Chapter 8 - The Gala at Harbor Light
Three months later.
The Boston Harbor Hotel grand ballroom was ablaze with crystal chandeliers, floral arrangements, and four hundred of the city’s most influential citizens. Political donors, corporate executives, and high-society elite gathered for the annual Maritime Charity Gala.
At the center of the room, standing beside a high cocktail table, was Matteo Vale. He wore a flawless midnight-blue tuxedo, looking every inch the formidable titan of Boston industry.
Beside him stood Penny Hayes.
She was stunning. Her dark curls swept up in an elegant vintage arrangement, wearing an emerald green silk gown that hugged every soft curve of her hips, waist, and bust with breathtaking confidence. Around her neck hung a simple, brilliant diamond pendant—a gift from Matteo on her birthday makeup dinner.
Leo Mercer stood three feet away, wearing a sharp tux with a subtle earbud tucked into his ear, scanning the crowd.
“Miss Hayes,” a wealthy real estate developer purred, approaching their table with a glass of champagne. “I was just telling Matteo... we were so surprised to hear he had taken a personal interest in the new Harbor Development Trust.”
“Matteo believes in strong community investments,” Penny replied smoothly, offering a bright, genuine smile. “And I believe in making sure workers get paid fairly for their labor.”
The developer chuckled nervously. “Of course, of course. A very modern perspective.” He bowed politely and quickly moved toward the bar.
Matteo leaned down, his warm breath tickling Penny’s ear. “You’re terrifying them, sweetheart.”
“I’m expressing policy,” Penny whispered back, taking a small sip of her sparkling water. “Besides, he was staring at my neckline.”
Matteo’s eyes narrowed slightly, sweeping toward the developer’s back. “Do I need to have Leo escort him to the parking garage?”
“Don't be dramatic,” Penny laughed, lightly tapping his chest with her gloved finger. “I like that you’re protective, but I can handle a real estate agent.”
“You handled an assassin with a fire extinguisher,” Matteo noted dryly. “I pity any real estate agent who crosses you.”
Gordon Pike, Penny’s former manager from the Velvet Room, walked past their table holding a tray of empty glasses. When he saw Penny standing beside Matteo Vale in an emerald gown worth more than his annual salary, his mouth fell open in shock.
Penny offered Pike a polite, pleasant wave.
Pike tripped over his own shoe lace, almost dropping his entire tray before scurrying quickly into the kitchen service doors.
Leo burst into a quiet, muffled laugh behind his hand. “I love this job.”
Matteo slid his hand around Penny’s waist, pulling her closer against his side. “Are you enjoying your evening, Miss Hayes?”
May you like
“It’s better than carrying three hundred dollars worth of spilled whiskey,” she murmured, resting her head against his shoulder. “Though my shoes are starting to hurt.”
Matteo smiled—a bright, warm expression that surprised several watching photographers across the room. “Then let’s go home.”
