I raked a hand through my hair, frustration bubbling over."So, what's the play here?Ignore them and hope they go away?Or feed the beast and risk making it worse?"

Krista stepped forward, her hand slipping into mine."We don't ignore it," she said, her voice steady and resolute."We address it head-on.We've got the truth on our side, Levi.Dante's crimes are out in the open now.We've got the evidence, the live feed, and the public's attention.This is our chance to set the record straight.

I turned to look at her, her determination sparking something deep within me.Her confidence was infectious, and I could feel the weight of my own fears starting to lift."You're right," I said, my voice firm now."We've been on the defensive for too long.It's time we take control of the narrative."

Krista nodded, her grip on my hand tightening."Exactly.We'll hold a press conference.You'll speak candidly about Selene's death, the evidence against Dante, and what this means for Hollywood moving forward.No more hiding, no more dodging.We give them the truth, and we let the chips fall where they may."

Garrett stepped forward, his arms still crossed but his expression more approving."It's risky, but it might be the best move.The public's already starting to turn in your favor.If you're transparent and genuine, they'll see you as the victim here, not the villain."

I took a deep breath, the weight of the decision settling over me.I hated the spotlight, hated the way it stripped me bare and left me exposed.But I couldn't keep running.Not anymore."Alright," I said, finally."Let's do it.But we do it on our terms."

Krista's smile was small but triumphant."Atta boy.I'll coordinate with Zane to get everything set up.We'll need to craft a statement, but I think it's important that you speak from the heart, Levi.People can smell insincerity a mile away.Be honest.Be real."

I nodded, though my stomach churned at the thought.Being vulnerable in front of millions wasn't exactly my idea of a good time, but if it meant clearing my name and protecting Krista, I'd do it."Alright.Let's make it happen."

As Krista and Garrett began to strategize, I found myself lingering by the window again, the sunlight now feeling less mocking and more hopeful.For the first time in what felt like forever, I felt a sense of clarity.The road ahead would be rough, and the media circus wasn't going away anytime soon.But with Krista by my side, I knew I could face whatever came next.

I glanced over at her, her updo bouncing as she gestured animatedly, her voice steady and confident.She was a force of nature, and I was grateful that she'd chosen to stand beside me, even when I hadn't made it easy.She'd walked into my life like a storm, upending everything I thought I knew about myself, and I wouldn't have it any other way.

"Levi," she called, pulling me out of my thoughts."We need to go over the key points for the press conference.You ready?"

I nodded, crossing the room to join her."Ready as I'll ever be."

She smiled that radiant smile that always seemed to light up the darkest corners of my world."Good.Because you're about to show the world who you really are.Not the Hollywood alpha wolf.Just Levi.And I think they're going to love him."

Her words settled over me like a balm, easing the knot of anxiety in my chest.I wasn't sure if the world would ever truly see me the way she did, but as long as she did, that was enough.

The press conference was set for the following morning, and the hours leading up to it were a flurry of activity.Krista and Zane worked tirelessly to craft a statement that was both honest and strategic.Garrett coordinated security to ensure things didn't spiral out of control.I, on the other hand, spent most of the time pacing, rehearsing what I wanted to say in my head.

"You're going to wear a hole through the floor to China," Krista teased at one point, catching me mid-stride.

I stopped, raking a hand through my hair."I just want to get this right."

She stepped closer, her expression softening."You will.Just speak from the heart, Levi.That's all you need to do."

I nodded, though the weight of what I was about to do still pressed heavily on my shoulders.

When the time came, I stood on stage, the sea of cameras and reporters glaring back at me like a pack of predators.My pulse quickened, but I forced myself to take a deep breath, grounding myself in the moment.

"Thank you all for being here," I began, my voice steady despite the nerves."I know there's been a lot of speculation about my involvement in recent events, and I'm here to set the record straight."

The room fell silent, every pair of eyes fixed on me.I continued, my words measured but filled with conviction."Selene Reyes was a friend and a talented artist.Her death was a tragedy, and it's one that I feel deeply.I want to make it clear.I had no part in her death.But I do take responsibility for not seeing the signs of the danger she was in.For not doing more to protect her.And for that, I'll always carry guilt."

I paused, Selene's memory pressing heavily on me.The room was deathly quiet.

"The truth is, this isn't just about me," I continued, my voice growing stronger."It's about the systemic corruption that's plagued our industry for far too long.Dante Grimshaw's arrest is just the beginning.He orchestrated Selene's death, ran a drug ring, and exploited countless others for his own gain.But he didn't act alone.There are others complicit in this.People in the industry who turned a blind eye or actively enabled his crimes.And it's time we held them accountable."

The murmurs started then, whispers spreading like wildfire through the crowd.I could feel the shift in the room, the energy turning from skepticism to something more urgent.

"I'm not here to play the victim," I said, my tone firm."I know my past isn't spotless.I've made mistakes, and I'll own them.But I'm not the villain in this story.The real villains are the ones who prey on the vulnerable and who use their power to harm rather than protect.And I refuse to let them win."

I glanced over at Krista, who stood off to the side, her eyes locked on me.She gave me a small nod, her expression filled with quiet pride.It gave me the strength to keep going.

"I'm not here to ask for your forgiveness," I said, turning back to the crowd."I'm here to ask for your help.To stand with me in demanding justice for Selene and for everyone who's been victimized by this system.This isn't just my fight, it's ours.And together, we can make sure no one else has to suffer the way she did."

The room erupted into questions, reporters shouting over one another to be heard.But I held up a hand, silencing them.

"That's all I have to say for now," I said, my voice cutting through the chaos."We'll be releasing a full statement with the evidence we've gathered.Thank you."