CHAPTER ONE HUNDRED AND THIRTY SEVEN – STEPPING DOWN

Fifteen minutes later, Nolan Maine strode into the room, his imposing presence filling the space. "What's this about, son? Is everything alright with Deonna?" Logan gestured for his father to sit. "Deonna's... she's struggling, Dad. And I can't keep juggling everything. Something has to give." Nolan's brow furrowed. "What are you saying, Logan?" "I'm stepping down from my role at Maine Enterprises. Temporarily," Logan said, his voice steady despite the turmoil in his gut. "Deonna needs me, Kayla needs me. I can't be effective here when my mind and heart are at home." The silence that followed was deafening. Nolan's face cycled through a range of emotions - shock, disappointment, anger, and finally, a grudging understanding. "Are you sure about this, Logan? The company-" "The company will survive without me for a while," Logan interrupted. "But my family might not if I don't do this." Nolan stood, walking to the window that overlooked the bustling city below. "I won't pretend to