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Declan reels back in his seat, taking offense as he should. “Those frivolous projects have brought in significant revenue and innovation. I’m just as invested in the company’s success as Ryann. This isn’t about division, it’s about playing to our strengths and ensuring CalTek’s future.”

“I’ve always trusted you to lead this company, Ryann,” our father interjects, not even glancing at his other son. “You were raised for this. Declan lacks discipline and focus. He’s too impulsive.”

Years of lies burn on my tongue, and I try to keep from lashing out in my twin’s defense. “That’s why we balance each other out. I’m asking you to consider what’s best for the company’s growth, not just what fits the traditional mold. We’re stronger together but in different ways.”

Ronin’s eyes narrow, and for a moment, I think I see a flicker of consideration. But it quickly vanishes, replaced by familiar dismissal.

“I won’t allow it,” he states flatly. “This company needs stability, not an experiment in shared leadership. If you can’t see that, perhaps you’re not ready to lead.”

Fuck. But who can say that we didn’t try?

“Then this conversation is over.” Olivia picks up the folder calmly, her movements graceful as she rises to her feet. She offers me her arm, and I follow her lead, Declan trailing silently behind us.

But before the door closes, I stop.

Because if I don’t say what’s burning inside me, this moment will replay in my mind every night that I close my eyes. And I refuse to waste any time in bed thinking about anything other than Shilo.

Turning back, I hold my father’s gaze steady. “I gave up everything for this company. My social life, years of freedom, my college dreams. All at your behest. No one has been more dedicated to CalTek than I have. All I’ve done since I was fifteen is strive to make you see my worth. But I’ll never measure up to your expectations. Neither will Declan.”

“Either make your point or get out of my office,” he growls, his eyes already back on his monitor.

And that’s when I realize I’m done. Done with the lies, the hiding, the fear.

It’s now or never.

Taking a deep breath, I glance at Declan, who gives me a small, unsure nod. Then I pull tight the final thread we should have tied years ago.

“Declan wasn’t the one who started the fire. I was.”

That gets Ronin’s attention. His gaze snaps back to mine, but I don’t back down.

“He took the blame because he knew how important your approval was to me, and it ruined our relationship for years. I’m done putting you above him, above myself, or anyone else. Perhaps you’ll think about that kind of loyalty the next time you consider handing this company over to strangers.”

His glare hardens, his eyes flicking back to the screen, but I’ve already said what I needed to say. I take one last look at him—not as a father, but as a man I never hope to become.

Then I turn and leave, stepping into the elevator with Declan and Olivia.

She squeezes my arm reassuringly while Declan lets out a shaky breath and leans heavily against the wall. As the elevator descends, I feel lighter than I have in years.

Like I’m finally free.

“I hope we just made the right choice,” Dec murmurs, running a hand through his unruly curls.

I smirk, clapping him on the shoulder. “Give it a week, and we’ll be back at our desks. Dad was calling our bluff.”

His green eyes swing to mine, wary. “How do you know?”

“I was raised by the man my entire life. I know how he operates.”

Unfortunately, I used to operate the same way. But not anymore. I’ve learned there are more important things than work.

Like my little doll, who’s currently chatting with his sister at the security desk, completely unaware of my presence.

He looks relaxed, his nose less swollen, and absolutely edible in a sweater that hangs off one shoulder. The marks I’d kissed into his skin last night are on full display, faint but unmistakable.

I want to scoop him up, press him against the nearest wall, and make more. But he’s on the clock, so I’ll have to wait. It doesn’t stop my mind from running rampant with visions of sitting him on the security desk and worshiping his cock, though.

“So, this is real, then?” Declan asks quietly, following my gaze toward Shilo. “You and him? Is it worth it?”