Chapter 95
Rhett lounged on the sofa opposite Holcomb, all laid–back–like. “Yeah.”
“We must sort out Vincent’s mess ASAP. The big wigs and the board are starting to make noise. After all, Vincent is your brother, part of the FitzGerald family through and through. We’re in this together, for better or worse.” Holcomb reminded Rhett not to overdo it.
“I can lend a hand to Nicola and help out Vincent. And If I have to, convincing Kristin to marry me isn’t off the table,” Rhett said with a smirk, sounding like he was ready to wheel and deal.
In the room, perking up at the mention of help, Nicola ditched the oxygen and bolted out in her slippers. “Rhett, you are back! Your brother…”
“I’ve tried every trick in the book. The Turner family and you guys have backed Kristin into at corner. She’s got no way out except to marry into the FitzGerald family to save her skin, so pushing her to drop the case by other means is off the table,” Rhett laid his cards on the table.
“Rhett, how about we bluff her? Agree for now and tie the knot on paper. Once this storm blows over, we’ll deal with her. It’s just Kristin,” Nicola cajoled Rhett in a rush.
“I could marry Kristin,” Rhett said, cool as a cucumber.
Holcomb frowned and refused, “No can do. Rhett’s reputation is on the line, too, and that’s tied to our family’s reputation.”
Rhett scoffed. In Holcomb’s eyes, the family’s reputation was more precious than his son’s.
“Holcomb!” Nicola was choking up in desperation. “Even if it’s just to keep Kristin quiet, a secret marriage will do. No one needs to know. Vincent’s your son, too, and you can’t play favorites. If he gets jailed, it’ll wreck his life.”
Holcomb raised a hand to his forehead, clearly getting a headache.
“If I’m to take the fall, no problem. But shouldn’t I get some security for what’s mine. Dad?” Rhett cut to the chase.
Nicola was stunned, knowing Rhett wouldn’t fold easily.
“If I’m married, I can waltz into the notary office and claim what’s mine. Grandpa’s and Mom’s shares are all mine. You got any objections to that, Dad?” Rhett eyed Holcomb.
“No way!” Nicola protested before Holcomb could get a word in. “It’s not like… Rhett, your grandpa got more than one grandson. Vincent’s his grandson, too. Those shares… you can’t hog them all.”
Rhett snorted and stood up. “Then there’s nothing to talk about. Company policy is clear. Anyone with a criminal record, no excuses, can’t be part of the management.”
Nicola went pale, hands clenched in panic.
Rhett had gone too far! He was in cahoots with Kristin to screw over her boy!
Chapter 95
“Damn that evil Kristin.” she cursed inside.
With a calculating glint in her eyes, Nicola could only compromise for the time. “If Lucius left a will, I’ve got no beef with it.”
Holcomb glanced up at Rhett. It was at that moment he became aware Rhett had grown up.
“I’ve got no beef with it,” Holcomb finally sald.
“As for the shares you’re holding, Dad, whoever you want to give them to, that’s your call,” Rhett said, not bothering to vie for the scraps in Holcomb’s hands. He could give them all to Vincent if he thought it was right.
Whether they kept up this sad excuse for a father–son relationship was on Holcomb.
Nicola was fuming, fists clenched.
“Easy, first things first, I have to get Vincent out. If Rhett kicked the bucket by chance, or if I got dirt on him, I could still fight for those shares.” she thought, “Plus, marrying Kristin? That was a ticking time bomb and a permanent stain on Rhett’s life.”
“Tomorrow, I’ll take Kristin to the notary’s office. I expect you to be there as a witness, Dad,”
Rhett straightened his tie and left without a second look”
He wasn’t worried about Nicola spilling the beans on his marriage to Kristin. Holcomb was the kind who’d bury family dirt to save face. He’d probably prefer to keep this under wraps.
“Holcomb, look at Rhett. He’s openly grabbing for the family shares now. Lucius‘ shares were to include Vincent, how can you hand them over like that?” Nicola broke down in tears, playing up the sympathy card with Holcomb.
Holcomb’s face darkened, cursing, “Look at the good son you’ve raised! Father’s last wishes are in his will!”
Nicola turned a shade of green, biting back her dissatisfaction, fists still clenched. She wouldn’t let Rhett have the last laugh and come out on top.
Kristin had been waiting on the sofa for ages at Rhett’s villa. Being in unfamiliar territory, she dared not to move around, opting to crash on the couch for a bit.
Rhett rolled in at ten that night. Coming home to find Kristin on the sofa, he paused, instinctively treading lightly.
Ditching his suit jacket and loosening his tie, Rhett thought he’d be all weirded out by having a strange woman in his space. But seeing Kristin asleep on the couch didn’t bug him.
“Mr. FitzGerald!” Kristin woke up to see Rhett’s homecoming and sat up in a panic, nervously fixing her hair.
“Had dinner yet?” Rhett glanced at the clock.
Chapter
Kristin shook her head, meaning no.
No Rhett, no chet. The chefs‘ schedules were all managed by York.
Rhett’s brows knitted in displeasure, clearly unimpressed by York’s disregard..
“… I made dinner. There’s stuff in the fridge. Mr. FitzGerald, you could grab a bite if you don’t turn your nose up at it.” Kristin quickly rose and headed to the kitchen to bring out the
still–warm food.
Rhett had already eaten and was about to decline, He was a bit of a clean freak, not really into eating meals cooked by someone who wasn’t his usual chel,
But then, he remembered the mouth–watering meal Kristin had whipped up for Crescendo Town, and out of the blue, he found himself wanting to try it.
He got up and walked into the dining room, eyeing the spread on the table.
dnes back in
It was simple home cooking, including stewed beef, two plates of spaghetti, some vegetable salad, and clam chowder.
Unlike the fancy schmancy stuff from a Michelin–star chef, Kristin’s dishes weren’t eye candy but had this inexplicable homey vibe.
Rhett took a seat, picked up the fork, and took a taste.
If York had been present, he probably would have dropped his jaw in disbelief.
Kristin watched Rhett expectantly. Her cooking skills weren’t anything to write home about, but she’d put her heart into it.
Rhett glanced up at Kristin, catching the hopeful look in her eyes, and almost instinctively took a few more bites. “Tastes good.”
“I washed the veggies well,” Kristin said, holding her fork and flashing a cautious smile.
If Rhett said it was tasty, It was all good.
Rhett’s hand, holding the fork, paused as he looked at Kristin. “If you’re up for it, you can take over the cooking. I’ll pay you extra for it.”
Kristin sprang to her feet and started waving her hands. “No, no need for pay. I can cook, and I’ll learn more dishes. You don’t have to pay me.”
That was more than enough for her.
Rhett didn’t want to pile on the pressure for Kristin, so he nodded. “Come with me to the notary’s office tomorrow. Holcomb and Nicola will be there, too. Don’t be scared. I’ll be with you.”
Charter –
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