“I have a brief statement to make,” I said, my voice echoing clearly in the large space.

“There have been false rumors circulating about Claire Bennett over the last few hours.”

“I am here to set the record straight.”

“Claire Bennett is not an intruder.”

“She is the legally recognized co-guardian of my sons, Lucas and Owen.”

A collective gasp rose from the front row of reporters.

“The papers were officially filed and stamped by the court twenty minutes ago,” I continued.

“She has my full trust, and she has the legal authority to care for my children.”

A reporter in a red coat shouted a question from the middle of the crowd.

“What about the board’s emergency meeting, Mr. Whitmore?”

“The board does not dictate the custody of my children,” I said.

“The board has no say in who raises my boys.”

“Claire has been their protector, and she will remain so.”

I looked down at Claire.

She looked directly into the cameras, her expression calm and resolute.

She did not speak, but her steady presence spoke louder than any statement I could write.