Exposed to the CEO Behind the Mafia Mask

Chapter 584: Chapter 180 Love Unremembered

Lila’s POV

Life had settled back into its familiar rhythm between Thorne Corporation’s legal department, my law school lectures, and the fortified penthouse Daniel insisted I call home. Everything seemed normal except for one maddening detail: Daniel still refused to touch me. Despite showering me with the kind of protective devotion that made other mafia wives envious, he maintained his stubborn stance about waiting until I was completely healed from the injuries inflicted during my captivity. The sexual frustration was consuming me; I craved the weight of his powerful body against mine with increasing desperation.

”I need to do something about this situation, Sybil,” I sighed, leaning back in my leather chair at Thorne’s executive floor. ”He’s treating me like I’m made of glass.”

Before Sybil could offer any seduction strategies, the secure line on my desk rang, cutting through our conversation.

”Thorne Corporation, Executive Legal Division, good afternoon,” I answered with genuine warmth, grateful to be back at my mahogany desk handling the intricate web of legitimate business that concealed our family’s true operations.

”Is my little Lila holding down the fortress?” The familiar voice made me break into an instant smile.

”Opal! I’ve missed you terribly! When are you returning to us?” My excitement was completely unguarded.

From my peripheral vision, I caught Sybil’s dramatic transformation. All color drained from her face at the mere mention of Xavier’s name. She rose from her chair with deflated shoulders and retreated to her office like a wounded soldier. Very interesting reaction.

”Soon, Lila. Has everyone been mourning my absence?” Xavier’s rich laughter carried through the encrypted connection.

”Absolutely! The consigliere’s chair feels empty without you. Tell me everything - how are you surviving and where in the world have you vanished to?” My curiosity was genuine.

”Better than expected, considering recent events. Currently exploring the ancient paths of Old Europe, little Lila. Right now I’m in Galicia, absorbing all its historic magnificence.” His enthusiasm sparked a sharp pang of wanderlust in my chest.

”Please tell me you’re walking The Camino de Santiago?” My eyes widened with excitement.

The legendary pilgrimage route had captivated my imagination since I first heard about it. My brother Beckett had completed the spiritual journey with Katarina during their courtship, and their stories painted vivid pictures of transformative beauty and inner awakening.

”Precisely why I’m here! This marks my second pilgrimage, yet somehow it feels entirely different this time. You should experience it yourself, Lila. Perhaps we could undertake it together during your next vacation?” Xavier’s voice lifted with sincere enthusiasm.

”I would absolutely cherish that, Xavier! It’s been on my bucket list forever. When you return, I want every single detail,” I replied, mentally calculating the vacation days I’d accumulated while navigating Thorne’s complex legal maze.

”I’d be honored to share everything!” Xavier paused momentarily, his tone shifting. ”Daniel mentioned what happened to you. Are you truly recovered, Lila?”

His genuine concern touched something deep inside me. Xavier always revealed his tender side at precisely the right moments.

”Stronger than ever, actually. No more threatening calls from rival families, no more contracts on my head. Everything is peaceful, and it feels absolutely divine,” I assured him.

”That’s exactly what I needed to hear. You deserve that tranquility, Lila.” Another pause. ”Now, shifting topics, I require a small favor.”

”Anything for you. What do you need?”

”My new assistant... is she still employed, or has she already fled?” He sounded genuinely uncomfortable.

”Why would she quit? She hasn’t had time to discover what the rest of us know - that you’re actually the most reasonable boss in this entire organization.” I could sense his smile through the secure line. Something prevented me from revealing Sybil’s true identity, especially since he clearly hadn’t connected the dots yet.

”Well, I was absolutely terrible to her. She began working, and I completely disappeared - never properly welcomed her, didn’t discuss her duties, never even conducted a basic introduction meeting. Between us, Lila, I can’t even recall her face or name.” I couldn’t suppress my laughter at his confession. This level of distraction was completely unlike Xavier.

”Don’t laugh! I had significant mental preoccupations.”

”I understand completely, Xavier. And I’m certain she will too,” I said reassuringly.

”I purchased her a small gift as an apology, but I can’t address the card properly. Could you assist me? And please don’t reveal I forgot - I bought something for you as well, naturally.” His shameless bribery made me laugh again.

”It’s Sybil. And your secret remains safe with me, but only because you’re bribing me with presents.” His hearty laughter echoed through the receiver.

”You’re absolutely the best!” He paused thoughtfully. ”Isn’t that peculiar though - identical name to your sister-in-law.”

”What an odd coincidence, right?” I couldn’t believe how oblivious he was being. For such a brilliant strategist and consigliere, he was being remarkably dense.

”Very strange indeed...” He seemed to be contemplating this. ”And speaking of important people, how’s that detective of yours doing?”

”Devastatingly handsome as always, wonderful, and I fall deeper in love with him every single day,” I replied with a dreamy smile.

”Lucky bastard, that friend of mine. Well, sweetheart, I’ll see you soon.”

After disconnecting, I immediately marched to Sybil’s office. She was pretending to review case files, but sighing like a lovesick teenager. That’s when all the pieces clicked into perfect place.

”You’re in love with him!” I declared, pointing an accusatory finger directly at her.

”What are you talking about? You’ve been spending too much time with Zoe.” Sybil attempted desperately to redirect the conversation.

”Absolutely not. Don’t try to deflect this. You have feelings for Xavier!” I approached her desk while she looked increasingly panicked.

”Please, don’t tell anyone! He despises me, and if Daniel discovers...” Her voice trailed off into something resembling a pathetic whimper.

”Tell me absolutely everything,” I demanded, leaning forward eagerly.

”Look who’s here! Coffee break time for my favorite ladies?” Jude’s voice interrupted as he strolled confidently into the office.

”When is he returning?” Sybil asked, not even attempting to disguise her interest.

”When is who returning?” Jude glanced between us with confusion.

”Xavier. Soon,” I replied, watching Sybil’s defeated expression and hearing her audible sigh.

”Oh, Sybil, still convinced Xavier’s planning to terminate your employment?” Jude rolled his eyes dramatically. He’d repeatedly assured her to stop being paranoid about her job security.

”Because he absolutely will, Jude! How will I survive without you people?” Sybil groaned dramatically, making us both laugh.

”Don’t be ridiculous, you’re permanently stuck with us,” Jude chuckled warmly. ”Come on, coffee time.”

”Lila, has he remembered my existence yet?” Sybil asked, and I could detect more desperate hope than genuine fear in her question.

”No, Sybil, he hasn’t. But remember, he was navigating an extremely difficult period when you started working here.” I tried to offer reassurance, hoping she wouldn’t construct elaborate conspiracy theories. ”You go ahead for coffee. I can’t join today. Sybil, we’ll absolutely finish our conversation at home.” I pointed meaningfully at her before returning to my executive desk.

”Ooh, sounds serious and juicy. What’s the topic?” I overheard Jude asking as they walked away, while Sybil mumbled something about her terror of being fired.