Chapter 17 · Zaia Publicly Rejects Him

The press conference was Zaia's idea.

She'd spent three days drafting statements with a lawyer Elena recommended—a wolf who specialized in human-pack boundary cases. She'd prepared for questions about Z Design, about the twins, about the Alpha who'd cast her out and now wanted redemption.

She had not prepared for Sebastian to show up.

He stood at the back of the room—dark suit, no Celeste, no Luna pin—and watched her take the podium. Cameras flashed. Reporters shouted. Pack journalists mixed with human press, everyone hungry for the story of the designer who'd been the Alpha's secret shame.

"Thank you for coming," Zaia said. Her voice was steady. "My name is Zaia Ashford. I'm the CEO of Z Design. I'm the mother of Leo and Milo, age three. And I'm the woman Sebastian Blackwood divorced while I was pregnant with his children."

The room exploded.

Zaia raised her hand. "I'm not here for sympathy. I'm here for clarity. The rumors about my infidelity are false. Paternity is not in question. I left the pack by necessity, not by choice. I've built a life for my sons without pack support, without Alpha support, without the settlement I was offered and refused.