Chapter 27 · Sebastian Surrenders Shares

The press conference was Sebastian's idea.

He stood at the podium in Blackwood Tower—Marcus at his side, the elders in the front row, Zaia in the back with Leo and Milo, Priya as babysitter backup—and told the truth.

"I cast out my mate while she was pregnant with my twins," he said. His voice didn't waver. "I believed lies about her infidelity because it was easier than facing my own failure. I allowed another woman to wear her Luna pin. I allowed the pack to humiliate her. I was wrong."

The room was silent.

"I have transferred fifty-one percent of Blackwood Shipping to a trust for Leo and Milo Blackwood, with Zaia Ashford as sole trustee. I have exiled Celeste Vane for attempted murder and espionage. I have petitioned the council to recognize Zaia as mother of the heirs and as a wolf of standing. I am not asking for forgiveness. I am asking for the opportunity to earn it."

Cameras flashed. Reporters shouted. Zaia watched her sons—Leo serious, Milo picking his nose—and felt something loosen in her chest.

Sebastian had done it. Publicly. Without sanitizing.

Afterward, in the elevator, Leo asked: "Dad, are you in trouble?"

"Maybe.