"Palisade has never asked me for money. She's never threatened to go to the press. She built a successful veterinary practice on her own, raised our daughter on her own, and did it all with no help from me. Not because she didn't want my help, but because she couldn't find me. And when I found out about Casey, she didn't keep me away. She welcomed me into their lives, despite having every reason not to trust me."
I took a breath, feeling the tension build.
"The reason I'm making this statement is that two days ago, photographers followed my daughter into her mother's workplace. They terrified a six-year-old child. And when I removed them from the premises, I'm told my actions wereinappropriate. That I should have called security or the police instead of physically intervening."
I shook my head.
"I won't apologize for protecting my daughter. I won't apologize for defending her mother. And I won't apologize for putting my family first, even when it's inconvenient for my career or my public image."
The room erupted with questions, reporters shouting over each other, but I raised my hand for quiet.
"I'm not done. I know that the Shadow Wolves management wanted me to issue a different statement. One that was moreapologetic, more concerned with optics than truth. I understand their position. They have a brand to protect, an organization to run. But I have a daughter to raise. And I won't raise her in an environment where she thinks she's something to be hidden or apologized for."
I stood up, signaling that I was finished.
"Casey, if you're watching this, you are wanted. You are loved. You are the best surprise I've ever gotten. And I'm going to spend the rest of my life proving to you that you were worth every sacrifice. Thank you."
I walked off the platform as reporters shouted questions, cameras flashing. Greg intercepted me in the hallway.
"Do you have any idea what you just did?"
"Yeah. I told the truth."
"You gave the middle finger to the entire management team! You called our statement bullshit on live television! You…!"
"I did what I needed to do for my family."
"Well, congratulations. That family just cost you your captaincy. Permanently." He was practically vibrating with fury. "And if ownership decides you're more trouble than you're worth, it might cost you your career."
I met his gaze steadily. "Then I guess we'll see what happens next season."
He stormed off, and I pulled out my phone. Texted Palisade: It's done. How did Casey react?
The response came almost immediately:She's crying. Happy crying. She heard you call her a privilege. Can you come over?
I'm on my way.
I was halfway to my truck when Beck caught up with me.
"Hell of a statement, Cap." He grinned, using the title I'd just lost. "Worth it?"
"Ask me in a year."
"Fair enough. For what it's worth? I've got your back. Whatever management decides, the team's behind you."
"Thanks, man."
I drove to Palisade's house in a daze. Part of me couldn't believe what I'd just done. Part of me felt lighter than I had in weeks.
Twenty minutes later, I pulled up at Palisade's house. Before I even got to the door, it flew open, and Casey came running out.
"Dad!" She launched herself at me, and I caught her, lifting her up. "I saw you on TV! You said I'm the best thing!"
"Because you are." I held her tight, feeling her small arms around my neck. "Did you like what I said?"
"I loved it. Everyone's going to know you're my dad now."
"Yeah, they are. Is that okay?"
