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CHAPTER 47
Last Updated:
2024-12-14 05:49:54
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Bound by the Billionaire's Claim CHAPTER 48
The following morning, the Moretti estate was unusually quiet, a deceptive calm that only heightened Maya’s unease. She could feel the tension in the air, as though everyone was bracing for the next move in the dangerous game that had enveloped the family.Luca’s threats, Helena’s cryptic warnings, and the note left in her suite were all fragments of a storm she knew was about to break. Maya was determined not to be caught unprepared.Helena’s Calculated MovesMaya found Helena in the sitting room, seated gracefully with a newspaper folded in her lap. The older woman’s composure was as immaculate as ever, her sharp eyes lifting to meet Maya’s as she entered.“Maya,” Helena said smoothly. “What an early start for you. Planning something?”Maya forced a polite smile. “Just preparing for the day. There’s a lot to think about.”Helena arched a brow, her smile faint. “Indeed. Preparation is key in our world. But sometimes, no amount of planning can account for unexpected… complications.”M
Last Updated : 2024-12-14Bound by the Billionaire's Claim CHAPTER 49
The Moretti estate felt like it was holding its breath, the calm before the inevitable storm. Maya moved through the halls with a newfound determination, her resolve hardened by the knowledge of Helena and Luca’s schemes. Zane had always been her anchor, but now she was determined to be his shield as well.Whatever happened next, she wouldn’t falter.Helena’s Subtle TestMaya found Helena in the conservatory, her presence as poised and commanding as ever. The older woman was tending to the orchids, her every movement deliberate.“Maya,” Helena greeted, her tone smooth. “I was wondering when you might stop by. Care to join me?”Maya hesitated, then stepped closer. “Of course.”Helena gestured to a nearby chair, her gaze sharp despite her pleasant smile. “You’ve been keeping busy lately. I do hope you’re not overexerting yourself. The stress of family matters can be… taxing.”Maya met Helena’s gaze evenly, refusing to show any sign of weakness. “I’m managing just fine. In fact, I find t
Last Updated : 2024-12-15Bound by the Billionaire's Claim CHAPTER 50
The aftermath of Luca and Donovan’s arrest sent shockwaves through the Moretti estate. News spread quickly, both within the family and beyond. Zane’s decisive action had left no doubt about his power and control, but Maya knew the victory was far from complete.Helena, unshaken by the events, was already laying the groundwork for her next move.Helena’s Thinly Veiled ThreatsMaya found herself face-to-face with Helena the next morning in the estate’s grand library. The older woman was standing by the window, gazing out at the grounds with an air of calculated calm.“You’ve been busy, Maya,” Helena said without turning around.Maya approached cautiously, her voice steady. “I’ve been protecting what matters.”Helena turned, her sharp eyes meeting Maya’s. “You think you’ve won, don’t you? That removing Luca and Donovan from the picture solves everything.”“It’s a start,” Maya said firmly.Helena’s lips curved into a faint smile, though it carried no warmth. “A start, perhaps. But this fa
Last Updated : 2024-12-15Bound by the Billionaire's Claim CHAPTER 51
The next morning, the air in the Moretti estate was heavy with anticipation. Maya could feel the shift—an invisible crack in the foundation of Helena’s once-unshakable power. With Victor Laird’s documents in their hands, the evidence against Helena was damning, and Zane’s determination to expose her was unrelenting.This time, the battle was on their terms.Zane's Calculated StrategyZane’s office became a war room as he and Alex pored over the documents Victor had provided. Maya sat beside Zane, her nerves taut but her resolve steady.“Helena’s deal with the LaRossa family is all here,” Zane said, his silver eyes scanning the papers. “Bribes, secret payments, and the betrayal that got her former business partner killed. If this gets out, she’ll lose everything.”“But how do we release it without blowing up the family?” Maya asked.Zane leaned back in his chair, his jaw tightening. “We do it strategically. Quietly feed the information to the right people—the press, law enforcement—and
Last Updated : 2024-12-17Bound by the Billionaire's Claim CHAPTER 52
The fallout from Helena’s scandal sent ripples through the Moretti estate and beyond. News outlets were relentless, dissecting every detail of her connection to the LaRossa family. The once untouchable matriarch of the Moretti empire now found herself at the center of a public storm.Maya watched it all unfold from the suite, the television muted as headline after headline flashed across the screen. She couldn’t help but feel a mix of triumph and unease.“We’ve won this round,” Zane said, standing behind her with his hands on her shoulders. “But Helena won’t take this lying down.”Helena’s CounterattackHelena’s rage burned like wildfire. She locked herself in her study, her mind racing as she plotted her next move. The calls from her former allies had stopped, replaced by silence—a death knell in the world of power and influence.But Helena was far from defeated.Her private investigator returned that evening, presenting her with the results of his work: evidence of financial irregul
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The Moretti estate buzzed with an undercurrent of tension. Despite Maya’s successful interview, the scars of Helena’s attack lingered, and everyone knew that Helena wasn’t finished.Maya sat in the suite, her laptop open as she sifted through articles and social media posts. Reese’s idea to get ahead of the story had worked, but the damage Helena had inflicted on Charles’ reputation had left a bitter taste in her mouth.“Helena’s playing a long game,” Maya said to herself, her resolve hardening. “But so am I.”Helena’s Next MoveHelena sat in her study, her fingers steepled as she contemplated her dwindling options. Maya’s public response had been stronger than she anticipated, and it had rallied public sympathy in her favor.Her phone buzzed, and she answered it without hesitation.“Helena,” the voice on the other end said, low and conspiratorial, “we need to talk. I’ve got something you might find useful.”“Go on,” Helena said, her tone sharp.“There’s someone from Maya’s past. A jo
Last Updated : 2024-12-18Bound by the Billionaire's Claim CHAPTER 54
The air in the Moretti estate felt heavier after Maya’s meeting with Daniel Cooper. While she had managed to sow doubt in the journalist’s mind, Maya knew better than to think Helena would let him walk away so easily.Helena always had a contingency plan, and Maya braced herself for the next blow.Helena Tightens Her GripIn her study, Helena sat with a glass of wine, her sharp eyes scanning a dossier provided by her contact. The fallout from her previous attacks hadn’t been enough to unseat Zane and Maya, but she had learned one invaluable lesson: Maya wasn’t invincible.Her phone rang, and she answered it with a practiced calm.“Is everything ready?” she asked.“Yes,” her contact replied. “We’ve planted enough to make her look like she’s hiding something. When the media catches wind of it, the pressure will be on her to prove her innocence.”Helena smiled faintly. “Good. And Daniel?”“He’s wavering,” the contact admitted. “But we’ve made arrangements to ensure his cooperation.”“Per
Last Updated : 2024-12-18Bound by the Billionaire's Claim CHAPTER 55
The rumors spread like wildfire. Maya’s name trended on social media, accompanied by vague accusations and speculation about her past. Though nothing substantial had been released yet, the damage had begun. Doubt had a way of creeping in, even without evidence.Maya stood in Zane’s office, her hands clenched as she stared at the headlines on his computer screen.“Who Really Is Maya Davis? Whispers of a Hidden Past Resurface.”“They’re relentless,” Maya muttered, her voice trembling with anger. “Helena’s playing with fire.”Zane’s silver eyes hardened as he closed the laptop. “This ends now.”An Uneasy CalmThe following morning, Maya braced herself as she descended the grand staircase. The estate felt quieter than usual, as though everyone was watching and waiting for her reaction.She spotted Helena in the sitting room, sipping her tea as though she hadn’t turned Maya’s life into a public spectacle. Their eyes met briefly, and for a moment, Maya thought she saw the faintest flicker o
Last Updated : 2024-12-18
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Bound by the Billionaire's Claim CHAPTER 226
Maya’s pulse raced as Luca’s words hung above the group like a heavy smoke. Gabriel Laurent.It wasn’t one of those surprises that should have caught her off guard. The Order was not about cleanliness. There was nothing trustworthy about its leaders. But to hear Luca say it so casually—as if it were the most natural thing in the world—knotted her stomach.Zane reclined in his seat, his silver eyes shrewd, calculating. He wasn’t responding, which meant he was getting creative.Luca smirked. “You look like a man trying to ascertain if I’m lying.”Zane exhaled. “That’s because I am.”Luca let out a low chuckle. “And?”Zane’s fingers rapped the table slowly and deliberately. “And you’re great at misdirection.”Luca clutched a hand to his chest, mock-offended. “That hurts, brother. Truly.”Maya clenched her fists. She hated this. The games, the deceits, the endless mind games where everyone was deceiving, and the only way to live was by out-lying everyone else.She exhaled sharply. “If Gab
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Maya couldn’t sleep.She lay in bed, watching the ceiling, hearing the tick-tock of the clock up on the wall. And it was late — too late — but all that had transpired kept her awake.Her father was gone, at least from the world. For now, the Order had been fooled. But Gabriel’s warning was still ringing in her ears.“If I discover that you are lying, I will put a bullet between your eyes myself.”Maya sucked breath between her teeth, rolling onto her side. They were playing with fire. One wrong move and not just her life would be at stake — Zane’s, Victor’s, Elara’s.How the hell had these gotten here?A knock at the door roused her from her thoughts.She sat up, heart beating a little fast. “Come in.”The door creaked open; Zane stepped through a moment later, his silver eyes bright even in the pallid gloom. He was still wearing his dress shirt, sleeves rolled up, tie looser. Also, he looked like he hadn’t slept.Maya sighed. “You too?”Zane smirked slightly, shutting the door behind
Bound by the Billionaire's Claim CHAPTER 224
Zane twisted through the empty roads, the lights of the city twinkling in the distance, their brilliance brought into contrast by the blackness of the sky. Sitting next to him, Maya’s thoughts were full of what they had just gone through. Her father was dead — dead to the world but still somewhere breathing in the mountains.It should have been a relief. It wasn’t.Zane’s silver eyes glanced at her momentarily. “You’re thinking too much.”Maya rolled her eyes, studying the view through the window. “And you’re under thinking simultaneously.”Zane smirked. “On the contrary. I am thinking the right amount.”Maya breathed out, pushing her fingers against her forehead. “This was the easy part, right?”Zane waved his hand, eyes on the road ahead. “Now comes the part where we sell The Order on the idea things went according to plan.”Maya sighed. That was the piece that made her terrified.Neither spoke for a moment, silence echoed in the space between them. At last, Zane spoke up. “How long
Bound by the Billionaire's Claim CHAPTER 223
The deal with Charles should have brought relief, but didn’t. Maya felt weighed down with what they were going to do heavy as a vice, tightening every second. There was no going back at this point.She took a slow breath, her eyes fixed on her father’s. “We have less than a twelve hours to make this work.”Charles turned his head, and something unreadable filled his sharp blue eyes. “And if it doesn’t work?”Zane leaned on the desk, silver eyes placid but stern. “Then you’re dead. Either way.”Charles laughed, but it was dry, humorless. “Comforting.” He turned to Maya. “And you? What do you think?”Maya took a deep breath and crossed her arms. “I think if we don’t do this right, The Order isn’t just going to kill you — they’re going to come for me, too.”Charles watched her closely, his face unreadable. “And Moretti? Do you trust him?”Zane smirked, responding before she had a chance. “She don’t gotta trust me. She just has to know I’m better at this than you are.”There was a subdued
Bound by the Billionaire's Claim CHAPTER 222
The name on the paper stared back at her, clipped and brutal. Charles Davis.Maya sensed time slow around her, the meeting buzzing with a dull range that faded into the background. Her father.She wasn’t that close to him — not really. Charles Davis was a cold man, a man who saw business as a series of transactions, one after another, with no loss and no emotion, and he had used that machine to build his empire. He was never the warm, doting type. But he was still her blood.And The Order was out to kill him.She fought her body to be still, to keep her face blank while Zane peeled back the paper, reading it with the same dead cold calculation he applied to every kill order that came before this. But Maya knew him too well.He wasn’t unaffected.His jaw was slightly too tight. He flexed his fingers to see their utility and set the paper back down. And when his silver eyes darted to her? It was a knowledge there.Gabriel smirked, taking both of them in with interest. “I expect this won
Bound by the Billionaire's Claim CHAPTER 221
The weight of the death of Julian Devereaux still hung in the air, heavy and oppressive. His body crumpled on the cold marble, a propensity for bloods to trickle in slow, measured tendrils around him. The man who thought himself above the law was down, not in a blaze of glory, but with a single shot and a round thud.Maya looked at the body a second too long, not of regret but calculation. What they had done at that moment altered everything.Zane was now sitting upon the throne that Julian had abandoned, and that made him next目标.Gabriel Laurent straightened his cufflinks, strolling over Julian’s corpse like stepping over a fallen tree branch. “Well,” he drawled, his voice smooth and untroubled, “that was cleaner than I expected.”Victor let out a low whistle. “Yeah? What were you expecting? Some Shakespearean monologue before he dropped dead?”Gabriel smirked. “I was expecting begging.” A narrow-eyed look was cast to Zane. “And now, Moretti, it’s the time for the real work.”“Zane h
Bound by the Billionaire's Claim CHAPTER 220
For his entire life, Julian Devereaux had thought he was untouchable. A king in a world of pawns. He had gone through life pulling power plays, making people jiggle like puppets on some invisible string. Until now.She could see this in his eyes: the flicker of doubt, the unspeakable fear. This was not how things were supposed to turn out for him. He was the one in control, the one moving the pieces, but now? He was the piece now, and Zane Moretti was about to remove him from the board.Zane smoothed the cuffs of his suit, silver eyes alight with what seemed to be boredom. “You seem uncomfortable, Julian.”Julian’s jaw set, his shoulders went tight. “You think this will all end with me?Zane smirked. “No, but it starts with you.”Camille, still tied to the chair, released a shaky breath, but her eyes blazed. “For once in your life, Julian, just stop pretending you’re invincible.”Julian gave her a hard look, but this time Maya saw something else in his eyes. Not anger. Not calculation
Bound by the Billionaire's Claim CHAPTER 219
The SUV barreled down the darkened street, the city's blinking lights fading behind it as they drove toward the outskirts. The estate where, Julian claimed, he was holding Camille was remote, fortified and precisely the sort of place where a man like Julian would stow someone whose fate he was unsure of.The backseat occupant, Maya, adjusted her gun, in and out in crescent movements. Her hands were steady, her mind a razor. There wasn’t any hesitation, any second-guessing. Camille was leverage, but she was also a test — Julian’s way of demonstrating that he still had the upper hand, that they were the ones who responded to him.That was about to change.Zane was next to her, silent, his silver eyes on the road ahead. He had said little since they pulled away from the safe house, but what Maya knew better than to interpret as anything other than controlled restraint. He was already formulating his plan for disassembling Julian.Victor was at the wheel, one hand guiding the car, the oth
Bound by the Billionaire's Claim CHAPTER 218
Maya’s blood turned to ice. The safe house had been compromised. Camille was still there — guarded, vulnerable. They had expected Julian to go to battle to regain her. Instead, he had turned the game back on them.Her fingers twitched toward her gun, but Julian’s smirk just broadened. He had planned this.Zane’s silver eyes were unreadable, but Maya could see the way his jaw clenched tight, the way his finger curled, just so slightly, at his sides. He wasn’t shaking but he was recalibrating.Julian took a breath, angling his head. “I mean, I have to admit, I didn’t think you would play this so well. Most people who come after The Order die before they understand that they’re being hunted. But you?” He chuckled. “You really made me see you as a threat.”Zane smirked. “I would have been offended if I wasn’t.”Julian sighed dramatically. “And yet, clever as you are, you had one flaw. You assumed I would panic.” His blue eyes twinkled with humor. “You assumed I would choose.”Maya tighten
