CHAPTER ONE HUNDRED AND TWENTY SIX – SERIOUS AID

Logan's assistant, a harried-looking young man named Alex, jumped up as she approached. "Ms. Vernetti! Thank goodness you're here. Mr. Maine is... well, he could use your help." Deonna nodded, steeling herself. "What's the situation, Alex?" "The vultures are circling," he said in a low voice. "Mr. Caldwell from the board and Ms. Maine-Prescott – Mr. Maine's cousin – are in there now. It's not pretty." Taking a deep breath, Deonna pushed open the heavy oak door. The scene inside was tense; Logan stood behind his father's imposing desk, his knuckles white as he gripped the edge. Across from him, a silver-haired man in an expensive suit was mid-tirade. "...cannot afford to appear weak in front of our shareholders, Logan! Your father would never have allowed this uncertainty to persist." A elegantly dressed woman nodded in agreement. "Cousin Nolan always had a clear vision. We need decisive action now, not this... waiting game." Logan's jaw clenched, but before he could respond, Deon