"You better care about it," he said a little too forcefully. "Thousands of people are counting on you to keep Nick's companies from going under."
"They don't even know about me."
"They will, and many of them are going to be greatly relieved. Mathew will either sell off the companies or shut them down."
"Shut them down?"
"Or run them into the ground. Either way, a lot of people will have to look for other jobs."
"Just like Jim."
"Yes, just like Jim and you…if you don't claim the inheritance."
"Would you still help me find another job? I only need to make enough money to buy a plane ticket home."
"I will gladly buy you a ticket."
His harsh words stung and she hung her head. "Fine."
Austin was instantly sorry he said that and softened his tone considerably. "Georgia, Nick's employees need you - I need you too. You have the power to lift a great burden off my shoulders."
"I don't know the first thing about owning a company, let alone several of them."
"I will be with you every step of the way, and for as long as you need me."
"Even after what I have done?"
He considered that for a moment. "They are two separate things. On Tuesday, the judge will rule in your favor and I will become your employee." Austin took another swallow of his drink.
"How long do you intend to stay upset?"
"I am upset, but I will get over it for Nick's sake."
Never had her emotions run so high and with all her heart, she wanted to be in his arms the way she had been when they danced. Yet, that didn't look like it would be possible ever again. "I truly am sorry."
"You are forgiven."
"But not really."
"I need time," said Austin. "In the course of one evening, you have gone from the Sissy who tricked me, to the Maggie I thought I was falling in love with, to the Georgia I desperately need to help me keep Nick's companies alive. It is a huge adjustment."
"It is for me as well."
"I know, so don't let what's happened between us keep you from doing the right thing."
"Claiming the inheritance is the right thing?"
"Yes, for the sake of us all."
She closed her eyes. All she wanted was for this dreadful night to be over. "I wish to go home now."
"You can't go home. Mathew might try to make certain you don't show up in court. Jackie has a suite in a hotel and you will be safe with her."