CHAPTER 65

Xavier's POV

The harsh glow of the studio light felt like a spotlight on my every flaw. So many times, I have done these interviews; each and every time, I continued to chip away into my façade so carefully constructed. Today wasn't any different. The scandal that shook the soil on which I stood continued to buzz around me, a storm I couldn't outrun. It was relentless, just like the humming of a fly that refused to be swatted away.

"Xavier," the voice of the host cut into my daydream. "What would you like to say to the allegations concerning your family's business dealings?"

I took a deep breath, forcing a smile that really felt more like a grimace. "Those allegations are baseless. I've worked hard to establish my own reputation, separate from my family's past. I assure you, my focus is on the future, not the mistakes of the past."

The words came, practiced and polished, easily rolling off my tongue. Inside, though, I was a tempest-a maelstrom of emotions with every question asked, t