Exposed to the CEO Behind the Mafia Mask

Chapter 476: Chapter 72 Already Too Late

Daniel’s POV

The investigation into the fraudulent reinstatement of my marriage certificate had reached a frustrating standstall. Weeks had passed without any meaningful progress, leaving me trapped in a web of corruption that extended deep into the judicial system. My father’s influence over certain judges and court officials was proving more extensive than I had initially estimated. Meanwhile, Sasha was escalating her psychological warfare, infiltrating every aspect of my life with increasingly brazen tactics.

Every weekend brought the same demand from my father - return to the Martinez family estate in Westchester under the pretense of discussing territorial expansions and reviewing our partnership agreements with other families. He knew exactly what pressure points to apply, leveraging family obligations and business interests to maintain his control over the situation.

Lila remained outwardly composed, never pushing for answers I couldn’t give, but I could see the subtle signs of her growing awareness. Her legal training made her naturally observant, and occasionally she would probe gently about the unusual phone calls and my frequent absences. Each time, I managed to redirect the conversation, but the weight of deception was becoming unbearable. At least Dominic and Gemma’s wedding preparations provided some welcome distraction, their joy a stark contrast to the storm clouds gathering over my own relationship.

When Xavier extended an invitation for a relaxed Sunday afternoon at his estate - barbecue, swimming, and the kind of carefree gathering that seemed increasingly rare in our world - I had hoped for a few hours of peace with Lila and our inner circle. That hope proved naive.

”Can a man not have a single day without harassment?” I muttered, stepping away from the pool area to take yet another call from Sasha. She had bombarded me with messages since dawn, including a provocative photograph clearly designed to manipulate me. Instead of arousing any response, it only intensified my disgust and anger toward her increasingly desperate tactics.

”That’s not possible, my dear husband,” she cooed in that saccharine voice that made my skin crawl. ”I have certain wifely privileges that need attending to.”

”You’re nothing to me, Sasha. This elaborate charade you’ve constructed with my father’s help is about to crumble.”

”Is it really? Listen carefully, Daniel. You want peace and quiet? I can provide that, but first I want a proper farewell worthy of a Martinez family wife.”

”What exactly are you implying?”

”Don’t insult my intelligence, Daniel. Our court hearing is scheduled soon. I’ll grant you this divorce you’re so desperate for, but I want one final evening together.” The woman had clearly lost whatever remained of her sanity.

”Absolutely not. Not if you were the last person on earth. Forget it,” I snapped, wondering if this was some kind of sick test orchestrated by my father.

”Very well, have it your way. If you refuse me this small request, I’ll pay a visit to your precious little princess and enlighten her about our complicated situation. I’ll explain how deeply you still love me, how you’re simply going through a rebellious phase, but that it will pass. After all, we remain legally married, don’t we? If your feelings for me were truly dead, you would have divorced me long ago instead of maintaining this arrangement.”

”That’s complete fabrication, Sasha!”

”Perhaps, but she’ll find my version compelling. You know how persuasive I can be when necessary. And you know what will happen next? She’ll be so convinced by my account that she’ll never want to see you again. Then she’ll pack up and disappear from your life, and you’ll have no choice but to return to my arms where you belong.” Sasha’s laughter was filled with malicious satisfaction.

”I warned you to stay away from her.” My voice was deadly quiet, the kind of tone that made hardened criminals reconsider their life choices.

”Oh, darling! Far too late for warnings. Can you guess where I am right now? I’m in our apartment, and when your little law student princess returns home, she’ll discover me here, and we’ll have the most enlightening conversation. I’ll take tremendous pleasure in explaining exactly why she needs to vacate my husband’s residence.”

”You’re lying, Sasha. You couldn’t have accessed MY apartment.” She had to be bluffing - my security was impenetrable.

”Check the photograph I just transmitted.” Her voice carried absolute confidence.

I pulled the phone away from my ear and opened her message. That venomous snake was indeed inside my home, draped across my bed in a state of deliberate undress, her smile triumphant.

How had she breached my security? This seemed impossible. My building had the kind of protection that government officials and family bosses relied on.

I would systematically destroy whoever had facilitated her access.

”How did you infiltrate my building?” I demanded through clenched teeth.

”Money opens every door in this city, even those protected by Martinez family security.” Her laughter was infuriating.

”Vacate the premises immediately, or I’ll dispatch units to arrest you for breaking and entering,” I threatened, my rage barely contained.

”Breaking and entering? You believe I’ll be arrested for occupying my own husband’s residence? Even I’m not that foolish. And if law enforcement arrives, I’ll create such a spectacular scandal that it’ll dominate every newspaper and gossip column in the city. Your girlfriend will learn all about your secret double life through the headlines.”

”I don’t maintain a double life, you psychotic woman!”

”But you are concealing a wife from her. So, my dear Daniel, I strongly suggest you come home immediately to handle this situation properly.” With that ultimatum, Sasha terminated the call.

I was cornered with no viable alternatives. I had no choice but to confront that serpent directly and discover how she had compromised my security systems. Most critically, I needed to remove her before Lila returned home and walked into this carefully laid trap.

I approached Lila, who was engaged in animated conversation with Ruby by the outdoor bar, and explained that urgent police business required my immediate attention but that I would return to collect her later. I couldn’t risk her returning to the apartment and encountering Sasha’s ambush. Though I could see suspicion flickering in her intelligent eyes, Lila didn’t challenge my explanation. Relief flooded through me when Zoe convinced her to remain at Xavier’s estate for the remainder of the afternoon.

After saying goodbye and promising to return soon, I pulled Xavier aside and briefed him on the volatile situation, requesting that he ensure Lila stayed put until I could neutralize the threat.

”What a complete disaster, brother!” Xavier exclaimed, shaking his head.

”You’re telling me.” I ran a frustrated hand through my hair.

”I’ll say it one more time - tell Lila everything! This is a trap designed to destroy your relationship, and you’re walking straight into it,” Xavier warned, and in my heart, I knew his counsel was sound, but the paralyzing fear of losing Lila kept me locked in this destructive pattern.

”After the hearing, when the divorce is officially finalized, Xavier. Not a moment before.” The words felt hollow even as I spoke them.

”You’ve allowed this deception to continue far too long. The women are becoming suspicious. Gemma’s already been questioning Dominic about your unusual behavior patterns.”

”I know, I know. Just provide cover for a little while longer. Please.”

”Fine, but don’t handle this confrontation alone. It’s not safe, and Sasha’s clearly escalating toward something dangerous.”

”Agreed. I’ll contact Adler for backup.”

”Good. Let me know when this crisis is resolved. I’ll keep Lila entertained here and manage the group, but these women are highly intelligent - they’ll start demanding real answers very soon.”

I departed Xavier’s estate with mounting dread. Sasha was obviously orchestrating something far more sinister than simple harassment. I texted Adler to determine his location and learned he was currently at the precinct. Rather than discussing such sensitive matters over potentially monitored phone lines, I decided to drive there directly to request his assistance. It would be efficient - explain the situation, secure his backup, and then confront Sasha together.

But as I arrived at the police station and realized the tactical error I had made, a cold certainty settled in my chest. I should have called ahead and arranged an immediate meeting. Time was working against me.

I was already too late.