Exposed to the CEO Behind the Mafia Mask

Ivy’s POV

Inspector Adler’s voice carried a note of satisfaction when he called to inform me about the meeting. Brodie had finally agreed to see me, and Adler had arranged it for the following afternoon at the federal detention center. The controlled environment would serve dual purposes - they could take Brodie’s official statement about the Thorne family operations while ensuring my safety.

When the appointed hour arrived, I stood outside the imposing concrete fortress, flanked by Caleb and our security detail. The autumn air bit at my cheeks as we climbed the steps, each footfall echoing my racing heartbeat. Adler greeted us at the entrance, his weathered face grave as he led us through sterile corridors lined with reinforced steel doors to his cramped interrogation room.

"Wait here," he instructed, gesturing toward uncomfortable metal chairs bolted to the floor. "I’ll bring him in shortly."

The minutes stretched like hours until heavy footsteps and the jangle of chains announced their return. Two federal marshals flanked the man who had once shared my bed, and I barely recognized him. Brodie’s once-pristine appearance had deteriorated into something almost feral. Stubble covered his hollow cheeks, his head had been shaved down to the scalp, and the orange federal jumpsuit hung loose on his diminished frame. Yet despite his circumstances, that infuriating smirk still played at the corners of his mouth.

"Secure him there," Adler commanded, pointing to a chair bolted to the wall with reinforced steel restraints. The marshals maneuvered Brodie into position, threading his handcuffs through a metal rail that gleamed under the harsh fluorescent lights.

"Mrs. Thorne is here as requested, Brodie," Adler announced with professional detachment.

Brodie’s eyes found mine, and I suppressed a shudder at the calculated hunger in his gaze. "Look how far you’ve climbed, Ivy. Mrs. Thorne now, is it?" His voice carried that same mocking tone that had once charmed me and now made my skin crawl. "Married to the most feared Don on the East Coast. I need to speak with her alone."

"Absolutely not," Adler replied without hesitation.

Brodie shrugged with practiced nonchalance. "Then I suppose you’ll continue chasing shadows while Roman remains free to complete his coup."

The words hit their mark. Before I could stop myself, I was on my feet. "I’ll speak with him."

"Ivy, no!" Caleb’s voice cracked like a whip, but I had already made my decision.

I turned to my husband, our eyes meeting across the tension-filled room. Trust me, I mouthed silently. Caleb’s jaw worked as he fought some internal battle before finally nodding his consent.

"Inspector, he’s properly restrained?" I asked, needing the reassurance.

"Completely secured, Ivy. We’ll be right outside monitoring everything. One word from you and we’re in."

Brodie’s laugh was low and predatory. "How am I supposed to touch you properly with these things on, sweetheart? Can’t run my hands over that gorgeous body of yours like I used to when you were slumming it in that garage—"

The chair scraped against concrete as Caleb lunged forward, his fist connecting with Brodie’s jaw in swift strikes that would have shattered bone if not for Adler’s intervention. "Keep your filthy mouth off my wife!"

"Federal assault," Brodie gasped through his split lip, though his eyes danced with twisted amusement. "The judge will hear about this police brutality."

Adler hauled Caleb back while addressing Brodie with cold authority. "The judge will also hear that you returned to your cell without a single mark on you, according to the medical report I’ll be filing." Brodie’s grin faltered slightly. "Ivy, maintain your distance from him."

Alone with my past mistake, revulsion washed over me in waves. The man I had once believed I loved sat before me in federal chains, and all I could feel was disgust at my younger self’s poor judgment in the dangerous underworld we inhabited. I settled into the chair across from him, maintaining careful composure.

"You wanted this conversation. I’m here. What do you want?"

His eyes roamed over me with nauseating familiarity. "Still stunning, Ivy. Even after four babies. Motherhood in the family business suits you."

Ice crystallized in my veins. "How could you possibly know about my son?"

"Your dear cousin Tiffany keeps me well-informed during her conjugal visits." His smile turned venomous. "She despises your rise to power, you know. Always has. The jealousy eats at her constantly now that you’re the Thorne Syndicate’s first lady."

"I figured that out when I found you both in my bed."

"Still wounded by that betrayal, darling?" The pet name felt like acid on my ears.

"Don’t call me that!" I snapped, then forced a bright smile. "Wounded? Tiffany did me the greatest favor of my life. Leaving you led me to find a real man, someone worthy of ruling an empire."

Dark clouds gathered in Brodie’s expression.

"You certainly landed well, didn’t you? Married to the most powerful Don, his heir, living in that fortress they call a mansion." His tone turned calculating. "But blood helps blood, Ivy. I’m stuck in this federal hell, tolerating that worthless cousin of yours. You owe me."

"I owe you nothing. You created this situation when you chose to work for Roman’s faction."

"Listen, I only slept with Tiffany because she threw herself at me. What can I say? I’m a man - when women offer themselves, I take what’s available. Just like with Monica and the others."

"You’re revolting!" The words exploded from me. "You’re not a businessman - you’re a pathetic bottom-feeder who plants bombs for money."

"Such sweet words from my former lover!"

I forced myself back under control. "What exactly do you want from me?"

"Simple. You and your powerful husband provide me with the best federal defense attorney money can buy. Regular money transfers to my commissary account. Regular visits while I’m serving my sentence."

Laughter burst from my chest at the sheer audacity. "You actually believe there’s a chance I’d agree to that?"

"Then you’ll be searching for Roman until the feds shut down your entire operation."

"I truly regret every moment I wasted on you. You’re beneath contempt."

"We were good together, Ivy. If your cousin hadn’t seduced me that day, we’d be running our own crew by now."

"No, Brodie. I would have eventually seen through your facade." I leaned forward slightly. "Let me offer you some advice - confess to your crimes and cooperate fully. Federal cooperation means reduced sentences."

"Why would I do something so stupid?"

"Because my husband possesses both wealth and federal connections. He can ensure your life becomes infinitely worse than a standard federal sentence. He already detested you, but knowing you helped murder his parents? He’ll move mountains to see you rot in maximum security forever." 𝒇𝒓𝒆𝒆𝙬𝒆𝒃𝓷𝒐𝓿𝙚𝙡.𝒄𝓸𝒎

"What proof does he have? The day that car bomb went off, I was exchanging vows with your cousin." His smile turned predatory. "I specifically chose that date for the perfect alibi."

The casual cruelty took my breath away. I needed leverage, something that would crack his armor of selfishness. Then it hit me - there was one person who still mattered to him.

"Your mother must be devastated by all this federal investigation. Has she visited?"

The change was immediate. His cocky demeanor cracked. "No, she hasn’t come. Her lupus flares can’t handle federal prison visits - doctor’s orders. Why bring her into this?"

"I always respected your mother. She’s a good woman who raised multiple children in that neighborhood alone. Now her youngest has broken her heart by getting mixed up in organized crime."

"Leave my mother out of this conversation."

"Wouldn’t you like to speak with her? Maybe through secure video call? I know she and Tiffany don’t communicate, so she’s probably desperate for news, terrified and alone."

Brodie’s mask slipped completely. He leaned forward as far as his federal restraints allowed. "You think one video call with my mother will make me spill everything about Roman’s operation? You’re smarter than that."

"I have a proposition. If you agree, I’ll make it happen."

His eyes sharpened. "I’m listening."

"You’re facing serious federal time for kidnapping my son. We both know that." He nodded grimly. "I know your mother’s lupus is progressing badly. I can convince Caleb to pay for her treatment at the country’s premier lupus research facility - private rooms, the best specialists, no waiting lists, guaranteed experimental treatments. Plus I’ll arrange regular secure video calls through federal channels. In exchange, you confess everything and tell us what you know about Roman’s coup attempt."

Brodie’s head dropped as he wrestled with the decision. When he looked up again, something vulnerable flickered in his eyes.

"Regular video calls with my mother."

"That’s pushing federal protocol. Maybe monthly."

"Fine." He sighed heavily. "Arrange that, and I’ll tell you everything about Roman’s plans."

I moved to the door and called the others in. "I’ve negotiated terms for Brodie’s full cooperation, but I need both of you to hear this."

Adler entered with measured steps. "Let’s hear your terms."

"Caleb, Brodie’s mother is genuinely good-hearted. She’s suffering from severe lupus and has no connection to any family operations. I’d like you to fund her treatment at the best medical facility available. She means everything to Brodie."

Caleb studied Brodie with barely contained rage. "The irony of caring for the mother of my parents’ killer isn’t lost on me." His voice was granite. "But if you vouch for her character, I’ll handle it. Besides, she’s not responsible for her son’s choices in the underworld. I’ll make arrangements today, including a full-time medical companion."

Gratitude flooded through me. "You’re incredibly generous." I placed my hand over his heart, feeling it race beneath my palm. "Inspector, I need you to authorize an immediate secure video call with his mother, then arrange monthly calls through federal protocols."

"The immediate call is simple. Monthly calls require judicial approval and federal oversight," Adler explained. "I can petition the judge, but organized crime cases have strict communication protocols."

"No deal," Brodie said flatly.

"You’d sacrifice your mother’s healthcare over video calls? That’s pure selfishness even by criminal standards," Caleb spat, disgust evident in every word.

Brodie looked away, jaw working. Finally: "Alright. But the Inspector has to try for the monthly calls through proper federal channels."

"And I want to speak with my mother before I say anything else about Roman’s operation."

Caleb was already reaching for his phone. "I’ll call my people and set up her medical care immediately."