Exposed to the CEO Behind the Mafia Mask

Chapter 470: Chapter 66 Walls Close In

Daniel’s POV

Sasha had resumed her relentless campaign of psychological warfare. The brief reprieve following her humiliating lice infestation was nothing more than the calm before a more vicious storm. Each passing day brought fresh waves of anxiety as I watched Lila’s growing suspicion that something fundamental was fracturing between us.

But as any seasoned member of our world knows, when you think you’ve hit rock bottom, there’s always another level of hell waiting below. I was at the precinct, having just wrapped up interrogation documents and booking procedures for a suspected arms dealer, when Chief Adler strode into my office accompanied by Dr. Knightley, the attorney wrestling with my labyrinthine marital nightmare.

”The very man I’ve been praying to encounter!” I declared upon spotting the lawyer, unable to mask the desperation that had become my constant companion. ”Dr. Knightley, please tell me you’ve arrived bearing miraculous news.”

”Inspector Martinez, I do bring developments, though they may transform your existence into something considerably more... volatile for the foreseeable future,” he replied with the cautious tone of a man who’d spent decades navigating the treacherous waters where legitimate law intersected with family influence.

”More volatile than the current circus? That seems mathematically impossible. But please, enlighten me about this latest catastrophe.”

”The presiding judge has mandated a formal hearing requiring both you and Sasha to appear before his bench. He insists on hearing directly from each party involved. I accompanied the court officer who served her the official papers today at that overpriced hotel she’s been haunting. The woman’s reaction was... theatrical, to put it diplomatically,” Dr. Knightley informed me, his words hitting like a sledgehammer to my already battered psyche.

”Hold on. Shouldn’t His Honor simply review our motion, grant her reasonable time for response, then render his decision based on documentation? What’s driving this sudden desire for courtroom drama?” I demanded, already dreading the inevitable spectacle Sasha would orchestrate before a captive judicial audience.

”Typically, yes—family court judges prefer working exclusively with written submissions and legal briefs. However, they retain discretionary power to schedule hearings with both parties present. In your particular situation, given that the previous judge conveniently retired under questionable circumstances, this new appointee wants to hear directly from both parties involved,” Dr. Knightley explained while I mentally calculated how many additional stress fractures this would create in my already crumbling facade.

”Outstanding. When does this judicial inquisition commence?” I asked, my irritation bleeding through whatever professional composure I’d been maintaining.

”In the coming months. We’ll need extensive preparation, which translates to numerous strategy sessions between now and then. But I must caution you, Daniel—this woman is absolutely livid. She may attempt various forms of leverage against you before we reach that courtroom,” the attorney warned.

”Your concern is noted and appreciated.”

”There’s additional intelligence. I consulted with Detective Adrienne before arriving here. They still haven’t located the attorney who allegedly processed your annulment years ago. She’s planning to bring Sasha in for formal questioning, though I recommended she execute this move rapidly, before our scheduled hearing. If your father orchestrated this legal manipulation, as I strongly suspect, once he becomes aware of an active investigation, he’ll likely retreat and cease his interference.”

”I’m questioning that tactical approach. Wouldn’t tipping our hand now simply provide them adequate time to eliminate evidence and construct alibis?” I challenged, concerned about telegraphing our moves to adversaries who’d spent generations perfecting the art of legal evasion.

”Negative. Your father operates with surgical precision and calculated risks. If we move swiftly enough, he won’t chance exposure, particularly when he discovers that both the investigating detective and presiding judge are completely incorruptible—rare commodities in our current system. Without his backing and protection, Sasha will likely capitulate and accept the divorce terms—she might even confess everything to Detective Adrienne. Furthermore, with an active investigation providing cover, the judge will feel significantly more confident about reinstating your original divorce decree,” Dr. Knightley elaborated with the confidence of someone who’d spent decades watching family patriarchs choose strategic retreat over pyrrhic victories.

”So essentially, we’re banking on Sasha having a complete psychological breakdown and self-destructing spectacularly,” I sighed, rubbing my temples where a persistent headache had taken up permanent residence.

”More or less,” the lawyer chuckled with dark amusement. ”But soon enough, you’ll finally be free of these chains.”

This revelation meant I couldn’t come clean to Lila as quickly as I’d desperately hoped—I’d need to maintain this exhausting deception for at least several more months. Dr. Knightley gathered his files and hurried off to another appointment, leaving Adler seated across from me, studying my haggard features with barely concealed entertainment.

”What’s causing that predatory grin, Chief?” I inquired, noting his scrutinizing examination of my obvious misery.

”Your academy instructor position officially begins soon,” he announced with unmistakable satisfaction.

”Already?” I groaned like a man facing execution.

”Indeed. We’re having lunch with the Deputy Commissioner in the coming days. He’ll personally provide all operational instructions.” There was no escape route—the Deputy Commissioner had pulled considerable strings to secure this assignment for me, and I was honor-bound to fulfill my obligations regardless of personal convenience.

”Absolutely fantastic, another commitment. I’m already drowning in complications, and now I must engage in professional networking too.”

”Oh, you absolutely do. That networking represents precisely what’s preventing your father from having you transferred out of law enforcement entirely,” Adler laughed with genuine amusement at my mounting predicaments.

”This entire situation is becoming completely nightmarish,” I muttered, knowing my mood would deteriorate exponentially once these teaching obligations commenced.

”There’s one additional small matter...” Adler was clearly savoring my escalating suffering.

”Dear God, what fresh hell awaits?” I rolled my eyes with theatrical despair.

”That favor you owe me.” I had desperately hoped he’d forgotten about our arrangement.

”You’re actually calling in that debt?” I asked, finding the timing almost comedically cruel.

”Absolutely. Here’s the assignment—I need someone to deliver a comprehensive lecture about public safety and police work from our Homicide and Personal Protection Division. The audience consists of law students at a legal conference in the coming weeks...”

”Why select me for this particular torture?” I despised public speaking with every fiber of my being.

”Because you possess exceptional qualifications, you owe me a significant favor, and I have absolutely no intention of sacrificing my Friday evening lecturing idealistic students. Besides, it’s crucial for law enforcement to participate in these community outreach events and cultivate public support.” Clearly, Adler detested lecturing even more than I did.

”Chief, these students represent the future of our legal system—you should personally inspire them with your vast experience and wisdom.” I was desperately grasping for any excuse to escape this assignment.

”That’s precisely why I’m not attending—that particular future doesn’t inspire confidence. I’ve already submitted your credentials. Here’s the comprehensive folder with all necessary information and background materials. Make your presentation worthwhile, plus additional time for student questions and discussion.”

”What an absolute waste of valuable time! An entire evening of my existence!” I banged my forehead against my desk in theatrical frustration.

”Consider the positive aspect—little Lila will be there watching you perform.” Adler was thoroughly enjoying my unending streak of misfortune.

I shot my superior a look that could have melted steel. I despised giving lectures. I despised mandatory socializing. And I particularly despised owing favors that came due at the worst possible moments. The coming months were shaping up to be absolutely unbearable in every conceivable way.