Chapter 55
Chapter 55
Chapter 55
65 vouchers
James and Aiden stepped out of the hospital, the weight of Sofia’s words still hanging heavy in the air. Aiden’s jaw was tight, his fists clenched. His wolf snarled inside him, restless.
They all still think she killed Eva… because of me. The thought cut through him like glass.
“I want the press assembled in the pack house before I arrive,” Aiden growled, sliding into his car without looking back.
James blinked, startled, then sighed. He’d seen this look before… the storm that always came when Aiden decided to act on impulse.
The last time the Alpha had gathered the press, Amelia’s life had been torn apart in front of the whole pack. Now James could only wonder what damage or repair was about to follow.
Still, he made the call.
By the time Aiden’s car screeched to a halt in front of the mansion, determination had settled over him like armor. He strode past bowing maids, their greetings ignored, until he pushed through the double doors of the press room.
Cameras flashed. Questions hissed through the air. He mounted the podium, his figure tall, shoulders squared, yet inside he felt as though his chest might cave in.
He gripped the podium so tightly his knuckles whitened.
“Seven years ago…” his voice was steady, but his throat ached. “Seven years ago, I made the biggest mistake of my life. I stood here… and I lied p>
A hush fell across the room.
“I accused my wife of killing our daughter. I told the world she ran away in shame. I rejected her. I divorced her. I destroyed her.” His voice faltered, just for a moment. He inhaled, lifted his chin. “But it was all a lie. Amelia did not kill Eva. She would never harm our child. I was blinded by grief and I put the blame where it didn’t belong p>
Gasps rippled through the crowd. Pens scratched, cameras clicked faster.
James, standing at the back, stared hard. He’s turning the hatred on himself, he thought surprised.
Aiden pressed on, eyes burning. “Because of me, she was cast out. Because of me, her life was put in danger. And when someone tried to kill her, I wasn’t there to protect her. But I swear this to you all…” his voice hardened, the Alpha’s growl bleeding through, “I will find the one who killed my daughter. I will find the one who tried to kill Amelia. And when I do, there will be no mercy p>
He stepped back, chest heaving, and left the podium without another word.
James hurried after him. “What was that, Aiden? You just threw yourself to the wolves. They’ll turn on you p>
“I don’t care,” Aiden, muttered, striding down the hall. His voice was low, dangerous. “If the pack hates me, let them. But no one disrespects Amelia again. Not after this p>
James swallowed. He couldn’t tell if this was bravery or madness.
Aiden’s phone rang. He froze when he saw the caller ID, his father. He already knew why. Alaric would have seen the broadcast. Aiden tightened his grip on the phone but didn’t answer.
Meanwhile, Cassia sat in her office, exhaustion pulling at her. Medical charts glowed on her screen, symbols of a disease she
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4:26 pm DDD
Chapter 35
still couldn’t name. Her mind swirled. No cure. No leads. And every hour, more lives are at risk.
EX 65 yout
She rubbed her temple, and Aiden’s face flashed in her mind, the press conference still unknown to her, but his presence never leaving her thoughts.
Her door slammed open.
Cassia looked up, startled. Sofia stood there, eyes gleaming with malice, lips curved in a cruel smile.
“So this is the little office Aiden gave you,” she sneered, running her hand along the desk. “Nice air conditioning. Classy. Too good for you p>
Cassia leaned back in her chair, her expression blank, cold. “What do you want, Sofia p>
“What do I want?” Sofia laughed, the sound sharp. “You should have stayed dead. But no, you came crawling back. Pretending to be a doctor, pretending you’re here for the people. But I see right through you p>
Cassia’s jaw tightened.
“You’re nothing but a murderer,” Sofia spat. “You poisoned your own daughter for attention. Eva died because of you p>
The words hit Cassia like a whip. Her chest heaved, fury burning through her veins. Slowly, deliberately, she rose from her chair and walked toward Sofia. Their faces were inches apart now, eyes locked.
“Say her name again,” Cassia whispered, her voice low, trembling with rage.
Sofia smirked, defiant. “Eva. She’s dead, and p>
The crack of the slap echoed off the walls. Sofia staggered back, hand flying to her cheek, eyes wide in shock.
Cassia’s hand still hung in the air, boiling in rage, but her voice was steady as ice. “Don’t you ever put my daughter’s name in your filthy mouth again p>
Sofia gasped, stunned silent.
Cassia had just slapped her… unbelievable!
TBC
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