Exposed to the CEO Behind the Mafia Mask

Chapter 486: Chapter 82 Meeting the Family

Daniel’s POV

The morning light filtered through the bulletproof windows of my penthouse as I entered the kitchen to find Lila already moving about with infectious energy. The secure high-rise apartment had become our sanctuary, a place where the weight of Martinez family politics and Thorne business couldn’t reach her. This carefree version of my girl was precious beyond measure.

”What’s on today’s agenda, little one?” I asked, mentally planning a peaceful day with my beautiful girlfriend, away from the underground power struggles that defined our world.

Lila spread preserves across her toast with deliberate care before responding, ”First, I’d like to read that note my friend gave me yesterday—the one you confiscated, detective.”

I maintained an innocent expression. ”Note? What note are you referring to?”

Her knowing gaze met mine with that familiar intensity. ”Daniel, do we need to revisit our discussion about trust again?” The gravity in her voice made it clear she wasn’t playing games.

With a resigned exhale, I stood and walked to the living room. The note remained tucked in my suit jacket from the previous evening, forgotten after I’d swept her into my arms. Last night had been extraordinary. Returning to the kitchen table, I reluctantly handed over the folded paper.

”There! Was that really so challenging?” Lila asked with teasing undertones.

”Actually, yes,” I admitted with complete honesty. ”It’s agonizing watching some college student flirting with my girlfriend. Knowing you encounter him daily while I must maintain professional boundaries is driving me insane.”

She smirked knowingly. ”But you did take action, detective. That outrageously passionate kiss you gave me in front of everyone yesterday was quite the possessive statement. I doubt any man will dare approach me now—romantically or otherwise.”

The memory of how I’d boldly pulled her against me and kissed her thoroughly brought satisfaction to my face. ”That kiss was indeed memorable.”

”It’s the only reason I’m not arguing with you right now,” she countered. ”Besides, I enjoyed observing the reaction from that chattering group of students behind me. They spent the entire lecture discussing how attractive the detective was.”

My smile broadened. ”So you experienced jealousy too? At least those girls weren’t embracing me, unlike your friend...”

”Daniel, please,” she sighed heavily. ”Do you genuinely believe any man could compete with you? Look at yourself—you’re practically carved from marble. How could I possibly consider anyone else?”

”So I have your complete attention?” When she nodded, I continued. ”Then explain why that student had his arm around your shoulder.”

With an exasperated sound, Lila pushed the note toward me. ”Read it.”

”I trust you completely,” I said, giving her a gentle kiss.

”No, I insist you read it,” she persisted, extending the note further.

Taking the paper reluctantly, I unfolded it, completely unprepared for the words scrawled inside. I glanced at Lila, who was struggling to suppress her laughter, then back at the message: ”Who is this gorgeous man, girl? Any chance he might be interested in men and willing to give me his number after class?”

Lila burst into laughter at my stunned reaction.

”Your friend is gay?” I asked, disbelief evident in my voice.

”Yes, MP is. He’s simply a friend, nothing more. He could never see me the way you do. But he’s quite interested in your contact information, detective.” She was thoroughly enjoying my embarrassment.

Playing along with her amusement, I responded, ”Tell your friend I’m unfortunately committed to a little devil who made me suffer jealousy all night.”

I pulled her from her chair onto my lap. She looked radiant laughing at my expense, so carefree and joyful that I couldn’t help joining her laughter.

”I thoroughly enjoyed your suffering,” she teased with mischievous delight, clearly recalling how I’d passionately demonstrated she belonged to me alone.

”You’re wicked,” I complained without real annoyance. ”But I enjoyed it as well.”

Our kiss was interrupted by her phone ringing. Without breaking contact with me, she reached for the device, answered on speaker, then returned her hands to my chest.

”Good morning, sweetheart!” A deep masculine voice resonated through the speaker.

Her face illuminated with joy. ”Dad! Good morning! How are you doing?”

”I’m well, sweetheart. I was hoping to visit briefly this afternoon. I’m in the city with Beckett and Katarina.”

Seeing her excitement grow, I decided to join the conversation. After all, meeting her father was something I eagerly anticipated.

”Nathaniel, good morning! Why not join us for lunch? We’d be delighted to have all of you,” I offered, watching Lila’s smile widen further.

”Hello, Daniel. Thank you, son, but I have business matters requiring attention that will consume considerable time. We’ll reserve lunch for another occasion, but I’ll gladly accept coffee.”

”That’s disappointing, but we’ll be thrilled to have you here regardless,” I replied, gently moving Lila off my lap and gesturing for her to continue the conversation while I cleared our breakfast dishes.

After the call concluded, Lila and I spent the morning walking through the secured neighborhood surrounding my building and enjoying lunch at a restaurant under Thorne protection. We purchased some delicacies for her family’s visit, and when we returned home, she was practically vibrating with anticipation. When building security announced their arrival, she waited at the open door like an eager child.

Their reunion was heartwarming—genuine affection evident in every embrace and smile exchanged. During introductions, I felt the weight of evaluation from both her father and brother. Nathaniel seemed genuinely kind-hearted, but Beckett’s protective stance was unmistakable. Katarina, meanwhile, possessed an easy manner and treated Lila like a beloved sister. The emotional bond between Lila and the men of her family was evident in their eyes.

”Dad, where’s your luggage? Aren’t you staying with us?” Lila asked, disappointment clear in her voice.

”No, Lila, we’re returning tonight. Your mother doesn’t know I’m here—I came to meet with a divorce attorney,” her father explained. Surprisingly, Lila seemed to accept this news without shock.

”You could still stay...” she persisted childishly. It warmed my heart seeing her with family members who clearly adored her, so different from her difficult mother.

”Next time,” her father promised before turning to me. ”Daniel, I can see you’re taking excellent care of my little girl.”

”I try my best, Nathaniel, though I believe she’s actually the one caring for me.” I smiled at Lila, noting how she shared her brother’s distinctive caramel eyes but bore little resemblance to her father. Despite their different heights, Lila and Beckett shared similar features. Curiously, they didn’t resemble Nathaniel, yet they weren’t children of the same mother either.

For several hours, conversation flowed naturally as they shared stories about Lila, particularly her complicated relationship with her younger half-brother and mother. These two seemed to be the source of considerable family tension. Eventually, Lila pulled Katarina to her bedroom for what appeared to be a private woman-to-woman discussion.

”Thank you for taking care of her, Daniel,” Nathaniel said, his tone now melancholic. ”Her relationship with her mother is extremely volatile.”

”Sometimes I wonder if that woman is even her mother,” Beckett muttered, earning a sharp look from their father.

Silently, I agreed with Beckett’s assessment—I too found it difficult to believe that cold woman could be my sweet Lila’s mother.