CHAPTER 98

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. “She’s stronger than you think. Maybe it runs in the family.”

Zane chuckled, his thumb brushing over her knuckles. “I hope so.”

---

Arriving in Verona

They landed in Verona just after dusk, the city glowing under the soft light of streetlamps. Elena’s apartment was located in a quieter part of town, tucked away from the bustling streets.

As they approached the building, Alex, who had joined them for security, scanned the area with sharp eyes. “I don’t see anything suspicious yet, but we should remain cautious.”

Zane nodded, his expression unreadable as they entered the building.

Elena greeted them at the door, her expression a mix of relief and lingering fear. “Thank you for coming,” she said, her voice trembling slightly.

Zane embraced her briefly. “You’re family. We’ll keep you safe.”

---

Examining the Threats

Inside Elena’s modest apartment, she showed them the note she had received, a piece of paper with block letters spelling out We know who you are.

“It was on my door when I got home yesterday,” Elena said, her hands shaking slightly.

Alex examined the note carefully, his brow furrowing. “No fingerprints. Whoever left this knows how to cover their tracks.”

“And the car you mentioned?” Zane asked.

“It’s been parked across the street for the past two days,” Elena said. “I thought I was imagining things at first, but it’s always there.”

Alex stepped to the window, his sharp gaze scanning the street. “There it is. Black sedan. Tinted windows.”

“I’ll handle it,” Alex said, his voice low. “Give me a few minutes.”

---

Confronting the Unknown

While Alex slipped outside to investigate the car, Maya stayed close to Elena, her green eyes filled with quiet reassurance.

“You’ve been through a lot,” Maya said gently. “But you don’t have to face this alone anymore.”

Elena nodded, her voice barely above a whisper. “It’s just… overwhelming. I spent my whole life wondering about my family, and now that I’ve found you, I feel like I’ve brought danger with me.”

“This isn’t your fault,” Maya said firmly. “Helena created this mess, and Zane has been fighting it for years. You’re not to blame for any of it.”

Zane, who had been listening quietly, stepped forward. “Maya’s right. And we’ll make sure whoever is behind this doesn’t get another chance to come near you.”

---

A Sudden Revelation

Alex returned twenty minutes later, his expression grim. “The car’s empty, but it’s definitely not random. Registered to a shell company tied to Helena’s former allies.”

Zane’s jaw tightened. “So they are watching her. Any sign of movement?”

“Not yet,” Alex said. “But they’ll come back. This isn’t over.”

As they discussed their next steps, Elena hesitated, her expression conflicted.

“There’s something I didn’t tell you,” she said finally, her voice trembling. “A few months ago, I got a call from someone claiming to know my real parents. They said they had information, but I didn’t trust them, so I hung up.”

Zane’s silver eyes sharpened. “Did they call again?”

Elena nodded. “Twice. I blocked the number, but then the notes started showing up.”

Maya exchanged a glance with Zane. “Whoever it is, they’ve been planning this for a while.”

---

A Plan in Motion

That night, Zane, Alex, and Camilla worked late into the evening, tracing the car’s registration and reviewing surveillance footage from the area. Maya stayed with Elena, offering her comfort and a sense of normalcy.

“Do you regret finding us?” Maya asked gently as they sat together on the couch.

Elena shook her head. “No. It’s scary, but it’s worth it. For the first time, I feel like I belong somewhere.”

Maya smiled, squeezing her hand. “And you do. Zane won’t let anything happen to you. Neither will I.”

---

The Trap is Set

By midnight, Alex had formulated a plan to draw out whoever was watching Elena. They placed a tracking device on the sedan, waiting for the operatives to return.

“We’ll let them think they have the upper hand,” Alex said. “But when they make their move, we’ll be ready.”

Maya glanced at Zane, her green eyes filled with determination. “Promise me we’re not walking into another trap.”

Zane cupped her face, his voice steady. “I won’t let anything happen to you or Elena. Trust me.”

---

A Shadow in the Dark

As the hours stretched on, the team watched from a secure vantage point across the street. Finally, just before dawn, the black sedan returned. Two figures emerged, their movements careful and deliberate as they approached Elena’s building.

Zane’s jaw tightened. “It’s time.”

Alex nodded, signaling the team to move into position.

As the operatives reached the front door, Zane and Alex confronted them, their weapons drawn. “That’s far enough,” Zane said coldly.

The men froze, their hands raising slowly.

“Who sent you?” Zane demanded, his silver eyes blazing.

One of the men smirked. “You know who. And this is just the beginning.”