CHAPTER 62

The following morning dawned with an unnatural stillness that settled over the Moretti estate like a thick fog. Maya awoke to find Zane already out of bed, his side cool to the touch. She found him in his study, the faint glow of his computer screen illuminating his sharp features.

“Couldn’t sleep?” Maya asked, leaning against the doorframe.

Zane looked up, his silver eyes meeting hers. “Something’s coming. I can feel it.”

Maya stepped closer, placing a hand on his shoulder. “Helena won’t stop until she’s torn everything apart. We need to be ready.”

Zane nodded, his jaw tightening. “We will be.”

A Disturbing Revelation

By mid-morning, Alex arrived with news that sent a chill through the room. He laid a thin folder on Zane’s desk, his expression grave.

“This just came in from our contact in Europe,” Alex said. “Helena’s alliance with the DeLucas is deeper than we thought. She’s been using Moretti Corps assets to funnel money into their operations. But it’s not just financial.”

“What else?” Zane asked, his tone sharp.

Alex hesitated before continuing. “The DeLucas are moving something—something big. Shipping manifests tied to Moretti Corps are being altered to cover up their activity. If this gets out, it won’t just damage the company—it could implicate you personally, Zane.”

Maya’s stomach twisted. “She’s framing you,” she said softly.

“She’s not just framing me,” Zane said, his voice low and dangerous. “She’s setting us up for something catastrophic.”

The Setup in Motion

Far from the Moretti estate, Helena stood in a bustling shipping port, her heels clicking against the metal floor of a private office. Alessandro DeLuca sat across from her, his gaze cold and calculating as he reviewed a document she had placed before him.

“This is bold, even for you,” Alessandro said, setting the paper down.

“Boldness wins wars,” Helena replied smoothly.

“Perhaps,” Alessandro said. “But if this goes wrong, it won’t be my name on the line—it’ll be yours.”

Helena smiled faintly. “It won’t go wrong. By the time Zane realizes what’s happening, the damage will be done. Moretti Corps will be in ruins, and I’ll be there to pick up the pieces.”

Alessandro studied her for a moment, then nodded. “Then let’s proceed. But remember, Helena—my family doesn’t tolerate failure.”

Helena’s smile widened, but her voice was steel. “Neither do I.”

A Message Delivered

That evening, a courier arrived at the Moretti estate with another package addressed to Maya. Inside was a USB drive and a single piece of paper with the words:

“For your eyes only.”

Maya’s hands trembled as she plugged the drive into her laptop. Zane stood beside her, his silver eyes narrowed as the contents loaded.

A series of photos appeared on the screen—images of shipping containers marked with the Moretti Corps logo, alongside documents listing illegal contents. There was also a short video of what appeared to be a warehouse raid, complete with authorities finding evidence of smuggling.

“This is a setup,” Zane said, his voice tight with controlled fury. “She’s planting evidence to make it look like Moretti Corps is complicit in illegal trade.”

Maya’s breath hitched. “If this goes public…”

“She’s banking on it going public,” Zane said. “She wants to destroy the company’s reputation and mine with it.”

Reese’s Input

Reese joined them shortly after, her expression a mix of frustration and determination.

“This is next-level sabotage,” Reese said, reviewing the files. “But there’s one thing Helena didn’t account for—you. You and Zane know the company better than anyone. If we dig deep enough, we can find proof that these shipments were altered after leaving Moretti Corps facilities.”

Maya nodded, her resolve hardening. “Then that’s what we’ll do. We’re not letting her win.”

Helena’s Smear Campaign Escalates

The next morning, the media exploded with reports of the alleged smuggling operation tied to Moretti Corps.

“Scandal Deepens: Moretti Corps Implicated in International Crime.”

“Zane Moretti Under Fire as Evidence Mounts.”

Maya’s phone buzzed incessantly with calls and messages, the relentless noise a reminder of how quickly Helena’s narrative was taking hold.

“She’s pushing harder,” Maya said, her voice tight as she paced the suite.

Zane watched her, his silver eyes calm but intense. “Let her. The harder she pushes, the more mistakes she’ll make.”

The Investigation Deepens

By midday, Alex returned with a breakthrough.

“We traced the altered shipping manifests back to a specific terminal in Naples,” Alex said. “It’s run by a DeLuca affiliate. If we can prove the connection, we can expose Helena’s involvement.”

Zane’s expression darkened. “And if we don’t move fast, the damage will be irreversible.”

Maya stepped forward, her voice steady. “Then let’s go to Naples. If this is where Helena’s plan is unraveling, we need to be there to stop it.”

Zane hesitated for a moment, then nodded. “You’re right. Alex, prepare the jet. We leave tonight.”

A Quiet Moment Before the Storm

As night fell, Maya and Zane stood on the balcony, the tension between them palpable. The city lights stretched out before them, a stark contrast to the storm brewing in their lives.

“We’re walking into her trap,” Maya said softly.

“Maybe,” Zane replied, his silver eyes meeting hers. “But this time, we’re prepared.”

Maya leaned into him, drawing strength from his steady presence. “Promise me, Zane. Whatever happens, we’ll face it together.”

Zane wrapped his arms around her, his voice firm and certain. “I promise. Together.”

As the night deepened, the storm Helena had unleashed began to take shape, its destructive potential growing with every passing moment. But Maya and Zane were ready to fight—not just for their family, but for everything they had built together.

And this time, they wouldn’t back down.