MasukShare
CHAPTER 52
Terakhir Diperbarui:
2024-12-17 01:54:03
Bab terkait
Bound by the Billionaire's Claim CHAPTER 53
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
Terakhir Diperbarui : 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
Terakhir Diperbarui : 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
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2024-12-18Bound by the Billionaire's Claim CHAPTER 56
The calm before the next storm felt deceptive. Maya could feel it lingering like static in the air, charging every interaction, every silent glance in the Moretti estate. Zane had secured Daniel’s cooperation, but it wasn’t over. Maya knew Helena wasn’t someone who let betrayal slide without consequences.Maya’s instincts told her Helena’s next move would be swift and brutal.Zane’s WarningZane paced the length of the study, his jaw clenched as he spoke to Alex over the phone. Maya watched him, leaning against the desk, her arms crossed tightly over her chest.“I don’t care how you do it, Alex. Double the security around the estate. I want eyes on everyone Helena contacts. She’s up to something, and this time I don’t want her catching us off guard.”He ended the call and turned to Maya, his silver eyes flashing with restrained anger. “She won’t stop. You know that, right?”“I know,” Maya replied quietly. “Helena doesn’t accept defeat.”Zane stepped closer, placing his hands on her sh
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2024-12-19Bound by the Billionaire's Claim CHAPTER 57
The next morning, Helena Moretti’s carefully constructed empire was crumbling around her. Headlines filled the media, detailing her smear campaigns, bribery, and questionable dealings. Allies she had once considered unshakable were pulling away, eager to distance themselves from the fallout.But Maya knew better than to celebrate too soon. A cornered animal was the most dangerous, and Helena—proud, cunning, and ruthless—wouldn’t go down without a final fight.The Estate TensionMaya felt the tension in the air as she descended the grand staircase. The staff moved quietly, their expressions wary, as though they too could sense the looming conflict.She found Zane in the sunroom, speaking in low tones to Alex. The two men looked up as she entered, and she could see the tightness in Zane’s shoulders.“What’s happening?” Maya asked, her voice steady despite the growing knot in her stomach.“Helena’s quiet,” Zane said, his silver eyes narrowing. “Too quiet. She hasn’t responded to the pres
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2024-12-19Bound by the Billionaire's Claim CHAPTER 58
The Moretti estate buzzed with activity as Zane and Maya prepared their counterattack. The legal and PR teams worked around the clock, combing through records to expose Helena’s lies and dismantle the fabricated narrative she’d unleashed. Maya, though steady on the surface, felt the weight of the battle in every breath. Helena’s latest move had targeted not just her reputation but her family’s name—a calculated strike meant to fracture her resolve. But Maya wasn’t breaking. ***The Media FrenzyBy mid-morning, the headlines had reached a fever pitch. *“Moretti Scandal: Maya Davis and Family Under Fire for Alleged Corruption.”* Paparazzi gathered outside the estate, their cameras flashing incessantly at anyone who entered or left. The media frenzy fed on itself, spinning Helena’s fake documents into a storm of speculation and suspicion. Maya sat with Reese in one of the smaller sitting rooms, scrolling through the endless stream of articles. Her best friend leaned against the sof
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2024-12-20Bound by the Billionaire's Claim CHAPTER 59
The calm that settled over the Moretti estate felt unnatural, like the eye of a hurricane. Maya had begun to relax, her trust in Zane’s strength and their shared resilience solidifying. But the quieter things became, the more she couldn’t shake the feeling that something was brewing, just out of sight.Helena had gone silent, and that alone was unsettling.A Ripple in the CalmMaya was in the garden, the crisp morning air offering a rare moment of peace. She ran her fingers along the petals of a white rose, letting the simplicity of the moment steady her nerves.Reese appeared at her side, her presence comforting as always. “You seem lost in thought,” Reese said.Maya glanced at her friend and smiled faintly. “Just trying to enjoy the quiet while it lasts.”Reese smirked. “With Helena in the picture, quiet never lasts long.”Maya’s smile faded as her fingers paused on a thorn. “Do you think she’s really done? That we’ve beaten her?”Reese sighed. “Helena’s too proud to let this go. If
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2024-12-20Bound by the Billionaire's Claim CHAPTER 60
The tension in the Moretti estate had shifted from a smoldering undercurrent to an oppressive weight, heavy with anticipation. Every member of the household seemed to move more carefully, their steps quieter, their gazes more cautious. Helena’s message had rattled everyone, but Zane refused to let it take root.For Maya, the stakes had never been higher. It wasn’t just about her reputation or her place in the Moretti family anymore. Helena’s grasp on her father’s company was a new kind of leverage—one that threatened the fragile stability Maya’s family had managed to maintain.Helena’s Shadow LoomsTwo days later, Alex brought news that made Maya’s heart sink.“We’ve confirmed Helena’s ties to the DeLuca family,” Alex said during a meeting in Zane’s study. “The connection is subtle—hidden behind multiple layers of shell companies and intermediaries—but it’s there. She’s aligning herself with them for financial backing and influence.”Zane sat behind his desk, his silver eyes blazing w
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2024-12-21
Bab terbaru
Bound by the Billionaire's Claim CHAPTER 236
Maya gazed out at the city through the window of her penthouse, watching the dawn break over the skyline. It was quiet now, but she knew it wouldn’t be for long. This war with Gabriel was nearing its final act, and by the sunset, one would be left victorious.She turned as she heard the door open. Zane walked inside, silver eyes sharp, movements measured, but she knew enough of him to feel the tautness behind his calm demeanor.“It’s time,” he said simply.Maya nodded. “Then let’s finish this.”Moretti Corp – War RoomThe normal tension in the war room had changed. No longer the vagueness of battle — but the gleam of victory. When Maya and Zane came in, Victor, Luca, and Adrian were already sitting. A huge digital map of the city was projected on the wall, red markers showing Gabriel’s known assets and weak points.Victor reclined in his chair. “We’ve tightened the noose. Gabriel’s financial network is collapsing, his allies are betraying him, and his only remaining political connecti
Bound by the Billionaire's Claim CHAPTER 235
Gabriel Montclair clicked off the television, flinging the remote onto his desk with a muffled thud. He’d seen Maya’s interview from beginning to end, dissecting every word, every motion, every well-chosen pause. She hadn’t merely evaded his strike — she had turned it on him.He breathed out, letting the silence of his study settle over him. He had underestimated her. He could admit that now. Maya Moretti wasn’t merely a fearsome adversary — she was a survivor. Yet if he was going to win this war, he had to adapt.A knock on the door broke him from his musings.“Come in,” he called, his voice steady.The door opened and in stepped Ethan Blackwood. Ethan had been Gabriel’s second for as long as he could remember, a man who worked in the shadows, taking care of the parts of the business that Gabriel didn’t like to touch to keep his hands clean.“You saw the interview,” Ethan said, not even asking.Gabriel sat back in his chair. “I did.”Ethan closed the door behind him and walked ahead,
Bound by the Billionaire's Claim CHAPTER 234
Maya paced her Moretti Corp. office as the weight of the impending war hung heavy on her shoulders. The early-morning sun poured in through the floor-to-ceiling windows, bathing the sleek interior in a golden light, but she hardly noticed. The papers on her desk began to fade together and her mind raced through the alternatives.Gabriel had made his move. He had gone after her history, her marriage, the life she had built so painstakingly. And yet she was unafraid — just seething with determination.Her phone buzzed again. Another message from Zane.Zane: We need to talk. Now.Maya let out a sharp breath, suppressing a rising irritation just under the skin. She took her phone and answered.Maya: Meet me in my office. Bring Victor.Nine minutes later, the door opened and Zane came walking in with Victor hot on his heels. Zane’s face was hard to read, but his shoulders were tense. He was angry — but not at her.Victor, always a cool mastermind, tossed a file onto her desk with an air of
Bound by the Billionaire's Claim CHAPTER 233
The day arrived too soon, dragging Maya back into the ice-well of their war with Gabriel. She paced the window at her penthouse, coffee clutched in hand, watching the city below her stir. The weight of last night’s meeting with Philip Marquez was still heavy in her mind. They had won a skirmish, but the war was still in its early stages.Next, her phone vibrated on the marble counter. A message from Zane.Zane: Victor got the first buyouts. Gabriel will be feeling the squeeze soon. Meet me at the office.Maya drank the rest of her coffee and replied by text.Maya: On my way.Her husband, Adrian, had already left for the day. Their marriage was a matter of practicality rather than of love. It was a strategic maneuver — a winning of alliances and of power. Love had never been in the contract.But still, she couldn’t help but ache at the thought of the what-ifs.Brushing the thought aside, she got dressed, putting on the armor of the woman she had become.Moretti Corp – War RoomZane was
Bound by the Billionaire's Claim CHAPTER 232
Maya sat across from Zane in his office, eyes fixed on the latest reports spread across his desk. The tension between them was palpable, though unspoken. She knew that tight-jawed look—something wasn't right. Breaking the thick silence, she said, "Well? Are you going to tell me what has you so troubled, or must we sit here all evening stewing in uncertainty?"Zane didn't look up from the pages. "We lost three major investors this morning. Gabriel is sabotaging us financially just as he tried through his connections in The Order."Maya sighed heavily. "Do you have proof it's him pulling the strings?"Zane tossed the folder aside and pinched the bridge of his nose. "I don't need proof when I know his methods. He wants to crush Moretti Corp and he won't stop until he succeeds."Her eyes narrowed with steely resolve. "Then two can play at his game. If he aims to strangle us through our funds, we'll retaliate in kind."A trace of a smirk crossed Zane's stern features. "Spoken like a true p
Bound by the Billionaire's Claim CHAPTER 231
The tension hanging over the room was palpable, with the weight of their impending choice bearing down on everyone. No turning back now—every action going forward could fortify their authority or shatter it completely.Maya placed her glass down deliberately against the polished table, her keen green eyes locking onto Zane’s. “If we’re moving ahead, it has to be flawless. No errors. No vulnerabilities.”Leaning in, Zane returned her gaze with calculated intensity glowing in his silver eyes. “I agree. We strike where they least anticipate financially, strategically. We take control before they realize what’s transpiring.”Sprawled casually in one of the leather chairs, Victor let out a low chuckle. “You two truly have a way of making corporate warfare sound sexier than shootouts.”Maya arched a brow. “Because it is.”Luca smirked from across the room. “I have to admit, witnessing this side of you, Maya, is unexpected. You appear to be genuinely enjoying the challenge.”Maya exhaled, cr
Bound by the Billionaire's Claim CHAPTER 230
Maya perched at the head of a long glass conference table in Moretti Corp’s executive suite, tightening her grip on the edge of the financial report before her. The numbers did not seem to be adding up. Billions were on the move — just not where they were meant to be.She let out a breath through gritted teeth, forcing the unsettled feeling in her gut to subside. If this was what she suspected it was, they had a much bigger problem then The Order’s politics.Zane wore the endless scruff of a day’s stubble, and as he stood facing the skyline through the floor-to-ceiling window, hands in his pockets, his expression unreadable. That was how he’d been all morning — still, methodical, his mind racing a hundred moves ahead. But Maya knew him too well.He was waiting. For confirmation. For proof. For the moment he was able to flip the game on its head.Maya broke the silence. “We have a leak.”Zane didn’t turn around. “How bad?”Maya swallowed. “Bad. Money is being siphoned off in dribs and
Bound by the Billionaire's Claim CHAPTER 229
In the conference room, everything was polished elegance. In the center was a long, dark wooden table with high-backed leather chairs surrounding it. The quiet hum of brief conversations and the sound of footsteps down the hall indicated the weight that had become almost palpable in the air of the building itself. Helena tapped her fingers lightly on the table as she stared through the window. She was not thinking of the view, or of the empire to which she belonged; she was thinking about the invisible chessboard before her. Today, it wasn’t bloodshed or conquest; today, it was about manipulation, persuasion and control.Her thoughts are broken by the sound of heels snapping against the marble floor. She gazed upward, her frigid eyes meeting the silhouette that walked in.“You’re late,” she said, her tone smooth, though with a sharp edge.“I had some… business to take care of,” Elena said, the smile on her face a little tight, insufficient. She stepped toward the table, each step long
Bound by the Billionaire's Claim CHAPTER 228
“Well I tried.” Maya said calmly, drumming her fingers on the sleek, polished surface of the table. Tall windows poured in the morning light, bathed the skyline in gold. It was nearly serene — if not for the storm brewing deep down.This was an alternate type of battlefield. No guns. No explosions. Only power, strategy and control. And in many respects, it was more perilous than any of the wars they had fought.Zane worked his cufflinks and his cool silver eyes drifted around the room as executives filed in, all advancing a few steps like cats on concrete, gripped by a primal instinct not to step on toes. They’d all heard Curator General’s whispers — about Gabriel, about the fall of The Order’s inner circle, about the man who had scratched and clawed his way to the top with his trademark ruthlessness.Now? They were wondering if he could hold it.Victor stretched lazily in his seat next to Maya, his smirk curling as he leaned in. “Tell me, princess, are you ready to watch your husband
