Mafia Lord's Mute Sweetheart

Chapter 112: Chapter 112 Something is definitely fishy

Standing so close, the faint scent surrounding Daisy reached him. A delicate blend of floral perfume, fresh soap, and something uniquely her. It wasn’t overpowering. It was soft, clean, and comforting.

Without realizing it, Alessio found himself breathing a little slower. His gaze drifted from her hands to her face, lingering on the curve of her smile, the sparkle in her eyes.

Daisy continued explaining, completely absorbed in the discussion. Every now and then, she would glance up at him, silently asking,

Do you understand?

Each time, he gave a small nod.

"Go on."

She smiled faintly before continuing, her fingers moving with renewed confidence.

Watching the two of them, Ace’s jaw slowly dropped. He leaned toward Mona, his voice barely a whisper.

"...Sir," he murmured. "I think... he actually understands her."

Mona blinked several times, her eyes wide. "He shouldn’t. I’ve worked with Daisy for weeks, and I still miss half her signs."

Ace nodded absentmindedly. "Exactly."

Neither of them noticed that every time Daisy looked up to check whether Alessio understood, his attention never once left her face.

❀┈┈┈┈❀

By the time the workday finally came to an end, the atmosphere inside the laboratory had completely transformed.

The tension that had weighed on everyone for days had disappeared. Laughter and chatter filled the space as researchers packed up their equipment, their exhaustion replaced by a lightness that hadn’t been there in weeks.

Ace stretched his arms above his head dramatically, his joints popping as he let out a satisfied groan.

"We survived!"

Mona laughed, rolling her eyes. "We didn’t just survive." She pointed proudly at Daisy. "She saved us."

Several researchers nodded in agreement, their voices overlapping with praise.

"Our genius!"

"Daisy deserves the biggest treat today!"

"She should get a raise!"

Daisy immediately waved both hands in denial, her cheeks turning bright pink. She shook her head vigorously, trying to deflect the attention. She smiled shyly before bowing her head, making everyone laugh.

Ace gently nudged her shoulder. "No being humble today. You earned this."

Daisy’s smile grew even brighter, her eyes crinkling at the corners.

Everyone gradually packed their belongings before heading toward the company entrance together. The evening sky was painted with shades of orange and gold, the last rays of sunlight casting long shadows across the pavement. A gentle breeze carried the scent of blooming flowers from the nearby garden, adding to the peaceful atmosphere.

The moment they stepped outside, Ace suddenly stopped walking.

"Huh?"

Several others followed his gaze.

A black luxury car was parked directly outside the entrance, its sleek surface gleaming under the fading light. It looked expensive, powerful, out of place in the casual parking lot. The engine was still running, a low, purring sound that seemed to attract attention.

Leaning casually against it was Alessio.

Still dressed in his perfectly tailored black suit, one hand resting inside his pocket, he looked as though he had been waiting there for quite some time. His expression was calm, unreadable, his green eyes scanning the group as they emerged. The evening light caught the sharp angles of his face, making him look like a figure from a painting.

The moment Daisy walked out, his green eyes found her immediately.

Without saying a word, he simply lifted one hand. Then pointed toward the passenger seat of his car.

A silent gesture.

Come.

Daisy blinked.

She looked at the car, then at Ace, then back at Alessio. Confusion flickered across her face. Why was he waiting for her? He hadn’t mentioned anything earlier. Had he come to discuss the formula further? Or was there something else?

After a brief hesitation, she smiled apologetically and gently shook her head.

No.

Alessio didn’t move.

He simply repeated the same gesture, pointing again toward the car. His expression remained calm and patient, as though he fully expected her to walk over.

Daisy bit her lip.

She awkwardly shook her head again, this time a little more firmly. Her hands moved in a small, apologetic gesture.

I’m sorry. I have plans with the team.

Meanwhile, Ace and Mona quietly exchanged looks.

Both of them slowly narrowed their eyes, suspicion appearing in their expressions.

Something didn’t seem right.

Ace cleared his throat and stepped forward politely. "Sir."

Alessio shifted his gaze from Daisy to him, his expression unchanged.

Ace smiled awkwardly, gesturing toward the group. "We’re actually planning to celebrate today’s success. The whole team is going together." He pointed toward Daisy. "So... Daisy’s coming with us."

Silence.

For a brief second, the air seemed to turn noticeably colder. The warm evening breeze suddenly felt sharp and crisp.

Alessio’s green eyes rested on Ace, studying him with unreadable intensity.

Then they slowly returned to Daisy. His expression revealed nothing. Only his eyes had become just a little colder.

"...Alright."

His voice remained calm.

"So be it."

Daisy looked at him apologetically, her heart sinking slightly. She quickly raised her hands.

I’m sorry.

The gesture was small and almost timid, like a child seeking forgiveness.

Alessio watched her for a moment, his gaze lingering on her face. He noticed the way her brows furrowed with concern, the way her fingers fidgeted nervously. He noticed the slight downturn of her lips, the worry in her eyes.

Then he gave a single nod.

"It’s fine."

He opened the driver’s door and got into his car, his movements smooth and controlled.

A moment later, the engine started. The black sedan quietly drove away, disappearing around the corner.

The laboratory staff stood watching until it disappeared from view.

Only then did Mona let out the breath she had been unconsciously holding.

"...That was intense."

Mona slowly looked at Daisy, then back toward the road where the car had disappeared.

"...Something is definitely fishy."

Ace nodded absentmindedly. "...Very fishy."

Meanwhile, Daisy quietly watched the disappearing car, her fingers still raised mid-gesture.

For some reason, she couldn’t shake the feeling that Alessio had looked... disappointed.

Before she could dwell on it further, Ace suddenly clapped his hands.

"Enough!" He grinned, his energy infectious. "Let’s celebrate before I change my mind and go back to work."

Everyone laughed, the tension dissipating as the group headed toward the restaurant together.

Daisy followed, but her mind was elsewhere.

She kept thinking about Alessio’s expression, the way his eyes had lingered on her, the way he had said "It’s fine." without any warmth.

She wondered if she had hurt his feelings.