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CHAPTER 30

Author: Joe Honey
last update Last Updated: 2024-12-07 01:16:34

The morning sunlight streamed through the windows of the Moretti estate, painting the elegant corridors with a deceptive warmth. But Maya’s world was far from serene. Each passing hour tightened the noose around her, the weight of the notes, threats, and the looming shadow of Donovan growing heavier.

She knew Zane was working tirelessly to dismantle the web of schemes threatening them, but she couldn’t shake the nagging feeling that their enemies were always one step ahead.

As she stepped into the dining hall for breakfast, the atmosphere was thick with unspoken tension. Helena sat at her usual place at the head of the table, her sharp gaze flicking to Maya as she entered. Luca lounged nearby, a smug grin playing on his lips as though he knew something no one else did.

“Maya,” Helena said with a smile as thin as glass, “you’re looking… thoughtful this morning. I trust you’ve been sleeping well?”

Maya didn’t bother with pretense. “As well as anyone can under these circumstances.”

Luca chuckled softly, his dark eyes glinting with amusement. “Oh, come now, dear sister-in-law. Surely you’re not letting a few anonymous notes rattle you? This is the Moretti estate, after all. No one can touch us here.”

Maya’s stomach churned, but she met his gaze evenly. “I wouldn’t be so sure, Luca. Walls have ears, and someone seems intent on making themselves heard.”

His grin faltered for the briefest moment before returning, sharper than before. “Touché.”

After breakfast, Maya found herself wandering the estate’s gardens again, seeking solace in the fresh air and the illusion of peace. She passed the fountain where she’d found the previous note, her eyes scanning her surroundings with a new sense of vigilance.

She didn’t expect to see anyone, but as she rounded a corner, she nearly collided with a familiar figure.

Isabella.

The A-list actress stood poised beneath a trellis, her expression unreadable.

“You have a habit of showing up at the worst times,” Maya said, her voice flat.

Isabella’s lips curled into a faint smile. “And you have a habit of ignoring good advice.”

Maya crossed her arms, her patience wearing thin. “If you have something to say, just say it. I’m not in the mood for games.”

Isabella’s smile faded, replaced by an uncharacteristic seriousness. “This isn’t a game, Maya. Donovan doesn’t play fair, and he doesn’t leave loose ends. You’re in over your head, and Zane can’t save you from everything.”

“Why do you care?” Maya demanded, her frustration spilling over. “You’ve done nothing but undermine me since the moment you showed up.”

“Because I’ve seen what happens to people who get caught in Donovan’s crosshairs,” Isabella said quietly. “And despite what you think, I don’t want you to end up like them.”

Maya’s chest tightened, her anger momentarily eclipsed by the weight of Isabella’s words. “If you know so much, then help us. Tell us what Donovan’s planning.”

Isabella hesitated, her gaze flicking away. “I can’t.”

“Can’t or won’t?” Maya pressed.

“I’ve said enough,” Isabella replied, her tone colder now. “Take care, Maya. And watch your back.”

Before Maya could respond, Isabella turned and walked away, leaving her alone with more questions than answers.

Maya didn’t have to wait long for more revelations. That afternoon, Alex called her to the security wing, his expression grim as he gestured for her to sit.

“We’ve got a problem,” he began, sliding a folder across the desk toward her.

Maya opened it to reveal photographs and reports detailing the movements of Carlo, the estate’s driver. Her stomach dropped as she saw images of him meeting with a man she recognized from Donovan’s files.

“Carlo’s been feeding Donovan information,” Alex said, his tone clipped. “We don’t know how much he’s shared, but it’s enough to compromise the estate’s security.”

Maya’s breath hitched. “How long have you known?”

“We confirmed it this morning,” Alex said. “Zane wanted to handle it discreetly, but I thought you should know. He’s being detained as we speak.”

Maya’s mind raced. Carlo had been with the Morettis for years. The idea that he had betrayed them—betrayed her—was a bitter pill to swallow.

“What happens now?” she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.

“We’ll question him,” Alex said. “And then we’ll decide what to do.”

That evening, Zane called Maya to his study. When she entered, she was greeted by the sight of Carlo seated in a chair, his hands bound and his face pale.

Zane stood behind his desk, his expression as cold and unyielding as steel. Alex was nearby, his arms crossed as he watched the driver with an intensity that made Maya’s skin crawl.

“You betrayed me,” Zane said, his voice low and deadly. “You put my wife and child at risk. Start talking, Carlo, or you won’t leave this room.”

Carlo’s gaze darted to Maya, his eyes pleading. “I didn’t have a choice! Donovan threatened my family. He said he’d kill them if I didn’t cooperate.”

Zane’s jaw tightened. “And you thought the best way to protect them was to sell us out?”

“I—I didn’t tell him everything,” Carlo stammered. “Just enough to keep him off my back.”

“Like the location of the safe house?” Zane snapped.

Carlo flinched, his silence confirmation enough.

Maya stepped forward, her voice trembling with anger. “Do you have any idea what you’ve done? My father is in danger because of you!”

“I’m sorry,” Carlo said, his voice breaking. “But you don’t understand what Donovan is capable of. He’s not just coming after you—he’s coming after everything.”

Zane leaned closer, his silver eyes burning with fury. “Then you’d better start telling us what else you’ve shared. Every detail, Carlo. Or I’ll make sure Donovan is the least of your worries.”

By the time the interrogation ended, Maya felt drained. Carlo had revealed enough to confirm their worst fears: Donovan had infiltrated their inner circle, and he wasn’t just targeting Maya. He was targeting Zane’s empire, one piece at a time.

As she sat with Zane later that night, the two of them poring over the information Carlo had provided, Maya couldn’t help but feel the weight of the battle ahead.

“He’s not going to stop,” she said quietly. “No matter what we do.”

Zane’s expression hardened. “Neither will we.”

“What’s the plan?” Maya asked.

“We turn this around,” Zane said. “We make Donovan think he’s winning. And when he gets comfortable, we take him down.”

Maya nodded, her resolve strengthening. “I want to help.”

Zane’s gaze softened as he reached for her hand. “You already are.”

As the estate settled into an uneasy quiet, Maya found herself standing by the window in their suite, staring out into the darkness. The threats, the betrayals, the lies—it was all closing in, and she couldn’t shake the feeling that the next move would determine everything.

Zane joined her, wrapping an arm around her waist as he pressed a kiss to her temple.

“We’ll get through this,” he murmured.

Maya leaned into him, her hand resting on her stomach. “We have to.”

Because failure wasn’t an option.

Not when so much was at stake.

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