Exposed to the CEO Behind the Mafia Mask

Chapter 384: Chapter 168 Best Laid Plans

Nancy’s POV

Everything was supposed to unfold like clockwork. Nick and I had orchestrated what should have been a flawless operation. He would handle neutralizing the Gemma problem while I concentrated on securing Dominic—my golden pathway into the Thorne family’s vast fortune.

I had meticulously selected an obscure shopping center in the outskirts for my rendezvous with Willow, calculating the minimal risk of her encountering anyone from her daughter’s dangerous new world. I spun her some fabricated tale about transportation difficulties and this particular mall being conveniently situated near my residence. The unsuspecting woman accepted every word without question, saving me the expense of hired transport or the humiliation of using public transit like common street trash.

When she arrived punctually, I executed the opening move of our scheme with practiced precision. "My phone died completely. Would you mind if I borrowed yours to contact my father?" I requested with carefully rehearsed vulnerability. Without the slightest hesitation, she handed over her unlocked device. I placed the call to Nick while she remained oblivious, then returned it casually to the table. Willow set it down before flagging a server—creating the perfect opportunity for what came next.

One of my brother’s soldiers had positioned himself strategically nearby. He executed a smooth walk-by, lifting the phone without Willow detecting the theft, then delivered it directly to our tech specialist waiting with Nick. With complete access to Willow’s communications, Nick could now send messages to Gemma while impersonating her mother. My sole responsibility was maintaining Willow’s distraction until Nick confirmed the target was secured.

We had planned every contingency with military precision. Nick and I had even purchased the cooperation of the police surveillance team monitoring my apartment building to temporarily abandon their posts. Nothing could possibly derail our operation.

Except for an unforeseen complication. That child materialized without warning—Vincenzo, bearing those unmistakable emerald eyes that mirrored both his mother’s and his uncle Dominic’s distinctive features. Though he had never encountered me previously, he studied my face with an intensity that made my skin crawl with unease.

The audacious little brat inserted himself directly into my conversation with Willow, and then disaster struck with devastating swiftness. He contacted Gemma immediately, delivering a warning before she could reach Nick’s predetermined location. I had argued extensively with Nick about positioning himself closer to her workplace, but he insisted on maintaining his position near the hill compound for rapid extraction. His overconfidence had always been his weakness.

The moment Vincenzo made that crucial call, I recognized our entire operation had crumbled. While Willow and the child were momentarily distracted, I slipped away from the shopping center undetected. I immediately contacted Nick to deliver the catastrophic news, enduring his predictable explosion of rage and profanity. "Just vanish completely," I advised him firmly. "The authorities will be hunting you now." He informed me of his intention to retreat to the hill, stubbornly determined to locate another opportunity to capture Gemma.

Returning to my apartment, I contemplated seeking refuge at the hill compound for an extended period. That child had given me such a penetrating look—as though he could see through every carefully constructed lie I had told his grandmother. If he encountered my photograph anywhere, he might provide identification to the authorities. My strategic planning was interrupted by an urgent phone call.

"What is it, Stevie?" I answered, unable to conceal my irritation completely.

"Nancy, what exactly were you and the accountant attempting to accomplish?" My brother’s voice carried dangerous undertones.

I understood better than to deceive Stevie under any circumstances. "He was supposed to acquire the woman and transport her to the hill compound today, but complications arose. I advised him to retreat there immediately."

"I already know what you did. My soldier reported everything. But you sent the accountant up there at the worst possible moment." Stevie’s voice transformed to arctic coldness.

Dread settled in my stomach like a lead weight. "Why? What happened up there?"

"Federal agents were conducting a raid on the hill, there was an extensive firefight, and the accountant caught the worst of it. He and others won’t be coming back down."

"Nick is dead?" Disbelief washed through me in waves. "What were federal agents doing at our compound?"

"They arrived to execute a search warrant. But my soldiers weren’t about to permit them access without resistance. They opened fire, agents returned fire, and the accountant took his final breath. They also arrested several of my key personnel, including my operational manager. I require a new manager immediately and I only trust family. You’re going up to the hill."

This wasn’t a request requiring consideration—it was a direct command from family hierarchy.

I released a heavy sigh of resignation. "Understood. After today’s disaster, I was already considering spending time up there anyway."

"Then it’s decided. Get up there today and restore order to operations. I want everything running smoothly again. And don’t even consider giving me problems—I know your obsession with money, but people will be monitoring you constantly up there."

"Don’t worry. You know I value my life more than money." I assured him, earning a brief chuckle of acknowledgment.

After ending our conversation, I packed my belongings methodically, secured my apartment, and began the journey to the hill compound. I would be trapped there for an indefinite period. Though I despised that isolated place, defying Stevie wasn’t a viable option. He compensated generously, and once he located someone trustworthy to replace me, I could resume hunting for another wealthy target.

I had accepted the harsh reality—Dominic was no longer achievable. With me confined to the hill compound, maintaining any pursuit was impossible. He possessed extraordinary wealth and undeniable attractiveness, but circumstances change. Better to adapt than waste time pursuing impossibilities.

However, one objective remained absolutely certain—I would systematically destroy Gemma’s existence, for myself and as tribute to Nick. That incompetent fool had ruined everything we built, and revenge would serve as my consolation prize. I would orchestrate something so devastating she would never forget the consequences of crossing Nancy.