CHAPTER 97

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 Evening

By the time they returned to the villa, the stars had begun to scatter across the darkening sky. Maya kicked off her shoes, sighing contentedly as she sank onto the couch.

“I didn’t realize how exhausting an emotional reunion could be,” she said with a wry smile.

Zane joined her, pulling her feet into his lap. “You handled it well. Better than I expected, considering it wasn’t even your reunion.”

Maya laughed, her green eyes twinkling. “Well, someone had to keep you calm. You were about to combust when she walked into that café.”

“I was… surprised,” Zane admitted, smirking. “But I’m glad we went.”

Maya leaned back, her voice soft. “It’s a lot to take in. But I’m proud of you, Zane. For opening up, for embracing this.”

He didn’t respond with words. Instead, he leaned down and kissed her, his lips warm and firm against hers.

---

A Late-Night Revelation

Later that night, as Zane worked on his laptop in the study, Maya wandered in, a blanket draped over her shoulders.

“Still working?” she teased, leaning against the doorframe.

“Just tying up a few loose ends,” Zane said, his silver eyes flicking up to meet hers.

Maya approached, peering over his shoulder at the document on the screen. It was a detailed report—financial records, property listings, and names she didn’t recognize.

“What’s this?” she asked, curious.

“Helena’s assets,” Zane said, his voice steady. “Even from prison, she has influence. I’m making sure every loose thread is tied off. No one else gets hurt because of her.”

Maya frowned, her hand resting on his shoulder. “You think she’ll try something again?”

“She always does,” Zane said grimly. “But this time, I’ll be ready.”

Maya’s gaze softened. “You’ve done so much, Zane. Maybe it’s time to let some of this go. Focus on us, on the future we’re building.”

Zane sighed, closing the laptop. “You’re right. It’s just hard to step back when there’s still so much at stake.”

“You’ll find a balance,” Maya said, her voice filled with quiet confidence. “You always do.”

---

A Sudden Call

Just as they were preparing for bed, Zane’s phone buzzed on the nightstand. He frowned, picking it up to see an unknown number.

“Who could this be?” Maya asked, her brow furrowing.

Zane answered, his voice sharp. “This is Zane Moretti.”

There was a brief pause before a familiar voice spoke. “Zane. It’s Elena.”

“Elena?” Zane’s tone softened, though his brow furrowed with concern. “What’s going on?”

“I need your help,” Elena said, her voice trembling slightly. “I think someone’s been following me.”

Zane’s jaw tightened. “Where are you?”

“I’m back home,” Elena said. “But I’ve noticed the same car parked outside my apartment for the past two days. And today, someone left a note on my door.”

“What did it say?” Zane asked, his voice deadly calm.

“It said, ‘We know who you are.’”

---

The Decision

Zane ended the call and turned to Maya, his expression grim.

“She’s in trouble,” he said simply.

Maya sat up straighter, her green eyes filled with concern. “What kind of trouble?”

“Someone’s threatening her,” Zane said. “It could be someone connected to Helena, or it could be someone else entirely. Either way, I’m not leaving her to face it alone.”

Maya nodded, her voice firm. “Then we’ll go to her. She’s family, Zane. And family protects each other.”

Zane’s silver eyes softened as he looked at her. “I don’t deserve you, Maya.”

“Maybe not,” she teased, a faint smile playing on her lips. “But you’ve got me anyway.”

---

A New Threat

The next morning, Zane made arrangements to travel to Elena’s town. Camilla and Alex offered to join them, determined to uncover who was behind the threats.

As they packed, Maya couldn’t shake the feeling that this was just the beginning of something bigger.

“Do you think this could be connected to Helena?” she asked Zane, her voice tinged with worry.

“It’s possible,” Zane said. “But until we know for sure, I’m treating it as a serious threat.”

Maya placed a hand on her growing baby bump, her green eyes filled with determination. “We’ll figure it out, Zane. Like we always do.”

Zane pulled her close, pressing a kiss to her forehead. “You’re stronger than you give yourself credit for, Maya.”

“And you’re softer than you let on,” she replied, smiling.

As they boarded the jet later that day, the weight of the unknown hung over them. But Maya knew one thing for certain—together, they could face anything.