CHAPTER ONE HUNDRED AND SIXTY THREE - The Line Between Love and War

The morning sun filtered through the curtains of the Maine penthouse, casting a warm glow over the breakfast table. Deonna sat across from Logan, absentmindedly stirring her coffee as she watched Kayla happily munch on her cereal. "Mommy, can we go to the park today?" Kayla asked, her eyes bright with excitement. Deonna smiled, reaching out to brush a stray lock of hair from her daughter's forehead. "Of course, sweetie. We'll go right after breakfast." Logan looked up from his phone, a small frown creasing his brow. "I might have to raincheck on that. There's a last-minute meeting I can't get out of." Deonna's smile faltered slightly, but she quickly recovered. "No worries, we'll manage. Right, Kayla?" Before Kayla could respond, the doorbell rang, its chime echoing through the apartment. "I'll get it," Deonna said, rising from her chair. She made her way to the front door, curiosity piqued by the unexpected visitor. As she opened the door, she found herself face-to-face with an