stating exactly those words.”

”He wouldn’t push that boundary!” I protested, though my instincts knew better. ”This crosses into extreme territory, even by his standards.”

”It does, but he’s proceeding regardless. I walked into his office during his phone conversation with the Deputy Commissioner of Public Safety. Prepare for the political hurricane that’s approaching.” I released a sharp breath, fury building within my chest. My father’s network of corrupt officials was extensive, but removing me from my position wouldn’t be simple, and I possessed my own arsenal of leverage.

”Appreciate the intelligence, brother. I’ll work to minimize the damage. How are circumstances with you?”

”Increasingly complicated. Our parents have redirected their pressure toward badgering me about producing grandchildren. Neither Sloane nor I desire children currently—she’s completing a crucial specialization program to assume control of her family’s legitimate enterprises. She’s growing progressively frustrated with Mother’s interference; they nearly erupted into open warfare yesterday.”

”Welcome to the exclusive club of disappointing offspring,” I laughed grimly, imagining my typically composed brother navigating this unwelcome intrusion into his peaceful world.

”This isn’t amusing. If they maintain this pressure, I’m uncertain how much longer Sloane will endure it—you understand how volatile her temperament can become.”

”Indeed I do. You two represent perfect counterbalances—your serenity against her fire. The classic opposites attract dynamic.”

”She’s absolutely remarkable,” Gregory agreed wholeheartedly. ”And I’m completely serious when I say that if our parents threaten my marriage, I’ll follow your and Sybilla’s rebellious path—abandon the family corporation and leave them to handle the consequences.” This was unprecedented territory—my brother contemplating direct defiance against our parents.

”You’re genuinely serious about this decision?”

”Completely serious. Sloane represents everything meaningful to me, and I absolutely refuse to lose her over our parents’ unreasonable demands.”

”I sincerely hope circumstances don’t deteriorate to that point. I understand how deeply you value your position there. And I seriously doubt our parents could withstand another child breaking away from their control.”

”Speaking of rebellion,” Gregory continued, ”have you heard Mother’s latest scheme to arrange Sybilla’s marriage to that insufferable Grant Barlow?”

”Sybilla informed me—she’s absolutely livid. We cannot allow Mother to force this arrangement through. It would prove catastrophic for Sybilla’s future.”

”I’m carefully monitoring the situation. If conditions deteriorate here significantly, I’ll devise a method to send Sybilla to your territory temporarily.”

”Outstanding strategy. I’ve already advised her to escape if the situation becomes untenable. Send her here immediately.”

”Won’t she completely disrupt your treasured bachelor lifestyle?” Gregory teased, provoking genuine laughter.

”Those days belong to my past completely. I’ve encountered a woman who’s fundamentally transformed my entire world. I’m in an absolutely committed relationship now.”

”You’re joking with me!” Gregory sounded genuinely astounded. ”You’re seriously dating someone? Who is this miracle worker and what has she done with my brother?”

”She’s completely captivated my heart and soul. And here’s the shocking part—she’s quite young.” I braced myself for the inevitable mockery.

”Are you being serious? You who publicly swore off younger women forever?” My brother couldn’t conceal his complete astonishment.

”I understand the irony, she represents nothing like the women I typically pursued, but this incredible woman has me utterly devoted to her wellbeing. What I felt for Sasha doesn’t even remotely compare to the emotions I feel for Lila.” I reflected again on the overwhelming passion that had completely taken control of my existence.

”Wait, are you actually telling me you’ve discovered your soulmate?”

”I’m still processing the entire concept of love, but simply imagining life without her presence drives me toward complete madness.”

”The moment Father returns from his political maneuvering, I’m traveling to visit immediately. I need to meet this girlfriend personally and witness with my own eyes if this actually represents genuine love.”

”It would be absolutely fantastic to host you and Sloane for an extended visit,” I agreed enthusiastically, appreciating the prospect of seeing my brother and securing his support during these turbulent times.

”Excellent planning. Brother, I need to return to managing the family empire to subsidize your civil servant lifestyle, since that modest government job pays starvation wages, as Father perpetually reminds everyone within hearing distance.” I laughed at his perfect mimicry of our father’s favorite criticism.

”Thanks for the advance warning, brother. I’ll prepare my defenses accordingly.”

After terminating the call, I knew precisely what strategic action I needed to execute. I headed directly toward Adler’s office—he represented the only ally who could assist me now in this brewing storm.