Chapter 255: Playmate
Reagan waited until Nancy had changed into dry clothes before offering the plastic bag—a convenience-store bowl of reheated rice and topping he’d grabbed on the way to the station.
The officers had given them a small, private room with a single table so she could eat in silence, and they could get some peace.
"I’m not really hungry," Nancy said, voice weak. "In my situation, I don’t think I’ll feel hungry until tomorrow—or the day after."
Reagan shrugged, folding his hands on the table. "Suit yourself. I’ll be going then." He rose, ready to leave the stale quiet of the station behind.
Her hand shot out and clamped his wrist with a desperate strength that made him pause. He didn’t pull away; instead, he stared, patient and unreadable, waiting for what she would say.
"Help me," she breathed. "I’ll do anything."
His jaw tightened. "You have nothing to offer that interests me anymore." He thought of the favors he’d already traded, the messy compromises. "I helped you before so Sarah wouldn’t see Nick. That’s different. Even if I helped you now, you couldn’t keep Raymond. I won’t waste time on impossibilities."
Nancy’s face crumpled, then hardened. She lunged forward, eyes frantic. "I can stop him from chasing Georgia," she insisted. "I’ve still got cards I haven’t used. This one—this one will make him stay. If he won’t, once I pull it—he’ll lose everything. His family, his wealth, even his inheritance and rights."
Reagan raised an eyebrow. Curiosity flickered where indifference had been. The corner of Nancy’s mouth curled into a small, dangerous smile. "And what is that?" he asked.
She let the triumph show—small, sharp. "I’ll tell you," she said, "once you find a way to get me out of here."
Reagan’s pulse beat quicker. Whatever Nancy had, whatever threat she dangled, it had shifted the game. He slid his hand from her wrist and leaned back, the businessman in him sorting through variables and risk like cards across a green felt table.
"Fine," he said quietly. "Tell me what you have. Start from the beginning. I want to know everything that you have against him. I’ll send someone here later to bribe the police officers to let you sleep on a mattress that I will send.
I’ll send a good lawyer as well to help you and speak on my behalf. This is the last time you will see me here. I don’t want to raise suspicions," Reagan said before leaving.
********
Nick returned to the penthouse with Georgia and Benjamin in tow, the warm promise of Prudence’s home-cooked meal pulling them in. The moment the door opened, Katie came running—not to Georgia, but straight to Nick. With a squeal, she threw herself into his arms.
"You’re back!" Katie said.
Nick laughed, scooping her up with ease, his face lighting up in a way that made both Prudence and Benjamin exchange quiet, contented smiles. The sight of him holding a child, grinning like a boy himself, softened the entire room.
"Were you a good girl while I was away?" Georgia teased, stepping closer.
Katie giggled, her eyes sparkling. "I’m always a good girl! Grandma Prudence and I had so much fun together."
Georgia raised her brows in mock surprise. "Oh? You call her Grandma now?" She playfully poked Katie’s side, making her wriggle and laugh.
"Yes!" Katie squealed through giggles. "She said she’s my grandma now and I am her granddaughter!"
Georgia’s heart warmed as she glanced at Prudence. "Thank you so much for looking after her," she said sincerely.
Prudence waved it off with a smile, though her eyes twinkled. "No need for thanks. She already claimed me as her grandmother, and I couldn’t be happier. But—" her voice turned teasing as she looked between Georgia and Nick, "—I do hope you two won’t make her wait too long for a little playmate."
"Oh, she has plenty of playmates already," Georgia said lightly, smiling as she thought of Katie’s stories. "Her classmates in playschool keep her busy enough."
Prudence chuckled, shaking her head. "That’s not what I meant, dear. I’m talking about you and Nick giving us more grandchildren. Don’t wait for the formal wedding. We won’t mind one bit. We just want to hold another baby in our arms."
"Your mom is right," Benjamin added with a grin, sitting down on the sofa. "So tell me, Nick—why isn’t Georgia pregnant yet? Are you having trouble in that department?"
Georgia’s jaw dropped, heat rushing to her cheeks. Of all the serious conversations she’d expected, this was definitely not on the list.
Nick groaned, rolling his eyes as if he’d heard the same lecture a hundred times before. "There’s no problem," he said firmly, slipping an arm around Georgia’s shoulders.
"You’re just impatient. I already told you, the grandkid is coming soon... Right, love?" He pressed a kiss against her temple, the teasing warmth in his voice making Georgia blush even harder.
Georgia stood frozen, her brain completely short-circuiting. Were they really discussing babies like they were talking about roasting a chicken? she thought, torn between laughter and embarrassment.
Prudence’s eyes twinkled as she leaned forward, clearly enjoying Georgia’s flustered expression. "Soon? Hmm. That’s what you’ve been saying ever since you met her, Nicholas. At this point, I expect results. Don’t make me start counting days on a calendar."
Benjamin chuckled. "If you two need... inspiration, your mother and I can recommend a few romantic destinations. Quick getaways work wonders, you know."
"Dad!" Nick groaned, pinching the bridge of his nose while Georgia buried her face in her hands, laughing in disbelief.
Prudence wasn’t done. "Or maybe you’re both too busy. Work, meetings, business deals—it’s no wonder. You need to prioritize... quality loving time. In fact—" her smile widened mischievously, "—why not start tonight? Dinner is almost ready, and afterward you can go straight to your room."
Georgia nearly choked on her own laughter, her cheeks burning crimson. "Oh my God!"
Nick tightened his arm around Georgia, smirking as he kissed her cheek. "See, love? They’re practically begging us to give them grandkids. No pressure at all."
"No pressure?!" Georgia muttered, shooting him a glare that only made him laugh harder.
"But..." Katie’s little voice cut through their banter. "How can you make babies? I want to see," she said innocently.
Benjamin and Prudence laughed out loud, something Nick hadn’t seen for a long time.
Prudence and Benjamin exchanged amused glances, their laughter filling the penthouse. And despite her embarrassment, Georgia found herself laughing too—because underneath all the teasing was something she couldn’t ignore: they already saw her as family.