Exposed to the CEO Behind the Mafia Mask

Chapter 597: Chapter 193 Lila Takes Command

Daniel’s POV

Something wasn’t adding up. My mother, the iron-willed matriarch of the Martinez crime family, who had spent extensive time orchestrating attempts to separate me from Lila, was suddenly treating her like a beloved daughter-in-law. The transformation was jarring and frankly, dangerous. After all the power plays they had subjected me to—forcing me to mediate territorial disputes in Greenleaf, their relentless schemes to reunite me with Sasha from the allied Mendez family, and my father’s outrageous move of having Lila’s background investigated by our street contacts—it was impossible to believe they would simply accept a Sullivan family member without some calculated agenda.

When the hospital staff arrived with a wheelchair to transport my mother to another floor for tests, I noticed details I’d missed initially. Her knees and arms were scraped, and her typically immaculate designer dress was dirty and torn. The evidence confirmed she’d genuinely been struck by a vehicle. This wasn’t some elaborate setup—my mother would never allow herself to appear disheveled in public unless circumstances were truly dire. Beatrice Martinez was synonymous with untouchable elegance, always perfectly composed even during the bloodiest family meetings.

During the wait for the doctor’s assessment, I observed the interaction between Lila and my mother with growing astonishment. They conversed like seasoned allies, with my mother displaying that relaxed, calculating charm she typically reserved exclusively for family business. Meanwhile, Lila opened up about personal matters she rarely discussed with anyone—her complicated relationship with Claire, recent power struggles within the Sullivan organization, and her longing for genuine maternal guidance in navigating our world. She even recounted how she first encountered me at the high-end car dealership that served as one of our money laundering fronts, and how she fell for me despite knowing my family’s reputation—a story that never failed to captivate me. The ease between them was both remarkable and terrifying.

The peaceful scene shattered when my father burst into the room, followed by my brother Gregory and sister-in-law Sloane. One thing I’ve always respected about my father was his unwavering devotion to my mother, even amid the brutality of our business. Regardless of whether he was negotiating territorial agreements or handling family traitors, she remained his absolute priority. At the family compound, they were inseparable—constantly communicating through subtle touches, meaningful glances that could seal someone’s fate. He never left for dangerous operations without ensuring her safety and anticipated her every strategic insight. Now, he rushed to her side like a man possessed.

”Darling, how are you? What did the doctor say?” he asked anxiously, grasping her hand after planting a kiss on her cheek.

”He said you should retire from active operations and travel the world with me,” my mother replied with mock seriousness. She’d been pushing this agenda for some time, but my father insisted he would only step down when I returned to lead the family business—essentially, never.

”Why would he recommend that?” My father looked genuinely confused. 𝑓𝑟ℯℴ𝓂

”I’m joking. But he should recommend it.” My mother smiled reassuringly. ”He hasn’t brought the test results yet.”

”Then I arrived just in time. Has the young woman who assisted you left? I’d very much like to meet her and express my gratitude for protecting you during such a vulnerable moment.” My father seemed genuinely eager to thank my mother’s guardian—a rare sentiment in our world where trust was currency.

”No, she’s remained by my side since the incident. Lila,” my mother called, looking toward Lila who had respectfully stepped back when my father entered. As Lila approached, my mother took her hand. ”This is my guardian angel, though I believe you two have already been thoroughly acquainted through our intelligence network.”

My father’s expression shifted dramatically. He glanced at me standing at the back of the room, clearly caught off guard by this unexpected development.

”Lila Sullivan? But you...” He struggled to find appropriate words. ”How did this encounter occur?”

As my mother recounted the events, I learned the truth. Lila had discovered my mother in distress on the street—not the other way around. According to their account, my mother had her back turned and couldn’t have recognized Lila before the collision. Perhaps I’d been unfair in my suspicions. Maybe this meeting truly was coincidental rather than orchestrated.

”Lila, I cannot adequately express my gratitude,” my father said after hearing the complete account.

”There’s nothing to thank me for, Mr. Martinez,” Lila responded with genuine warmth that could disarm the most hardened soldier. ”I’m simply glad I was there to help Beatrice.”

”I was completely wrong about you, young lady. I owe you—” My father was about to apologize—a historic moment, as he never apologized to anyone outside the immediate family.

But Lila gently interrupted him.

”You don’t owe me anything, Mr. Martinez. Please don’t concern yourself.” Classic Lila—always giving without calculating returns, a trait that could be either admirable or fatal in our world.

The doctor entered with my mother’s test results, confirming labyrinthitis. He provided instructions on activities she should avoid, particularly stress-inducing situations like family meetings, and prescribed medication. When my father inquired about air travel, the doctor approved but recommended waiting until the following day to allow her to rest and benefit from the medication. With all medical instructions carefully noted by both my father and Lila, my mother was discharged. Only then did my father relax enough to acknowledge Sybilla, Xavier, and me properly.

”I’m incredibly glad you came!” He smiled directly at me before turning to Xavier. ”Black, excellent to see you again. Is Sybilla still performing admirably in her position?”

”The pleasure is mine, Mr. Martinez. Yes, your daughter excels in everything she undertakes.” Xavier responded with the careful courtesy our world demanded.

”That’s wonderful! I suppose I really was a blind fool, wasn’t I, daughter?” My father opened his arms, and Sybilla embraced him.

”You’re not a fool, Dad, just an idiot who can’t recognize talent when it’s standing right in front of you.” Gregory and I laughed—Sybilla always spoke boldly to our father, who would smile and indulge her rebellious spirit. He often said she was the daughter who could manipulate him effortlessly, despite refusing to let her participate in family operations.

”I’m still your father, show some respect.” His attempt at sternness dissolved into laughter.

”Then start recognizing what’s directly under your nose!” Sybilla retorted with characteristic fire.

”Well, children, thank you for coming, but now I’m escorting my beautiful wife to rest.” My father turned to Gregory, ”Can you contact the hotel and arrange reservations?”

Before my brother could respond, Lila surprised everyone by speaking up with the authority of someone born into our world.

”You don’t need a hotel, you can stay with us. Right, Daniel?” She looked at me with that same commanding presence I’d found irresistible when she ordered me to see my mother.

”Dear, I appreciate the generous offer, but I don’t think that would be appropriate given the circumstances,” my father replied, uncharacteristically cautious about family boundaries. I sighed, knowing what needed to be done.

”Dad, you’ll stay with us. It’s better for Mom’s recovery, and we can finally discuss business and resolve everything.” The decision was made—or rather, Lila had made it—and now we needed to navigate this dangerous new territory.

”Are you certain about this arrangement?” I couldn’t recall ever seeing my father so hesitant about accepting hospitality.

”I’m sure,” I confirmed, bringing a radiant smile to my mother’s face that could have launched a thousand schemes.

”Then we’ll be staying at our son’s residence, Beatrice!” My father declared with satisfaction.

I glanced at Gregory, who was thoroughly enjoying this unprecedented scene and grinning like an idiot. I knew he’d tease me mercilessly once our parents were out of earshot about my girlfriend commanding the entire Martinez family hierarchy.

Lila turned to Gregory and Sloane with the same commanding authority. ”You two are welcome to stay as well. We have plenty of space.”

”Wait, what?” Sybilla interrupted, her eyes widening in protest. ”If everyone’s staying here, then I’m going to Xavier’s place for the night. I refuse to be stuck in a house full of—”

”You’re staying here, Sybilla,” Lila cut her off sharply, her voice carrying the unmistakable tone of a mafia daughter who wouldn’t tolerate defiance. ”This is family time.”

Gregory burst into laughter at the sight of Lila effortlessly commanding his rebellious sister into submission. ”I think we’d be delighted to accept your gracious invitation, Lila. On behalf of the family, I accept.”