Chapter 9 - The Birthday Present
Two days later.
The morning sun broke through the clouds over Worcester, casting a golden light over the quiet gardens of the Oakridge Assisted Living Facility.
Penny sat on a wooden bench in the courtyard, wearing a comfortable cream-colored sweater and jeans. Her mother, Evelyn, sat beside her in a wheelchair, a warm blanket draped over her knees, sipping orange juice.
"You look tired, Penny," Evelyn said softly, her pale eyes looking at her daughter with maternal concern. "Are they working you too hard at that restaurant?"
Penny smiled, leaning over to kiss her mother's temple. "I quit the restaurant, Mom."
Evelyn blinked in surprise. "You quit? But sweetie... how are we going to pay for the facility? The monthly fees—"
"It's taken care of," a deep, rich voice called out from the courtyard path.
Penny turned her head.
Matthew Cole was walking across the manicured lawn. He wore a crisp tailored charcoal suit, no tie, looking impeccably handsome under the morning sun. He carried a massive bouquet of yellow roses—Evelyn’s favourite.
Liam stood fifty yards back near a pristine black sedan, quietly watching the perimeter.
Evelyn's eyes widened as Matthew approached. "Oh my... who is this young man?"
Matthew stopped beside the bench, bowed his head respectfully to Evelyn, and handed her the roses.
"Mrs. Hayes," Matthew said softly, his tone cultured and polite. "I'm Matthew Cole. I'm a friend of your daughter's."
"A friend?" Evelyn looked between Matthew and Penny, a bright smile spreading across her face. "Penny didn't mention she had such a handsome friend."
"I'm brand new," Matthew said, casting a dark, amused glance at Penny.
Penny felt a deep flush rise to her cheeks. "Matthew, what are you doing here?"
"I came to deliver a birthday present," Matthew said. He reached into his inner jacket pocket and pulled out a sleek leather folder, handing it to Penny.
Penny opened the folder. Inside were official legal documents stamped by the state of Massachusetts.
"What is this?" she asked, skimming the pages.
"It's the deed to the Oakridge facility," Matthew explained calmly, as if he were discussing the weather. "I bought the building yesterday morning. The entire place."
Penny’s breath caught in her throat. "You... you bought the facility?!"
"The management was underfunding the staff," Matthew said, his eyes fixing on hers. "So I replaced the board. Your mother now has a permanent, fully paid private suite in the new wing with twenty-four-hour specialized care. For life. No bills. Ever."
Evelyn gasped, clutching her roses. "Mercy me... Penny, is he serious?"
Penny stared at Matthew, tears welling in her hazel eyes. "Matthew... I can't accept this. This is millions of dollars! I can't—"
"It's not a gift for you," Matthew interrupted smoothly, stepping closer and crouching down beside her bench so he was at eye level with her. "It's an apology for ruining your whiskey, ruining your birthday, and putting you in danger."
He reached out, taking her hand in his, his thumb tracing the soft knuckles.
"Besides," Matthew whispered so only she could hear, "I like having leverage over you. It means you have to keep talking to me."
May you like
Penny let out a tearful, breathless laugh, wiping her cheek with her free hand. "You are absolute worst mob boss in the world."
"I know," Matthew smiled. "Now... come have breakfast with me. I know a place in the North End that makes great pancakes."
