diff --git a/src/crewai/cli/authentication/utils.py b/src/crewai/cli/authentication/utils.py
index 1e9caee02..eedc23d46 100644
--- a/src/crewai/cli/authentication/utils.py
+++ b/src/crewai/cli/authentication/utils.py
@@ -47,13 +47,14 @@ class TokenManager:
         :return: The encryption key.
         """
         key_filename = "secret.key"
+        key = self.read_secure_file(key_filename)
 
-        if self.read_secure_file(key_filename):
-            key = self.read_secure_file(key_filename)
+        if key is not None:
+            return key
         else:
-            key = Fernet.generate_key()
-            self.save_secure_file(key_filename, key)
-        return key
+            new_key = Fernet.generate_key()
+            self.save_secure_file(key_filename, new_key)
+            return new_key
 
     def save_tokens(self, access_token: str, expires_in: int) -> None:
         """