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    Brian was discharged that day. He went to Grant Manor, standing before Jessica’s parents to solemnly pledge his

    The following Monday, during the regr board meeting at Atkinson Group, Brian dered his resignation.

    The entire board was stunned. “Resign? Mr. Atkinson, you’re not serious, are you?”

    “Mr. Atkinson, thepany has hit a rough patch, but it’s nowhere near that dire. Your leadership is irreceable. We’ll weather this storm together.”

    While recent stock dips had caused grumbling, no one wanted him gone. Brian’spetence was undisputed. One by one, directors pleaded for him to reconsider.

    Brian raised a hand for silence. “I appreciate your faith in me, but my decision is final.”

    He first apologized sincerely, then exined, “You all know of my divorce. The fault was mine.

    “When my son was born, Jessica sacrificed her career to raise him, enabling my work. Now she’s pregnant and back in the workforce. It’s my turn to care for her and our children. I want to make amends.”

    Exhaling, he visibly rxed. The choice hadn’t been easy, but he had no regrets.

    He continued, “Initially, I considered a sabbatical, but with no clear end date, resignation is the responsible choice for thepany. I ask for your understanding.”

    The board grew more desperate. “Take unlimited leave instead. Just pop in asionally for major meetings.”

    “Mr. Atkinson, take all the time off you need. Just stop by asionally for meetings or to guide major projects. You don’t have to resign.”

    “Mr. Atkinson, please stay. No one can fill your shoes. We all believe in you.”

    “Mr. Atkinson, reconsider it. Gavin, please say something.”

    Seeing that Brian remained determined, the board members turned to Gavin, hoping he could talk some sense into Brian.

    Their urgency wasn’t altruistic. Although some disliked Brian’s recent performance, an unknown sessor posed far greater risks. Without him, thepany’s decline could elerate, hurting their interests. That was why, despite their frustrations, they wanted Brian to stay.

    Before Gavin could speak, Brian said, “Dad, I mean this. You know Jessi’s condition. I can’t split my focus between her and work.”

    Gavin considered Jessica’s fragile state, not just physically, but mentally, especially now in her third trimester.

    Gavin finally spoke, “Withdraw your resignation and take indefinite leave starting today. I’ll oversee thepany bin /byour

    absence.”

    The board murmured before unanimously approving thepromise.

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    “Fine,” Gavin said when he saw general approval. “Since no one has any objections, we’ll go with this n. Meeting adjourned.”

    After the meeting, Brian followed Gavin into his office. He faced Gavin with remorse. “I’m sorry, Dad.” He felt guilty for burdening his aging father.

    Gavin waved off the apology. “Save the formalities. If you’re truly sorry, focus on winning Jessi back. Don’t expect me to run thepany forever.” At nearly seventy, he would rather be retired.

    “I’ll expedite finding a professional manager,” Brian promised.

    “Unnecessary.” Gavin shook his head. “Ask Jake first. See if he’s ready to step in.” He would rather groom his grandson than trust an outsider, though he wouldn’t force it.

    “Alright.” Brian agreed without hesitation.

    Upon returning home, Brian called Jacob into the study and exined thepany’s situation and his decision in detail. “Jake, are you willing?”

    The sudden weight of responsibility naturally pressured the young boy, but he knew he couldn’t back down.

    With solemn determination, Jacob raised his head and nodded firmly. “I’m willing, Dad. You focus on taking care of Mom at home. I’ll learn everything I can from Grandpa at thepany and do my best to help you both.” He clenched his small fist resolutely.

    Brian’s eyes reddened as he looked at Jacob’s earnest expression. Crouching down, he pulled Jacob into a tight embrace. “I’m sorry. It’s my fault.”

    Brian thought, ‘If only I had realized my negligence sooner and paid more attention to Jessi and my family, Jake wouldn’t have been forced to grow up.‘

    Jacob hugged him and smiled, “It’s okay, Dad. I forgive you. As long as our family stays together, I’ll do anything.”

    Deep down, Jacob was confident. He thought, ‘How hard can managing apany be?‘

    Brian ruffled Jacob’s hair and immediately called Gavin.

    “Good. After school tomorrow, bring Jake straight to thepany. I’ll mentor him myself.” Gavin agreed.

    Once Jacob’s training n was settled, Gavin said to him seriously, “Jake, you’ll need to learn well. Your dad will be caring

    for your mom long–term, and I don’t know how much longer I can handle things. Be prepared to step up at any time.”

    Jacob nodded solemnly. “Don’t worry, Grandpa. I’ll work hard.”