Chapter 11: The Press Conference
By noon, the National Press Club in downtown Manhattan was packed to maximum capacity. Over seventy news agencies, federal investigators, and financial correspondents jostled for position as Elena Vance walked onto the podium. She was flanked not by corporate lawyers, but by Julian Ross on her left, wearing a clean pressed navy shirt, and her father on her right.
Elena stepped to the microphone, her voice ringing clear across live television networks worldwide. "Ten years ago, a terrible crime was committed in St. Jude's Valley. It was called an accident. Today, we are presenting undeniable documentary evidence that the Thorne Financial Corporation committed intentional industrial arson for financial gain."
She displayed the black ledger and the financial records on the giant projector screens. Flashbulbs lit up the room like lightning. Reporters began shouting questions in rapid succession. Elena held up her hand for silence, turning toward Julian.
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"For ten years, the real hero of that night—the man who risked his life and suffered permanent, debilitating burns to save mine—was erased, silenced, and blacklisted by powerful men who valued their stock portfolios over human life. His name is Julian Ross. And today, the truth belongs to him."
Julian stepped forward, looking into the sea of cameras. He didn't speak of vengeance or hatred. "We cannot undo the fire," Julian said simply. "But we can make sure justice rebuilds what greed destroyed."
