CHAPTER 224: CHAPTER 224: THE STORM WITHIN THE DRAEVENS

~Evric’s POV~

He didn’t give Zayn a chance to respond. Rogan simply turned his focus back to me. "Evric, you follow me. Now."

I gave Zayn’s hand one last reassuring squeeze before following my father into his private office. The heavy doors closed behind us, cutting off the noise and the stares of my siblings.

He walked straight to his large mahogany desk and leaned against it, crossing his arms. He didn’t sit, and he didn’t shout. His voice was dangerously quiet, filled with the kind of controlled anger that was far more terrifying than rage.

"You have twenty seconds to tell me exactly what you thought you were achieving," he stated.

"I secured my relationship, Father," I said, meeting his gaze directly. "The blackmailer was targeting Zayn, using his anxiety about my career to force a separation. I cut the leverage. I posted the pictures to show them their threat was empty."

My father simply stared at me, his face impassive. "You circumvented every strategic move I put in place. You gave every single member of the board, every investor, and every tabloid columnist exactly what they wanted: undeniable proof." He shook his head, the gesture heavy with disappointment. "It was impulsive, Evric. Reckless. You acted like a teenager, not a CEO."

I didn’t argue. "I know. I apologize. But I am not giving up Zayn."

My father let out a long, weary sigh. The anger seemed to soften, replaced by a resigned practicality. He ran a hand over his face.

"I understand," he finally conceded. "I understand the depth of your attachment. And I understand you felt backed into a corner. What’s done is done. Your action has made one thing certain: we cannot hide anymore. We can’t pretend the pictures are fake. The time for damage control is over; we are now in the business of image construction."

He straightened up, already shifting into strategy mode. "Before the media machine even has time to confirm the pictures or call for comment, you will release a prepared statement. This statement will confirm everything. It will be the narrative, Evric. We seize control of the story."

He pointed to the computer screen on his desk. "I’ve drafted the framework. I want you to issue it immediately. It will be posted on your personal social media and then distributed to the wire services."

He looked at me sternly. "You own this, Evric. You own the love, you own the public announcement, and you own the timing. We turn their scandal into your confidence."

Evric Draeven’s Official Statement (Directed by Rogan)

Immediate Release

Statement from Evric Draevon Regarding Recent Personal Disclosures

"For the past several days, my private life has been the subject of relentless speculation and invasive attempts at blackmail. Today, I am taking control of that narrative.

The photos recently disseminated on my personal channels are one hundred percent authentic. I confirm that I am in a committed relationship with my partner.

While my family has always sought to maintain a clear division between business and private life, my actions today reflect a personal choice: I refuse to allow fear or external pressure to dictate who I love or how I live.

I apologize to my business partners, the Draeven board, and our investors for any alarm this abrupt disclosure may cause. This decision was a deeply personal one, made to protect the stability and privacy of my relationship after repeated attempts at coercion.

My commitment to the future of this company remains absolute. I ask that the public and media now afford my partner and me the same level of respect and privacy as any individual. This is the only statement I will make on my personal affairs."

As soon as the statement was sent, now public and irreversible, I turned to my father, the weight of the moment heavy on my shoulders.

"It’s done," I stated, my voice flat. "What’s next?"

Rogan nodded slowly, his eyes already calculating the fallout. "What comes after this will certainly be big, Evric. Bigger than anything the company has faced in two decades. You knew this was the risk. Since you made the move, you must have prepared for the consequences."

"I have," I affirmed, though the exhaustion I felt was palpable. "I’m ready."

He stepped closer, placing a rare, heavy hand on my shoulder. His gaze softened, and the hard businessman was momentarily replaced by the father who had always favored me.

"Look at you," he murmured, his thumb brushing my jacket. "You’re running on fumes. This is going to be tough, son. You’ve declared war on the old guard. You’ve prioritized heart over the bottom line, and they will fight you for it."

He gave my shoulder a firm squeeze, a deep note of confidence entering his voice. "But I trust you, Evric. You are strong. You are the smartest man in this building, and you have my full support. You will overcome this. Just remember: No matter what, do not check the media comments. Do not let the noise get in your head. Focus on the business, and focus on Zayn. Understand?"

I met his gaze, drawing strength from his rare display of encouragement. "I understand, Father."

Just as I turned to the door, it burst open. Evans stood in the doorway, his face rigid with fury, having clearly listened at the door.

"Is that all you will say to him, Father?" Evans spat, walking into the office and deliberately positioning himself between Rogan and me. "Just because he’s your favorite son, look how you handled everything! You’ve already drafted a tailored statement for him! You’ve completely legitimized the scandal!"

Evans was breathing hard, the years of resentment finally boiling over. "And did I just hear you say Evric is the smartest person in this building?" He laughed, a short, bitter sound. "I’m sorry, but Nuala is smarter than Evric! He is not smart at all, he’s just reckless, and he’s insulated by your favoritism!"

"Look how you couldn’t wait for him to show up this morning, Father," Evans continued, his voice rising in pitch. "Not because of what he did, but because you didn’t want him to hurt himself!"

He gestured wildly, encompassing the entire lavish office. "If this was me or Chisley, you wouldn’t be giving us a blueprint for a press release. You wouldn’t care this much. But look at how specially you treated your favorite son, who is just as brainless as a fish brain! You don’t even care about the amount the company is going to lose, or the upheaval his actions will bring upon everyone, not just the Draeven family, but everyone working under us!"

Evans took a step toward Rogan, his face twisting with the painful question. "My question is: Will you do the same for me and my other siblings?"

Rogan said nothing, his face a mask of stone.

Evans smiled, a cold, bitter expression. "Everyone knows you wouldn’t give us the same energy."

I tried to step forward, ready to defend myself and take the blame, but my father cut me off with a sharp look.

Evans seized the silence. "Maybe Evric is smart, Father, but he is not wise. He is nothing but useless—admit it!"

"Evans! Enough!" I finally shouted, the built-up exhaustion and stress exploding into sudden rage.

Evans turned on me instantly, his eyes blazing. He moved closer, planting himself directly in front of me. "How dare you shout at me? You just jeopardized the entire Draeven legacy because you panicked over a man! You think your love is the only thing that matters, but you’ve dragged all of us down with you!"

"Enough!" my father’s voice cracked like a whip. He stepped out from behind the desk, finally moving to stand between us. He didn’t raise his voice again, but the stern command in his eyes silenced us both instantly. "Evric, step out. Leave me and your brother alone."