CHAPTER 6

Maya woke to sunlight streaming through floor-to-ceiling windows, momentarily disoriented by the unfamiliar surroundings. The events of last night rushed back, bringing a flush to her cheeks. She was alone in the massive bed, wrapped in silk sheets that probably cost more than her monthly rent.

A soft knock at the door made her jump. "Room service," a voice called out.

"Just a moment!" Maya scrambled to find something to wear, spotting a plush robe laid out at the foot of the bed. She wrapped it around herself just as the door opened.

But instead of hotel staff, Zane strode in, already impeccably dressed in a fresh suit. He carried a tray laden with breakfast and coffee, setting it on the nearby table with practiced ease.

"I thought you'd left," she said, unable to mask her relief.

His lips quirked up. "Without saying goodbye? I'm not that kind of man, Maya." He poured her a cup of coffee, adding cream just as she liked it – though she couldn't remember telling him her preference.

"I have meetings this morning," he said, checking his watch. "But I'd like to see you again. Tonight, if you're free."

Maya's heart skipped. "I don't do this often," she admitted. "Actually, never."

"Good." His silver eyes sparked with satisfaction. "Neither do I."

A phone buzzed – his – and Zane's expression darkened as he read the message. "I need to go. There's a car waiting whenever you're ready to leave." He hesitated, then pulled out a business card, writing something on the back. "My private number. Use it."

He moved to leave but paused at the door. "One more thing." His gaze swept over her with such intensity that Maya felt her skin tingle. "Wear something formal tonight. I'm taking you somewhere special."

After he left, Maya sank into a chair, her mind whirling. She reached for her phone, finding several missed calls from Reese. Before she could call back, a new message popped up – from an unknown number.

Her blood ran cold as she read it: "You really think you're good enough for him? You have no idea what you've just stepped into. - I"

Maya's hands trembled. Isabella. Zane's ex-fiancée. The message was followed by a photo – Maya entering the hotel with Zane last night, the timestamp clear.

Her phone rang again. This time, it was her brother Aaron.

"Maya," his voice was tight with concern. "Have you seen the business news this morning? Davis Enterprises and Moretti Corps are about to enter a hostile takeover battle. Dad's livid." He paused. "And why is there a photo of you with Zane Moretti trending on social media?"

Maya closed her eyes, her perfect morning crumbling around her. She'd known Zane was powerful, successful – but she hadn't realized she was walking into a corporate war zone. Or that she'd just complicated everything by spending the night with her father's newest enemy.

Her phone buzzed again – another message from Isabella: "Hope you enjoyed last night. It's the only one you'll get.”

—---

Maya's hands shook as she stepped into Davis Enterprises, her father's company. The tension in the air was palpable as employees whispered and stared. Her heels clicked against the marble floor, each step feeling like a countdown to confrontation.

"Miss Davis," her father's secretary hurried toward her, face pinched with worry. "Your father wants to see you immediately."

The elevator ride to the top floor felt endless. Maya's phone buzzed again – another message from Isabella: "Daddy dearest isn't happy, is he? Just wait until he sees what else I have planned."

She deleted it without responding.

Charles Davis stood at his office window, his back rigid with anger. He didn't turn when Maya entered.

"Explain," he demanded, tossing a tablet onto his desk. On the screen was a business article: 'Moretti Corps CEO spotted with Davis heiress amid hostile takeover rumors.'

"Dad, I didn't know—"

"Didn't know?" He spun around, eyes blazing. "Didn't know that the man trying to destroy our company was using you to get inside information?"

Maya's spine stiffened. "He wasn't using me."

"Really?" Charles laughed bitterly. "The night before he announces his intention to buy controlling shares in Davis Enterprises, he just happens to seduce my daughter?"

"It wasn't like that," Maya insisted, even as doubt crept in.

Her father's phone rang. His face darkened as he answered it. "Moretti," he spat the name. "You have some nerve—" He paused, listening. "Fine. One hour."

He hung up and fixed Maya with a hard stare. "Zane Moretti is coming here. To 'discuss terms.' And you're going to be present."

"Why?"

"Because I want you to see exactly what kind of man you got involved with."

An hour later, Maya sat in the conference room, her stomach in knots. The door opened, and Zane walked in, followed by two men she didn't recognize. His eyes found her immediately, something flickering in their silver depths before his face became unreadable.

"Charles," Zane nodded, taking a seat. "Maya." Her name was softer on his lips.

"Let's skip the pleasantries," Charles snapped. "What's your game, Moretti? Using my daughter to—"

"I didn't know she was your daughter," Zane cut in, his voice sharp. "Not until this morning."

Maya's head snapped up. "What?"

Zane's jaw tightened. "I saw the news about Davis Enterprises this morning, same as everyone else. I had no idea who you were last night, Maya."

"Convenient excuse," Charles scoffed.

"It's the truth." Zane's eyes locked with Maya's. "I'm here to make a proposal. One that benefits both companies."

Before he could continue, the conference room door burst open. Isabella strode in, her designer heels clicking against the floor, a triumphant smile on her face.

"Sorry I'm late," she purred. "But I thought everyone should see this before we continue." She pulled out her phone, pressing play on a video.

Maya's blood ran cold as she recognized her own voice from last night: "Your name sounds familiar... Zane Moretti. The CEO of Moretti Corps."

The video continued, showing their entire first conversation at the gala, expertly edited to make it seem like Maya had orchestrated the entire encounter.

Zane's face hardened as he watched, his knuckles white where they gripped the edge of the table.

"You were saying something about not knowing who she was?" Isabella's smile was venomous. "Looks like someone's lying. Question is – which one of you is it?"

Maya felt the room spinning as both her father and Zane turned to look at her – one with fury, the other with something that looked dangerously close to betrayal.

"I can explain," she started, but the words died in her throat as Zane stood abruptly.

"Meeting's over," he said, his voice cold. He turned to leave, then paused. "And Maya?" His eyes met hers one last time, filled with a mixture of hurt and anger that made her heart clench. "Don't call me."

As the door closed behind him, Isabella's laugh echoed through the room. "Oh, sweetie," she said, patting Maya's shoulder as she passed. "Did you really think you could play in the big leagues?"

Maya sat frozen, watching her carefully constructed world crumble around her. She'd lost her father's trust, Zane's interest, and possibly her reputation – all in less than twenty-four hours.

Her phone buzzed one final time. A message from an unknown number: "Phase one complete. Ready for phase two? - L”