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CHAPTER 34
Last Updated:
2024-12-09 00:21:32
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Bound by the Billionaire's Claim CHAPTER 35
The Moretti estate was alive with its usual elegance, but beneath its polished surface, tension simmered. Maya could feel it in the air—the sharp glances, the veiled comments, the way conversations seemed to stop when she entered a room.At breakfast, Helena sat across from Maya, her expression cool and unreadable. Zane was absent, caught up in yet another meeting to handle the fallout of Luca’s betrayal. The table felt far too large and quiet for two people.“Maya,” Helena began, her voice smooth. “You’ve adjusted well to life here, considering the circumstances.”Maya set her coffee cup down carefully, already bracing herself for whatever was coming. “I’m doing my best.”Helena’s lips curved into a faint smile. “It’s admirable, truly. But I wonder if you’ve considered how… tenuous your position here is.”Maya frowned. “What do you mean?”Helena tilted her head, her eyes sharp. “This family requires strength, resilience, and loyalty. And while Zane may be… infatuated, those feelings
Last Updated : 2024-12-09Bound by the Billionaire's Claim CHAPTER 36
The following day dawned with a strange stillness, as though the Moretti estate was holding its breath. Maya spent the morning pacing the suite, trying to distract herself with small tasks, but her thoughts kept drifting back to the previous day.Luca’s words about Cocona. Helena’s veiled threats.The cracks in the Moretti family were widening, and Maya could feel the weight of every fracture pressing down on her.By midmorning, she decided she couldn’t stay idle any longer. She needed to take control of something—anything.Helena’s Subtle StrikeMaya found herself in the sunroom, a quiet corner of the estate where she could think. She didn’t expect Helena to join her, but when the older woman entered, she braced herself.“Maya,” Helena said, her tone light but her eyes sharp. “I’ve been thinking about our conversation yesterday. It’s clear to me that you’re… determined to find your place in this family.”“I am,” Maya replied evenly.Helena sat gracefully on a nearby chair, folding he
Last Updated : 2024-12-10Bound by the Billionaire's Claim CHAPTER 37
The following day, Maya awoke with a renewed sense of determination. The manipulations swirling around her had shaken her, but they wouldn’t break her. If she was going to survive in this family, she needed to stop reacting to every provocation and start taking control.As she dressed for the day, Zane was already on the phone, his voice firm and commanding. Even when distracted, he exuded confidence and authority, a constant reminder of the stakes they were fighting for.Maya left the suite quietly, her steps purposeful as she sought out the one person she knew could help her navigate the minefield of the Moretti estate.A Strategy with AlexMaya found Alex in the security wing, his eyes glued to a bank of monitors. When he noticed her approach, he straightened, his expression neutral.“Maya,” he greeted. “What can I do for you?”She glanced at the screens, the images of guards patrolling the estate reinforcing the fortress-like atmosphere. “I need your help,” she said, her voice ste
Last Updated : 2024-12-10Bound by the Billionaire's Claim CHAPTER 38
Maya woke to a strange quiet. The estate always felt imposing, but today the stillness unnerved her. She slipped out of bed, careful not to wake Zane, and padded across the room. Pulling aside the heavy curtain, she glanced out at the estate grounds. The guards were in their usual places, the lush garden bathed in early morning light, but something felt off.Her thoughts lingered on the tangled web of manipulation that surrounded her. Helena’s calculated words, Luca’s insinuations—both were designed to make her question everything. And while she’d held her ground, doubt was an insidious enemy.She glanced back at Zane, still lost in sleep, his usually tense features softened. For all his strength, he carried the weight of their world on his shoulders. It was time she eased some of that burden.Helena’s Quiet ThreatsAt breakfast, Helena sat in her usual seat, her presence a cold, commanding force. Maya hesitated as she entered the room, but with a deep breath, she took her place at th
Last Updated : 2024-12-10Bound by the Billionaire's Claim CHAPTER 39
The Moretti estate bustled with activity the next morning, but Maya felt the weight of every glance and whispered words as though they were aimed directly at her. She had resolved not to let Helena or Luca’s manipulations shake her, but the strain of constant conflict was wearing thin.Still, she pushed forward. She had a place in this family, whether they accepted it or not.Maya spent most of the morning in the nursery, arranging the baby’s things. The soft pastels and tiny clothes offered a small reprieve from the chaos, a reminder of the life she and Zane were building.But even here, peace was fleeting.Helena’s Subtle PushHelena appeared in the doorway, her expression unreadable as she surveyed the room.“Maya,” she said smoothly. “May I join you?”Maya hesitated, then nodded. “Of course.”Helena stepped inside, her sharp eyes scanning the neatly arranged shelves and folded blankets. “Preparing for the future, I see. That’s wise.”Maya forced a polite smile. “It’s important to
Last Updated : 2024-12-10Bound by the Billionaire's Claim CHAPTER 40
The tension in the Moretti estate had settled into a suffocating rhythm. Every day felt like a new battle, a subtle war of whispers, manipulation, and carefully chosen words. But Maya had made a decision: she wouldn’t sit idly by anymore.If Helena and Luca wanted a game, she would play to win.The dining room was alive with quiet clicking as Helena, Zane, and Maya sat around the large table. Zane’s attention was buried in a document, his silver eyes scanning the pages as he ate mechanically.Helena, on the other hand, was all too aware of Maya’s presence. Her piercing gaze swept over Maya like a hawk.“You’ve been quiet this morning, Maya,” Helena said, her voice smooth.Maya looked up, her face calm. “Just thinking.”Helena smiled faintly, her fork hovering above her plate. “About?”Maya met her gaze evenly. “How to be an asset to this family.”The words hung in the air, drawing Zane’s attention. He set the document aside, his brow furrowing as he looked between them.Helena’s smile
Last Updated : 2024-12-11Bound by the Billionaire's Claim CHAPTER 41
The morning came with an oppressive heaviness, the Moretti estate quieter than usual, as though everyone was holding their breath. Maya’s mind was still reeling from the night before—the discovery of Donovan’s connection to Moretti business dealings and Zane’s insistence that it was in the past.But was it really?As Maya dressed for the day, she resolved not to let the doubt consume her. If she wanted the truth, she would have to search for it herself.Helena’s CalculationsMaya entered the dining room to find Helena already seated, sipping her tea with an air of regal detachment. Her piercing eyes flicked to Maya as she approached, her smile faint and unreadable.“Good morning, my dear,” Helena said smoothly.Maya forced a polite smile as she took her seat. “Morning.”Helena set her cup down, her gaze sharp. “I heard you’ve been spending time in the library. Researching family history, perhaps?”Maya’s chest tightened, but she kept her expression neutral. “Just trying to understand
Last Updated : 2024-12-11Bound by the Billionaire's Claim CHAPTER 42
The estate’s tension had reached a fever pitch by the next morning. Maya could feel it in every strained interaction, every clipped conversation. But this time, she wasn’t content to sit back and wait for the next blow to land.She had decided to fight back, and she would start by understanding the battlefield.A Search for AnswersMaya spent the morning in the library again, combing through records and documents. She needed to know more about the Moretti family’s tangled web of alliances, betrayals, and power plays.Her search was interrupted by Alex, who appeared in the doorway, his expression cautious.“You’ve been busy,” he said, stepping inside.Maya closed the folder in front of her and looked up. “I need to know what I’m up against, Alex. Helena, Luca—they’re playing games, and I can’t fight them if I don’t understand the rules.”Alex hesitated, then nodded. “I can’t give you everything, but I can tell you this much—Helena’s not just trying to undermine you. She’s testing you.
Last Updated : 2024-12-11
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Bound by the Billionaire's Claim CHAPTER 193
The Cost of VictoryHelena Moretti’s lifeless body sprawled on the ground, her blood pooling on the floors of cold marble.The woman who had wrought so much ruin, who had lied, connived and murdered without a second thought — was gone.Elara blew phantom smoke from the end of her gun. "Well, that was satisfying."No one responded.Because even though Helena Moretti was dead, the war wasn’t finished.Maya could feel it.A storm still hung in the air, a one which no blood could wash away.She glanced at Zane, whose face was a mask, his silver eyes fixed on his mother’s lifeless body.As for what he was thinking, she did not know.Did he feel relief?Pain?Or was he numbed to the weight of what had just happened?Maya reached for his hand; he flinched.Her chest tightened."Zane?"He finally looked at her.It wasn’t the man she loved looking back at her.It was someone else.Someone... lost.A Broken ManZane sucked in his breath, a hand dragging over his face as blood smeared across his
Bound by the Billionaire's Claim CHAPTER 192
The Aftermath of BetrayalMaya and Zane strolled the wrecked corridors of the estate, hand in hand, their bodies bruised but still standing.Gunpowder, blood, and smoke filled the air.Maya could still hear her father’s voice in her ears — the threat, the warning.He’d released her, but she understood not to believe it was finished.Her father never forgot anything.Zane limped next to her, his hold on her hand steady, despite his face being pale from blood loss.Maya squeezed his fingers. “You need medical attention.”Zane let out a rough breath. “I want you to stop worrying about me for five minutes.Maya glared. “Not happening.”Behind them, Elara snorted. “God, you two are exhausting. “Just tell each other that you love each other, and move on.”Maya shot her a look. “We literally just did.”Elara grinned. “Yeah, yeah. But I’m gonna need the full dramatic ‘I can’t live without you’ scene. “Preferably with more kissing.”Zane groaned, rubbing at his temple. “Why do we keep her arou
Bound by the Billionaire's Claim CHAPTER 191
The Throne or FreedomMaya was sitting in the wreckage of a world she had destroyed.Her father was no more, not dead — but broken and bleeding, aware that he had lost.Zane had survived — but just, his flesh one step from death, his heart blazing like flame.Elara stood by the door, arms folded, watching like someone at the end of a war.And Maya?Maya had made her choice.She had defied her father.She had saved Zane.And now — she had to figure out what’s next.Because this war was never actually over.Not yet.Not until she made a choice about where she belonged.Her father’s voice resounded in her mind:“You aren’t a pawn in anyone’s game. You are the queen.”Then, right after came Zane’s words:“You don’t belong to them. You don’t belong to me. You belong to yourself.”Two men who attempted to take possession of her in their own ways.But only one remained by her side.And tonight, she had almost lost him.Her hands balled into fists.She would not let that happen again.No matt
Bound by the Billionaire's Claim CHAPTER 190
The Decision That Can Alter EverythingMaya touched her father’s holster, the gun inside, her mind whirling.In this moment, she could feel everything.The weight of the decision.The oppressive stillness of the room.Zane’s heavy breathing behind her.Elara’s piercing, entertained scrutiny, monitoring her as if this were some kind of game.Her father’s serene, steady smile.Like he already knew what she would say.As if this were always the plan.Tick tock, daughter.Her breath hitched.She could end this.Right here. Right now.She could take the gun. Pull the trigger.Kill the man who had lured her, created her, destroyed her world, hole by hole, and jagged edge.Zane was dying on the floor.She had to do something.She had to act.Maya gripped the gun.Her father’s smile widened.And then—She turned.And aimed it at Zane.The World StoppedThe room froze.Zane’s silver gaze met hers, hot with agony, disbelief — betrayal.Her father’s expression did not change. “Smart girl.”Elara
Bound by the Billionaire's Claim CHAPTER 189
The Fall of Zane MorettiOnce Maya stopped holding Zane’s hand, the world changed.It wasn’t just a decision.It was a death sentence.Not for her.For him.Zane Moretti — the man who set fire to empires for her, who never lost a fight, who survived the worst in men — was standing alone.And she had made it happen.The weight of it crushed her.Her father clutched her fingers even tighter.“You’ve made the correct choice.”But had she?Had she really?Because as she turned, as she made herself look at Zane, she saw it—When his heart turned to stone.The moment when the love he felt for her died.Or maybe not died.Perhaps it turned into something else.Something colder.Darker.Something she may never fix.The Silence Before the StormNo one spoke.The guards encircled Zane, their weapons drawn, eyes keen, awaiting an order.He didn’t move.Didn’t blink.Didn’t fight.And that scared Maya worse than anything.Surrendering was not something Zane would do.He was not the sort of man to
Bound by the Billionaire's Claim CHAPTER 188
The Final ChoiceMaya’s heartbeat was a war drum, a pounding, relentless, deafening cadence.The earth was on fire around her.Smoke. Gunfire. Explosions.And at the heart of it all — her.Her father waited at the end of the hall, hand extended, eyes steady, calculating.Beside her stood Zane, holding her wrist, his silver eyes dark with something she couldn’t name.And Elara?Elara was standing at the side smirking like she was just here for the show.“Make a choice, Maya,” the father said.Zane’s grip tightened. “You already made it, baby. You just have to say it the way it is.”Maya’s chest ached.This was it.The moment she’d dreaded and run from her whole life.Not just since she met Zane.Not since she learned who she really was.Everything had come down to this decision for her life.And for the first time—She was unsure if she had the strength to do that.The Weight of the Past“Maya.”Her father’s voice was quiet, confident. You’ve always belonged with us.”Maya’s nails pres
Bound by the Billionaire's Claim CHAPTER 187
The Final StandThe tension in the room hung like a living thing.She could sense it—pressing, suffocating, scraping at the edges of her sanity.Zane stood before her, body taut, poised.Her father faced him, weapon aloft, eyes keen, steady.And that’s when it hit Maya—It was more than a struggle for control.This was a battle for her.The two most dangerous men in her life.The man who had given her life.And the man who had taught her to fight for it.Zane’s voice was low, steady. “Put the gun down.”Her father smirked. “Or what?”Zane tightened his hand on his own gun. “Or I’ll bury you in the ground.”Maya’s breath caught.Her father tilted his head. “You’d kill me?”Zane didn’t blink. “Without hesitation.”Before either could move, Maya stepped between them.“Stop.”Zane’s gaze snapped to hers. “Maya, get out of the way.”She shook her head. “No.”Her father’s voice was slick, restrained. “You see, Zane? And this is why you’ve already lost. She’s one of us now.”Zane’s eyes burn
Bound by the Billionaire's Claim CHAPTER 186
The Storm Has ArrivedMaya gripped the railing tightly, looking into the darkness.Zane was here.He had come for her.Just like he said he would.Her heart beat out a riot inside her chest as his shape slipped through the gloom, quiet, controlled, deadly.A part of her had known this moment would arrive.The moment when she would finally have to choose.But now that it had arrived—now that he stood on the very fringes of the estate, a predator poised to pounce—She wasn’t ready.She took a deep breath of the cold night air.What did she do?Did she call the guards? Alert her father?Did she let this play out?Did she—Maya shut her eyes.The truth was, she didn’t know what she wanted anymore.All she knew was Zane Moretti wasn’t going anywhere without her.And that meant tonight was going to end with blood.Zane’s GambleZane crouched behind the stone wall that marked the estate’s edge, his mind as sharp as a blade.The guards were where he had good reason to expect them to be.The M
Bound by the Billionaire's Claim CHAPTER 185
The Eve of ChangeMaya held her phone tightly between hands as she sat on the edge of her bed, mouth agape, staring at the single word on the screen.“No.”Zane’s response was short. Final. Unshakable.She might say anything, but it did not matter. What she did.He was coming.Maya exhaled sharply.She had known this would come to pass.Zane was something of the never-letting-go type of man.But this?This wasn’t just a rescue.This was a war.And she was in the thick of it.A knock at the door brought her back to reality.She hesitated. “Come in.”The door creaked open, and Elara stepped, arms crossed, inside.For once, she didn’t look amused. Didn’t smirk.She just stared. Long. Hard. Calculating.“He’s coming, isn’t he?”Maya didn’t answer.She didn’t need to.Elara sighed, stepping deeper into the room. “You really are in deep, aren’t you?Maya looked away.She had spent so much time convincing herself she could deal with this.That she could outthink them. Outmaneuver them.But e
