Exposed to the CEO Behind the Mafia Mask

Chapter 517: Chapter 113 Underground Sanctuary

Wright’s POV

I stared at Sybilla’s contact on my encrypted phone, debating whether to cancel our plans for the underground club tonight. But Xavier’s sudden disappearance from Thorne territory had me concerned—when he returned from whatever family business had called him away, he’d need solid allies around him. Besides, networking in the families’ social circles might prove beneficial for my own standing.

After showering and dressing in my tailored black suit and silk shirt—appropriate attire for the exclusive establishments frequented by our kind—I drove through the city’s shadowed streets to the Martinez family compound to collect Sybilla. We’d arranged for her to stay at my penthouse again tonight, away from the main family residence. I genuinely valued her company—she possessed sharp wit, ruthless charm, and the kind of straightforward honesty rare in our circles. At Thorne headquarters, we’d developed an efficient partnership handling sensitive financial transactions. I pressed the compound’s security buzzer and waited, adjusting my platinum cufflinks.

”Well, look who decided to show up,” Daniel said as the reinforced door opened, his smile masking the wariness that never left his eyes. After the security system verified my identity, he gestured me inside. ”Let’s cut to the chase, Wright. What exactly is happening between you and my sister?”

”Relax, Inspector. Sybilla and I maintain strictly professional boundaries, nothing more,” I assured him, suppressing amusement at his protective stance. Daniel commanded respect throughout both legitimate law enforcement and underground circles—antagonizing him would be supremely unwise.

”Then explain why she spent the night at your place yesterday,” he said, his detective’s instincts sharp as ever.

”And she’s staying over again tonight so you and Lila can have the compound to yourselves. Don’t worry—separate floors, separate everything.” I kept my explanation measured and clear.

”Fine, I’m trusting you here. But remember—she carries the Martinez name.” His warning carried the weight of family honor. ”Have a seat. She’s still preparing herself.”

”You and Lila decided against joining us tonight?” I asked, settling into the leather armchair that probably cost more than most people’s cars.

Daniel’s expression transformed into genuine warmth. ”And waste the privacy my thoughtful sister is providing? Not a chance.” His eyes held the contentment of a man who’d found his anchor in this dangerous world.

We discussed our concerns about Xavier’s whereabouts, with Daniel sharing his theory about which family territories might have demanded the consierge’s attention. The conversation shifted to Lila’s volatile family situation—specifically her brother showing up unannounced at Thorne offices. I expressed regret for not maintaining security around the women until Daniel’s arrival—I hadn’t anticipated them venturing into potentially hostile territory alone.

”Wright! Sorry for making you wait!” Sybilla appeared in a stunning cocktail dress that showcased her elegant silhouette, every inch the sophisticated heiress she was born to be.

”Damn, Sybilla! You look incredible,” I complimented as she turned gracefully, her designer heels clicking on the marble floor.

”Think I’ll catch myself some interesting company tonight?” she asked with a mischievous glint in her eyes.

”No entanglements—they’re dangerous in our business,” Daniel interjected, causing Sybilla to roll her eyes dramatically.

”Not those kind of entanglements. And since when do you worry about my social life?” she challenged.

”I know exactly what kind of ’company’ you mean, and those are precisely what concern me,” Daniel replied sternly. ”Wright, I’m counting on you. Watch over her, discourage any opportunists, and maintain appropriate boundaries.”

”Are you her brother or her bodyguard?” I laughed, surprised by the intensity of his protectiveness.

”Both, when necessary! I don’t want some ambitious upstart thinking he can use her to gain access to our family,” he said firmly.

”Don’t worry, Wright. I’ll be the one using them for information!” Sybilla teased, making Daniel’s frown deepen considerably.

”Let’s leave before your brother assigns you a permanent security detail. Couldn’t you convince them to join us?” I asked her.

”The lovebirds are staying home for quality time together,” Sybilla smirked while Daniel looked mortified by her directness.

”No point denying it—that’s exactly what you’re planning,” I added, trying to lighten the mood.

”She’s not wrong, detective.” Lila appeared beside Daniel, whose expression immediately softened at her presence.

”It’s your fault for being so captivating,” Daniel replied, making Lila blush despite her composure.

”Time to leave, Wright, before we witness something requiring memory suppression,” Sybilla grabbed my arm, and we departed amid laughter and good-natured protests.

The underground club pulsed with energy—live musicians performed on the elevated stage while bodies moved to hypnotic rhythms in the dimly lit space reserved for family associates and their guests. Sybilla spotted an empty VIP booth and led me there, where her contact—a polite, energetic young man from a neutral territory—waited with champagne already chilled. He greeted Sybilla with practiced deference and introduced himself to me with the firm handshake of someone who understood hierarchy. Within minutes, I found myself genuinely enjoying their company, surprised by how relaxed I felt in this exclusive environment.

”Well, well. Little Sybilla Martinez.” A striking woman approached our booth. I recognized her immediately from family briefings, though she showed no sign of remembering our previous encounter.

”Dear God, Sasha. Disappear,” Sybilla said with unconcealed disgust, making me chuckle quietly.

”Don’t be rude. Aren’t you going to introduce your companions?” Sasha swayed slightly, clearly intoxicated on premium liquor.

”Absolutely not. Now leave,” Sybilla replied bluntly.

”Then I’ll introduce myself,” Sasha turned toward me with a practiced smile designed to manipulate. ”Hi, I’m Sasha Mendez. Pleasure to meet you.”

”Trust me, the pleasure is entirely absent. I’m Wright, associate of Inspector Martinez. I was present when security removed you from the compound in considerable disarray. Honestly, I’d prefer avoiding future encounters,” I stated coldly.

”You’re as unpleasant as Daniel,” she complained bitterly. ”You should find more agreeable friends, Sybilla.”

”My associations are none of your concern,” Sybilla shot back with icy precision.

”I’ll inform the family matriarchs about the company you keep,” Sasha threatened weakly.

”Do that, and while you’re at it, explain how you were discovered compromised and restrained in a downtown hotel. The family councils will find that fascinating, and they’ll definitely share details with your own relatives,” Sybilla countered with deadly calm. ”Now disappear, you disgrace.”

Sasha retreated, her face twisted with humiliation. Shortly after, several young women from respectable families asked to join our booth due to the crowded venue. We welcomed them, and the evening transformed into hours of sophisticated conversation, premium drinks, and carefully guarded revelations. As the night wound down, one particularly attractive socialite leaned close to me.

”So, handsome, want to continue this evening at my family’s estate?” Her voice carried invitation despite the alcohol’s influence. Despite her beauty and obvious connections, I wasn’t ready—emotionally, I remained unavailable, even though my previous relationship had ended definitively.

”You’re stunning, darling, but my timing is complicated right now,” I replied gently but firmly.

”That’s unfortunate. Perhaps another time when circumstances align better.” She placed a brief kiss on my lips before rejoining her companions with practiced grace.

”Why refuse her? She was gorgeous and well-connected!” Sybilla asked as we walked toward my armored vehicle after bidding farewell to her contact.

”I’m simply not there yet,” I answered honestly, and she nodded with understanding.

”What about you? Why dismiss all those potential suitors tonight?” I countered as we approached the car.

”Because I’m not ready either,” she replied with a knowing smile, sliding into the passenger seat. ”Let’s go home. I’m looking forward to that luxurious guest suite and sleeping late tomorrow.”

I couldn’t help laughing at her continued complaints about Daniel and Lila’s enthusiastic nighttime activities echoing through the compound’s walls. In this short time, Sybilla had become genuinely important to me—a trusted ally I deeply valued having in my corner within these treacherous family politics.