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CHAPTER 96
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2025-01-08 21:02:24The mornings on the Amalfi Coast were nothing short of magical. The sunlight filtering through the sheer curtains of the villa’s bedroom was warm and inviting, and the soft hum of the waves was a far cry from the chaos that once dominated Zane and Maya’s lives.
Maya sat on the edge of the bed, brushing her hair as she admired the peaceful view outside. The crescent moon necklace Zane had gifted her gleamed faintly against her collarbone, catching the morning light.
Zane entered the room with two steaming cups of coffee, placing one on the nightstand beside her. “I thought you could use this,” he said, sitting next to her.
She smiled, taking the cup gratefully. “You’re spoiling me.”
“I think I owe you a lifetime of that,” Zane replied, his silver eyes softening.
---
An Unexpected Letter
The peace of their morning was interrupted when a courier arrived at the villa, handing Zane an envelope sealed with an unfamiliar crest.
Maya watched curiously as Zane broke the seal, his brow furrowing as he read the contents.
“What is it?” Maya asked, setting her coffee down.
Zane handed her the letter, his expression unreadable. “It’s from the investigator I hired.”
Maya scanned the document, her heart racing as she read the details.
Zane,
The sibling mentioned in Helena’s files appears to be real. The records indicate a child born in secrecy, hidden from the public eye. I’ve traced a connection to a small town in Northern Italy. If you’re ready, I can arrange for you to meet them.
Maya lowered the letter, her green eyes wide. “Zane, this is… incredible.”
“Incredible and unexpected,” Zane said, running a hand through his hair. “I never imagined—” He paused, his silver eyes meeting hers. “Do you think I should go?”
Maya reached for his hand, her voice steady. “I think you owe it to yourself to find out the truth. This could be a part of your family you’ve never known.”
Zane nodded, his resolve strengthening. “Then we’ll go together.”
---
The Journey North
The drive to the small town in Northern Italy was a scenic one, with winding roads flanked by rolling hills and vineyards. Maya couldn’t help but feel a mixture of excitement and apprehension.
“What do you think they’ll be like?” Maya asked, glancing at Zane as he focused on the road.
“I have no idea,” Zane admitted. “But if Helena went to such lengths to hide them, they must have been important to her for some reason.”
Maya placed a comforting hand on his arm. “No matter what happens, we’ll face it together.”
---
The Meeting
The investigator had arranged the meeting at a small café in the heart of the town. Zane and Maya arrived early, choosing a quiet table near the window.
Zane’s leg bounced slightly under the table, a rare sign of nervousness that Maya found endearing.
“Relax,” Maya said softly, resting a hand on his knee. “Everything will be fine.”
Before Zane could respond, the café door opened, and a woman stepped inside. She was tall and graceful, with striking features that bore an uncanny resemblance to Zane’s.
Maya’s breath caught. “Zane…”
The woman approached their table, her expression a mix of curiosity and caution. “Zane Moretti?”
Zane stood, his silver eyes locked onto hers. “Yes. And you must be…”
“Elena,” she said, her voice soft but steady. “Elena Moretti.”
---
A Connection Revealed
The three of them sat in quiet conversation, the café’s cozy atmosphere contrasting with the weight of the revelations unfolding.
Elena explained how she had grown up unaware of her connection to the Moretti family. She had been raised by a foster family in Northern Italy, with no knowledge of her lineage until an anonymous letter arrived years ago, hinting at her connection to Zane.
“I didn’t believe it at first,” Elena admitted, her blue-gray eyes glistening with emotion. “But when I started digging, everything pointed back to the Moretti name. And now, sitting here with you… there’s no doubt.”
Zane’s voice was steady, but his emotions were evident. “Helena kept you hidden. She never mentioned you—not even once. Do you know why?”
Elena shook her head. “I wish I did. All I know is that I wasn’t part of her plans. She left me behind, but I’ve always wondered why.”
---
Finding Common Ground
As the conversation continued, Maya noticed how alike Zane and Elena were—not just in appearance, but in their strength and determination.
“You’ve done well for yourself,” Zane said, his silver eyes reflecting a rare softness. “Despite everything, you’ve built a life.”
“I had no choice,” Elena said with a faint smile. “Survival is all I’ve ever known.”
Zane reached for her hand, his tone sincere. “You’re not alone anymore, Elena. Whatever Helena’s reasons were for keeping us apart, they don’t matter now. You’re family.”
Elena’s eyes filled with tears, but she nodded, her voice steady. “Thank you. That means more than you know.”
---
A New Chapter
As they left the café, Maya slipped her hand into Zane’s, her heart full.
“You did the right thing coming here,” she said softly.
Zane nodded, his silver eyes reflecting a mixture of emotions. “It’s strange, finding a piece of my past I never knew existed. But it feels… right.”
Maya smiled, leaning into him. “That’s because it is.”
As they drove back to the villa, the sun dipped below the horizon, painting the sky in shades of orange and pink. For the first time in a long time, Zane felt a sense of completeness—a new beginning not just for him and Maya, but for the family he was rediscovering.
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The drive back to the villa was quiet, but it wasn’t the kind of silence that felt heavy or awkward. Instead, it was filled with reflection and a newfound sense of connection. Zane kept one hand on the steering wheel while his other hand rested on Maya’s, his thumb brushing her knuckles absently.“You’re unusually quiet,” Maya said softly, breaking the silence.“I’m still processing,” Zane admitted, his silver eyes flicking to hers briefly. “Meeting Elena… it’s like finding a part of myself I didn’t know was missing.”“She’s a lot like you,” Maya said, smiling faintly. “Strong, guarded, but kind underneath it all.”Zane chuckled, the sound low and warm. “Guarded, huh? I suppose that’s fair.”Maya tilted her head, studying him. “Do you think you’ll see her again?”“I hope so,” Zane said, his tone sincere. “She’s family, Maya. And after everything with Helena, I’ve realized how important it is to hold on to the people who matter.”---A Quiet EveningBy the time they returned to the vil
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The jet hummed softly as it soared through the sky, its cabin filled with a quiet tension. Maya leaned back in her seat, her hand resting protectively on her bump, while Zane sat beside her, his silver eyes fixed on the documents Camilla had provided before their departure.“I’ve cross-referenced the threats against Elena with what we know about Helena’s remaining allies,” Camilla had said before they left. “It’s not definitive, but there are still operatives who haven’t been accounted for. If they’re going after her, they might see her as leverage against you.”“Helena’s operatives or not, they’ll regret trying to mess with my family,” Zane had replied, his voice cold and steady.Now, as the miles passed beneath them, Maya reached over, lacing her fingers with Zane’s. “We’ll handle this, Zane. Just like we always do.”He glanced at her, his expression softening. “I know. But this feels different. Elena’s not ready for this world—it’s not fair to pull her into it.”Maya smiled faintly
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Zane leaned against the kitchen counter for a moment after Maya’s hurried departure, his silver eyes following the path she’d taken. Her oversized shirt had done little to hide the curves of her body, and he couldn’t shake the memory of her wide, startled eyes and flushed cheeks. A faint smirk tugged at his lips as he reached for a glass of water.He glanced at his watch, reminding himself of the purpose of his visit. Time was ticking, and distractions—even charming ones—weren’t part of the plan. Refocusing his thoughts, he downed the water, set the glass in the sink, and strode back toward Charles’ office.Inside, Charles was just hanging up a call. The older man, ever the picture of control and precision, gestured for Zane to take a seat across from him.“Apologies for the interruption,” Charles said, adjusting his glasses. “Where were we?”“Discussing the terms of the acquisition,” Zane replied smoothly, sitting down. His posture was relaxed, his tailored suit flawless, but his min
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He was taller than she had remembered, his perfectly tailored tuxedo hugging his broad shoulders. The sharp angles of his face accentuated by the soft light of the chandelier, and that dammed sexy scar gleaming. His silver eyes swept over her in a slow, deliberate once-over, lingering on her lips, chest and hips as though committing it to memory.The pulse quickened as she realized she wasn't the only one taking stock. His gaze met hers again, and there seemed to be some kind of charged electricity crackling in the air between them. For a moment, the noise of the gala faded to nothing, the room shrinking until it was just the two of them."I didn't expect to see you here," Zane said, his baritone voice sending shivers down her spine.Before Maya could utter a word, one man stepped forward, his presence sudden and invasive. He barely glanced in her direction before turning to Zane. "Mr. Moretti," he began to say, voice slicker than oil and haughty. "I've been trying to catch you all ev
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The early morning light painted the quiet street in pale hues, but the tension between Zane and the operatives at Elena’s doorstep was anything but calm. Zane’s silver eyes burned with barely restrained fury as he stepped closer to the men, his gun steady in his hand.“Who sent you?” he demanded again, his voice cold and commanding.The smirking operative held Zane’s gaze, defiance flickering in his dark eyes. “You think you’ve won, Moretti? This is far from over.”Zane’s jaw tightened. He wasn’t in the mood for games. “Wrong answer.”Alex moved swiftly, disarming the second man and pinning him against the wall. “Your friend over there may want to play hero,” Alex growled, his voice low and threatening, “but I’m not nearly as patient as he is. Start talking.”The pinned man’s bravado faltered, sweat beading on his brow. “We… we were hired to watch her,” he stammered, his eyes darting toward Elena’s building.“By who?” Zane snapped.“I don’t know the name,” the man said quickly. “We ge
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The jet hummed softly as it soared through the sky, its cabin filled with a quiet tension. Maya leaned back in her seat, her hand resting protectively on her bump, while Zane sat beside her, his silver eyes fixed on the documents Camilla had provided before their departure.“I’ve cross-referenced the threats against Elena with what we know about Helena’s remaining allies,” Camilla had said before they left. “It’s not definitive, but there are still operatives who haven’t been accounted for. If they’re going after her, they might see her as leverage against you.”“Helena’s operatives or not, they’ll regret trying to mess with my family,” Zane had replied, his voice cold and steady.Now, as the miles passed beneath them, Maya reached over, lacing her fingers with Zane’s. “We’ll handle this, Zane. Just like we always do.”He glanced at her, his expression softening. “I know. But this feels different. Elena’s not ready for this world—it’s not fair to pull her into it.”Maya smiled faintly
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The drive back to the villa was quiet, but it wasn’t the kind of silence that felt heavy or awkward. Instead, it was filled with reflection and a newfound sense of connection. Zane kept one hand on the steering wheel while his other hand rested on Maya’s, his thumb brushing her knuckles absently.“You’re unusually quiet,” Maya said softly, breaking the silence.“I’m still processing,” Zane admitted, his silver eyes flicking to hers briefly. “Meeting Elena… it’s like finding a part of myself I didn’t know was missing.”“She’s a lot like you,” Maya said, smiling faintly. “Strong, guarded, but kind underneath it all.”Zane chuckled, the sound low and warm. “Guarded, huh? I suppose that’s fair.”Maya tilted her head, studying him. “Do you think you’ll see her again?”“I hope so,” Zane said, his tone sincere. “She’s family, Maya. And after everything with Helena, I’ve realized how important it is to hold on to the people who matter.”---A Quiet EveningBy the time they returned to the vil
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Bound by the Billionaire's Claim CHAPTER 95
The Amalfi Coast shimmered under the morning sun, the golden light casting a warm glow over the villa. Maya woke to the sound of the waves crashing gently against the cliffs below, her heart lighter than it had been in months.She turned to see Zane still asleep beside her, his silver eyes closed, his features soft and unguarded. She allowed herself a moment to admire him, marveling at how far they’d come.Zane stirred, his eyes opening slowly. When they landed on her, a faint smile tugged at his lips. “Good morning.”“Good morning,” Maya replied, leaning down to press a kiss to his forehead.“Is it just me, or does this place feel like a dream?” Zane asked, his voice still husky with sleep.“It’s real,” Maya said, her green eyes shining. “And it’s ours.”---Exploring the TownAfter a leisurely breakfast, they decided to explore the nearby town. The narrow streets were lined with colorful buildings, their balconies adorned with blooming flowers. The scent of citrus and freshly baked
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The suite was calm the next morning, the kind of quiet that signaled a new chapter in their lives. Maya stood in the kitchen, humming softly as she prepared breakfast. Her hands moved on instinct, flipping pancakes while her mind wandered.The encounter with Jeremy lingered in her thoughts, but instead of anger or frustration, she felt a sense of closure. He was a part of her past, a mistake she had learned from. Now, she could finally focus on the life she was building with Zane.Zane entered the kitchen, his silver eyes softening when he saw her. “You’re up early.”Maya smiled, gesturing to the pancakes. “I thought we deserved something special. No chaos, no drama, just… breakfast.”Zane stepped behind her, wrapping his arms around her waist. “That sounds perfect.”---Planning the EscapeAs they ate, Zane brought up the idea of their getaway again.“I’ve been thinking,” he said, sipping his coffee. “A place by the sea. Quiet, private, somewhere we can just… be.”Maya smiled, her gr
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The air was lighter in the suite, the tension that had loomed over them for so long now dissipating. Maya found herself smiling more, even laughing at Reese’s jokes as they packed away the remnants of the dinner from the night before.Zane had left early for a meeting with his legal team, ensuring the aftermath of Helena’s fall was handled smoothly. Maya, however, decided to take the morning for herself, something she hadn’t done in what felt like forever.She stood on the balcony, sipping her tea as the city hummed below her. The crescent moon necklace Zane had given her rested against her collarbone, a constant reminder of how far they’d come.“You look deep in thought,” Reese said, stepping onto the balcony with her own cup of coffee.Maya smiled faintly. “I guess I am. For the first time in months, I’m thinking about the future instead of just surviving the present.”Reese nudged her playfully. “That’s a good thing, Maya. So, what’s the plan? You and Zane jetting off to some tropi
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The morning after the showdown at the warehouse was quiet, almost unnaturally so. The suite was still, the tension that had gripped everyone for weeks finally beginning to ease.Maya sat by the window, cradling a cup of tea as she stared out at the city. The sunlight streaming through the glass felt different today—softer, warmer, like a promise of a better tomorrow.Zane stepped into the room, his silver eyes immediately finding her. He moved to her side, resting a hand on her shoulder. “How are you feeling?”Maya looked up at him, her green eyes reflecting a mix of relief and exhaustion. “Like I can finally breathe again.”Zane nodded, his expression softening. “Helena’s in custody. Her network is dismantled. It’s over, Maya. You’re safe.”Maya leaned into his touch, her voice quiet. “I know. But I still feel like there’s so much to rebuild. Trust. Stability. Us.”Zane crouched beside her, taking her hand in his. “We’ll rebuild it all. Together.”---A Moment of ReflectionThe rest
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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 h
