CHAPTER 91

The suite was quieter than usual, the team absorbing the gravity of Jeremy’s confession. Alex sat in the corner, cross-referencing the information Jeremy had given with Camilla’s data, while Reese paced near the window, her brows furrowed in thought.

Maya sat on the couch, her legs curled beneath her, watching Zane. His silver eyes were focused as he reviewed the layout of the east-side warehouse, a plan forming in his mind.

“You’re going after her, aren’t you?” Maya asked softly.

Zane looked up, his expression softening when he met her gaze. “It’s the only way to stop this.”

Maya’s lips pressed into a thin line. “I want to come with you.”

“No,” Zane said immediately, his voice firm. “It’s too dangerous.”

“You can’t keep shielding me from everything,” Maya said, her green eyes flashing. “This fight involves me, Zane. Helena’s targeting me because she thinks I’m your weakness. Let me prove her wrong.”

Zane hesitated, torn between his instinct to protect her and the respect he had for her strength. Finally, he nodded. “You stay close to Alex. No risks, no exceptions.”

---

The Plan

Camilla projected a map of the warehouse onto the living room wall, highlighting the areas Jeremy had described.

“The main entrance is heavily guarded,” she said. “But there’s a side entrance here that should be easier to breach.”

Alex crossed his arms, his expression grim. “Once we’re inside, we’ll need to move fast. Helena’s not the type to leave loose ends—she might have contingencies in place.”

“Then we’ll neutralize them,” Zane said, his tone sharp. “Camilla, you stay here and monitor the security feeds. Alex, Reese, and I will take point. Maya stays with Alex.”

Maya’s jaw tightened, but she nodded. “Fine. Just promise me you’ll be careful.”

“I always am,” Zane said, his silver eyes softening.

---

Approaching the Warehouse

The drive to the warehouse was tense, the air in the car heavy with unspoken fears. Zane sat in the passenger seat, his silver eyes scanning the darkened streets for any sign of a trap.

Maya sat in the back with Alex, her hands resting protectively on her baby bump. “Do you think she knows we’re coming?” she asked softly.

“Probably,” Alex replied, his tone calm. “But that doesn’t mean she’s ready for us.”

When they arrived, the warehouse loomed before them, its exterior shrouded in shadows. The team exited the car quietly, their movements precise and coordinated.

“Stay close,” Zane said, his voice low as he led the way toward the side entrance.

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Inside the Warehouse

The interior of the warehouse was dimly lit, the air thick with the smell of oil and rust. Zane held up a hand, signaling the team to stop as he scanned the area.

“Motion sensors,” he said, pointing to small devices mounted on the walls.

Camilla’s voice crackled through their earpieces. “Give me a second. I can disable them remotely.”

The sensors blinked off one by one, and Zane nodded. “Move.”

As they advanced deeper into the building, Maya’s heart pounded. She stayed close to Alex, her eyes darting nervously around the space.

Suddenly, a noise echoed from the far side of the room—a faint clatter that made everyone freeze.

“Did you hear that?” Maya whispered.

Zane nodded, his silver eyes narrowing. “We’re not alone.”

---

The Trap

As they approached the central area of the warehouse, the lights flickered on, bathing the space in harsh fluorescent light.

Helena stood on an elevated platform, her posture regal and commanding. She was flanked by several armed operatives, their weapons trained on the team.

“Well, well,” Helena said, her voice dripping with mockery. “Zane Moretti, always so predictable.”

Zane’s silver eyes burned with fury. “It’s over, Helena. We have everything we need to bring you down.”

Helena smirked. “Do you? Because from where I’m standing, it looks like you’ve walked right into my trap.”

The sound of heavy footsteps behind them made Maya’s stomach drop. She turned to see more operatives emerging from the shadows, surrounding them.

Alex stepped in front of her, his weapon raised. “Stay behind me,” he whispered.

---

A Dangerous Offer

Helena descended the platform slowly, her heels clicking against the metal stairs. “You could have stayed out of this, Zane. You could have walked away. But no—you had to play the hero.”

“Your games are over,” Zane said coldly.

Helena laughed softly, her gaze shifting to Maya. “And here she is. The lovely Maya. The heart of all your troubles.”

Maya lifted her chin, refusing to show fear. “You won’t win, Helena. Zane’s stronger than you think.”

Helena’s lips curved into a sly smile. “Oh, I know exactly how strong he is. But even the strongest man has a breaking point.”

She turned back to Zane, her voice turning sharp. “Here’s my offer: walk away now, and I’ll let her live. Refuse, and you’ll lose everything.”

---

The Fight

Before Zane could respond, Alex fired the first shot, taking down one of Helena’s operatives. Chaos erupted as the team sprang into action, engaging in a fierce firefight.

Zane moved with precision, his every action calculated as he fought his way toward Helena. Maya stayed behind cover with Alex, her heart racing as bullets whizzed past.

Helena retreated to the platform, her expression turning from smug to furious as Zane closed in.

“You think you can beat me?” she shouted, her voice echoing through the warehouse.

Zane didn’t reply, his silver eyes focused as he disarmed one of her guards and pressed forward.

---

The Turning Point

As the fight raged on, Maya noticed something unusual—a small device clutched in Helena’s hand. Her stomach twisted as she realized what it was.

“Zane!” she shouted. “She has a detonator!”

Zane’s eyes snapped to Helena, who smirked as she raised the device.

“Let’s see how far you’re willing to go,” Helena said, her thumb hovering over the button.

Before she could press it, a single shot rang out. Helena’s hand jerked, the detonator falling to the ground as she clutched her shoulder in pain.

Alex lowered his weapon, his aim steady. “Not today,” he said.

---

The Aftermath

Helena’s operatives surrendered as law enforcement, tipped off by Camilla, stormed the warehouse. Helena was cuffed and led away, her expression a mixture of fury and disbelief.

Maya ran to Zane, throwing her arms around him as relief washed over her.

“It’s over,” she whispered.

Zane held her tightly, his silver eyes softening. “It’s over.”

As the team regrouped outside, the weight of their victory began to sink in. They had faced Helena’s worst—and won.

But as Zane looked at Maya, he knew their fight wasn’t just about survival. It was about protecting the future they were building together.