Catalina’s POV
"But why are you defending her?" Gideon asked, his voice carrying both surprise and curiosity. "I thought you never liked her."
I paused, turning to face him fully. The early evening sun filtered through the windows, casting long golden streaks across the hallway. For a moment, I didn't say anything. Not because I didn’t have a response—but because I was trying to choose my words carefully.
"I never said I hated her," I replied softly. "And I’m not defending her out of pity. I’m doing what feels right, Gideon."
He blinked, taken aback by my calm tone.
"I’ve been thinking about everything you said. Watching her over the past few weeks… how she carries herself, how she treats everyone around her—it changed something in me. Maybe I was too quick to judge."
I looked away f
