The room pulsed with an undercurrent of unspoken words. Karen looked between us, realization dawning painfully upon her face.

“Matt, I—” she began, but I cut her off.

“Save it,” I said, my voice low. “You made your choice. Now, I make mine.”

I wanted to unleash the storm of anger brewing within, but I knew Leo needed me to remain composed, to be the anchor in his turbulent sea.