Chapter 266

LUCAS POV

As the final bell rang, signaling the end of the school day, I couldn't shake the feeling of unease that had settled over me since this morning. Shana's safety was constantly on my mind, especially with Dr. Mills lurking around.

Shana and I haven't seen Dr. Mills too much at our last training sessions. It made me wonder where he had disappeared off to and when he would be back.

I had hoped to accompany her to the palace for today's training session, but my father had other plans for me.

He ordered me to come to the company for a meeting, and Shana had encouraged me to follow through.

"I'll be fine, Lucas," Shana said, once we were driving to Grandma Jo's after school. "Dr. Mills hasn't been at our last few training sessions."

"I know," I had replied. "But he could always show up again."

"I don't like the idea of you going there alone," I admitted, glancing at her worriedly. "It just doesn't sit right with me."

Shana reached over and squeezed my hand reassuringly. "I appreciate your concern, Lucas. But you know I can handle myself."

"I know you're capable," I said, giving her hand a gentle squeeze in return. "But with everything that's been happening lately, I can't help but worry."

She smiled softly, her eyes reflecting understanding. "I know, Lucas. And I'm grateful for your concern. But you have to trust me."

I sighed, knowing she was right. "Okay, just promise me you'll be careful. If anything feels off, don't hesitate to call me."

"I promise," she said, her voice filled with determination. "Now, let's focus on getting through this training session in one piece."

Shana's safety weighed heavily on my mind, and the thought of her facing potential danger alone at the palace gnawed at me.

As the business meeting unfolded, I found it increasingly difficult to focus on the matters at hand, my thoughts consumed by Shana and the uncertainty of her situation.

Finally, as the meeting drew to a close, my father motioned for me to join him in his office.

With a heavy heart, I followed, bracing myself for the inevitable confrontation.

"Lucas," my father began, his tone stern as he fixed me with a penetrating gaze. "We need to talk."

I entered my father's imposing office, the air was thick with tension. Kendrick sat at his desk, his expression stoic as he reviewed some papers, his focus solely on the task at hand.

After what felt like an eternity, the meeting finally concluded, and Kendrick motioned for me to join him in his office. With a heavy sigh, I followed, bracing myself for what was to come.

"Lucas," Kendrick began, his voice laced with frustration. "We need to talk."

I took a seat across from him, steeling myself for the conversation that was about to unfold.

"I've been trying to offer you opportunities to advance in the family business, but you seem disinterested, unmotivated," Kendrick continued, his gaze piercing. "Do you have any idea what's at stake here?"

I remained silent, my mind consumed by thoughts of Shana and the dangers she faced at the palace.

My father and I have had this conversation many times, and it was surprising to me that he still wasn't understanding how I felt about it.

"Your cousin, Edwin, is willing to step up and take on more responsibilities," Kendrick continued, his tone growing colder. "He's hungry for success, eager to prove himself. Unlike you."

The mention of Edwin only fueled my frustration. I had never cared much for the family business, and Edwin's ambition only served as a stark reminder of my own lack of interest.

"Give him your inheritance," I replied bluntly, surprising even myself with the sharpness of my tone. "I don't want it."

Kendrick's eyes widened in disbelief, his anger simmering just beneath the surface. "You're just going to give it away that easily?"

"Honestly, I don't care," I continued. "I never wanted to be a part of the business anyway. For months I've been trying to tell you this, but you've refused to listen to me. This isn't what I want from my life."

My father's expression darkened, a storm brewing behind his steely gaze. "You're making a grave mistake, Lucas. You'll regret this decision one day."

"I know what I'm doing, and I don't regret a single thing," I said.

"No, son. You're making a mistake, Lucas. You have no idea what you're giving up."

"I know exactly what I'm giving up," I shot back, my resolve unwavering. "And I don't care. My priorities lie elsewhere. You've never once cared about what I want. You only think about yourself."

My father's face twisted with anger, his voice rising as he leaned forward in his chair. "You've always been ungrateful! I've given you everything! I've worked tirelessly to build this empire, and you have the audacity to throw it all away?"

I stood my ground, refusing to back down. "I never asked for any of this, Father. I never wanted to be a part of your twisted game."

"Twisted game?" My father scoffed, his voice dripping with disdain. "This is your legacy, Lucas. Your birthright! And you're just going to throw it all away like it means nothing?"

"It means nothing to me!" I shouted, my frustration boiling over. "All I care about is Shana's safety, and I'll do whatever it takes to protect her."

"Shana?" Kendrick sneered, his lips curling into a malicious grin. "Is that what this is all about? Don't you realize that once the world finds out who she is... that she's the White Wolf... that she'll forget all about you, especially if you're just some nobody. At least I'm offering you the opportunity to continue the Busch empire."

I froze, my father's words cutting deep. The thought of Shana forgetting about me was like a knife to the heart, but I refused to let my father's manipulation sway me.

"Shana would never forget about me," I replied through gritted teeth, trying to keep my emotions in check. "And I don't need your empire to make her stay. She loves me for who I am, not for some family legacy."

My father's eyes narrowed, his expression turning cold. "You're naive, Lucas. Love doesn't conquer all. Money, power, influence—those are the things that matter in this world. And you're throwing it all away for some romance."

"Do you hear yourself?" I questioned. "That's what you value in this life—money, power, influence. Well, I hate to break it to you, but I don't find those things as important. There's more to life than business."

Kendrick's jaw clenched, his frustration evident as he struggled to maintain his composure. "You'll regret this, Lucas. You'll come crawling back to me, begging for forgiveness, but by then, it'll be too late."

I met his gaze squarely, refusing to back down. "I won't regret standing up for what I believe in, for the person I love. And I won't come crawling back to you, begging for anything. My decision is final."

With a heavy heart, I turned on my heel and left the room, the weight of my father's disapproval heavy on my shoulders. But deep down, I knew I had made the right choice.

Love was worth more than any fortune or legacy. Shana was worth more than any of that.