Chapter 8 - Reclaiming the Truth
That evening, the press corps assembled in the grand lobby of the Drake AI headquarters. Over fifty news crews and journalists packed the space, cameras flashing endlessly.
Griffin walked up to the podium, flanked by his legal team. But instead of delivering a cold corporate statement, he adjusted the microphone and looked directly into the lenses of the cameras.
"For the past forty-eight hours, the media has speculated about my personal life," Griffin began, his voice steady and resonance filling the hall. "Statements were made calling my family a 'secret.' I want to set the record straight."
He paused, taking a deep breath.
"Eight years ago, due to malicious deception by individuals no longer associated with this company, the woman I loved was driven away from me. She raised our twin daughters, Hazel and Iris, with courage, strength, and grace through unimaginable hardship. I did not know they existed—not because she hid them out of malice, but because she was protecting them from cruel men."
He looked toward the side of the stage, where Sloan stood watching him, tears glimmering in her eyes.
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"Sloan is the love of my life," Griffin stated clearly, his words broadcast live to millions around the world. "Hazel and Iris are my daughters, my pride, and my entire reason for living. From this day forward, there are no secrets. My family comes first, above all else."
The room burst into a frenzy of shouted questions and flashing cameras, but Griffin didn't stay to answer them. He stepped away from the podium, walked over to Sloan, took her hand firmly in his, and led her out into the quiet darkness of the evening air.
