Chapter 6 - Where the Light Belongs
One year later.
The grand ballroom of the Boston Public Library was decorated with thousands of white roses, silver lanterns, and glittering crystal chandeliers.
Over three hundred guests filled the room—city officials, international shipping executives, local business owners, and elderly residents from the St. Jude Assisted Living Facility, all dressed in formal attire, laughing and enjoying expensive champagne.
It was the inaugural gala for The Evelyn Higgins Senior Care Foundation—a fifty-million-dollar charitable organization dedicated to providing free, high-quality medical housing for elderly citizens across Massachusetts.
At the head table near the stage, Penny’s mother, Evelyn Higgins, sat in a lovely velvet wheelchair, looking radiant, healthy, and happy, chatting delightfully with Don Sal Albanese, who was pouring her another glass of sparkling cider.
Standing on the private balcony overlooking the ballroom were Penny and Matteo.
Penny looked breathtaking in a floor-length emerald green silk gown that hugged her curves flawlessly. On her left ring finger sparkled a stunning three-carat canary diamond ring—a sunflower-yellow stone set in platinum.
Matteo stood behind her, his arms wrapped securely around her waist, resting his chin gently on her shoulder as they watched the crowd below.
“Look at her, Matteo,” Penny whispered, her eyes shining with happy tears as she watched her mother laugh. “She hasn't smiled like that in ten years.”
“She deserves it, sweetheart,” Matteo murmured, kissing her cheek softly. “And so do you.”
Penny turned around in his arms, wrapping her hands around his neck, looking into the dark eyes that had become her whole world.
In twelve months, everything had changed.
The dark shadows of Boston’s underworld had been transformed into an empire of protection, community investment, and unshakeable loyalty. Under Penny’s sharp, brilliant influence, Matteo had expanded his legitimate businesses, becoming one of the most respected philanthropists in the Northeast.
And yet, whenever they stepped into a room together, everyone still cleared a path—not out of fear, but out of absolute awe for the king of Boston and the fierce, incredible queen standing by his side.
Leo Mercer walked up to the balcony steps, holding two glasses of vintage champagne.
“Boss. Mrs. Conti,” Leo smiled, handing them the glasses. “The mayor is requesting a toast on stage.”
“Thank you, Leo,” Penny smiled warmly.
Matteo took his glass, raised it toward Penny, his eyes gleaming with infinite, fiery love.
“To the girl who poked me in the chest on her birthday,” Matteo toasted softly, his voice full of deep emotion.
Penny clinked her glass against his, her smile radiant enough to light up the night sky.
May you like
“To the crime boss who carried me out,” Penny replied softly. “And kept me safe forever.”
They drank together under the warm crystal chandeliers, stepping out onto the stage to the deafening applause of the city they now ruled together—hand in hand, side by side, in the bright, golden light where they belonged.
