Bella followed him out, her steps light but her chest tight with emotion. Once they were in the corridor, she finally spoke, her voice small.
"You didn't have to say all that."
Leonardo looked at her, his expression firm but gentle. "Yes, I did."
She hesitated. "I thought… maybe they were right."
His brows drew together instantly. "Never think that," he said, stopping in front of her. "You don't take more. You give more. You just don't make noise about it."
Bella's throat tightened. She nodded slowly.
Leonardo placed a hand on her shoulder. "And next time, if something like this happens, come to me. Don't carry it alone."
She looked up at him, eyes soft. "Okay."
He nodded once, then guided her forward again.
"Bel… oh, Isaac!" Jason's voice boomed across the floor as he strode over with Dominique in tow, his usual dramatic flair dialed up to eleven.
Bella turned, a tired but genuine smile forming. "Hi."
