CHAPTER 86

The suite erupted into chaos as Alex relayed the details of Helena’s latest move. The revelation of explosives planted at Moretti Corps headquarters sent a shockwave through the team.

“How much time do we have?” Zane demanded, his silver eyes burning with fury.

“Not long,” Alex replied, his fingers flying over his phone as he coordinated with the security team. “The operatives are already on-site, and we’ve got reports of suspicious activity in the basement. If we don’t act fast, the entire building could go up.”

Zane clenched his fists, his jaw tightening as he turned to the group. “We’re not losing the headquarters. Alex, get the bomb squad on the ground now. Reese, alert the authorities and coordinate an evacuation.”

“And what about Helena?” Maya asked, her green eyes filled with worry.

“She’s counting on us being distracted,” Zane said. “But we’re not letting her slip away.”

---

The Race to Save the Headquarters

The team moved quickly, splitting into groups to handle the simultaneous crises. Zane and Alex headed straight to Moretti Corps, while Maya stayed behind with Camilla and Reese to monitor the situation remotely.

The drive to the headquarters was tense, the city lights flashing by as Zane gripped the steering wheel tightly.

“Helena’s getting bolder,” Alex said, loading his weapon. “If she’s willing to destroy the building, who knows what else she has planned?”

“She’s desperate,” Zane replied, his voice steady but sharp. “And desperation makes people dangerous. But it also makes them careless.”

They arrived at the building to find the security team already evacuating employees. The air was filled with the sound of alarms and panicked voices as people streamed out of the building.

“Where’s the bomb squad?” Zane asked one of the guards.

“On their way, sir,” the guard replied. “But we’ve identified at least two suspicious packages in the basement. They’re wired and could go off any minute.”

“Let’s move,” Zane said, his expression hard.

---

The Search for the Explosives

The basement of Moretti Corps was dimly lit, the sound of footsteps echoing off the concrete walls as Zane and Alex led a team of guards through the space.

“Spread out,” Alex instructed. “If you see anything suspicious, don’t touch it. Just call it in.”

Zane scanned the room, his silver eyes sharp and focused. His heart raced as he spotted a black duffel bag tucked beneath a stairwell, wires protruding from its side.

“Here,” Zane said, motioning to the team.

Alex crouched beside the bag, his expression grim. “It’s live. We need the bomb squad now.”

As Alex radioed for assistance, Zane’s phone buzzed with a message from Camilla.

“Another device spotted in the parking garage,” the text read.

Zane turned to Alex. “I’ll handle the garage. Stay here and secure this one.”

Alex hesitated before nodding. “Be careful.”

---

In the Parking Garage

Zane moved quickly through the underground parking garage, his senses on high alert. The area was eerily quiet, the only sound the faint hum of fluorescent lights.

He spotted the second device beneath a parked car, its blinking red light a stark warning. As he approached, he noticed movement out of the corner of his eye.

“Stop right there,” Zane said, his voice sharp as he drew his weapon.

A man stepped out from behind a pillar, his hands raised. He was one of Helena’s operatives, his face pale but defiant.

“You’re too late,” the man said, a smirk playing on his lips.

Zane’s silver eyes burned with fury. “Where’s the detonator?”

The man’s smirk widened. “Even if I told you, you’d never make it in time.”

Before Zane could respond, the man lunged at him, a knife flashing in his hand. Zane dodged the attack, his movements quick and precise as he disarmed the man and pinned him to the ground.

“Where’s the detonator?” Zane demanded again, his voice deadly.

The man laughed weakly. “You’ll never stop it.”

Zane searched the man’s pockets and found a small device, its red button ominous. He smashed it against the concrete floor, his jaw tightening as the man groaned in defeat.

---

Defusing the Threat

Back in the basement, Alex worked with the bomb squad to disarm the first device. The tension was thick as the technician carefully cut through the wires, sweat beading on his forehead.

“Almost there,” the technician said, his hands steady despite the pressure.

The final wire was cut, and the blinking light on the device went dark.

“That’s one down,” Alex said, his voice steady as he relayed the update to Zane.

In the parking garage, Zane handed over the second device to the bomb squad, his shoulders relaxing slightly as they began their work.

“Both devices secured,” Zane said into his earpiece. “We’re clear.”

---

Helena’s Next Move

At her villa, Helena paced the room, her expression a mask of fury as she received the update from her operative.

“They defused the bombs,” the operative said, his voice shaky.

Helena’s grip on her phone tightened. “Then we escalate again. Prepare the next phase.”

“Ma’am, we’re running out of resources,” the operative replied nervously.

“Then find more,” Helena snapped. “I don’t care how. Zane thinks he’s won, but he hasn’t seen what I’m truly capable of.”

---

A Moment of Relief

Back at the suite, Zane and Alex returned to find Maya waiting for them, her relief evident as she hugged Zane tightly.

“You’re okay,” Maya said, her voice trembling.

“I told you I’d come back,” Zane said, his silver eyes softening as he held her close.

Camilla looked up from her laptop, her expression grim. “Helena won’t stop after this. She’s already making moves to regroup.”

“Let her,” Zane said, his tone sharp. “We’ll be ready for whatever she throws at us next.”

Maya rested her head against his chest, her green eyes shining with determination. “She’s desperate, Zane. That means she’s running out of options.”

“Exactly,” Zane said. “And when the time comes, we’ll end this once and for all.”