Free Web NovelChapter 175: Chapter 175
Nathan’s POV
The drive back was a haze. My thoughts kept drifting...no, swerving toward her. My wolf kept replaying the sight of her pale face, her trembling hands, the exhaustion rolling off her in waves.
Twice, I nearly turned the wheel the wrong way.
Pathetic for an Alpha.
Eventually, I pulled up in front of headquarters. Instead of parking, I called the driver to take over. I stepped out and the air shifted. I could sense a mass of people inside the lobby. Fast footsteps... Clustered scents.... sweat....cheap perfume...Aggression masked under desperation.
Reporters.
Those damn leeches.
In an instant they swept toward me, cameras and microphones flashing like weapons. My wolf bristled, hackles rising beneath my skin. Their noise grated against my ears. If there was one thing I didn’t appreciate, it was being ambushed.
The crowd closed in. My aura flared instinctively, causing the reporters to waver slightly.
But one idiot forced his way to the front.
“Alpha Nathan!” he shouted. “How do you feel about the news that your wife Aria had a child during her year in prison? Are you okay with that?”
My wolf snarled loudly within me at that question.
Another one jumped in.
“Yes, Alpha Nathan...was the child yours? If so, why hide it? If not, who is the father? Will you still raise her?”
Gasps rippled through the lobby. Employees froze, watching. They knew—anyone who poked the Alpha of the Ironclaw pack usually didn’t walk away unscathed.
“A child out of wedlock?” I snapped, my voice like ice cracking. “Show me one report proving this child is illegitimate.”
There was silence. The second reporter paled.
“As journalists,” I continued, my Alpha power curling around my words, “it’s a grave mistake to speak without proof.”
People in the lobby winced. They understood the threat beneath my calm tone.
“Our legal team will handle this,” I added coldly. “Do not blame us when you receive our notices.”
A hush fell over the atmosphere until a soft voice cut through it.
“Nathan.”
It was Sophia.
She came jogging toward me, linking her arm through mine as if she had any right to.
Her scent filled my nose. My wolf recoiled.
“Collins told me the reporters were here,” Sophia said, squeezing my arm. “Are you alright? I didn’t expect them to corner you like this.”
Normally, I would’ve reassured her. But today... nothing came out.
I just stared at her, my expression unreadable.
Aria’s words from earlier came to mind.
Sophia swallowed, her smile faltering. “Nathan? Why are you looking at me like that?”
I forced my thoughts away from Aria’s warning, choking down my suspicion.
“This is a public space,” I said instead, addressing the reporters. “Don’t obstruct others or cause trouble.”
Sophia shifted uncomfortably, turning to face the crowd as the company’s chief legal officer. But my eyes tracked her movements, comparing her to Aria who was at the hospital. Aria might have appeared weak, but her bright eyes showed her resilient spirit.
And to my surprise, I realized I was instinctively choosing Aria’s side. freewebnøvel.com
A reporter raised a mic.
“Ms. Sophia Darvin, rumors say Aria has an illegitimate daughter. Surely you knew something. Please say a word to reassure the supporters of Hemsworth Group.”
My frown deepened.
Sophia cleared her throat.
“I’m... surprised by this news too,” she said stiffly. “But the child is Luna Aria’s. As family, we’ll of course continue fulfilling our responsibilities.”
Her voice trembled.
The reporters swarmed again.
“So you admit the child isn’t Alpha Nathan’s? That she’s illegitimate?”
Sophia went pale. Sweat formed on her forehead. Her eyes darted to me in panic, seeking rescue.
I smelled fear spiking through her scent. My wolf perked up, his ears rising in suspicion. Why is she scared? Was she scared of them... or of me?
Before I could dwell on it, Collins came rushing down from the upper floor, his heartbeat quick and frantic. He scanned the chaos and immediately stepped between me and the reporters, radiating authority.
“The company is currently investigating the recent online rumors regarding Alpha Nathan and Luna Aria,” he announced sharply. “We will not be responding to any questions at this time.”
His voice cracked through the crowd like a whip.
The reporters quieted instantly. Collins has always aptly performed his duties as my beta.
Anticipating the mob, Collins had already summoned security. Two rows of tall bodyguards in dark suits appeared behind him, each emitting the disciplined steadiness of trained wolves.
The crowd shrank back. Sophia stepped forward,
“Collins is right,” she chimed in sweetly. “Let’s focus on Hemsworth Group’s charity event for orphanages.”
Her expression radiated warmth.
Deprived of scandal, the reporters’ excitement dimmed. They tossed a few polite questions, and Sophia answered them with professionalism.
Sophia said.“I’ll be attending the event with Alpha Nathan. We intend to adopt and care for disabled children together.”
My jaw tightened. I didn’t give her permission to drag my name into that. Adoption? With her?
A ripple of excitement shot through the reporters.
“Ms. Sophia Darvin, you’re planning to adopt disabled children? Why would Alpha Nathan adopt children now? Is he affected by Aria’s... betrayal?”
“Alpha Nathan,” another added eagerly, “will adopting a child conflict with Luna Aria’s illegitimate child?”
