Nick’s POV
The mont my lips crashed onto hers, the entire ballroom seed to shatter into silence after a collective gasp.
Conversations died mid-sentence. Laughter froze in the air. Even the music seed to hush as if the universe itself knew what was happening.
Not sure if it was the reality or it was just blocking everything around us, for I only wanted to see Georgia and no one else.
Georgia gasped softly against my mouth, but she didn’t pull away. Instead, she lted into , her hands instinctively finding my chest as I deepened the kiss. It wasn’t just a kiss—it was a claim, a declaration.
Every bastard in this room who thought they had a chance with her—every single one who dared to let their eyes linger—would now know the truth.
This stunning woman belongs to . She was mine.
I kissed her like I had all the rights in the world, because I did. My hand splayed against her back, pulling her flush against , while the other anchored her nape firmly, making sure there was no mistaking who she belonged to.
When I finally tore myself away, I smiled. The lipstick that she was wearing survived my kiss. Although the shine was gone but at least her lips were still as red as she ca in.
Her cheeks were flushed, her chest rising and falling with her quick breaths. She looked even more beautiful—wrecked and glowing under the chandelier lights.
I pressed my forehead against hers, my voice low but loud enough for those closest to us to hear, "I told you, Georgia... you’re mine, and everyone here now knows about it."
Georgia gently pushed away and playfully rolled her eyes. "You’re crazy, Nick, did you know that?" she said with a smile.
I smirked, "Yes, I know. I’m crazy about you."
A ripple spread through the crowd—gasps, whispers, shocked murmurs. Out of the corner of my eye, I caught Violet’s icy stare, and my fatherwho probably has smoke coming out of his nose and ears right now. And still, I didn’t care.
"Damn, I’m really good at this. I knew it was going to happen," Vicky’s smug voice cut in, already standing at our side like she had been waiting for this exact mont.
She pressed a lip gloss into Georgia’s hand, and Georgia quickly swiped it over her lips, fixing the ss I had made with that kiss.
"That was one hell of a grand entrance," Liam chid in, his arm already claid by Ella, who looked as if she was floating on air. "Now, everyone will have fresh gossip to feed on co Monday."
Vicky leaned closer with a wicked grin. "So, are you done marking your territory? Because I’d like my girls back, thank you very much."
I chuckled, pulling Georgia just a little tighter against , not ready to let her go even for a second. But before I could tease Vicky back, the booming voice of the host filled the ballroom, calling everyone’s attention.
"Ladies and gentlen, the program is about to begin. Please take your seats."
The hum of chatter slowly quieted as people began to sit down, champagne glasses clinking, heels clicking against the polished floor. We followed, guided to the front where the Knight family table waited.
After the opening remarks, my father, Chairman Benjamin Knight, stood tall on the stage, his presence commanding instant silence. He gave his usual short but powerful welco speech, his eyes briefly scanning the crowd before settling on .
And then, with a tone that held both pride and authority, he said the words that shifted the weight of the entire evening onto my shoulders.
"Tonight, I am proud to officially announce Nicholas Knight, my son, as the new Chief Executive Officer of Knight Fleet Mariti."
The ballroom erupted into applause, flashes from caras lighting up like fireworks. But all I could think about was the woman sitting in the front row, looking at like I was the only man in the world, and how I could make her proud of , of the man I’ve beco because of her.
I walked up the stage, every clap and cheer echoing in my ears. The spotlight hit , but I wasn’t blinded.
I gazed at Georgia, gave her a smile, adjusted the mic, straightened my tux, and spoke.
"Good evening, everyone. First, I want to thank my father for his unwavering guidance, the Knight family for their trust, and all of you... Our partners, colleagues, and friends for being here tonight.
Stepping into this role is more than just a title. It’s a responsibility to the generations before who built this legacy, and to the n and won who make Knight Fleet Mariti what it is today.
Our company has sailed through decades, and tonight I stand here not just to carry that tradition but to push it forward.
Starting next quarter, we will be adding new vessels to our fleet. Not just more ships but smarter, faster, and more cost-effective ones. We’re expanding our routes, strengthening our presence, and opening doors for new trade opportunities.
But expansion ans nothing if it’s not rooted in innovation. That’s why I am thrilled to announce our partnership with key engineering firms and global innovators to modernize our cargo ships. These new designs will focus on speed, efficiency, and above all, safety.
Because while cargo may be our business, people are our heart. Our sailors deserve vessels that not only help them do their jobs better but also keep them safe, comfortable, and proud of the work they do. A fleet built for the future, built for them.
We are no longer just keeping up with the industry. We are setting the course for it.
So tonight, I make this promise: Knight Fleet Mariti will not only honor its legacy, but redefine it for the future. And together, with all of you here, we will sail further than ever before."
Applause thundered through the ballroom, but I barely heard it. My eyes went back to Georgia, whose gaze glistened with pride, as if my words belonged to her as much as they belonged to the company.
But I wasn’t done for tonight. There’s still sothing I have to do, sothing I have to say, right here, in this room, in front of everyone, in front of Georgia.
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