Counterback of the Despised Luna by Diana West

Chapter 129 She Must Be Fired

I spent the night tossing restlessly, sleep slipping farther away with each passing hour.

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When morning came, I hurried through my routine, dressing quickly and getting ready as fast as I could. Just as I reached the stairs, the doorbell rang.

It struck me as strange–who could possibly be visiting at this hour?

Caden opened the door, revealing Eleanor and Queenie standing on the doorstep.

A wave of frustration swept over me when I saw them. Without a word, I turned and pretended not to notice their presence.

“Mom, what are you doing here?” Caden’s voice came from behind me, calm but questioning.

“Is there a problem?” Eleanor’s tone was sharp as she stepped inside, her cold gaze sweeping over us.

She walked into the living room and sank onto the couch. Queenie followed, her steps silent but deliberate.

“Caden, have you been ignoring me?” Eleanor’s eyes narrowed with suspicion. “The petition from the board -did you even give it any thought?”

A petition?

I couldn’t stand there any longer. My curiosity got the better of me, and I descended the stairs to see what was happening.

The moment Eleanor spotted me, her face soured, and she let out an audible huff of disapproval.

I was taken aback. I hadn’t done anything to provoke her–so why was she acting like this?

Caden, ever composed, responded with quiet resolve. “I’m handling it.”

“Handling it?” Eleanor’s voice grew sharper. “How? We’ve asked you to fire Rosaline, but you’re still refusing to do so. Do you want her to destroy Eclipse Group?”

A cold knot formed in my stomach. So that’s what this was about? They wanted me gone?

to argue over this?

unwavering resolve. After glancing at me, he checked his watch.

nothing to do with Rosaline. I’m heading to Fostrau soon. We’re on a tight schedule, Mom. If you don’t have anything urgent, it’s best you

dismissed. Her eyes flicked to my luggage, and her tone grew icier.

him. I linked my arm through his, my gaze

forward, glaring at me with barely concealed animosity. She looked to Caden, her expression pleading. “Caden, I want to go

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129 She Must

is not a game,” Caden’s voice cut through the tension, his rejection final and firm.

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her voice brimming with urgency. “I genuinely want to

resolute, “Queenie’s right. She could be a valuable addition

help but roll my eyes. Help?

other plans.

back to the night Caden had been drunk, and the way Queenie had acted. A sarcastic smile tugged at my lips. “Help? More like

face stiffened. She opened her mouth to retort, but Caden’s cold voice sliced

gently pushing Queenie aside. “Queenie, you need to focus on school.

took a deep breath, her voice unwavering but defiant. “Why does Rosaline get to go, but I don’t?”

tone thick with irritation. “If you have a problem with that, take

at Eleanor, her eyes full of unspoken words. “Aunt

it’s his call, I won’t argue. But hear this–if Rosaline causes Eclipse Group any more trouble, I will

said, his voice firm as he dismissed them

frustration, she grabbed Queenie by the arm and stormed

watched them leave, a strange discomfort settling

I’d been working tirelessly for Eclipse Group, and yet Eleanor had rallied the board to push for my removal.

felt utterly pointless.

“Don’t worry. I’ll be gone in two months. Your mom won’t have any reason to make things difficult for you then.”

that’s just how my mom is,” Caden said, stepping closer, his hand settling gently on my sho “Don’t let