Chapter 86

IRENE'S POV Leon’s refusal was immediate and resolute. “No,” he said sharply, turning toward Carlyle without even a moment’s hesitation. His jaw clenched tightly, eyes narrowing in determination. “She’s not going anywhere near him. Not after everything he’s done.” I felt the tension rolling off him, protective and fierce, but something stirred in me. I placed a hand on his arm, gently but firmly. “Leon,” I began, my voice soft but steady. “I need to do this. For me.” He turned to me in disbelief. Hell! I bet he wasn't expecting me to say that. I wasn't either. “You don’t owe him anything, Irene. He’s dangerous—manipulative. There’s no point in hearing anything he has to say.” I could hear the anger, the worry beneath his words, but I shook my head. “I’m not doing this for him. I need to face him, to put an end to all of it. I need closure.” I took a deep breath. “If I don’t face him now, it’ll always feel like there’s something unfinished.” Leon’s gaze softened slightly, though he rema