---- 16 That evening, the Blackwood Pack held an emergency press conference. Kieran appeared before the public looking utterly defeated, bowing deeply. "T sincerely apologize for allowing my private life to consume public resources. Effective immediately, I will step down as pack Alpha. The Wolf Council will select a suitable replacement." The Shadow Pack's official spokesperson immediately released a statement: "Shadow Pack maintains strict cultural standards and absolutely will not tolerate any member lacking in moral character, from Alpha to Omega -we treat everyone equally. Please continue to place your absolute trust in us. Thank you." At the press conference, some extreme pack members angrily threw eggs at Kieran. "Filthy scum! Why should our pack pay for your disgusting behavior?" "Give us back our Aria!" ---- His grandfather, watching Kieran announce his resignation on television, collapsed immediately. After cleaning the filth from his clothes, Kieran returned once more to wait outside the Winters estate. This time, he finally encountered me on my way to a dinner at the Winters ancestral home. "Aria, I've driven Scarlett away and resigned from my Alpha position. I don't want anything else-I only want you."" "From now on, I'll have all the time in the world to spend with you. No-I should say from now on, my world will contain only you. I'll accompany you, only you, forever." I looked coldly at the man before me, saying only, "Alpha Blackwood, please conduct yourself with dignity." Kieran's eyes dimmed, but he desperately grabbed my arm and pressed on. "Aria, what must I do for you to forgive me?" I looked up at Kieran with no emotion in my eyes whatsoever. ---- "First, I am not the 'Aria' you speak of. Second, given Alpha Blackwood's actions, I believe no woman in the world could choose to forgive." "T mean, if I were Miss Rivers, I would certainly choose to leave as well." Kieran released his grip dejectedly, murmuring, " Aria, would you only believe my sincerity and be willing to forgive me if I died?" I laughed coldly. Someone who betrayed a true heart wouldn't deserve forgiveness even in death. At the Winters ancestral home, Marcus and his family watched me approach with fake smiles. Marcus was former Winters' pack Alpha' second son. He was Alpha Winters' brother and Evelyn's uncle. He has always been very resentful of the previous Alpha Winters for passing the Alpha position to Evelyn's father.