CHAPTER 80

The suite was buzzing with a mix of triumph and tension as the team debriefed after the airstrip confrontation. While Helena’s operation had been disrupted, the warning in her glare and her parting words still lingered like a dark cloud.

Maya stood by the window, her arms wrapped around herself as she stared at the city lights below. Zane joined her, his silver eyes searching her face.

“You’ve been quiet,” he said softly.

Maya turned to him, her green eyes filled with worry. “It feels like we’re only delaying the inevitable. Helena’s not just going to back down after this.”

Zane rested a reassuring hand on her shoulder. “She’s desperate, Maya. That’s why she’s throwing everything she has at us. Desperation makes people reckless. We’ll use that against her.”

Maya nodded, her resolve strengthening. “We need to end this, Zane. For good.”

Helena’s Next Step

Across the city, Helena was pacing her villa, her movements sharp and furious. Alessandro DeLuca sat calmly in a chair, sipping his drink as he watched her.

“You’re losing control,” Alessandro said, his tone smooth but cutting.

Helena whirled to face him, her eyes blazing. “I’ve got everything under control.”

Alessandro raised an eyebrow. “Do you? Because from where I’m sitting, Zane just humiliated you in front of your men. And the authorities. That’s not control, Helena—that’s weakness.”

Helena’s jaw tightened. “This isn’t over.”

“You keep saying that,” Alessandro said, standing to leave. “But I’m starting to wonder if you even believe it yourself. The DeLucas don’t have time for failures, Helena. Fix this. Quickly.”

As Alessandro walked out, Helena clenched her fists, her mind racing. She needed a move that would turn the tide in her favor—and she needed it now.

A New Ally?

The next morning, Maya was in the kitchen making tea when Reese entered, her phone in hand and a curious expression on her face.

“We just got a strange message,” Reese said, holding up her phone.

Maya frowned. “From who?”

“It’s encrypted, but it looks like it’s from someone inside Helena’s circle,” Reese said. “They’re offering information in exchange for protection.”

“Information about what?” Maya asked, her heart quickening.

“Helena’s endgame,” Reese said. “If this is real, it could be exactly what we need to stop her.”

Weighing the Risks

The team gathered in the living room to discuss the message. Alex was skeptical, his arms crossed as he leaned against the wall.

“This could be a trap,” Alex said. “Helena’s tried to lure us in before.”

“Or it could be real,” Camilla countered. “If someone in her circle is turning on her, that’s a huge opportunity.”

Zane’s silver eyes were thoughtful as he studied the message. “We’ll proceed carefully. If this is real, we need to know what they have. If it’s a trap, we’ll be ready.”

Maya rested her hand on Zane’s arm. “We need to take this chance, Zane. It could be the break we’ve been waiting for.”

Zane nodded, his resolve hardening. “Set up the meeting. But make sure it’s on our terms.”

The Meeting

That evening, the team arrived at a secluded café on the edge of the city. The informant had chosen the location, and while it seemed quiet, Alex had already stationed guards nearby to ensure their safety.

Maya stayed in the car with Alex, her heart pounding as she watched Zane and Reese enter the café.

Inside, they were greeted by a man in his early thirties, his face pale and his hands fidgeting nervously. He introduced himself as Marco, one of Helena’s operatives.

“You’re taking a big risk coming here,” Zane said, his silver eyes sharp.

Marco nodded, his voice shaky. “I know. But I can’t keep working for her. She’s lost it. She doesn’t care who gets hurt anymore.”

“What do you have for us?” Reese asked, her tone cautious but curious.

Marco slid a USB drive across the table. “It’s all there. Her communications, her plans, even her contingencies. She’s planning one last big move, and if it works, it’ll take everything from you.”

A Sudden Betrayal

Before Marco could say more, the sound of tires screeching outside shattered the tense atmosphere. Maya and Alex turned toward the street just as a black SUV roared into view.

“Get down!” Alex shouted, pushing Maya to the floor as gunfire erupted.

Inside the café, Zane pulled Reese and Marco to cover as bullets shattered the windows. “Helena knows,” Zane said grimly. “She sent them to silence him.”

Marco’s face went white. “She’ll kill me!”

“Not if we get you out of here,” Zane said.

The Escape

Alex radioed for backup as he and Maya ducked behind the car. “We need to get them out now!”

Zane responded through the earpiece, his voice calm despite the chaos. “We’re coming out the back. Cover us.”

Alex moved quickly, positioning himself to provide cover as Zane, Reese, and Marco emerged from the rear of the café. Maya’s heart raced as she watched Zane, his movements precise and fearless.

The team piled into their vehicle and sped away, bullets ricocheting off the metal as they disappeared into the night.

The Debrief

Back at the suite, Marco sat trembling as the team reviewed the contents of the USB drive. The information was extensive, detailing Helena’s plans to cripple Moretti Corps and frame Zane for crimes he didn’t commit.

“This is it,” Reese said, her voice filled with awe. “This is everything we need to stop her.”

Zane’s silver eyes were cold as he stared at the screen. “We end this now.”

Helena’s Fury

At her villa, Helena stood by the window, her expression thunderous as she listened to the report from her remaining operatives.

“They got away,” the operative said nervously.

Helena’s hand tightened on her glass until it shattered, the shards cutting into her palm. “Zane thinks he’s won,” she said, her voice a deadly whisper. “But he hasn’t seen what I’m truly capable of.”