Chapter 49 A TRIP AT SEA
Mr. Morgan stood up, adjusted his suit, and handed out papers to each of us, with a handwritten new clause. I frowned, curious, as I received my copy. Upon reading the item, my reaction was the same as everyone else's shock.
“Are you serious?” Maria asked him. “You really want to give us 85% decision-making power without Press interference? With such a high investment and the possibility of contract termination without penalty, extending for 6 months?”
“Mr. Morgan...” I called, whispering in his ear. “This is a very risky proposal. We barely know you or the quality of your work.”
“I trust your research and my sources!” Patrick smiled as he returned to the group. “Don't underestimate the remaining 15%. Financial approval is necessary, and every decision will undergo a prior cost analysis. However, every decision you make will be validated.”
“But why? Why would you trust us like this?” Alexander crossed his arms, perplexed.
“I believe in the potential of your production company. That's what I do: I hunt for talent and shape it. You have your reservations, and I respect that. You've proven capable of maintaining your own business and being honest with third-party accounts. That speaks to your character,” Morgan paused before continuing. “You could have focused only on profit and kept the money without caring about paying your suppliers. But you chose to keep the accounts up-to-date instead of living in luxury. I value that.”
“How do you know we're up to date with our suppliers?” Pablo asked, curious.
“A man like me doesn't get where I am without good sources and an excellent investigative team,” he winked in my direction, making me blush. “So, Mrs. Maria, I'll leave the proposal with you to discuss among yourselves. My time is very precious, as you can imagine. We'll return tomorrow for your answer. Think carefully, because we won't make another offer like this.”
“Thank you very much, Mr. Morgan. We didn't expect so much respect and patience from you,” Alexander said, shaking the CEO's hand firmly and clearly. “We will carefully review everything and get back to you soon.”
“We'll wait until tomorrow, agreed?” Patrick reinforced, and everyone nodded. We left the place, guided by Greg.
“Why didn't you tell me what you were planning?” I turned to Morgan, who was walking briskly. “Don't you think your move is very risky?”
“They'll accept; they are new. Fear is understandable; they've invested everything they have here. We need to give them a vote of confidence,” he said calmly. “Besides, those men are terrified of their older sister; it was necessary to make this move to calm the beast.”
I laughed at his metaphor as I got into the car. Looking at the scenery, I noticed we weren't heading back to the hotel where we were staying. Puzzled, I looked at Patrick, who had a smug smile on his lips.
“What are you up to this time?” I raised my eyebrows, alarmed.
“I don't know what you're accusing me of...” Patrick raised his hands as if innocent, looking at me lustfully. “I said I wanted to see you in a bikini!”
“You've got to be kidding me!” I clenched my fists, irritated, as the car stopped and Greg opened the door at a beachside kiosk. “No... I didn't bring any clothes.”
“Don't worry, your outfits and mine have been taken care of... Now stop pouting and get out of this car.” Patrick approached me dangerously, taking my lips fiercely and sucking on my lower lip. “Or I'll carry you out.”
“You don't need to...” I sighed, aware that his threat was a promise about to be fulfilled. “But I'm not wearing any bikini.”
“You can stay naked too; I don't mind.” Pinching my chin, he smiled, got out of the car, and extended his hands to me. “Come on!”
I took his hands and looked around, completely dazzled by the beauty of the scenery. The crystal-clear blue water stretched as far as the eye could see, reflecting the sun so intensely that it seemed to shine from within. The white, fine sand extended smoothly, inviting me to walk barefoot.
A feeling of lightness and tranquility filled my heart, as if all my problems and worries had been swept away by the gentle sea breeze. The vast blue before me left me speechless, simply admiring nature's beauty in its purest form.
Each wave breaking gently on the shore seemed to whisper, inviting me to lose myself at that moment of contemplation. It was a moment of pure admiration and gratitude for being there and witnessing such natural beauty.
“Come, that's my yacht,” Patrick pointed out, seeming relaxed as he intertwined our hands and guided me across the sand. We paused briefly to take off my heels and his sneakers, and we walked barefoot on the soft sand to the wooden bridge that led to the yacht. I looked back and saw that Greg wasn't following us. Curious, I glanced at Morgan, who walked cheerfully by my side.
“Isn't Greg coming with us? I thought he'd be our bodyguard the whole time.” I looked around, noticing that the beach was almost deserted.
“And who exactly would he protect us from in the middle of the sea?” Patrick led me onto the yacht with a puzzled expression.
“Pirates? Looters? Other yachts?” I put my hands on my hips. “Maybe even sharks.”
Laughing, Patrick pulled me by the waist, amused, running his hand along the contour of my face. “And you think Greg would fight a shark to protect us? It would be interesting to see, but I'd bet on the shark.” Amused, he led me to the covered area where a table with fruits, regional delicacies, and champagne was set up, looking inviting.
“He's your friend; how can you bet against him?” I playfully hit his shoulder, admiring the setup. “You had this all planned, didn't you?”
The CEO came up behind me, pressing his body against mine, ready to consume me right there. The warmth of his breath on my hair made my skin tingle, sending a shiver through my entire body.
“It's for you...” he whispered, and I turned around to receive a heart-shaped box of chocolates with a ribbon holding a rose.
“Where did you hide this?” I was surprised. “I can't accept this, Mr. Morgan.”
“Patrick!” he corrected. “You're going to accept it; it's rude to refuse gifts, miss.”
Smiling, I shook my head, knowing the argument was futile.
“Thank you so much; the flower is beautiful.” I smelled the rose, took it off the ribbon, and opened the box of chocolates, eating one. “This chocolate is divine; wow, delicious!”
Laughing, the CEO came closer, taking one from the box, biting half, and putting the other half in my mouth, letting his finger slide over my lips and pressing them.
“Yes, divine.” His eyes sparkled with lust. Pulling me to sit down, he said, “Hold on, we're going to sail.”
“Wait, where's the yacht's captain?” I looked around, concerned.
“You're looking at him!” Patrick smiled smugly.
“Oh no, no way... You're going to kill us!” I stood up, alarmed, ready to run away, but Morgan pulled me, spinning me around and making me lie down on the bench.