17. Crossroads
SEVENTEEN
CROSSROADS
SHANE
Silence falls over the room, heavy and oppressive. My father's face is a mask of fury, while my mother looks on the verge of tears. Noah stares at the floor, his shoulders hunched.
"If you walk away from this," my father says, his voice low and dangerous, "you walk away from everything. The company, the money, all of it."
I meet his gaze, unflinching. "Fine."
"Shane, please," my mother begs. "Think about what you're saying. That woman... she's not built for this life. She'll never fit in. Is she really worth throwing away everything we've built?"
"Her name is Krystal!" I growl, and I swear the house shakes. "And yes, she's worth it. She's worth everything."
My parent exchanges a worried gaze, and I see when my father doubles down on his directives.
"You ungrateful?—"
"No, you don't get to play that card. I've given everything to this family. My childhood, my freedom, and years of my life in the military. I'm done sacrificing my happiness for your ambition."
"And what about Noah?" my father demands. "You'd saddle him with all the responsibility while you run off to play house with your little mechanic?"
Noah's head snaps up, his eyes wide. "Dad, I?—"
"Noah's more than capable of running the company," I say firmly. "He's passionate about it in a way I never was. He deserves the chance to prove himself."
"This is ridiculous," my father sputters. "Noah doesn't have the experience, the connections?—"
"Because you never gave him the chance!" I shout. "You've been so focused on molding me into your perfect heir that you never saw Noah's potential. Well, I'm done. You'll put Noah in charge if you want Innoventis to survive."
My mother rises, reaching out to me. "Shane, darling, please. We only want what's best for you."
I step back, out of her reach. "No, you want what's best for the family name. For the company. You've never cared about what I want."
"That's not true," she protests weakly.
"Isn't it? When was the last time you asked me what I wanted? What would make me happy?" I shake my head, a lifetime of disappointment and resentment bubbling to the surface. "You arranged my whole life without ever considering that I might want something different."
"We gave you everything," my father growls. "The best schools, opportunities most people can only dream of?—"
"And I'm grateful for that," I interrupt. "But it doesn't give you the right to control my future. I'm not a child anymore. I get to choose my own path."
"And that path leads you away from your family?" my mother asks, her voice trembling. "Away from everything we've built?"
I take a deep breath, steeling myself for what comes next. "If that's what it takes, yes."
My father's face contorts with rage. "If you walk out that door, you're no longer my son. Do you understand? You'll be cut off. No more money, no more connections. Nothing."
"If that's how you want it, fine. But know this—I'd rather have nothing with Krystal than everything without her."
I turn to leave, but Noah's voice stops me. "Shane, wait."
I look back at my brother, seeing the conflict in his eyes. "What is it, Noah?"
He stands, squaring his shoulders. "I... I want to run the company. I've always wanted to. But not like this. Not with you cut off from the family."
"Noah," my father warns, but Noah presses on.
"No, Dad. This has gone on long enough. Shane's right. I can do this. I want to do this. But I won't be part of tearing this family apart."
Pride swells in my chest. "You'll be great, Noah. I know it. My decision stands. I'll get this contract, and then you're up, brother."
My father's face is a thundercloud. "This discussion isn't over. Shane, you need to think very carefully about your next move. There's still time to fix this, to come to your senses?—"
"My senses are just fine," I snap. "Now it's time for you to leave. I have an assignment to complete."
I walk my family to the door, their disapproval hanging heavy in the air. As soon as they're out, I lock it and lean against the solid wood, exhaling slowly. The weight of what just happened settles on my shoulders.
My feet carry me to my office almost on autopilot. I need space to think, to process. The room feels too small, too confining. I loosen my tie, tossing it onto the desk.
What have I done?
I've just told my family—the people who raised me and gave me every opportunity—that I'm walking away from it all. For Krystal, for Ashanti, for a life I'm not even sure I know how to live.
My gaze falls on a photo of Krystal and Ashanti, their smiles bright and carefree. Something in my chest tightens. They're worth it. They have to be.
But doubt creeps in, insidious and familiar. What if I'm not cut out for this? What if I'm throwing away everything for a dream that'll crumble the moment real life sets in?
I pour myself a whiskey, the amber liquid a poor substitute for the comfort I crave. Krystal's upstairs, probably wondering what the hell just happened. I should go to her and explain. But the words stick in my throat.
How do I tell her I've just upended my entire life for her? That I'm terrified and exhilarated all at once?
I glance over at my laptop, which sits open on the desk. The search results for Montana ranches are still visible on the screen. I raise my glass, swirling the amber liquid, and imagine Krystal and Ashanti on one of those Montana ranches.
A soft knock on the door pulls me from my thoughts. "Come in," I call out, expecting it to be Krystal or maybe Noah.
Instead, Ashanti's small figure appears in the doorway, her face streaked with tears. My heart clenches at the sight.
"Ashanti? What's wrong, sweetheart?" I ask, immediately moving toward her.
She runs into my arms, her small body shaking with sobs. I lift her up, cradling her against my chest as I move to sit on the leather couch in the corner of the office.
"Shh, it's okay," I murmur, stroking her hair. "I've got you. What happened, baby girl?"
Ashanti hiccups, trying to catch her breath. "It's... it's Mom," she manages between sobs. "She... she wants to leave."
My world stops. I struggle to keep my voice steady as I ask, "Leave? What do you mean, sweetheart?"
Ashanti pulls back, her tear-filled eyes meeting mine. "I heard her on the phone. She was talking about finding a new job somewhere far away. She thinks... she thinks we don't belong here."
Krystal wants to leave? After everything we've been through? I take a deep breath, trying to process this information while comforting the distraught child in my arms.
"Ashanti, listen to me," I say gently, wiping away her tears with my thumb. "This isn't your fault, okay? Your mom... she's just trying to do what's best for you."
"But I don't want to leave!" Ashanti cries, burying her face in my shirt. "I like it here. I like being with you. Why can't we all just stay together?"
Her words pierce my heart. I hold her tighter, realizing with startling clarity how much I've come to love this little girl. The thought of losing her and Krystal is unbearable.
"I don't want you to leave either," I admit softly. "You and your mom... you mean everything to me."
Ashanti looks up at me, hope shining in her eyes. "Really? You want us to stay?"
I nod, a lump forming in my throat. "More than anything. You two are my family now."
She throws her arms around my neck, hugging me fiercely. "Then make Mom stay! Please, Mr. Shane. I don't want to go."
I hold her close, my mind racing. How did I let things get to this point? I've been so caught up in trying to balance my family's expectations with my own desires that I've neglected the two people who matter most.
"Ashanti," I say, pulling back to look her in the eye. "I promise you, I'm going to fix this. We're going to be a family, okay? You, me, and your mom."
She nods, sniffling. "You promise?"
"I promise," I say, sealing it with a kiss on her forehead. "Now, I need you to do something for me. Can you keep this a secret from your mom for now? I want to surprise her."
Ashanti's eyes widen. "A surprise? What kind of surprise?"
I smile, an idea forming in my mind. "A big one. But it won't work if she knows I know about her plans. Can you keep our secret?"
She nods solemnly, a small smile breaking through her tears. "I can keep a secret. I'm good at secrets."
"I know you are, sweetheart," I say, giving her one last hug. "Now, why don't you go get ready for bed? I'll be up to tuck you in soon."
Ashanti slides off my lap, wiping the last of her tears away. "Okay. Goodnight, Mr. Shane. I love you."
The words catch me off guard, filling me with a warmth I've never experienced before. "I love you too, Ashanti. Sweet dreams."
As she leaves the office, I slump back on the couch with everything crashing down on me. Krystal wants to leave. She's planning to take Ashanti and disappear, probably thinking it's for the best.
I can't let that happen. I won't.
I stand up and move back to my desk. The laptop screen still shows the Montana ranches, but suddenly, everything becomes clear.
I pick up my phone, dialing a familiar number. It rings twice before a gruff voice answers.
"Everett? It's Shane. Remember that project you mentioned in Silver Ridge? I think I'm ready to hear more about it."