CHAPTER 64

The darkness in Naples felt oppressive as Maya stared out the hotel window. The streets below were alive with the hum of nightlife, but inside the room, the atmosphere was tense, every shadow a potential threat.

Behind her, Zane paced, his phone pressed to his ear as he barked orders to Alex. Maya couldn’t hear the other end of the conversation, but Zane’s clipped tone was enough to tell her it wasn’t good.

“They’re moving the secondary shipment,” Zane said as he ended the call. “Helena’s trying to bury us before we can expose her.”

Maya turned, her pulse quickening. “What does that mean?”

“It means we need to act now,” Zane said, his silver eyes blazing. “If she moves that shipment before we release the evidence, she’ll erase the trail connecting her to the DeLucas.”

The Plan

Minutes later, Alex arrived at their suite, his demeanor grim.

“I’ve tracked the shipment,” Alex said, spreading a map across the table. “It’s being loaded onto a private freighter tonight. If we can intercept it before it leaves port, we’ll have the proof we need.”

Maya frowned, her nerves on edge. “How do we get into a secured port without tipping anyone off?”

Alex’s lips thinned. “That’s the hard part. Helena’s men are everywhere. They’ll recognize us the moment we step foot inside.”

Reese, who had been quietly observing, leaned forward. “What if we create a distraction? Something that pulls their attention away long enough for you to get what you need.”

Zane considered her suggestion, his expression sharp. “It’s risky, but it might work. We’ll need to time it perfectly.”

The Execution

The team arrived at the port under the cover of night, their breaths visible in the cool air as they moved swiftly toward the loading docks. Maya’s heart pounded in her chest as she followed Zane and Alex, every sound magnified in the tense silence.

Reese stayed behind, ready to execute her part of the plan. Her role was simple but critical: create enough chaos to distract Helena’s men without drawing too much attention to herself.

From her vantage point near the security office, Reese pulled out her phone and sent the prearranged signal. Moments later, a car alarm blared in the distance, followed by the sound of shattering glass. The guards stationed near the freighter sprang into action, their radios crackling as they moved toward the disturbance.

“That’s our cue,” Zane said, his voice low.

The Freighter

Maya followed Zane and Alex onto the freighter, her nerves fraying with every step. The massive ship loomed above them, its deck dimly lit and eerily quiet.

“This way,” Alex whispered, leading them toward a row of containers. He stopped in front of one, his hand hovering over the lock. “This is it.”

Zane nodded, motioning for Alex to proceed. Maya stood watch, her ears straining for any sign of approaching footsteps as Alex worked quickly to open the container.

When the lock clicked open, Alex swung the doors wide, revealing stacks of crates inside. He pulled out a small flashlight and began scanning the labels.

“This is it,” Alex said, his voice triumphant. “These crates match the altered manifests. We’ve got her.”

But before they could celebrate, the sound of approaching footsteps froze them in place.

Helena’s Men

“Someone’s here,” a voice called out, low and rough.

Maya’s heart leaped into her throat as she turned to see two men stepping onto the freighter’s deck, their shadows stretching ominously in the dim light.

“Stay here,” Zane whispered, his tone commanding as he stepped forward.

“No,” Maya hissed, grabbing his arm. “We’re in this together.”

Zane’s silver eyes softened for a fraction of a second before hardening again. “Stay behind me.”

The men spotted them almost immediately, their hands moving toward the weapons at their sides.

“Stop right there!” one of them barked, his voice echoing across the deck.

Zane didn’t flinch. “We’re not here to fight,” he said, his tone calm but firm. “We just want the truth.”

The men exchanged glances, their grips tightening on their weapons. “You’re trespassing on private property,” one said. “Leave now, or—”

Before he could finish, Alex stepped forward, his stance deliberate and unyielding. “Or what?”

A Narrow Escape

The tension snapped like a rubber band as the men lunged forward. Zane moved with lightning speed, grabbing one by the arm and twisting it sharply. The man cried out, dropping his weapon, while Alex tackled the second man to the ground.

Maya stood frozen for a moment before snapping into action, grabbing the flashlight and shining it directly into the eyes of the man struggling with Zane. The sudden burst of light disoriented him, giving Zane the upper hand.

“Go!” Zane barked, his voice cutting through the chaos.

Maya turned and ran, her heart pounding as she fled down the narrow corridor between the containers. Alex and Zane were close behind her, their footsteps heavy on the metal deck.

The sound of shouting followed them, but they didn’t stop until they reached the edge of the freighter. Alex helped Maya down the gangway, his grip firm as they moved swiftly back toward the safety of the shadows.

The Fallout

Back at the hotel, the team regrouped, their breaths coming in short gasps as they recounted the events of the night.

“We got what we needed,” Alex said, holding up a small USB drive. “I downloaded the logs before we had to bail. This proves Helena’s connection to the DeLucas and the smuggling operation.”

Maya collapsed onto the couch, her adrenaline ebbing as the weight of what they had just done settled over her. “What if they come after us?” she asked, her voice trembling.

“They will,” Zane said, his tone grim. “But we’ll be ready.”

Reese entered the room, her face flushed from the chaos she had orchestrated. “That was insane,” she said, dropping onto the arm of the couch beside Maya. “But we did it. We outplayed her.”

For the first time in what felt like days, Maya allowed herself a small smile. “We’re one step closer.”

Helena Learns the Truth

Back in her villa, Helena stared at the screen in front of her, her contact’s report sending a wave of cold fury through her.

“They intercepted the shipment,” the man said. “They have the evidence.”

Helena’s jaw tightened, her grip on the phone turning her knuckles white. “Then we move to the next phase,” she said, her voice like ice. “Zane and Maya may think they’ve won, but this game is far from over.”

As she ended the call, Helena’s mind raced. She had underestimated their resolve—but she wouldn’t make that mistake again.

This wasn’t just about winning anymore.

It was about total destruction.