Chapter 523 - 119 Hidden Empire Revealed

Chapter 523: Chapter 119 Hidden Empire Revealed

Lila’s POV

Between Daniel’s father’s recent visit to our penthouse and dinner at Caleb and Ivy’s fortified estate, I hadn’t found time to contact my brother about the unfolding territorial negotiations. Now, during my lunch break at Thorne Corporation, I finally managed to reach Beckett about the dangerous developments threatening our family’s empire.

"Hey, little Lila! How’s my beautiful sister holding up?" Beckett’s voice carried its familiar warmth despite the chaos surrounding our family’s operations. No matter what blood feuds or territorial disputes swirled around him, he never failed to greet me with genuine affection that reminded me of simpler times.

"I’m surviving. How about my number one brother?" I teased, seeking comfort in our childhood ritual. His rich laugh filled the line—this had been our lifelong tradition. Since we were children, I’d called him my favorite brother, and he treasured it. Truth was, he genuinely was my favorite among the Sullivan bloodline.

"Missing you something fierce. So much that I’m planning another visit this weekend. Got room for me in that fortress of yours?"

His sudden eagerness raised red flags. After all, I’d lived under Daniel’s protection in this city for months without Beckett making the journey, yet now he wanted to return just days after his last clandestine visit to Thorne territory.

"You and Katarina always have sanctuary here. I’m thrilled you’re coming, but is there something specific driving this urgency?" We’d never danced around dangerous topics, so I pressed directly.

"Yes," he admitted without hesitation. "We need to discuss the family territories, and I genuinely miss having you close." His tone confirmed my suspicions—something significant was shifting in the underground power structure.

"Interesting timing. I wanted to ask about our operations too. Daniel’s father visited us recently—you know he controls that massive legitimate food distribution empire. He’s making moves on our family interests."

"He made an offer, but I refused outright. Are you interested in entertaining his proposal?"

"Absolutely not. If you declined, I trust your instincts completely. He wants to arrange a sit-down with you, though."

"That’s acceptable, but I’d rather not partner with Martinez interests. I prefer keeping our territories strictly within Sullivan control."

"I feel exactly the same way," I agreed, then hesitated. "But Beckett, why did Daniel’s father claim I control half our operations and assets? And that Father isn’t even listed as an active partner anymore?"

"That’s precisely what I wanted to discuss face-to-face. We’ve restructured everything because Father is divorcing your mother through the family tribunal."

My stomach clenched with dread. "So it’s true about my ownership?"

"Yes, Lila. Father wanted to protect our assets and territories. You know Justin and your mother—she would strip Father of everything and destroy our operations through sheer incompetence. Does knowing this disturb you?"

"It’s not disturbing—just shocking. I don’t understand what’s happening in our world. Plus, Daniel’s father seems to believe our empire is far more extensive than I realized."

"Sister, you really need to involve yourself in family business—I’ve always insisted on this. Things aren’t what they appear. Our operations are thriving beyond imagination, Lila."

"I don’t care about the territories, Beckett. I would have signed everything over to you already. What terrifies me is my mother’s reaction when she discovers I control half of our empire." That was my genuine fear—her already vicious treatment would become absolutely lethal.

"You’re not signing anything over. I manage your interests, but ownership belongs to you. As for your mother, neither Daniel nor I will allow her anywhere near you."

"I’m scared, Beckett," I confessed, my voice trembling with vulnerability. "Justin cornered me at the building entrance recently with those worthless street soldiers of his."

"What did that animal attempt?" The protective fury in his voice was immediate and dangerous.

"Nothing, thankfully. Daniel arrived in time, but Justin promised he’d come collect me," I explained. "I live in constant terror. I can’t even walk alone because I’m terrified my mother might appear, attack me, drag me back to Sullivan territory, and force me into marriage with Connor’s heir. I can’t continue living like this, afraid of my own blood."

"Lila, breathe slowly. I promise we’ll resolve this permanently. Trust me." I did trust him, but couldn’t envision any solution that wouldn’t end in bloodshed.

"I do trust you. But what if I transferred everything—all territories, operations, accounts—to you? Maybe she’d abandon me then. I think she only torments me because of the power and wealth."

"Calm yourself. We’ll discuss everything when I see you—I have extensive information to share. And that woman will leave you in peace, I absolutely guarantee it." He sounded so certain, but I couldn’t share his confidence given our mother’s ruthless nature.

"When are you arriving?"

"Later this week. Hold tight, sister. Everything will work out perfectly. Soothe that worried heart of yours." His words enveloped me like protective armor.

After our call, I felt marginally less agitated but still anxious about my mother’s inevitable retaliation. I decided to update Daniel and dialed his secure line.

"Tiny one, you need to take a deep breath," Daniel instructed after I recounted everything.

"I can’t. I’m terrified beyond reason. Do you understand what it’s like to fear your own flesh and blood?" My voice quavered.

"I can’t imagine that particular hell, my beautiful," his tone softened with understanding. "Promise you won’t leave this building until I’m with you. I don’t want that punk cornering you again."

"I won’t," I assured him, too frightened to consider otherwise.

"Daniel, I’m considering pausing law school until this territorial war is resolved," I admitted, voice shaking.

"Tiny one, the semester’s nearly finished. Wouldn’t it be smarter to complete it and decide during break?"

"Perhaps." He was absolutely right, but my terror made academic concerns seem trivial.

I returned to work, attempting focus, when my phone rang. The receptionist informed me my mother was calling the main Thorne line. Since deactivating my personal cell after her violent invasion of Daniel’s apartment, she’d resorted to contacting my workplace. I instructed the receptionist to transfer her call.

"Lila, why is your personal line disconnected?" She was already screaming.

"Because I’m finished tolerating your psychological warfare. I’m only answering now to tell you never to contact my workplace again."

"You insolent, disrespectful, ungrateful child! I am your mother, Lila."

"Act like my mother and perhaps we’ll communicate again."

"Listen carefully, Lila. Mind your tone with me. Isn’t it sufficient what your boyfriend did to your brother? Restraining my son and exiling him from our territory—absolutely outrageous! How could you permit this, you useless girl?"

"I would have permitted far worse. Justin threatened me with his crew. Mother, I’ve had enough. You won’t strike me anymore. Justin won’t intimidate me anymore. Leave me alone, or the next time you touch me, I’ll file assault charges through legitimate channels."

"What blasphemy! I’m your mother—" I disconnected.

"Your mother causing territorial problems?" I looked up to find Caleb standing before my desk, rendering me speechless. He pulled out his encrypted phone and made a brief call. "My security chief will send a list of people banned from entering Thorne properties. Their calls shouldn’t be transferred to any of our people." He ended the call and focused on me.

"Lila, contact building security and provide names and numbers of those harassing you. I want this place to be your absolute sanctuary."

He squeezed my hand gently, and I felt overwhelming gratitude. My mother might not love me—a deep, painful wound—but I had family willing to shed blood protecting me. In this brutal reality, their loyalty offered undeniable comfort.