Exposed to the CEO Behind the Mafia Mask

Chapter 504: Chapter 100 Reluctant New Beginning

Sybilla’s POV

A few days had passed since submitting my credentials to Jude at Thorne Group, and my secure phone remained disappointingly silent. Perhaps it was time to explore alternative arrangements within the family networks. Thankfully, Lila had generously allowed me access to her vehicle—Daniel was providing her with personal security escorts due to the escalating situation with her mother—which made navigating the city’s legitimate business district considerably more manageable.

Armed with carefully curated resumes that strategically omitted my Martinez family connections and a list of reputable employment firms I’d researched through secure channels, I dressed in conservative professional attire and ventured into the world of legitimate commerce. My strategy appeared straightforward: secure legitimate employment, establish financial independence, and finally escape my family’s expectations of a strategic political marriage. Freedom seemed within my grasp—or so I naively believed.

The first personnel consultancy shattered my optimism immediately. After enduring an exhaustive background verification process disguised as personality assessment, followed by a grueling interview with someone who clearly had connections to various family networks, they delivered the rehearsed response about ”maintaining contact should appropriate opportunities emerge,” while subtly implying that placing someone with my background would prove challenging. I’ve never comprehended how human resource professionals reduce complex individuals to simplistic risk profiles based on family affiliations.

At the second consultancy, I discovered a position in international trade compliance that genuinely intrigued me, only to be informed I was ”overqualified and potentially problematic.” The consultant insisted that someone from my background wouldn’t remain in such a position long enough to justify the placement risk. Do they honestly believe legitimate career opportunities are abundant enough that I’d abandon stable employment on impulse? If this represented my only chance at independence for months or even years, I would certainly demonstrate unwavering commitment.

The third consultancy didn’t bother conducting a formal interview. Once again, my educational credentials and family connections exceeded their comfort level for available positions. My international business education and linguistic capabilities—achievements I’d once considered assets—now seemed like insurmountable obstacles. Perhaps I should begin sanitizing my background completely, omitting details like my fluency in eight languages and my connections to international financial networks.

By mid-afternoon, I found myself slumped in an upscale coffee establishment, nursing an espresso and my wounded pride. Six consultancies had politely shown me the exit, declaring I didn’t ”match the profile” for anything within their legitimate client base. If I’d understood that preparing for executive-level positions within family enterprises would render finding entry-level legitimate work impossible, perhaps I should have abandoned my academic pursuits and embraced the future my mother envisioned—becoming a strategic alliance through marriage to consolidate family power. Who was I deceiving? I could never accept that predetermined path.

”Perhaps I should consider retail establishments next,” I muttered to myself. ”I’ve managed legitimate businesses before during my university years. I can certainly handle commercial operations again.” I settled my account, but just as I prepared to continue my search, my encrypted phone rang with an unfamiliar number.

”Hello?” I answered, attempting to mask my desperate hope.

”Sybilla, this is Jude from Thorne Group.” His voice immediately lifted me from my pessimistic spiral, though I prepared myself for another polite rejection.

”Hello, Jude. How are things progressing?”

”Excellent. I’d like to arrange a formal interview regarding the position that Caleb has designated for you. When would you be available for discussion?”

My expression transformed into a genuine smile for the first time that day. ”I can arrive immediately. I’m currently in the vicinity,” I replied, barely containing my excitement.

”Perfect! I’ll be expecting you.”

Shortly after, I was striding through Thorne Group’s impressive headquarters with my visitor credentials, repeating my personal affirmation: I possess the capability. I will achieve independence. I will control my own destiny.

”Sybilla!” Lila greeted me enthusiastically as the private elevator doors opened. ”I’m pleased you arrived so quickly. Listen, I cannot provide advance details, but maintain an open perspective, consider the complete offer carefully, and remember this is simply professional employment.”

Her cryptic warning puzzled me, but before I could request clarification, Jude materialized.

”Excellent, you’ve arrived! Please, let’s proceed to my office for our discussion.”

Jude’s office was spacious and tastefully appointed with understated luxury that spoke of serious business operations. Our conversation flowed naturally as he posed standard professional inquiries, and I began relaxing, sensing this opportunity might actually materialize successfully.

”Sybilla, the position is yours, and you’ll begin tomorrow morning,” Jude announced with a welcoming smile. I beamed back at him, despite still lacking specific details about the role itself. ”Oh, I neglected to specify the exact position. You’ll serve as Xavier’s executive assistant. I’m receiving permanent assignment as Caleb’s personal aide since Ivy decided to step away from company operations to focus on her family responsibilities...”

My smile evaporated instantly.

”Sybilla?” Jude noticed my expression collapse completely.

”Who exactly is Ivy?” I managed to inquire, grasping for any distraction from the bombshell he’d just delivered.

”Ah, Ivy served as Caleb’s executive assistant, but they married and now have five young children, and she wants to dedicate more attention to family life. She was barely maintaining office presence, working remotely, but it was becoming logistically complicated, so she decided she wants to witness her children’s development personally. You’ll certainly meet her—we’re all closely connected.”

”I understand.” My responses became mechanical. Working directly for Xavier? The man who barely tolerated my existence? The individual who’d openly referred to me as his friend’s troublesome little sister at Daniel’s wedding? This was potentially catastrophic. But I desperately required legitimate employment.

”Will I maintain significant contact with Xavier?” I asked, hoping there might be some physical separation between our working arrangements.

”You’ll be practically inseparable! His office connects directly here, come see.” Jude demonstrated the adjoining office through a door at his room’s rear. ”Since you’re already acquainted, you’ll collaborate excellently.”

Jude’s optimism seemed misplaced. ”Sybilla, is there some concern?”

”No, Jude, absolutely none. However, before finalizing my employment, you should probably consult Xavier directly. He doesn’t particularly appreciate my presence,” I explained diplomatically.

”Xavier? But Xavier respects everyone! He’s actually sometimes overwhelming because he’s so professionally accommodating,” Jude laughed.

”Well, then I must represent the sole exception to ’everyone’ because he genuinely dislikes me. He only tolerates my existence because I’m Daniel’s sister. And I’m absolutely certain about that assessment.”

”Don’t you want this opportunity?” Jude appeared concerned.

”I require this employment.” The truth was undeniably simple.

”Then accept it. If complications arise, I’ll always be available in the adjacent office for support, and Lila will be stationed between our locations.” His reassuring hand settled on my shoulder.

”You believe this arrangement will succeed?” My uncertainty was transparent.

”Accept the position, maintain professional standards, and everything will function smoothly, I guarantee you.”

His confidence proved contagious. ”Very well, I accept.” I smiled, clinging to hope that professionalism would triumph over personal antagonism.