CHAPTER 85

The early morning hours were a blur of tension and preparation. The suite buzzed with energy as the team made final adjustments to the coordinated release of Helena’s files. Camilla double-checked the encrypted servers, Reese drafted statements for the media, and Alex coordinated with trusted security teams to guard against any retaliatory moves.

Maya sat at the table with Zane, her fingers laced with his as they silently braced for the storm they were about to unleash.

“You ready?” Zane asked, his silver eyes locking onto hers.

Maya nodded, her voice steady. “More than ready. Let’s end this.”

---

The Release

At exactly 8:00 a.m., Camilla hit the enter key, and the files began to flood the internet. Within minutes, major news outlets were reporting on the contents: years of bribery, blackmail, corporate sabotage, and even ties to high-profile kidnappings and murders.

“Breaking: Explosive Evidence Links Helena Moretti to Criminal Network.”

“The Downfall of a Socialite: Helena Moretti’s Secrets Exposed.”

The team watched the media frenzy unfold on the large TV in the living room. Reese grinned as she scrolled through social media, where hashtags like #MorettiFiles and #JusticeForZane were trending worldwide.

“She’s finished,” Alex said, his tone grim but satisfied.

“Not yet,” Zane said, his expression unyielding. “She won’t go down without a fight.”

---

Helena’s Reaction

At her villa, Helena’s face twisted in rage as she watched the news. Every channel, every headline, every tweet was a dagger to her carefully constructed image.

Her assistant entered the room cautiously. “Ma’am, the files are everywhere. The DeLucas have officially cut ties, and law enforcement is mobilizing.”

Helena turned to him, her voice ice-cold. “Mobilizing for what?”

“They’re coming here,” he said, his voice trembling. “A warrant’s been issued for your arrest.”

Helena’s eyes narrowed, and she clenched her fists. “Let them come. I’m not going down quietly.”

---

A Brewing Storm

Back at the suite, the mood was tense despite the success of the release. The team knew that Helena’s retaliation would be swift and brutal.

“She’ll be cornered now,” Maya said, her green eyes filled with concern. “That makes her even more dangerous.”

“Agreed,” Zane said. “She’ll make her move soon. We need to be ready.”

Camilla’s laptop beeped, and she frowned as she read the alert. “We’ve got incoming communications from one of Helena’s operatives. They’re demanding a meeting.”

Reese leaned forward. “A meeting? What for?”

“They claim to have a message from Helena,” Camilla said. “They’re offering terms.”

Zane’s jaw tightened. “Terms? She thinks she can negotiate her way out of this?”

Maya placed a hand on his arm. “It could be a trap.”

“I know,” Zane said, his silver eyes blazing. “But if she wants to talk, we’ll let her. On our terms.”

---

The Meeting

That afternoon, Zane and Alex arrived at a neutral location—a luxury hotel downtown. The meeting was held in a private conference room, heavily guarded by both sides.

A man in a tailored suit entered, flanked by two bodyguards. He introduced himself as one of Helena’s senior operatives.

“Mr. Moretti,” the man began, his tone calm but tense. “Helena has authorized me to propose a truce.”

Zane’s expression remained cold. “A truce? After everything she’s done? That’s bold.”

“She knows she’s lost,” the man said. “But she’s willing to surrender under certain conditions.”

Alex crossed his arms, his tone skeptical. “And those conditions are?”

“She wants immunity,” the man said. “For herself and her remaining allies. In exchange, she’ll provide evidence implicating the DeLucas and other key players in her network.”

Zane leaned back in his chair, his silver eyes piercing. “Immunity? She expects us to let her walk free after everything she’s done?”

“It’s the only way to end this cleanly,” the man said. “If you refuse, she’ll burn everything—including herself.”

---

A Hard Decision

Back at the suite, the team debated Helena’s offer.

“It’s a bluff,” Alex said. “She’s trying to buy time.”

“Maybe,” Camilla said. “But if she really has evidence on the DeLucas, it could take down one of the biggest criminal families in the country.”

Maya frowned, her hand resting on her baby bump. “It’s not just about justice. It’s about safety. If the DeLucas are still in power, they’ll come after us eventually.”

Reese sighed. “So what do we do? Take the deal and let her walk? Or refuse and risk her taking us all down with her?”

All eyes turned to Zane, who sat silently, his expression unreadable.

Finally, he spoke, his voice steady. “We don’t negotiate with terrorists. Helena doesn’t get to dictate the terms of her surrender.”

---

Helena’s Final Gambit

That evening, Helena sat alone in her villa, a glass of wine in her hand. The news of her impending downfall played softly in the background, but she paid it no mind.

Her phone buzzed, and she answered without hesitation.

“Is everything ready?” she asked.

“Yes, ma’am,” her operative replied. “The explosives are in place.”

Helena’s lips curved into a cold smile. “Good. If I can’t have Moretti Corps, no one will.”

She ended the call and stood, her gaze fixed on the flames flickering in the fireplace. “Enjoy your victory, Zane. It won’t last.”

---

The Warning

At the suite, Alex’s phone buzzed with an urgent alert. His face darkened as he read the message.

“We’ve got a problem,” Alex said, his tone sharp.

“What now?” Zane asked.

“Helena’s operatives have planted explosives at Moretti Corps headquarters,” Alex said. “They’re planning to detonate the building tonight.”

Maya’s breath caught, her hand tightening around Zane’s. “We have to stop them.”

“We will,” Zane said, his silver eyes blazing. “Helena wants to destroy everything I’ve built, but I won’t let her. Not this time.”