Cowboy’s Healing Heart

16. Breaking Point

SIXTEEN

brEAKING POINT

SHANE

"Gentlemen," I say, my voice steady despite the nerves churning in my gut. "Let's talk about the future of military technology."

The top brass from the Department of Defense sit around the polished mahogany table, their eyes fixed on me as I take my place at the head of the table.

But as I speak, a part of me feels hollow—empty, like I'm playing a role in someone else's life.

My father's steely gaze meets mine, a silent challenge in his eyes.

I pull up the presentation on the screen, diving into the details of our proposal. As I speak, I images of Krystal and Ashanti roll through my mind. The life I want with them feels a million miles away from this sterile boardroom.

After the gala, nothing I say or do can bring back that joy we had, and I have no one to blame but me.

"Our cybersecurity measures exceed their requirements," I explain, pointing to a graph. "We've implemented?—"

"Shane," my father interrupts, his tone sharp. "Are you fully committed to this?"

I pause, caught off guard by the question. "Of course. Why wouldn't I be?"

He leans forward, his eyes boring into mine. "Because ever since you've returned, you've seemed... distracted. This isn't just about the contract. It's about the future of our family legacy."

The words hit me like a punch to the gut. I open my mouth to respond, but Noah jumps in.

"Dad, Shane's doing a great job," he says, his voice calm but firm. "The team's never been more focused."

Our father waves him off. "This isn't about the team, Noah. It's about leadership. About commitment."

I feel my temper rising, but I force it down. "I'm here, aren't I? I'm doing the work."

"Are you?" My father's voice is cold. "Because it seems to me like your mind is elsewhere. With that... woman and her child."

The room goes silent. I can feel everyone's eyes on me, waiting for my reaction. My hands clench into fists under the table.

"Krystal and Ashanti," I say, my voice low and dangerous, "are my family now. And they have nothing to do with my work here."

My father scoffs. "Family? Please, Shane. This is just a phase. A distraction from your real responsibilities."

I stand up abruptly, my chair scraping against the floor. "This meeting is over."

"Shane—" Noah starts, but I cut him off with a look.

"We'll reconvene tomorrow," I say, my voice leaving no room for argument. "I need some air."

I storm out of the room, ignoring the whispers that follow me. My feet carry me to my office, where I slam the door behind me.

For a moment, I just stand there, breathing heavily. Then, almost without thinking, I pull out my phone and dial Krystal's number.

It rings once, twice, three times before going to voicemail. Even recorded, the sound of her voice sends a pang through my chest.

"Hey, it's me," I say after the beep. "I... I miss you. Both of you. I know things have been tense lately, but I want you to know that you're what matters to me. I'll be home early tonight. Love you both."

I hang up, feeling both lighter and heavier at the same time. As I turn back to my desk, my eyes fall on a framed photo of Krystal and Ashanti. It was taken at the ranch, and both of them are laughing as they sit atop a horse.

Then, a thought crosses my mind. Hum…

I pull up my browser and start searching for ranches. The idea of building away from all this corporate bullshit fills me with a sense of peace I haven't felt in weeks.

A knock at the door interrupts my search. "Come in," I call out, quickly minimizing the browser window.

Noah enters his expression a mix of concern and frustration. "Shane, what the hell was that?"

I lean back in my chair, suddenly feeling exhausted. "That was me reaching my breaking point."

Noah sighs, taking a seat across from me. "Look, I get it. Father's being an ass. But we can't afford to lose focus right now. This contract?—"

"I know, I know," I interrupt. "The contract is important. But Noah, have you ever stopped to think that maybe there's more to life than Innoventis?"

He looks at me like I've grown a second head. "What are you talking about?"

I hesitate, then decide to lay it all out. "I'm talking about happiness, Noah. Real, genuine happiness. The kind I feel when I'm with Krystal and Ashanti."

Noah's expression softens. "Shane, I get it. I do. But you can't just walk away from everything we've built here."

"Can't I?" I challenge. "Because lately, I've been wondering if maybe I should. I don't need the money or the stress."

Noah leans forward, his voice low and urgent. "This company needs you."

I shake my head, a sad smile on my face. "No, Noah. It needs you."

His eyes widen in surprise. "What?"

"You're the one who's passionate about this place," I explain. "You're the one who lives and breathes Innoventis. I've been going through the motions, but my heart's not in it anymore."

Noah sits back, stunned. "I... I don't know what to say."

"You don't have to say anything," I reply. "Just think about it. You'd make a better CEO than I ever could."

Before Noah can respond, there's another knock at the door. This time, it's my father who enters, his face like thunder.

"We need to talk," he says, his voice brooking no argument.

I stand up, squaring my shoulders. "Fine. Let's talk."

My father closes the door behind him, his eyes darting between Noah and me. "What's going on here? Some kind of coup?"

I laugh, the sound bitter and hollow. "A coup? Really, Father? Is that what you think this is?"

He narrows his eyes. "I don't know what to think anymore, Shane. You've been acting erratically ever since you came back. And now this scene in the boardroom?"

"Erratically?" I repeat, my voice rising. "Because I'm not falling in line with your grand plan? Because I've found someone that matters more to me than this company?"

My father's face reddens. "That woman is clouding your judgment. She and that child?—"

"Their names," I interrupt, my voice dangerously low, "are Krystal and Ashanti. And they're my family now."

"Family?" my father scoffs. "They're not family, Shane. They're a distraction. A phase you need to get over so you can focus on what really matters."

I feel something snap inside me. All the frustration and anger I've been holding back comes rushing to the surface.

"What really matters?" I shout, slamming my hand on the desk. "You want to know what really matters to me, Dad? It's not this company. It's not your legacy. It's the way Krystal looks at me, like I'm more than just my last name. It's the sound of Ashanti's laughter when we're playing together. It's the feeling of coming home to people who love me for who I am, not what I can do for them."

My father takes a step back, shock written across his face. I've never spoken to him like this before.

"Shane—"

"No, you're going to listen to me for once," I say, my voice firm. "I'm done living up to your expectations. I'm done trying to be the son you want me to be. I'm going to live my life on my terms."

Noah stands up, placing a hand on my shoulder. "Shane, maybe we should all calm down?—"

I shake him off. "No, Noah. This needs to be said." I turn back to my father. "You want to know why I've been 'distracted'? It's because I've finally found something worth being distracted by. Something real. Something that makes me happy."

My father's expression hardens. "And what about your responsibilities? Your duty to this family?"

"My duty?" I laugh, the sound harsh and bitter. "My duty is to myself and my happiness. And to Krystal and Ashanti. They're my priority now, whether you like it or not."

For a moment, silence reigns in the office. Then my father speaks, his voice cold and controlled.

"If that's how you feel, then perhaps it's time we discussed your future at Innoventis."

I meet his gaze, unflinching. "Perhaps it is."

Noah steps between us, his hands raised. "Okay, let's all take a breath here. We're family. We can work this out."

But deep in my gut, I know we're past the point of working things out. The line has been drawn, and I've made my choice.

"Noah's right," I say, my voice calmer now. "We are family. But that doesn't mean we have to agree on everything. And right now, we clearly don't."

"This isn't over, Shane. We'll continue this discussion later."

He turns and storms out of the office, leaving Noah and me in stunned silence.

Noah turns to me, his expression a mix of concern and admiration. "Shane, I... I had no idea you felt this way."

I sink back into my chair. "Neither did I until recently. But being here, away from Krystal and Ashanti... it's made everything clear. This isn't how I want to spend my time. Only spending a few minutes here and there while giving the bulk of my time to something I could care less about." I shake my head. "It's not worth it."

Noah nods slowly. "So what are you going to do?"

I take a deep breath, my decision settling over me. "I'm going to see this contract through. But after that..." I trail off, my eyes drifting to the minimized browser window on my computer.

Noah follows my gaze. "After that?"

I meet his eyes, a small smile playing on my lips. "After that, I'm going to build the life I want. With the people I love."

Noah's quiet for a moment, then he nods. "I get it. I really do. And for what it's worth, I think you're making the right choice."

His words surprise me. "You do?"

He shrugs. "You're my brother, Shane. I want you to be happy. And if this is what makes you happy... then I support you."

"Thank you, Noah. That means more than you know." I stand up, pulling him into a tight hug. "Now get back to work."

As we break apart, I feel a sense of peace wash over me now that I know exactly what I need to do.

I loosen my tie and collapse into my chair. I close my eyes, and I'm back at the ranch for a moment. The scent of hay and leather fills my nostrils. I can almost hear Krystal's laugh and see Ashanti's smile.

A knock at the door snaps me back to reality. "Come in," I call out, straightening in my chair.

Everett, my old military buddy, pokes his head in. "Hey, Shane. Got a minute?"

I look up as Everett enters my office, his presence a welcome distraction from the day's chaos. He grins, a mischievous glint in his eye.

"Shane, my man. How's the corporate life treating you?"

I lean back in my chair, grateful for the interruption. "It's... intense. What brings you to New York?"

Everett settles into the chair across from me, his posture relaxed but his eyes sharp. "Oh, you know. Business. I'm working on something pretty exciting back in Silver Ridge."

My interest piques. "Silver Ridge? Montana, right? What kind of project?"

"Let's just say it involves old friends and new tech. Speaking of which, how are things with you? Family life treating you well?"

"Adjusting to my new role. But overall, it's the same. What about you? How are those twins of yours?"

Everett's face lights up. "They're great, man. At home with my wife right now."

I blink, sure I've misheard. "Wife? Last I checked, you swore you'd never marry again after Jillian."

He laughs, the sound full and genuine. "Yeah, well, things change. Kenzie... she's something else, Shane. I can't imagine my life without her now."

The look on his face—pure, unguarded happiness. It's been so long since I've felt that way. But I'll get it again. And soon.

"That's... that's great, Everett. I'm happy for you," I manage.

Everett studies me for a moment, his expression softening. "You know, there's nothing like it, Shane. The right one changes everything."

I nod, not trusting myself to speak. The state of everything I've lost, everything I'm at risk of losing, feels suffocating.

"Hey," Everett says, leaning forward. "You okay, man?"

I clear my throat, forcing a smile. "Yeah, just... it's been a long day. Tell me more about Silver Ridge. You like it there?"

Everett's eyes light up again. "It's amazing, Shane. The girls get free run of the mountainside. The air is clean, the people are genuine, and with this new project... My life is, as Zig Ziglar used to say, 'better than good.'"

As he talks, I picture wide open spaces, mountains, fresh air, and a simpler life. No board meetings, no constant pressure, no disappointed looks from my father—just me, Krystal, and Ashanti, building a life together.

"Sounds pretty great," I admit.

Everett nods enthusiastically. "It is. And hey, you should come check it out sometime. See what I've got going on up on my mountain. I've reassembled some of our old team..."

My eyebrows raise. "Oh yeah?"

He grins. "Yeah. Raven V. It's... well, I can't say too much, but it's big, Shane. And we could use a guy like you."

The offer hangs in the air between us. Part of me wants to jump at it, to leave all this behind and start fresh. But I think of the DoD contract, and seeing this through to the end.

"I'll keep your offer in mind."

He holds up his hands. "Hey, no pressure. Just think about it, okay? Give me a call if you want to know more."

"I will. Thanks, Everett."

As he stands to leave, I find myself reluctant to see him go. His visit has stirred up feelings I've been trying to ignore, dreams I've pushed aside.

"Everett," I call as he reaches the door. He turns back, eyebrow raised. "I'm really happy for you."

His smile is genuine. "Thanks. I hope you find that happiness too. You deserve it."

As the door closes behind him, I'm left alone with my thoughts. The contrast between Everett's joy and my own restlessness is stark.

I think of Krystal's distant looks, of Ashanti's quiet withdrawal. We came here for a better life, but at what cost?

I pull up the contract on my computer, the words blurring before my eyes. If I can just get this signed and away from my family... maybe then we can find our way back to each other. Maybe then I can give them the life they deserve.

But Everett's description of Silver Ridge makes me think I might have a Plan B: a horse ranch in Montana.

Clean air. Real people. A life away from all this pressure and expectation.

I shake my head, refocusing on the contract.

One step at a time. Get this signed, then... then I'll figure out the rest.

I step into the living room, exhaustion weighing on my shoulders after another long day at the office. The sight that greets me stops me in my tracks. My parents and Noah sit stiffly on the couch, their faces etched with tension. Krystal perches on the edge of an armchair, her back ramrod straight.

Her eyes find mine, relief flooding her features. My heart clenches. With all the chaos swirling around us, she's worried about me.

"Shane," my father says, rising to his feet. "We need to speak with you. Privately."

Krystal stands, her gaze darting between me and my family. "Are you okay?" she whispers, concern lacing her voice.

I pull her close, pressing a kiss to her lips. "I'm fine. I'll be up to bed after I talk with them and lock up."

She nods, squeezing my hand before slipping out of the room. I watch her go, a fierce protectiveness surging through me. I'll shield her from this mess, even if it means standing up to my own family.

"Sit down, Shane," my father commands, gesturing to an empty chair.

I remain standing, crossing my arms over my chest. "What's this about?"

My mother wrings her hands, her perfectly manicured nails glinting in the low light. "Darling, we're worried about you. About the choices you're making."

"What choices?" I ask, though I already know the answer.

"Your... relationship with that woman," my father says, his lip curling in distaste. "And your continued reluctance to take your rightful place at Innoventis."

" My woman has a name," I snap. "It's Krystal. And she's not going anywhere."

Noah shifts uncomfortably on the couch. "Shane, maybe we should all calm down-"

"No," I cut him off. "I'm done tiptoeing around this. Krystal and Ashanti are my family now. If you can't accept that, we have nothing to discuss."

My father's face reddens, his jaw clenching. "You have responsibilities, Shane. A legacy to uphold. You can't throw it all away for some... fling ."

"Fling?" I laugh, the sound harsh and bitter. "Is that what you think this is? I love her. I love Ashanti. They're not some distraction or phase. They're my future."

"Be reasonable, Shane," my mother pleads. "Think about what you're giving up. The life you could have with someone like Courtney?—"

"I don't want that life!" The words explode out of me, and years of pent-up frustration overtake my usual calm disposition. "I never wanted it. The company, the arranged marriage, the constant pressure to be someone I'm not. I'm done."