“This is about my family,” I said.

“Good luck, Richard.”

I hung up the phone before he could argue further.

I leaned back in my leather chair and looked at the fire crackling in the hearth.

For the first time in my life, I did not feel the weight of the company on my shoulders.

I felt incredibly light.

The next morning, the rain had cleared, leaving the air crisp and clean.

I walked down to the kitchen.

Ruth was busy at the stove, frying bacon and making pancakes.

Claire was sitting at the wooden table, a cup of herbal tea between her hands.

She wore a simple green sweater that belonged to her, not the grey uniform of the staff.

I sat down in the chair next to her.

“I called the office last night,” I said.

She looked up, her green eyes clear and attentive.

“I resigned as CEO,” I told her.

Ruth stopped stirring the batter and turned around, her eyes wide.

Claire stared at me, her teacup hovering near her lips.

“Daniel, why?” she asked. “That company is your life.”