Georgia’s POV
Vicky’s voice echoed through the living room, calling everyone in for a ga. 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 . "Relax, love. It’s nothing bad. We just... need to talk. All three of us."
That tone made follow without hesitation. The three of us settled on the sofa on the back porch.
Nick didn’t waste ti. "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 even more nervous.
Nick turned his gaze to , his eyes softening. "Don’t give 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 , my employees, and the whole company. But aren’t you already under exclusive contracts with the yers and two other agencies?"
Benjamin finally spoke. "She’s right. How do you plan to move forward without breaching those agreents?"
Nick leaned forward, calm but resolute. "I won’t be renewing their contracts with Knight Fleet Mariti when the ti cos. And if Georgia agrees, I want her company to rge with mine. We’ll make recruitnt completely in-house. It’s better for the company and for the seafarers."
My breath hitched at his words. rge? 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 mber. If we rge, 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 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 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 mont before finally standing. He adjusted his cuff, straightened his shoulders, and delivered his last words with a gravity that made sit straighter.
"I’m agreeing to this in the hope that soday, 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 or scared more.
Nick leaned back against the sofa and pulled into his side, his arm heavy and reassuring around .
"I’m doing this for you and , 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 rge, 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 na or takes mine will be up to you, but I want her to have the sa 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 ans 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 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 imdiately noticed. He tugged closer into his embrace, his lips brushing my temple. "Don’t cry yet. It’s just a plan, and it won’t be easy. So investors, so board mbers... they’ll fight back. But I’ll handle it. Watch make this happen, for us, for our family."
I wiped my cheeks with the back of my hand, overwheld, then hesitated before whispering, "But... what did your father an when he said to take what’s rightfully yours? He isn’t talking about sothing... bad, is he?"
Nick’s jaw tightened, and I felt the way his body tensed beside . He swallowed hard but didn’t answer right away. Guilt washed over 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 sothing bright together. I’ll tell you when the ti is right. For now... let enjoy the peace and quiet that we have."
My heart was still restless with questions, but in that mont, wrapped in his strength, I chose to trust him, like what I always do.
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