Chapter 32

Irene'S POV I stood to the side, observing the scene as Leon defended me, and I felt a deep, unexpected sense of surprise. In the past, whenever I found myself in situations like this, Miles would always find a way to blame me. It didn’t matter if I was in the right—if I tried to defend myself, I would be accused of pettiness or a lack of forgiveness. As Luna, I was expected to rise above it all, to be magnanimous and turn the other cheek. But watching Leon now, standing up for me without hesitation, it was a revelation. I had never truly considered the idea that I could—and should—defend my own rights. A warmth spread through my heart as I realized how different Leon was from Miles. Laura’s face turned pale when she realized what had just happened. The reality of her situation began to set in—she had been fired, right there in front of everyone, and by someone with enough influence to make it stick. She turned to me less arrogantly. “Irene, I’m sorry,” she said, her voice trembling. “