CHAPTER 69

The Moretti boardroom was a place Zane had come to command with authority, but today, the air was different. Tension crackled like static, each board member shifting uneasily in their chairs as they waited for the meeting to begin.

Maya watched from a private viewing room just outside, her green eyes narrowing as she took in the anxious faces of the people who held Zane’s fate in their hands. Beside her, Alex and Reese monitored the live feed, their expressions grim.

“She timed this perfectly,” Alex muttered, his jaw tight. “The board was already uneasy with the fallout from her smuggling operation. Now she’s trying to tip them over the edge.”

Maya glanced at him. “What’s in the envelope she sent them?”

Reese snorted. “Probably another pile of lies. The woman’s entire strategy is built on fabricating evidence and creating chaos.”

Maya clenched her fists, her chest tightening with frustration. “Zane can handle this. He has to.”

Helena’s Bombshell

Inside the boardroom, Zane stood at the head of the table, his silver eyes sharp and unyielding as he faced the board. The manila envelope Helena had sent lay open on the table, its contents spread out for all to see.

One of the board members, a middle-aged man with graying hair, cleared his throat. “Mr. Moretti, these documents are concerning, to say the least. They suggest that you’ve been using your position to silence dissent and manipulate company records.”

“That’s a lie,” Zane said firmly, his tone commanding. “Helena Moretti is the one who’s been manipulating records, as we’ve already proven. This is her latest attempt to discredit me and destabilize the company.”

Another board member, a woman with sharp features, leaned forward. “Be that as it may, the allegations are damaging. Investors are already asking questions. We need to address this immediately.”

Zane’s jaw tightened, but he kept his voice steady. “I’ve already instructed my team to prepare a full audit of the company’s operations, which will confirm that these claims are baseless. In the meantime, I suggest we focus on the real threat—Helena and her alliance with the DeLucas.”

Murmurs rippled through the room, the board divided between those who supported Zane and those swayed by Helena’s tactics.

Maya’s Unexpected Intervention

In the viewing room, Maya could feel the tide turning against Zane. Her chest tightened as she watched the board members exchange uneasy glances.

“We need to do something,” Maya said, her voice firm.

“What are you thinking?” Alex asked, his brow furrowing.

“I’m going in,” Maya said, already moving toward the door.

Reese grabbed her arm. “Are you sure that’s a good idea? These people are sharks, Maya. They’ll eat you alive.”

Maya turned to her, her green eyes blazing with determination. “They’re about to make a decision that could ruin Zane and everything we’ve fought for. I won’t sit here and let that happen.”

The Turning Point

The door to the boardroom opened, and every head turned as Maya stepped inside. Her presence was commanding, her posture confident despite the nerves twisting in her stomach.

“Mrs. Moretti,” one of the board members said, his tone surprised. “This is a private meeting.”

Maya nodded, her gaze sweeping across the room. “I know. And I’m here because I believe you’re about to make a mistake that will cost this company everything.”

Zane’s silver eyes met hers, a flicker of surprise and pride in his expression.

“I’ve seen firsthand how Helena operates,” Maya continued, her voice steady. “She’s a master manipulator who thrives on creating division and chaos. These documents are just another one of her lies, designed to distract you from the real issue—her criminal activities and her attempt to take control of Moretti Corps.”

The sharp-featured board member raised an eyebrow. “And why should we believe you?”

“Because I was Helena’s target before she came after Zane,” Maya said, her green eyes flashing. “She spread lies about my family, attacked my reputation, and tried to isolate me from the people I love. This isn’t just a business strategy for her—it’s personal. And she won’t stop until she’s destroyed everything.”

Zane’s Closing Argument

Maya’s words hung in the air, the weight of her conviction sinking into the room. Zane stepped forward, his silver eyes locking onto each board member in turn.

“You’ve heard the evidence,” Zane said, his voice low but commanding. “You know who Helena is and what she’s capable of. This company has thrived under my leadership because I’ve made decisions based on integrity and strategy—not lies and manipulation. If you allow her to continue this charade, you’ll be handing her the power to tear down everything we’ve built.”

A long silence followed, broken only by the faint hum of the building’s air conditioning. Finally, the graying board member cleared his throat.

“Mr. Moretti, Mrs. Moretti,” he said, his tone cautious. “We appreciate your transparency. I propose we table this matter until the audit is complete and review the findings then.”

A murmur of agreement swept through the room, and Zane nodded, his expression unreadable. “Agreed.”

A Private Victory

As the board filed out of the room, Zane turned to Maya, his silver eyes softening. “You didn’t have to do that.”

“Yes, I did,” Maya said, her voice firm. “Helena isn’t just your enemy, Zane. She’s ours. And I’m not letting her win.”

Zane stepped closer, his hand brushing against her cheek. “You were incredible in there.”

Maya smiled, her heart swelling at his words. “We’re in this together, remember?”

Zane leaned down, his lips brushing against hers in a kiss that was both tender and fierce. “Always.”

Helena’s Next Move

Across town, Helena sat in her office, her fingers tapping against the desk as she read the latest updates from her informants.

“They delayed the vote,” her assistant said nervously.

Helena’s lips curved into a cold smile. “They can delay all they want. It won’t change the outcome.”

Her phone buzzed with an incoming message. Helena glanced at the screen, her smile widening as she read the text:

“The final phase is ready. Just say the word.”

Helena set the phone down, her eyes gleaming with icy determination. “Let’s remind Zane and Maya why I’m not someone to underestimate.”