Chapter 227: The Perfect Place (3)
Georgia’s POV
Vicky’s voice echoed through the living room, calling everyone in for a game. Just as I was about to step back inside, I saw Nick and Benjamin approaching, both wearing the kind of serious expressions that made my stomach twist.
"What’s going on?" I asked carefully, searching their faces.
Nick gave a small smile, almost as if to soothe me. "Relax, love. It’s nothing bad. We just... need to talk. All three of us."
That tone made me follow without hesitation. The three of us settled on the sofa on the back porch.
Nick didn’t waste time. "Since I’ll be adding more ships to the fleet, I want to bring Pacific Manning Services into the group. This could solve their current problem, which we suspect was stirred up by the Davises. Once they supply the manpower for our new ships, other companies will take notice and request their services too."
My heart skipped a beat. He was talking about my company, and was already finding solutions before I even ask for help.
I glanced at Benjamin, expecting him to explode, but instead he sat back, arms crossed, his face unreadable as he silently weighed Nick’s words. That alone made me even more nervous.
Nick turned his gaze to me, his eyes softening. "Don’t give me your answer now. Think about it first. If you don’t want this, you can say no. But it’s a huge contract, Georgia. We’ll need a lot of experienced people fast, and your team will have to work hard to deliver."
I swallowed hard. "It’s not that I don’t want it... It would benefit me, my employees, and the whole company. But aren’t you already under exclusive contracts with the Meyers and two other agencies?"
Benjamin finally spoke. "She’s right. How do you plan to move forward without breaching those agreements?"
Nick leaned forward, calm but resolute. "I won’t be renewing their contracts with Knight Fleet Maritime when the time comes. And if Georgia agrees, I want her company to merge with mine. We’ll make recruitment completely in-house. It’s better for the company and for the seafarers."
My breath hitched at his words. Merge? With his company?
Nick’s eyes didn’t leave mine. "The contract clauses only allow us to bring in a new agency if it’s owned by the group and run by a family member. If we merge, there’s no problem since Georgia is already family. Oliver and I already reviewed everything."
I stared at him, a dozen thoughts rushing through my mind all at once. This wasn’t just business. This was him tying me closer to his company, to his family... and to him.
"I see." Benjamin’s voice was low but carried the weight of authority. His sharp gaze moved between me and Nick. "Talk to your board. If they agree, then you can proceed. But be prepared to fight. Georgia’s company is small, and if those three agencies retaliate to punish you, our operations could take a hit."
My chest tightened. Hearing him say it out loud made the risk feel heavier, like a storm looming on the horizon.
"I know," Nick replied firmly, not a hint of doubt in his voice. "And I already have a back-up plan for that."
Benjamin studied him for a long moment before finally standing. He adjusted his cuff, straightened his shoulders, and delivered his last words with a gravity that made me sit straighter.
"I’m agreeing to this in the hope that someday, this will make you take what’s rightfully yours."
Then, without waiting for a response, he turned and walked back inside, leaving his words hanging in the air like a challenge and a promise all at once.
Nick leaned back with a quiet sigh, while I sat frozen, my heart pounding. I wasn’t sure if Benjamin’s blessing comforted me or scared me more.
Nick leaned back against the sofa and pulled me into his side, his arm heavy and reassuring around me.
"I’m doing this for you and me, Georgia. To free you from the burden of your family’s company, so you can finally live your life. Do the things you’ve always wanted, the things you’ve been forced to set aside because of the business you inherited. What’s mine is yours. And once our companies merge, you’ll gain even more."
He paused, his thumb brushing over my arm, before adding, "And I also want to legally adopt Katie. Whether she keeps her last name or takes mine will be up to you, but I want her to have the same rights as our future children. I want her to have a claim to everything, our wealth, our properties. She’s family, and I know how much she means to you."
I was stunned, I couldn’t move. I hadn’t realized how far he’d already thought this through. He wasn’t just thinking of me or the company—he was thinking of Katie, too. My sweet Katie. My chest swelled, and I felt like I had just won the grandest prize of my life without ever even placing a bet.
My eyes stung as tears blurred my vision, and Nick immediately noticed. He tugged me closer into his embrace, his lips brushing my temple. "Don’t cry yet. It’s just a plan, and it won’t be easy. Some investors, some board members... they’ll fight back. But I’ll handle it. Watch me make this happen, for us, for our family."
I wiped my cheeks with the back of my hand, overwhelmed, then hesitated before whispering, "But... what did your father mean when he said to take what’s rightfully yours? He isn’t talking about something... bad, is he?"
Nick’s jaw tightened, and I felt the way his body tensed beside me. He swallowed hard but didn’t answer right away. Guilt washed over me instantly—I knew I’d touched a wound he wasn’t ready to expose.
Nick’s jaw flexed, his silence louder than words. I instantly regretted asking, but before I could apologize, he kissed my forehead and whispered, "Not today, love. I don’t want shadows hanging over us when we’re finally building something bright together. I’ll tell you when the time is right. For now... let me enjoy the peace and quiet that we have."
My heart was still restless with questions, but in that moment, wrapped in his strength, I chose to trust him, like what I always do.