CHAPTER 67

The next morning, the atmosphere in the suite was tense but focused. Zane, Alex, Maya, and Reese gathered around the table, reviewing the evidence they’d retrieved and planning their next steps.

Zane’s silver eyes scanned the documents in front of him, his jaw tight. “We have enough to prove Helena’s connection to the DeLucas and the smuggling operation. But Luca’s involvement complicates things. He’s not just running errands for her—he’s building his own game.”

Maya frowned, her fingers tracing the edge of the table. “What could he possibly gain from this? If Helena goes down, won’t he go down with her?”

Alex leaned back in his chair, his expression thoughtful. “Not if he’s planning to betray her. Luca’s always resented Zane for being named the head of Moretti Corps. Aligning with Helena might be his way of destabilizing Zane’s position, but turning on her at the right moment could give him the leverage to take control himself.”

Reese scoffed. “So, he’s playing both sides. Typical snake move.”

“It’s a dangerous game,” Zane said, his voice cold. “And we’re going to make sure he loses.”

A Call from Home

As the team strategized, Maya’s phone buzzed on the table. She glanced at the screen and froze. It was her father.

Excusing herself, she stepped onto the balcony to take the call. “Dad? What’s wrong?”

Charles’ voice was tense. “Maya, I just got a visit from someone claiming to represent Helena. They’re threatening to release more fabricated documents unless I publicly distance myself from you and Zane.”

Maya’s stomach sank. “What kind of documents?”

“They’re fake financial records,” Charles said. “But they’re convincing enough to cause damage. If this goes public, it could ruin me—and drag you and Zane down with it.”

Maya gripped the railing, her mind racing. “Don’t do anything yet, Dad. Let me talk to Zane. We’ll figure this out.”

“Be careful, Maya,” Charles warned. “Helena’s playing a long game. She won’t stop until she’s destroyed everything.”

As the call ended, Maya stared out at the city, her resolve hardening. Helena’s attacks were getting more personal, and she wouldn’t let her father become another casualty.

Zane’s Unwavering Support

Maya returned to the suite, her expression grim as she recounted the conversation to Zane.

“She’s trying to force my father to turn against us,” Maya said, her voice tight.

Zane listened intently, his hand resting on her shoulder. “Helena’s desperate. She knows she can’t win on her own, so she’s trying to divide us. It won’t work.”

“But what if it does?” Maya asked, her voice breaking slightly. “My father’s already been through so much because of her. If she pushes him far enough, he might give in.”

Zane’s silver eyes softened as he cupped her face. “Maya, listen to me. Helena wants you to doubt yourself, to feel isolated. But you’re not alone in this. Your father isn’t alone. We’ll protect him, just like we’re protecting everything else we’ve built.”

Maya nodded, her heart steadying under his gaze. “Thank you, Zane. For always believing in me.”

Zane pressed a kiss to her forehead, his voice low but firm. “Always.”

Helena’s Next Move

In her villa, Helena leaned back in her chair, her expression cold as she listened to Luca recount the events at the terminal.

“You were careless,” Helena snapped, her tone sharp. “Letting them get away with the evidence was a mistake.”

Luca smirked, unbothered by her criticism. “Relax, Mother. The evidence won’t mean much when the world is focused on the chaos I’m about to unleash.”

Helena arched an eyebrow. “And what chaos would that be?”

Luca leaned forward, his dark eyes gleaming with amusement. “I’ve planted the seeds for a corporate revolt within Moretti Corps. Half the board already questions Zane’s leadership, and with the right push, they’ll turn on him.”

Helena’s lips curved into a faint smile. “I underestimated you, Luca. Perhaps you’re more of a Moretti than I gave you credit for.”

“Don’t get too comfortable,” Luca said, his tone cutting. “I’m not doing this for you. When this is over, Zane won’t be the only one out of the picture.”

Helena’s smile faltered, but she didn’t respond. For now, Luca’s ambition aligned with her goals—but she made a mental note to keep an eye on him.

An Unexpected Ally

Back at the hotel, Reese burst into the room, her expression alight with excitement. “You’re not going to believe this, but I think I’ve found someone who can help us.”

“Who?” Maya asked, her brow furrowing.

“A former associate of Helena’s,” Reese said, holding up her phone. “I reached out to some old contacts in the industry, and one of them connected me to a journalist who used to work with Helena. Apparently, she burned him during one of her earlier schemes, and he’s been waiting for a chance to get back at her.”

Zane’s silver eyes sharpened. “What does he know?”

Reese grinned. “Enough to confirm everything we’ve uncovered—and then some. If we can get him on the record, it’ll blow Helena’s credibility out of the water.”

Maya’s heart lifted at the prospect of turning the tide in their favor. “Can we trust him?”

Reese nodded. “He hates Helena more than we do. Trust me, he’s in.”

A Quiet Moment

That evening, as the team prepared to meet with their new ally, Maya and Zane found a rare moment of quiet. They sat together on the balcony, the city lights twinkling below them like stars.

“Do you ever wonder what life would be like if we didn’t have to deal with all this?” Maya asked, her voice soft.

Zane glanced at her, a faint smile tugging at his lips. “Boring. I’d probably be stuck in endless board meetings, and you’d be living a quiet life somewhere, completely unbothered.”

Maya chuckled, leaning against him. “Sounds peaceful.”

“Sounds dull,” Zane countered, his silver eyes warm. “I’d rather fight for something worth having. And you, Maya—you’re worth everything.”

Her heart swelled at his words, and she looked up at him, her green eyes shining. “You make it impossible not to believe in us, you know that?”

“That’s the idea,” Zane said, brushing a kiss against her temple.

For a moment, the storm outside faded, leaving only the quiet strength of their connection.

But they both knew it wouldn’t last. The next battle was just around the corner, and this time, it would test them like never before.