Exposed to the CEO Behind the Mafia Mask

Roman Rossi’s POV

Chapter 123 - Manipulation and Mounting Frustrations

On my drive to the family compound, yesterday’s lunch with that bastard Caleb consumed my thoughts. Every arrogant word from his mouth only deepened my loathing for that privileged fool. The condescending way he spoke to me made my blood boil, but I had to swallow my pride. I needed him for my daughter, needed him to put a ring on her finger and give her children with his precious bloodline. The Thorne name was my golden ticket, guaranteeing that his entire empire would eventually flow to my daughter and grandson, and ultimately into my hands.

The most infuriating part was his audacity to push back the engagement ceremony by several months. Every delayed day meant my plans remained in limbo, but my darling Yara had to throw her tantrum about some ridiculous social event. Still, perhaps a grand, newspaper-worthy wedding would serve my purposes better. The whole underworld would witness my daughter becoming the legitimate Mrs. Thorne, mother to the next heir.

There was still the matter of that magnificent estate, his parents’ property. What a breathtaking fortress, sitting empty while that fool lived in his cramped penthouse. Now he wanted to stuff my Yara into some mediocre safe house. But my clever girl assured me she would handle that situation perfectly.

Another productive day awaited me at what would soon become my operation. My carefully laid plans were approaching fruition. That idiot believed himself so clever, yet he couldn’t identify who orchestrated Ivy’s downfall, even after discovering her innocence and bringing her back. He remained completely oblivious to the web spinning directly beneath his nose.

The endless renovation on my floor of the compound continued to irritate me beyond measure. Weeks had passed since construction began, with no completion in sight. Sharing space with those low-level street soldiers severely hampered my operations. I had to exercise extreme caution now, surrounded by unfamiliar faces from outside my crew. Caleb’s new security protocols, citing some mysterious system upgrade, had prompted Neil to temporarily halt our money laundering transactions. Well, he was the family accountant and my trusted ally, so I respected his judgment.

Today I planned to pressure Caleb into clearing my floor and lifting that damned security restriction. His prohibition against evening and weekend compound access made document switching considerably more challenging.

Reflecting on recent weeks, numerous strange changes had occurred throughout the family operations. Perhaps he harbored suspicions, though if that were true, he would have eliminated me immediately given his obvious disdain. I would push him to restore our previous operational rhythm. The major downside was losing Monica as my intelligence source within his inner circle. That incompetent woman actually assaulted some newcomer freak. Naturally, he wouldn’t tolerate such behavior. Now that useless Monica served no purpose beyond handling my daughter’s trivial requests, yet she persisted in calling me constantly like some lovesick teenager.

I parked and walked from the lot toward the Thorne compound, another source of daily frustration. Since losing my family parking privileges, I had to use street parking a block away. What an inconvenient waste of time and dignity.

Approaching the entrance, I spotted that fool waiting for me. I had been successfully avoiding her since her expulsion from the inner circle, but today she appeared here like some desperate stalker. Monica truly lacked basic intelligence. Being seen together could completely destroy my carefully constructed plans.

"Roman, don’t you dare pretend you didn’t see me. Move your ass over here. We need to talk immediately."

"Monica, this location is completely inappropriate."

"I don’t give a damn about appropriate. We’re talking right now. That little coffee shop across the street, nobody frequents it at this hour. Move it."

"Fine." I sighed heavily and crossed the street with mounting irritation.

We entered the quaint coffee shop and ordered coffees. This discreet little establishment had served as our emergency meeting location for months. The elderly owner typically worked alone, completely absorbed in her crossword puzzles, often so distracted she barely acknowledged customers.

"Make this quick, Monica. We cannot be observed together now that you’re no longer part of the inner circle."

"Watch your tone with me, Roman. I possess information that could obliterate you and your precious princess daughter."

"Don’t threaten me, Monica."

"Then don’t abandon me, Roman. If anyone notices us, simply claim I came begging for help getting my position back and you felt charitable."

"Agreed. What do you want?"

"What do I want, Roman? Money, obviously. My position back. And an explanation for why you’ve been avoiding me. It’s been far too long since we met, I miss you, tiger." Her syrupy, seductive voice made my skin crawl. This woman was absolutely pathetic.

"Monica, circumstances became extremely complicated after your departure from Caleb’s circle. I’m uncertain about that bastard’s current schemes. You must exercise patience."

"Roman, patience isn’t in my vocabulary. Figure something out immediately, or I start talking. Don’t forget that I arranged for that drugged drink to be served to Caleb at the party. That’s the only reason your little princess could make him believe they slept together, though we both know he was unconscious the entire time." Monica displayed that malicious smile I despised. "Besides, your daughter isn’t actually pregnant yet, and it was only through my connections that she managed to forge those test results at Caleb’s trusted doctor. I had to bribe the nurse who helped us, and you still haven’t reimbursed me."

"Alright, Monica." I sighed, calculating my options. This woman had become a genuine liability. "Meet me at the safe house during lunch. I’ll give you something special."

"Perfect. I’m heading there immediately."

Monica departed abruptly. What a dangerous woman. I needed to keep her satisfied until my plan reached completion, or perhaps arrange for her permanent disappearance. She still possessed valuable contacts at Caleb’s frequent haunts. The underground club receptionist, for instance, always informed us of his presence, making Yara’s strategic appearances much easier.

I finished my coffee and headed to the compound. The cafe owner never even glanced up from her crossword puzzle. A rival family could execute a hit right here without her noticing.

Observing all these unfamiliar street soldiers patrolling my floor filled me with rage. These people generated excessive noise, displayed too much eagerness, hardly resembled serious enforcers. I entered my pathetic temporary office, which immediately darkened my mood further. This place was becoming absolute hell.

My phone vibrated with a message from Neil: "Do you know anything about the new security system being implemented?"

Why this inquiry now? I had no knowledge of any system he referenced. Probably another worthless surveillance upgrade. I responded exactly that, and immediately received his reply.

"Better be worthless. Had drinks with a financial contact who mentioned a new tracking system that monitors entire family operations and is completely fraud-proof. One suspicious transaction triggers flags and blocks all operations. The system’s developer is Caleb’s friend. I pray he hasn’t purchased this technology. It costs a fortune."

What the hell was this? I didn’t realize such technology existed. But it definitely wasn’t that system. I had reviewed the contract and payment order from another source, relatively inexpensive. Neil was simply being paranoid. I messaged him this assessment and told him to relax.

Time to pressure Caleb about my floor situation. I called his direct line and that mysterious secretary answered. After requesting to speak with the boss, she transferred me following some delay.

"Caleb, we need to discuss something important." I snapped impatiently.

"What do you want, Roman?"

"In person. I’m coming upstairs."

"If you want conversation, it happens by phone. I’m not interested in looking at your face." This arrogant bastard would pay for every humiliation.

"Listen here, Caleb, I cannot remain on this temporary floor any longer. It’s like living in chaos with undisciplined soldiers. These people lack professionalism, respect for hierarchy. Too much noise, too much disruption. My floor renovation has dragged on excessively and must end immediately."

"Listen here, Roman, show proper respect for MY family’s soldiers. MY floor will be completed when I decide, and I’m keeping you with the street crew precisely BECAUSE I WANT TO." This son of a bitch was actually yelling at me. I wanted to put a bullet in his skull.

"Caleb, stop being childish. The underboss has always maintained separate quarters for legitimate reasons."

"Roman, it’s decided. You’ll permanently share quarters with the soldiers." He hung up on me. I was going to destroy this worthless piece of garbage.

Immediately afterward, my insufferable wife called demanding money for Yara’s engagement dress shopping, insisting I accompany them. Obviously I refused, but transferred money to that annoying woman’s account to end the conversation.

I spent the remaining morning in complete irritation. Time to meet that idiot Monica. What a miserable day. I left my temporary office and headed to the safe house. Upon arrival, I found that annoying woman waiting with takeout food.

"What the hell is this, Monica? You couldn’t possibly order something decent for my lunch?"

"Be grateful I ordered anything. I’m not your wife, Roman."

I sighed and consumed that pathetic meal. God, I appreciated fine dining, despised cheap food, and this idiot knew that perfectly. After eating, Monica began her performance.

"You seem extremely stressed, Roman. Come here, I’ll help you relax and forget your troubles."

"Excellent idea. I’ll work out my frustrations until I feel completely satisfied."

I proceeded to the bedroom and used that whore for the remainder of my lunch break. After dressing, I transferred money to her account via phone.

"I sent you something. Save it carefully because family finances are tight. Until the final takeover, everything remains complicated."

"Fine, it’s sufficient for now," she said, checking the amount. "But what about my position back?"

"That’s impossible currently, darling. Only after I assume control. You know we’re together, and you’ll become my personal lieutenant."

"When are you leaving your wife, Roman? You promised to make me your woman. I cannot tolerate my idiot husband any longer."

"Darling, we must endure this situation until everything concludes. I cannot stand that stupid wife of mine either. Once the family becomes mine, we’ll be together. Just exercise a little more patience."

"Alright," she sighed. "Your daughter wants my assistance choosing her engagement dress."

"Perfect, select the most beautiful one. My stupid wife has absolutely terrible taste."

I left that whore in the safe house. Very soon, I would eliminate her permanently. I couldn’t tolerate her presence much longer.