Exposed to the CEO Behind the Mafia Mask

Chapter 519: Chapter 115 Morning Unraveled

Daniel’s POV

The morning light filtered through the bulletproof windows of my penthouse, casting shadows across Lila’s bare back as she slept peacefully beside me. She lay on her stomach, her hands tucked beneath the pillow, with only the silk sheet covering her from the waist down. Her golden hair spilled across the pillow like liquid fire. I couldn’t resist reaching out, tracing my finger down the length of her spine, planting soft kisses along her shoulder blades until she stirred. She glanced at me sideways, her amber eyes still heavy with sleep, a lazy smile spreading across her lips.

”Finally awake?” I teased, continuing to trace patterns on her skin.

”No, still dreaming,” she replied with a sleepy grin.

”What about?” I asked, nuzzling her shoulder.

”Not what. Who,” she corrected, a mischievous glint in her eyes.

”And who might this lucky person be?”

”A certain Greek god who runs half the city’s police force,” she murmured, making me smile.

”And what is this god doing in your dream?”

”Tempting me, kissing me everywhere. I’m seriously considering surrendering to his authority.”

”Who’s being dangerous now?” I laughed, loving the sound of her giggle. I captured her lips with mine as she turned beneath me, pulling me closer with eager hands.

Our intimate moment was shattered by the harsh ring of the secure intercom. I mentally cursed whoever was destroying my perfect Saturday morning in our fortress.

”Someone needs to answer that, big guy,” Lila said with a laugh as I continued kissing her neck.

”If we ignore it long enough, they’ll disappear,” I muttered against her skin.

”What if it’s Sybilla and she forgot her access code? Or worse, what if there’s trouble brewing?”

”Tiny one, I’m the one with trouble brewing right now. If it’s Sybilla, she can wait.”

Lila laughed again, but the intercom continued its relentless ringing.

”You should probably get that,” she insisted, and with great reluctance, I pulled myself away to answer.

To my dismay, it was my father announcing an early morning visit. I told the doorman to escort him up shortly and returned to the bedroom with a groan.

”Tiny one, my father’s on his way up,” I said, watching Lila’s eyes widen in surprise.

”I need to alert Sybilla he’s here.”

”You go answer the door. I’ll text Sybilla and prepare some coffee,” she decided, springing into action with practiced efficiency.

I rushed through my morning routine and opened the reinforced door just as my father arrived. Strangely, he seemed to be in an unusually pleasant mood for someone who typically conducted business with an iron fist.

”Son, good morning! Perfect timing that you’re off duty today,” he said, opening his arms for a rare embrace.

”Is everything under control?” I asked suspiciously.

”Absolutely. Where are the ladies?” he inquired, clearly referring to Lila and Sybilla.

”Good morning, Mr. Martinez,” Lila appeared, wearing her diplomatic smile – the one I’d seen her use when navigating delicate family politics. ”Sybilla’s on her way, and coffee’s brewing. Please make yourself comfortable.”

”Always so gracious, dear. Thank you.” My father shook her hand and took a seat, his calculating eyes following her movements with unusual interest.

Something felt off about his demeanor. His courtesy toward Lila seemed rehearsed, strategic. Lila set an elegant breakfast spread and invited us to the mahogany table. My father immediately claimed the seat next to her.

Before long, Sybilla arrived with Jude in tow, and my father’s cheerful facade instantly hardened like concrete.

”Dad, this is Wright, our associate and the girls’ colleague,” I explained carefully.

”Colleague? What do you mean?” My father looked sharply at Sybilla.

”Oh, I forgot to mention, Dad – I secured a position,” Sybilla announced with a proud smile.

”For heaven’s sake, Sybil, you’ve never held legitimate employment,” my father scoffed, wiping the smile from her face. ”I came here specifically to bring you home. You’ve imposed on your brother long enough, and your mother is inconsolable.”

”Well, she’ll have to remain that way because I’m not returning,” Sybilla replied firmly.

”Sir, with all due respect, your daughter is an exceptional asset to our organization,” Jude interjected, earning a dangerous look from my father.

”And who exactly are you to evaluate my daughter’s capabilities?” my father challenged, his tone carrying the weight of authority that had crushed lesser men.

”Wright Sawyer. I believe you’re familiar with my parents – they own Global Brand Strategy, and your enterprises are in their extensive portfolio.” My father visibly stiffened. ”Though currently, I’m serving as Caleb Thorne’s personal assistant.”

”Of course I know your parents. My apologies, I had no idea you were their son. Weren’t you previously working under Xavier Black’s guidance?” My father struggled to maintain his composure.

”I was, but since Caleb’s wife stepped back from active operations, I assumed her role as his assistant, and Sybil became Xavier’s right hand,” Jude explained with a confident smile.

”This must be some kind of mistake,” my father said, staring at Sybilla in disbelief.

”Not at all, Dad. Turns out all that money you invested in those exclusive academies wasn’t squandered after all,” Sybilla replied triumphantly.

”And you’re actually excelling in this position?” my father asked skeptically.

”May I answer that?” Jude interjected. ”Sybilla is performing exceptionally. She has an innate understanding of our business operations – clearly inherited from your bloodline. I’m surprised you never offered her a role in your organization. She’s a valuable asset to any enterprise.”

Jude knew perfectly well why my father had never given Sybilla that opportunity, but he was clearly enjoying putting Elias Martinez in an uncomfortable position within his own son’s territory.

”Well, this is unexpected news. I suppose you’re truly determined not to return home?” my father conceded.

”Absolutely, Dad,” Sybilla confirmed with a smile.

”Your mother will be devastated,” he sighed. ”But what about your wife, Jude? I understand you’re married.”

”I’m currently pursuing a divorce,” Jude replied, his smile fading.

”I apologize for the intrusion,” my father said awkwardly. ”So why were you two together this morning?”

”Oh, because I spent the night with him,” Sybilla answered casually, drawing everyone’s shocked attention. She looked around innocently. ”What?”

”Jude, clarify this immediately,” I demanded, suddenly protective.

”Nothing to clarify,” he said, shooting Sybilla an exasperated look. ”She stayed at my place, in the guest quarters, alone. We attended a business function that concluded late.”

”You two are insufferable!” Sybilla exclaimed, pointing at my father and me. ”I’m an adult who makes her own decisions. Dad, I’m not coming home. Even after you canceled my accounts, froze my access, eliminated my allowance, and confiscated my vehicle, leaving me with just three suitcases of possessions, I survived. I’m not going back.”

My father sighed deeply. ”I suppose there’s nothing more I can accomplish. But contact your mother – she deserves to hear this directly from you.”

”I will, but not today,” Sybilla stated firmly.

”Children, always a challenge,” my father remarked, then turned his attention to Lila. ”And you, Lila? Did you also abandon your family defying your parents’ wishes?”

And just like that, my perfectly peaceful Saturday morning in our secure haven completely unraveled.