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 Answers

Maya 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. She wants to see if you’ll break under pressure.”

“And Luca?” Maya asked.

“Luca’s dangerous because he thrives on chaos,” Alex said. “He doesn’t care about winning or losing as long as he’s disrupting Zane’s plans. If you let him get in your head, he’ll use it against you.”

Maya’s jaw tightened. “Then I won’t let him.”

Alex studied her for a moment, then gave a faint nod of approval. “Good. Because if there’s one thing this family respects, it’s strength.”

Helena’s Subtle Attack

Later that day, Maya found herself face-to-face with Helena again. This time, it was in the grand dining room, where Helena was overseeing the arrangements for an upcoming charity gala.

“Maya,” Helena said, her tone pleasant but her eyes sharp. “I was just thinking about how much Zane has on his plate these days. The business, the estate, the… complications with Donovan.”

Maya crossed her arms, refusing to rise to the bait. “Zane can handle it.”

“Of course he can,” Helena said smoothly. “But even the strongest men have limits. And sometimes, their greatest weakness isn’t their enemies—it’s the people closest to them.”

Maya’s chest tightened, but she kept her voice steady. “If you’re trying to say something, Helena, just say it.”

Helena’s smile widened slightly. “I’m saying that loyalty is a fragile thing, my dear. And in this family, it’s the most valuable currency we have. Make sure you’re spending it wisely.”

Maya held her ground, her gaze unwavering. “I’m loyal to Zane. And nothing you say will change that.”

“Good,” Helena said, her tone cool. “Because disloyalty comes with consequences.”

A Conversation with Reese

Maya sought out Reese again, needing her friend’s perspective. She found her in the east wing, scrolling through her phone while lounging on a velvet chaise.

“You look like you’ve been through the wringer,” Reese said as Maya sat beside her.

“Helena,” Maya said with a sigh. “She keeps trying to make me question everything. Zane, myself, even my place in this family.”

Reese’s brows knitted together. “That woman is relentless. What’s her endgame?”

“I think she wants me out of the picture,” Maya admitted. “She sees me as a liability.”

Reese shook her head, her expression fierce. “Then prove her wrong. Show her you’re not going anywhere.”

Maya smiled faintly. “That’s the plan. But it’s easier said than done.”

“Then take it one step at a time,” Reese said. “Start by figuring out what she’s really after. And don’t let her get under your skin.”

Luca’s Manipulations Continue

Maya’s resolve was tested again that afternoon when she encountered Luca in the library. He was lounging in one of the armchairs, a book in hand and a smirk firmly in place.

“Back for more research?” he asked as she entered.

“What do you want, Luca?” Maya said, her tone sharp.

“Can’t a brother-in-law take an interest in your education?” he replied, his grin widening.

Maya crossed her arms. “You’re not fooling anyone. If you have something to say, just say it.”

Luca closed the book and leaned forward, his expression turning serious. “Fine. You want the truth? You’re playing a dangerous game, Maya. And you’re out of your depth.”

“I’ve heard that before,” she said evenly.

“And yet here you are, still stumbling through the dark,” Luca said, his tone mocking. “Do you even know what Zane’s plans are? What he’s willing to do to win?”

Maya’s chest tightened, but she refused to let Luca see her doubt. “I trust Zane. And I’m not afraid of you or your games.”

“Maybe you should be,” Luca said, his voice dropping. “Because in this family, trust is the first thing to break.”

Maya stared at him, her pulse racing, but she refused to give him the reaction he was looking for. Without another word, she turned and walked away, her resolve hardening.

An Honest Discussion with Zane

That evening, Maya waited for Zane in the suite, her thoughts swirling. When he arrived, she wasted no time addressing her concerns.

“Zane,” she began, her voice steady. “I need to know the truth. About everything. Helena, Luca, Donovan—all of it.”

Zane sighed, his silver eyes meeting hers. “Maya, I’ve told you before—there are things I’ve kept from you to protect you.”

“But I don’t want protection,” she said firmly. “I want the truth. If we’re going to fight this battle together, I need to know what I’m up against.”

Zane hesitated, then nodded. “Alright. But you might not like what you hear.”

“Tell me anyway,” Maya said, her voice resolute.

Zane sat beside her, his gaze steady. “Helena has always believed that the family’s legacy comes before everything else. She doesn’t trust outsiders, and she sees you as a threat to that legacy. As for Luca, he’s always been envious—of my position, my influence. He wants to take me down, and he’s not above using you to do it.”

“And Donovan?” Maya asked.

“Donovan is the wildcard,” Zane admitted. “He’s ruthless, and he knows how to exploit weaknesses. That’s why I’ve been so careful about what I tell you. I didn’t want him to use you against me.”

Maya’s chest tightened, but she nodded. “Thank you for being honest.”

Zane reached for her hand, his grip firm and reassuring. “You’re not alone in this, Maya. We’ll face them together. No matter what.”

Maya’s Resolve

As the estate settled into quiet that night, Maya sat on the balcony, her thoughts racing. She was no stranger to adversity, but the stakes had never been higher.

Helena’s manipulations, Luca’s games, Donovan’s looming threat—they were all pieces of a larger puzzle. And if she wanted to protect her family, she needed to see the whole picture.

She glanced at the door to the suite, where Zane was waiting for her, and felt a spark of determination.

No matter what came next, she wouldn’t back down.