“That’s good news, isn’t it?” Patrick asked carefully. “Wilson Enterprises is safe.”
“Yes,” Noah said quietly. “It is good news. The company’s secure, the board is relieved, and I should be celebrating. But I’m not, Granddad. I should feel relieved, but all I feel is... empty.”
Patrick waited, sensing there was more his grandson needed to say.
“I talked to Cassie last night,” Noah continued, his voice growing stronger but more determined. “Really talked to her. About everything. About how I’ve been living, about what’s important, and about what kind of father and husband I want to be. I’ve made a decision.” Noah took a deep breath. “I’m resigning as CEO of Wilson Enterprises.”
Patrick nearly dropped his phone. He’d wanted to talk to Noah about having a more balanced life, but this was far more extreme than what he’d thought would happen.
“Are you there, Granddad?”
Patrick cleared his throat. “I’m here. I’m just shocked, that’s all.”
“I should have given you more warning,” Noah told him. “Even though I’m stepping down as CEO, I’ll still own the company, and I’ll expect regular updates on what’s happening. But my time commuting between Montana and New York is over.” Noah’s voice was steadier now, as if saying the words out loud had given him more confidence in his decision. “I want to spend more time with my family. Real time, not just weekends and holidays stolen between board meetings.”
Patrick stood up and paced to the window. “That’s a huge decision, Noah. Are you sure you’ve thought this through? Wilson Enterprises has been your life for?—”
“For fifteen years,” Noah interrupted. “And for fifteen years, I’ve told myself that all the sacrifices were worth it. That Cassie would understand why I missed dinner most nights, why I took calls during our children’s bedtime stories, why I spent more time thinking about profit margins than about my family’s happiness.”
Patrick closed his eyes, recognizing the pain in his grandson’s voice because he’d felt it himself years ago. “But the company?—”
“Will survive without me as CEO. My Chief Financial Officer has been handling more of the day-to-day operations anyway. He’s ready for the responsibility of being the acting CEO until the board appoints someone permanently to the role.” Noah paused. “I haven’t made this decision lightly, Granddad. This is me choosing to be present for the people who matter most.”
Patrick felt a familiar stab of guilt. Had his own decision not to rejoin the board influenced Noah’s choice? “Noah, I hope my decision to stay in Sapphire Bay didn’t?—”
“This has nothing to do with you,” Noah said firmly. “This is about me finally listening to what Cassie has been trying to tell me for months.”
“I’m proud of you,” Patrick said quietly, surprising himself with how much he meant it. “It takes courage to make a change like this. Especially when you’ve built something as successful as Wilson Enterprises.”
“Really?” Noah’s voice cracked slightly. “You’re not disappointed?”
“Disappointed?” Patrick sat back down, thinking about his own journey to Sapphire Bay, about the satisfaction he’d found in working with Pastor John, and the joy of discovering love again with Kathleen. “I’m more proud of you than I’ve ever been, Noah. You’re choosing the life you want instead of the life you think you should have.”
“Thank you,” Noah said softly. “That means everything to me.”
“What will you do in Sapphire Bay?” Patrick asked. “I can’t imagine you’ll be content to only read the reports from head office.”
Noah’s laugh was lighter now, filled with genuine excitement for the first time in the conversation. “I’ve been thinking about that. Do you remember Cole Morrison from college? He was my roommate junior year.”
“The one who went into hospitality management?”
“That’s him. He’s been developing high-end vacation resorts for the past decade. Exclusive places that cater to people who want luxury but also want to experience authentic local culture.” Patrick could hear the enthusiasm building in his grandson’s voice. “He called me last month about a project he’s considering in Montana. There’s a property near Finley Point that would be perfect for a boutique resort.”
Patrick raised his eyebrows. Finley Point was only about twenty minutes from Sapphire Bay, a stunning location on the shores of Flathead Lake with views that rivaled anything in Switzerland.
“He wants a partner,” Noah continued. “Someone with business experience and local connections. Someone who understands the area and could help ensure the resort actually benefits the community instead of exploiting it.”
“That sounds like the kind of project you’d be good at,” Patrick said, and he meant it. Noah had always been passionate about sustainable business practices and community development. “What would your role be?”
“Investment partner and local operations manager. I’d oversee the construction, hire and train staff from the local community, and develop relationships with businesses in the area. It will keep me close to home but still be challenging.”
Patrick smiled. “And Cassie? What does she think about this plan?”
“She’s cautiously optimistic,” Noah admitted. “She knows I have a tendency to throw everything into a new project and she wants to make sure I don’t replace one obsession with another. But this feels different, Granddad. This feels like I’d be building something that could be good for us instead of consuming my life.”
“When would you resign from being the chief executive?” Patrick asked.
“I’ll announce my resignation to the board next week. I’ll probably stay on for another month or two to ensure everything runs smoothly, then hand over the reins officially.” Noah paused. “Cole’s timeline for the resort project works well with what I’m doing.”
