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 Moves

Maya 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.”

Maya’s chest tightened at the veiled threat, but she kept her voice steady. “Complications don’t scare me. They’re just opportunities to prove I can handle whatever comes my way.”

Helena’s smile didn’t falter, but her eyes hardened. “Let’s hope so, my dear. The challenges ahead will test even the strongest among us.”

A Warning from Alex

Maya sought out Alex next, finding him in the security wing once again. He was reviewing footage, his expression grim as he turned to face her.

“Something’s happening,” Alex said without preamble. “Luca’s movements have been erratic. He’s meeting with people off the estate, and I don’t like the patterns I’m seeing.”

“Do you think he’s making his move?” Maya asked, her heart racing.

Alex nodded. “It looks that way. And Helena’s been unusually quiet, which is never a good sign.”

Maya’s jaw tightened. “What do we do?”

“Stay alert,” Alex said. “Luca’s unpredictable, and if Helena’s involved, it means they’re coordinating something big. Whatever happens, be ready.”

Luca’s Recklessness Escalates

That afternoon, Maya overheard Luca on the phone as she passed by the east wing. His voice was sharp, filled with frustration and urgency.

“We need to move now,” he snapped. “Zane’s distracted, and if we wait any longer, we’ll lose our window.”

The voice on the other end of the call was muffled, but Luca’s reply sent a chill down Maya’s spine.

“Don’t worry about her,” Luca said, his tone venomous. “Maya’s just a pawn in all this. Once Zane falls, she’ll fall with him.”

Maya’s hands clenched into fists as she stepped back, her mind racing. Luca wasn’t just targeting Zane—he was coming for her too.

A Bold Confrontation with Zane

Maya stormed into Zane’s office, her frustration boiling over as she confronted him.

“Zane,” she said, her voice trembling. “It’s Luca. He’s planning something, and he’s using me as part of his strategy.”

Zane’s silver eyes darkened as he stood, his presence commanding as he crossed the room to her. “What did you hear?”

She recounted the conversation, her words tumbling out in a rush. “He said I’m a pawn. That once you fall, I’ll fall too.”

Zane’s jaw tightened, his hands gripping her shoulders. “He’s made his choice,” he said, his voice cold. “And now, I’ll make mine. Luca thinks he can tear us apart, but he’s underestimated both of us.”

“What are you going to do?” Maya asked, her heart pounding.

“End this,” Zane said firmly. “Once and for all.”

Helena’s Shadowy Plan

Meanwhile, Helena was in her private study, her expression calm but her eyes gleaming with calculation. A man in a tailored suit stood before her, his demeanor deferential but tense.

“Everything is in place, ma’am,” the man said. “We’re ready to proceed as soon as you give the order.”

Helena smiled faintly, her voice smooth as silk. “Good. Zane may think he’s untouchable, but he’s about to learn that even the mightiest can fall.”

“And the girl?” the man asked.

Helena’s smile widened slightly, but there was no warmth in it. “Maya’s resilience is admirable, but misplaced. She’ll learn her limits soon enough.”

A Decisive Plan

That evening, Zane called a meeting with Alex and Maya in his study. The tension in the room was palpable as they discussed their strategy.

“Luca is working with Donovan,” Zane said, his voice steady but laced with anger. “And Helena is making moves to position herself as the head of this family. They’re coordinating their efforts to take us down.”

“What’s the plan?” Alex asked, his tone grim.

“We strike first,” Zane said. “I’ve gathered enough evidence against Luca and Donovan to expose their alliance. Once we make it public, they’ll be forced to defend themselves, and their credibility will crumble.”

“And Helena?” Maya asked, her voice trembling slightly.

“Helena’s power lies in her influence,” Zane said. “If we weaken Luca and Donovan, her position will falter. She won’t have the leverage to continue her schemes.”

Maya nodded, her resolve hardening. “Then let’s do it.”

A Showdown in the Making

As night fell, the Moretti estate seemed to hum with anticipation. Maya lay awake in bed, her mind racing with everything that had happened.

She turned to Zane, who was sitting in a chair by the window, his expression thoughtful as he gazed out at the darkened grounds.

“Zane,” she said softly. “Do you think we’re ready for this?”

He turned to her, his silver eyes steady. “We don’t have a choice. If we don’t act now, they’ll destroy everything we’ve built.”

Maya nodded, her determination growing. “Then let’s end this.”

Zane crossed the room to sit beside her, taking her hand in his. “We will. Together.”

Luca Makes His Move

Elsewhere, Luca was preparing to launch his attack. He stood in the shadows of the east wing, his phone in hand as he spoke to his accomplice.

“Everything’s ready,” Luca said, his voice filled with anticipation. “Zane won’t see it coming.”

“And if he does?” the accomplice asked.

Luca’s smirk was cold. “Then I’ll deal with him personally.”

As he ended the call, Luca’s confidence radiated from him, but beneath it lay the simmering chaos of a man who had nothing left to lose.