Chapter 12 - EVELYN’S DESPERATE MOVE
Though Evelyn Shaw was behind bars awaiting trial, her poisonous reach had not entirely vanished.
One morning, a sensational article appeared on the front page of a prominent Chicago tabloid.
MORETTI GLOBAL TITAN EMBROILED IN BIZARRE CUSTODY AND PATERNITY SCANDAL.
The article, fueled by anonymous leaks from Evelyn’s remaining legal team, painted Nia as an opportunist who had trapped the billionaire using fabricated paternity claims and manipulated documents.
Reporters began camping outside Carter & Associates downtown, shoving microphones into the faces of startled clients.
When Luca saw the headlines on his tablet, his rage flared hot and bright.
He immediately called his public relations crisis team.
“Shut it down,” Luca ordered coldly. “Issue an immediate, unreserved retraction threat against every media outlet carrying that garbage.”
“Sir, the damage is already spreading across social media,” his PR director replied nervously.
“People love a scandal.”
“Then we’ll give them the truth,” Luca said resolutely. “A press conference.”
“Tomorrow morning at Moretti Global headquarters.”
“And I want Mrs. Carter there with me—only if she agrees.”
When Luca called Nia to discuss the plan, she didn't hesitate.
“I’m not hiding, Luca,” Nia said firmly over the phone.
“If Evelyn wants to throw dirt, let’s bring everything out into the light.”
The next morning, the grand auditorium at Moretti Global was packed to capacity.
Television cameras lined the back of the room, their red recording lights blinking in unison.
Flashes popped like lightning as Luca and Nia walked onto the raised dais together.
Luca wore a sharp navy suit, his expression granite-hard.
Nia wore a striking emerald dress, walking with absolute poise and dignity.
Luca stepped up to the microphone, raising his hand slightly to quiet the restless murmurs of the press corps.
“Thank you for coming,” Luca’s deep voice resonated through the auditorium speakers.
“I called this press conference to address the recent defamatory articles regarding my family.”
“Every single allegation claiming that my former wife, Nia Carter, manipulated paternity or fabricated documents is entirely false.”
“Furthermore, I want to state publicly that the breakdown of our marriage five years ago was entirely my fault.”
“I allowed outside manipulation and corporate paranoia to cloud my judgment.”
“I failed as a husband.”
“And for five years, I failed as a father.”
A stunned silence fell over the room.
Billionaires did not confess their failures publicly—especially not on live television.
Nia stepped up to the microphone beside him.
“Five years ago, I walked out of a penthouse with a single suitcase and a broken heart,” Nia said, her voice steady and clear.
“I built Carter & Associates from the ground up, not with the help of Moretti Global, but through my own sweat, sleepless nights, and determination.”
“And I raised two brilliant, wonderful children who are the center of my universe.”
“Luca and I are rebuilding our lives together, not out of obligation, but out of a shared commitment to our family.”
“So let this be the final word on the matter.”
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She turned her head slightly, looking up at Luca with a look of fierce, unshakeable solidarity.
Luca looked back at her, his heart swelling with a love deeper than any he had ever known.
