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 Test

Maya 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 the challenges invigorating.”

Helena’s smile widened slightly, but it didn’t reach her eyes. “How admirable. But do remember, Maya, that strength alone isn’t always enough. Sometimes, survival requires knowing when to yield.”

“I don’t intend to yield,” Maya said firmly.

Helena’s expression flickered, her composure wavering for just a moment before she recovered. “Let’s hope you won’t have to.”

Reese’s Discovery

Later that afternoon, Reese burst into Maya’s room, her face pale and her expression serious.

“Maya, we have a problem,” Reese said, closing the door behind her.

“What is it?” Maya asked, her heart racing.

“I overheard Luca talking to Donovan again,” Reese said, her voice trembling. “They’re planning to sabotage Zane’s business tonight. Something about planting evidence to make him look guilty of fraud.”

Maya’s stomach dropped. “Are you sure?”

Reese nodded. “Positive. They were talking about meeting at the west warehouse. Whatever they’re doing, it’s happening soon.”

Maya stood, her mind racing. “We need to stop them.”

Reese grabbed her arm, her grip firm. “Be careful, Maya. Luca and Donovan are dangerous. If you walk into this without a plan, it could backfire.”

“I won’t be alone,” Maya said, her resolve hardening. “I’ll tell Zane.”

Zane’s Reaction

Maya found Zane in the study, surrounded by documents and his laptop. He looked up as she entered, his silver eyes narrowing at the urgency in her expression.

“Maya, what’s wrong?” he asked, setting everything aside.

“It’s Luca and Donovan,” she said quickly. “Reese overheard them. They’re planning to frame you for fraud tonight. They’re meeting at the west warehouse.”

Zane’s jaw tightened, his fists clenching on the desk. “That bastard.”

“We need to stop them,” Maya said.

Zane stood, his presence commanding as he crossed the room to her. “We will. But we need to be smart about this. If we go in without proof, they’ll find a way to turn it against us.”

“What’s the plan?” Maya asked, her voice steady despite the fear bubbling beneath the surface.

“I’ll call Alex,” Zane said. “We’ll get everything we need to expose them. And when we do, they’ll have nowhere to hide.”

The Warehouse Showdown

Night had fallen by the time Zane, Maya, and Alex arrived at the west warehouse. The air was thick with tension, the shadows deep and foreboding as they approached the building.

Alex led the way, his movements silent and precise as they slipped inside. The warehouse was dimly lit, the faint hum of machinery the only sound.

They found Luca and Donovan near the center of the space, their voices low but heated as they discussed the final details of their plan.

“You’re sure this will work?” Donovan asked, his tone sharp.

“Positive,” Luca replied, his smirk visible even in the dim light. “Once the evidence is in place, Zane won’t be able to recover. His empire will crumble.”

Maya’s chest tightened, anger boiling within her. But she forced herself to stay quiet, following Zane’s lead as they crept closer.

Alex positioned himself behind a stack of crates, his camera trained on the two men. He signaled to Zane, who nodded.

Zane stepped forward, his voice cutting through the air like a blade. “I’d think twice before finishing that sentence, Luca.”

Both men froze, their heads snapping toward Zane.

“Well, well,” Luca drawled, his smirk widening. “Look who decided to join the party.”

Donovan’s expression darkened. “You shouldn’t be here, Moretti.”

“Neither should you,” Zane shot back, his tone cold. “But now that we’re all here, let’s talk about this little scheme of yours.”

Luca’s smirk faltered slightly, but he recovered quickly. “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

“Oh, I think you do,” Zane said, stepping closer. “And so will the authorities, once they see the evidence we’ve just recorded.”

Donovan’s eyes narrowed, and he took a step back, his hand inching toward his pocket.

“Don’t,” Alex said, stepping out of the shadows with his weapon drawn. “It’s over.”

A Turn of Events

The tension in the room was palpable as Luca and Donovan exchanged a glance.

“This isn’t over, Zane,” Luca said, his voice dripping with venom. “You can’t stop what’s coming.”

“I just did,” Zane replied, his tone cold.

As Alex called for the authorities, Maya felt a surge of relief. They had caught Luca and Donovan red-handed, their plan to sabotage Zane’s business now exposed.

But even as the authorities arrived to take the two men into custody, Maya couldn’t shake the feeling that the battle was far from over.

Helena’s Reaction

Back at the estate, Helena sat in her study, her expression unreadable as she reviewed the reports of Luca and Donovan’s arrest. She set the papers down, her gaze hardening as she stared out the window.

“So, Zane,” she murmured to herself. “You’ve won this round. But the game isn’t finished yet.”

Maya’s Resolve

As the night wore on, Maya and Zane returned to the suite, exhaustion etched into their faces.

“You were incredible tonight,” Zane said, his voice soft as he pulled her into his arms.

“So were you,” Maya replied, leaning into him.

“We’ve dealt with Luca and Donovan,” Zane said. “But Helena won’t stop. Not until she gets what she wants.”

Maya nodded, her resolve hardening. “Then we won’t stop either. We’ll face her head-on, together.”

Zane pressed a kiss to her forehead, his silver eyes filled with determination. “Together.”