Chapter 20

IRENE'S POV A week later, I found myself standing at the edge of the house’s safety zone, the cool breeze ruffling my hair as I stared at the structure that had once been my home. Carter and Emma stood beside me, their eyes also locked on the house, though their expressions were that of disbelief. "I still can’t believe you’re doing this," Emma muttered, shaking her head. "This place is worth a million dollars, Irene. Tearing it down feels like such a waste." I smiled at her, though there was a hint of steel behind it. "I know it seems that way, but it’s not just about the money," I explained, my gaze never leaving the house. "This is about making a point—about taking back control." Carter raised an eyebrow, clearly trying to understand. "And this was Leon’s idea?" I nodded. "He suggested it when we talked about what to do with the house. I’ve moved on from this place, but Miles and his family still think they have some claim over it. Leon said the best way to sever that tie was to mak