CHAPTER 44

The estate’s oppressive atmosphere showed no sign of lifting. Maya had been up since dawn, her mind racing as she pieced together what she’d learned. Helena’s use of a private investigator confirmed her suspicions—Helena wasn’t just undermining her, she was actively trying to destroy her credibility.

But Maya wasn’t going to let it happen.

The Gala Invitation

Over breakfast, Zane slid an invitation across the table toward Maya. She glanced at it, the elegant gold lettering catching the light.

“What’s this?” she asked, picking it up.

“The Blackwell Charity Gala,” Zane said. “It’s one of the most high-profile events of the year. We need to make an appearance.”

Maya frowned, her chest tightening at the thought of mingling with the elites of Zane’s world, many of whom she knew were eager to see her fail. “Do you think it’s a good idea for me to go?”

Zane’s silver eyes softened as he reached for her hand. “You belong by my side, Maya. This is our chance to show everyone that nothing can shake us—not Helena, not Luca, not Donovan.”

His words bolstered her confidence, and she nodded. “Alright. Let’s do it.”

Helena’s Hidden Agenda

Maya spent most of the afternoon preparing for the gala, but her mind was elsewhere. She couldn’t shake the feeling that Helena would use the event to her advantage.

Her suspicions were confirmed when she overheard Helena talking to one of her friends in the east wing.

“…perfect opportunity to expose her,” Helena was saying, her voice dripping with disdain.

Maya’s heart raced as she pressed herself against the wall, straining to hear more.

“She won’t last under scrutiny,” Helena continued. “Once the right people start asking questions, her weaknesses will be impossible to ignore.”

Maya’s hands clenched into fists. Helena planned to use the gala to publicly humiliate her.

A New Ally

Later, Maya met with Reese in the garden, filling her in on what she had overheard.

“So Helena wants to embarrass you in front of the whole elite crowd?” Reese said, her voice sharp with anger. “Classic villain move.”

“Exactly,” Maya said, her frustration evident. “And I can’t let it happen.”

“Then don’t,” Reese said with a grin. “Turn the tables on her.”

Maya frowned. “How?”

“Helena’s expecting you to crumble under the pressure,” Reese said. “So don’t. Be confident, poised, untouchable. And if she tries to start anything, make sure you have the upper hand.”

Maya considered this, her determination growing. “You’re right. I’ll make sure she regrets underestimating me.”

The Gala Begins

By the time evening arrived, Maya was ready. She wore a stunning black gown that hugged her figure, the diamond earrings Zane had gifted her catching the light with every step.

Zane, dressed in a sharp tuxedo, offered her his arm as they made their way to the car. “You look incredible,” he murmured, his silver eyes filled with pride.

Maya smiled, her confidence bolstered by his support. “Let’s show them who we are.”

The gala was held in an opulent ballroom, its gilded walls and crystal chandeliers exuding wealth and power. As Maya and Zane entered, the room seemed to hush, all eyes turning toward them.

Zane’s presence was commanding, and Maya felt his strength radiating as he led her through the crowd. She met the curious and judgmental stares with a serene smile, refusing to let them intimidate her.

Helena’s Play

It didn’t take long for Helena to make her move. Maya spotted her across the room, surrounded by a group of well-dressed socialites. Helena’s laughter rang out, too loud to be genuine, as she gestured toward Maya.

Maya’s stomach churned as she saw the women turn to look at her, their expressions a mix of curiosity and disdain.

Zane noticed too, his jaw tightening. “Ignore them,” he said, his voice low. “They’re not worth your time.”

But Maya shook her head. “No. If Helena wants a confrontation, I’ll give her one.”

She crossed the room, her steps confident as she approached Helena’s group. The older woman’s smile faltered slightly as Maya joined them, but she quickly recovered.

“Maya,” Helena said smoothly. “I was just telling everyone how proud I am of the way you’ve adjusted to our world. It can’t be easy, stepping into such a demanding role.”

Maya returned her smile, her voice equally smooth. “It’s been challenging, but I’ve always believed that challenges are an opportunity to grow.”

Helena’s eyes narrowed slightly, but she kept her composure. “A wise sentiment. Though I imagine some might find it overwhelming.”

Maya’s smile didn’t waver. “I’m sure they would. But I’ve never been one to back down from a challenge.”

The tension between them was palpable, but Maya held her ground, refusing to let Helena intimidate her.

An Unexpected Revelation

As the evening wore on, Maya found herself alone near the balcony, taking a moment to catch her breath. She had held her own against Helena, but the night wasn’t over yet.

She was joined by Luca, who appeared out of nowhere, his smirk firmly in place.

“Enjoying the show?” he asked, leaning against the railing.

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

“To congratulate you,” he said, his voice mocking. “You handled Helena well tonight. Almost like you belong here.”

“I do belong here,” Maya said firmly.

“Do you?” Luca countered, his smirk widening. “Because from where I’m standing, it looks like you’re still fighting for scraps of approval.”

Maya glared at him, her patience wearing thin. “I don’t need your approval, Luca. Or Helena’s. I’m here for Zane, and nothing you say will change that.”

Luca’s expression darkened slightly. “You’re playing a dangerous game, Maya. Don’t forget—this family eats the weak alive.”

“I’m not weak,” she said, her voice steady.

Luca chuckled, but there was no warmth in it. “We’ll see.”

Zane’s Support

When Maya returned to Zane’s side, he immediately noticed her tension.

“Luca?” he asked, his silver eyes narrowing.

She nodded, her shoulders relaxing slightly as he wrapped an arm around her. “He tried to rattle me, but I didn’t let him.”

Zane’s expression softened, pride shining in his eyes. “You’re incredible, Maya. Don’t let them get to you.”

“I won’t,” she said, leaning into him. “As long as we’re together, I can handle anything.”

Zane pressed a kiss to her temple, his voice low and reassuring. “We’ll face them together. Always.”

The Night Ends

As the gala drew to a close, Maya felt a sense of accomplishment. She had faced Helena and Luca head-on and emerged unscathed.

But she knew this was only the beginning. The battles ahead would be even more challenging, but Maya was ready.

Because this time, she wasn’t fighting alone.