Exposed to the CEO Behind the Mafia Mask

Chapter 506: Chapter 102 Unwelcome Return

Lila’s POV

Sybilla emerged from Xavier Black’s office with a smile that couldn’t mask the tension in her eyes. Her history with Thorne Corporation’s consigliere was clearly weighing on her mind, especially now that she’d be working directly under his supervision in the legal department.

”Let’s grab some espresso with Sybilla,” Jude suggested, following her out of the mahogany-paneled office. ”I thought she’d be thrilled about securing this position within the organization...”

”I am pleased, Jude,” Sybilla insisted as we made our way through the marble corridors toward the executive break room. ”Just concerned about certain... professional complications.” Her body language betrayed her anxiety despite her attempt to appear composed.

”Don’t stress about it,” Jude assured her while arranging imported coffee and Italian pastries on the conference table. ”Xavier’s matured considerably since your last encounter. If he creates any difficulties, inform me immediately and I’ll address the situation personally.”

I seized the opportunity to redirect our conversation. ”How did the meeting with Nora go?” Jude had traveled to her family’s estate, hoping to salvage their marriage after she’d discovered certain aspects of his work with our organization. Judging by his expression, the outcome hadn’t been favorable.

”She refused to see me,” Jude sighed heavily, adjusting his expensive suit jacket. ”Her father’s attorney delivered the message that I should accept the relationship’s termination, sign the divorce settlement, and proceed with my life. She claims she’s moved beyond our marriage.”

”Without even speaking with you directly?” I was incredulous. Ending years of marriage without a proper discussion seemed unconscionable, even considering our world’s unique complications.

”Precisely.” Jude’s voice carried resignation rather than bitterness. ”I’m accepting the conclusion of our relationship, but the method stings more than the actual outcome.”

I reached across the polished table and squeezed his hand. ”I’m sorry, Jude. You deserved more respectful treatment.”

”Thank you for your understanding.” Jude turned to Sybilla. ”Please keep this confidential. Lila’s the only one aware of my marital difficulties, and now you.”

”Your secret remains safe with me,” Sybilla promised. ”And I’ll hold you to that assurance about Xavier if he becomes insufferable—which past experience suggests is inevitable.”

”You’re genuinely concerned!” Jude laughed. ”What’s the history between you two?”

”Nothing particularly dramatic. I’m Daniel’s little sister, and Xavier always treated me like an irritating child he had to tolerate for my brother’s sake. He’d invent unflattering nicknames, pull my hair during family gatherings, criticize everything I attempted, and constantly remind me I was too young to participate in their business discussions.” Sybilla’s expression darkened at the memories.

Jude shook his head. ”That doesn’t reflect the Xavier I know currently. He’s genuinely professional these days.”

”Where is he today, anyway?” Sybilla inquired.

”Called after our afternoon briefing saying he’d handle his responsibilities remotely. He’s been making that arrangement frequently lately,” Jude explained.

”If only he’d make that arrangement permanent,” Sybilla sighed dramatically, making us laugh despite the tension.

Sybilla remained until the organization’s offices closed, familiarizing herself with her new responsibilities and meeting other members of the Thorne Corporation’s legal team. Afterward, she drove me to my evening law classes at the university.

”Mind if I accompany you inside?” she asked hesitantly as we parked. ”My new apartment feels like solitary confinement since I don’t know anyone in the city yet.”

”Of course! You’ll enjoy the environment,” I replied enthusiastically, spotting Max Philip across the campus courtyard. ”Look, there’s Max now.”

Max waved and approached us with his characteristic confidence. With his athletic build, light brown hair, and striking green eyes, he certainly attracted attention. He was constantly inviting me to exclusive clubs and private parties, but I preferred quiet evenings with Daniel over noisy social scenes.

”Ladies!” Max greeted us warmly, his expensive watch catching the light.

”Max, this is Sybilla, Daniel’s sister. She’s joining us tonight.”

His eyes widened appreciatively. ”Stunning! Please tell me there are more gorgeous siblings in your family?”

Sybilla laughed. ”Another brother, but he’s committed as well.”

”What a tragedy! Your parents should have produced a dozen more with such excellent genetics,” Max joked, earning another laugh from Sybilla.

As we walked through the university’s halls, Max detailed a new upscale establishment he was eager to visit. Though I’d repeatedly declined his invitations, understanding the complications of my relationship with Daniel, he persisted.

”Lila’s a terrible companion, Sybilla. She never joins my adventures,” he explained dramatically. ”Though I understand—if I were involved with someone of Inspector Martinez’s caliber, I’d remain home too. But what about you? Care to accompany me?”

”You know what? I think I will,” Sybilla replied enthusiastically.

Within moments, they were conversing like longtime friends, with Sybilla laughing at his endless stream of witty observations. When class began, they slipped away promising to return with refreshments during our break.

Before they returned, Sasha sauntered into the classroom and made a direct path toward me.

”Hello, pocket-size,” she smirked, dropping into the chair beside me with deliberate provocation.

”Some individuals never learn appropriate boundaries,” I muttered.

”Including you. Still haven’t realized Daniel’s temporary fascination with you will eventually fade?” she challenged, her designer jewelry glinting under the fluorescent lights.

”And you believe he’ll return to you? Oh wait, he divorced you, didn’t he?” My sarcasm wiped the smugness from her perfectly made-up face.

”Did you actually believe I’d accept defeat so easily? Darling, how naive. Daniel belongs with me. He’ll return eventually.”

”And you traveled all this way just to share that delusion?”

”Listen carefully, Mini-Me. I’m systematically removing you from Daniel’s existence.” Her confidence was genuinely unnerving. ”I’d wager he hasn’t mentioned seeing me earlier today.”

”Finished with your fantasy? Then leave,” I demanded, fighting the urge to physically escort her from the premises.

”Sasha? What brings you here?” Sybilla appeared suddenly at the classroom entrance.

”Of course you’d align yourself with this nobody,” Sasha sneered. ”I still have unresolved matters with you, Sybilla. You destroyed my hair!”

”How is it my responsibility that you maintain poor hygiene?” Sybilla countered smoothly.

”You pest! I discovered your little scheme that forced me to cut my hair so drastically,” Sasha complained.

”Stop being overly dramatic. Hair regenerates—yours already has,” Sybilla dismissed her casually.

”I despise you, Sybilla!” Sasha stood confrontationally.

”That’s lovely, but express your hostility elsewhere. Let’s go,” Max intervened, firmly gripping Sasha’s arm.

”Release me! Who do you think you are? Another protector of the vertically challenged?” she protested.

”Honestly, Sasha, you’re exhausting. Just leave,” Sybilla sighed, settling beside me.

”I’m departing, but remember my words, Fun-Size. Daniel will return to me.” Sasha turned dramatically and strutted away, her heels clicking against the classroom floor.

”I can’t believe she came here solely for that performance,” Sybilla marveled.

”That and to demonstrate every possible height-based insult in her vocabulary,” I added, wondering if Sasha would perpetually lurk in our lives, ready to disrupt whatever peace we managed to find.