The Disdained Luna Who Rose Alone-Chapter 181 Public Debut

Evelyn’s POV

The bright camera flashes nearly blinded me as I stepped down from the stage, clutching the signed contract. My ears buzzed with questions fired at me from all directions.

"Dr. Blackwell, how long have you been the CEO of Evelink Biosciences?"

"How did you build such a successful pharmaceutical company so quickly?"

For years, I’d operated behind the scenes, known only as the mysterious Dr. Blake to the medical community. Now I was standing before the world as Evelyn Blackwell. CEO of Evelink Biosciences.

"One question at a time, please," I said, smiling confidently.

A reporter from Biotechnology Weekly stepped forward. "Ms. Blackwell, what drove you to bid such an extraordinary amount for Red Cedar Resort? One hundred twenty million dollars is far beyond market value."

I maintained my composure, meeting his gaze directly. "Red Cedar Resort sits on land with unique soil composition perfect for cultivating certain medicinal herbs crucial to our research. The investment aligns perfectly with our long-term goals for sustainable medical advancement."

"Can you tell us more about these research projects?" a woman from Medical Innovation Today asked eagerly.

"We’re currently developing treatments for several rare genetic conditions affecting certain populations," I answered carefully, giving just enough information without revealing our focus on wolf-specific ailments. "When we achieve significant breakthroughs, we’ll hold a proper press conference. Today is about securing resources for that important work."

More questions followed, but I handled them all confidently. As the crowd of reporters gradually thinned, I caught sight of Calvin standing near the back wall, his face stunned.

The satisfaction that bloomed in my chest was both petty and delicious. For years, he’d made me feel small, insignificant, like I was nothing without the Bloodbane Pack. Now he knew the truth. I wasn’t just surviving. I was thriving. Building something that would save lives while he’d been busy dismissing me as inconsequential.

I couldn’t help the small smile that curved my lips as our eyes met across the room. The wounded pride in his gaze was validation. For every sleepless night. Every setback. Every moment of doubt I’d experienced while building Evelink from nothing.

"Evelyn!" Logan’s voice pulled me from my thoughts. He approached quickly, excitement radiating from him. "Congratulations! I had no idea you were behind Evelink. This is incredible!"

"Thank you, Logan," I replied, genuinely touched by his enthusiasm. There was new respect in his eyes.

"I knew you were brilliant, but this..." he gestured vaguely, searching for words. "You’ve built something remarkable."

Before I could respond, Marcia appeared behind him, her face twisted with fury. Her eyes narrowed as she studied me.

"How convenient that your bid was precisely higher than ours," she said coldly. "I wonder how you came by such specific information. Perhaps my grandson has been unusually forthcoming with our business plans?"

Logan’s face hardened instantly. "That’s enough, Grandmother."

"I’m merely pointing out the suspicious timing," Marcia continued, her voice dripping with disdain. "This little nobody suddenly has millions to throw around and information she shouldn’t have access to. You’ve always been too trusting with pretty faces, Logan."

"Stop," Logan’s voice cut through the air like ice. "That statement isn’t insulting Evelyn so much as it’s insulting me. Are you suggesting I can’t maintain proper business ethics as an Alpha because of a woman’s appearance?"

Marcia’s mouth opened and closed, clearly stunned by his challenge.

"I..." she fumbled, obviously not expecting resistance. "I simply meant..."

"I know exactly what you meant," Logan interrupted. "And I’m telling you now, if you continue trying to undermine Evelyn or question her accomplishments, our relationship will change dramatically. She earned this victory through her own merit, and I won’t stand by while you suggest otherwise."

The tension between them crackled. Marcia’s face flushed with anger and embarrassment.

"I apologize if my concerns were... misinterpreted," she finally said, the words clearly painful.

I watched this exchange quietly, amazed. Logan had never publicly defended me against Marcia before. But I had no desire to get caught in their family drama.

"If there’s nothing else, I should be going," I said. "Winning the bid is just the beginning. There’s much work ahead."

Logan turned to me, something unspoken in his eyes, but with Marcia watching, he simply nodded. "Of course. We should catch up soon."

I gave them both a polite smile before walking away. Head held high.

As I moved through the crowded room toward the exit, I noticed the dramatic shift in how people looked at me. The same business executives who had barely acknowledged my existence earlier now scrambled to introduce themselves, their faces suddenly bright with interest and respect.

"Ms. Blackwell, we’d love to discuss potential collaborations..."

"My card, please call anytime..." 𝙧𝙚𝙚𝔀𝒆𝓫𝓷𝙤𝓿𝒆𝙡.𝒄𝙤𝓶

"Your work is revolutionary, I’ve followed it for years..."

I smiled and nodded politely at each approach, accepting business cards while making no promises. Inside, I was laughing bitterly at their transparent shift. Nothing about me had changed since this morning except their perception of my worth. The business world was brutally honest in that way. Power and money were the only true measuring sticks.

Eryx met me at the hotel lobby, his tall frame easily visible above the crowd. His presence was instantly calming after the chaos of the morning.

"Congratulations, boss," he said quietly as we stepped into the elevator. "Though I think Gary might be more excited than you are."

I raised an eyebrow. "What’s he done now?"

Eryx sighed, pulling out his phone. "See for yourself."

Gary had shared the breaking news about Evelink’s mysterious CEO on every social platform, adding his own comment: "Proud to work with my brilliant and beautiful Boss! #WomenInSTEM #BrainAndBeauty #ThatsMyBoss"

His profile clearly displayed his title as Evelink’s Chief Researcher.

I couldn’t help but laugh. "He’s never been one for subtlety."

"Should I tell him to take it down?" Eryx asked.

I shook my head, feeling warmth spread through my chest. "No. Let him have his moment. He’s been with me from the beginning."

Back in my suite, I kicked off my heels and collapsed onto the sofa, finally allowing myself to process everything. I’d done it. After years of working in the shadows, I’d stepped into the light. On my own terms.

A soft knock interrupted my thoughts. Eryx raised his eyebrows.

"It’s Alpha Logan," he said.

"Let him in."

Logan entered, carrying a small box. His expression was earnest. Almost nervous.

"I hope I’m not intruding," he said.

"Not at all," I replied, gesturing for him to sit. "What brings you here?"

He placed the box on the coffee table between us. "I heard from Julian and his wife that you’ve been searching for certain rare medicinal plant seeds. I’ve been keeping an eye out, and managed to collect these."

I opened the box carefully, my breath catching at the collection inside. Each small vial contained seeds so rare I’d nearly given up finding them.

"Logan, these are..." I struggled to find words. "How did you even find them?"

He smiled."I have contacts in various botanical communities. When Julian mentioned what you were looking for, I started asking around. No strings attached, by the way. Just... a gift from a friend."

I studied his face, searching for hidden motives and finding none. Just sincerity.

"Thank you," I said finally. "This is incredibly thoughtful."

"We are friends, aren’t we?" he asked, uncertainty in his voice.

"Yes," I said warmly. "We are friends."