CHAPTER 84

The tension in the suite was almost suffocating as the team returned from Helena’s estate. Alex locked the door behind them, double-checking the reinforced security systems in place.

Maya sat on the couch, her legs shaking as the adrenaline from the mission began to fade. Zane placed a hand on her shoulder, his touch grounding.

“You did well,” Zane said softly.

Maya looked up at him, her green eyes filled with a mixture of exhaustion and determination. “We’re not done yet. Not until Helena is stopped for good.”

“She will be,” Zane replied, his silver eyes gleaming with resolve.

Reviewing the Files

Camilla spread the retrieved files across the dining table, her fingers flying over her keyboard as she began decrypting the hard drives.

“These files are extensive,” Camilla said, her voice laced with awe. “It’s not just about Moretti Corps. Helena’s been running a network of corporate espionage and sabotage for years. She’s connected to the DeLucas, Donovan Scott, and even a few high-ranking politicians.”

Reese leaned over her shoulder, her brow furrowing. “If we release this, it’ll destroy her entire operation—and a lot of powerful people along with it.”

“That’s exactly the point,” Zane said, his tone sharp. “Helena’s been protected by her allies for too long. It’s time to dismantle her web of influence.”

Maya frowned as she studied one of the documents. “What’s this?” she asked, pointing to a series of bank transactions.

Camilla zoomed in, her expression darkening. “It’s a payment trail. Helena’s been funneling money to offshore accounts tied to shell companies. These companies are linked to bribes, blackmail, and… something else.”

“What else?” Alex asked, his voice tense.

“Kidnappings,” Camilla said, her voice barely above a whisper.

Helena’s Next Move

At her villa, Helena was in a frenzy, barking orders at her remaining operatives as she prepared her next move.

“We can’t let them release those files,” Helena said, her voice cold and commanding. “If they go public, it’s over for all of us.”

One of her operatives hesitated before speaking. “Ma’am, the DeLucas are questioning your leadership. They’re pulling their resources.”

Helena’s eyes narrowed, her tone venomous. “Then we don’t need them. I have my own resources. And I’ll use every last one of them to make Zane pay.”

She turned to her assistant, her voice low and dangerous. “Activate the contingency plan. Target Maya. If we can’t break him, we’ll break her.”

The Threat Escalates

As the team worked through the night, Alex’s phone buzzed with an alert. His face darkened as he read the message.

“What is it?” Zane asked.

“Helena’s moving again,” Alex said. “One of our sources just confirmed she’s targeting Maya directly. She’s already mobilized her operatives.”

Zane’s expression hardened, his silver eyes blazing with fury. “She won’t touch her. Not while I’m alive.”

Maya stood, her voice steady despite the fear curling in her chest. “We need to finish this, Zane. The files, the evidence—we need to release it now.”

“We can’t rush this,” Reese interjected. “If we don’t coordinate the release properly, Helena could twist the narrative and frame us instead.”

“She won’t get the chance,” Zane said. “We’ll release the files tomorrow morning. Camilla, make sure everything is ready to go.”

A Quiet Moment

As the team prepared for the final release, Zane and Maya retreated to the balcony for a moment of quiet. The city lights twinkled below, their beauty a stark contrast to the chaos swirling around them.

Maya leaned against the railing, her hand resting on her growing baby bump. “Do you think we’ll ever have a normal life?” she asked softly.

Zane stepped beside her, his presence grounding. “We will. I’ll make sure of it.”

Maya turned to him, her green eyes searching his face. “You’ve been fighting so hard, Zane. But what happens when this is over? What happens to us?”

Zane cupped her face, his silver eyes filled with emotion. “When this is over, we start fresh. No more looking over our shoulders, no more battles to fight. Just us and our family.”

Maya smiled faintly, leaning into his touch. “I’m holding you to that.”

“You should,” Zane said, his lips curving into a rare smile.

The Final Preparation

Inside, the team worked tirelessly to finalize the release of the files. Camilla set up a secure server to distribute the evidence to trusted journalists, law enforcement agencies, and global media outlets.

“This is going to shake the world,” Reese said, her tone a mix of awe and determination.

“It’s about time,” Alex replied. “Helena’s had too much power for too long.”

Zane reentered the room, his silver eyes scanning the group. “Is everything ready?”

Camilla nodded. “We go live at 8 a.m. sharp.”

“Good,” Zane said. “This ends tomorrow.”

Helena’s Final Gambit

At her villa, Helena stood in front of a large monitor displaying a live feed of her operatives preparing for an all-out assault.

“If Zane wants a war, I’ll give him one,” Helena said, her voice cold and unyielding.

Her assistant hesitated before speaking. “Ma’am, if this fails—”

“It won’t,” Helena snapped. “I’ve sacrificed too much to lose now. Zane and Maya think they’ve won, but they have no idea what’s coming.”

She turned to the monitor, her lips curving into a dangerous smile. “By the time they realize, it’ll be too late.”