Chapter Thirty-Two - The Reluctant Mentor

Logan looked at her, surprise evident in his eyes. "You do?" Deonna nodded. "As a woman of color in a predominantly white, male-dominated field, I've constantly had to prove myself. I've had to work twice as hard to get half as far. But in doing so, I discovered strengths I never knew I had." She leaned forward, her gaze intense. "Logan, you're capable of so much more than you realize. I've seen glimpses of it over these past few weeks. You have a sharp mind, good instincts, and when you actually apply yourself, you produce excellent work." Logan seemed taken aback by her words, a flicker of hope crossing his face before doubt clouded his expression again. "But what if it's not enough? What if I'm not cut out for this world without my name and my father's influence to back me up?" "Then you'll fail," Deonna said bluntly, causing Logan to flinch. "But then you'll get back up and try again. That's what the rest of us do, Logan. We fall, we learn, we grow, and we keep going." For a l