Chapter 5 - The ReconstructionSix months later.
The spring sun was shining brightly over the rolling green hills of Warwick, Rhode Island. The air was sweet with the scent of blooming apple blossoms and fresh ocean breezes.
I stood near the floor-to-ceiling windows of the newly constructed Vance Community Veterinary Clinic & Rehabilitation Center—a state-of-the-art facility funded entirely by the newly seized assets of Julian Vance’s liquidated empire, managed directly under the umbrella of Brennan Enterprises.
In the center of the room, my mother sat comfortably in a modern, automated wheelchair, a warm blanket draped over her lap. Her speech had been slowly returning over the past few months thanks to the top-tier neurological specialists Matthew had brought in from Boston.
"You... look... beautiful, Holly," my mother murmured slowly, her hand reaching out to pat mine.
"Thanks to you, Mom," I said, leaning down to kiss her cheek. "And thanks to Matthew."
The door to the clinic lobby opened, and Matthew walked in, dressed in a casual charcoal sweater and dark trousers. Walking beside him was Goliath, wearing a soft leather vest designating him as the clinic's official therapy dog.
Behind them walked Dileia Ward, wearing an expensive silk dress and carrying a massive clipboard.
"I still can't believe you kept this from me for two whole weeks!" Dileia complained loudly, though a massive grin was plastered across her face. "A blind date with Rhode Island's most terrifying billionaire, and now you're running a twenty-million-dollar animal sanctuary?!"
"I told you he was private, not married," Dileia added, winking at me.
"You told me he didn't have a last name," I laughed, walking over to hug my best friend. "Thank you, Dileia. For forcing me to go to table eleven."
"Don't thank me. Thank the giant bear of a dog who decided to pick you out of an entire state," Dileia said, bending down to scratch Goliath behind his ears.
Matthew walked over to where I stood near the window, gazing out at the beautiful grounds where dozens of rescued animals were being cared for by our new staff of veterinary students.
"The board approved your final clinical hours this morning," Matthew said quietly, pulling a sleek velvet box from his pocket. "You officially graduate from the Tufts Veterinary Program next month, Dr. Holly Vance."
I blinked in surprise, looking at the velvet box in his hands. "What's this?"
"Open it," he said softly.
I opened the box to find a silver badge bearing the crest of the state veterinary board, along with a sleek silver stethoscope engraved with my name: Dr. Holly Vance, Chief Medical Officer.
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"I thought you said you didn't do charity," I said, looking up into his warm gray eyes, feeling a flood of emotion washing away every remaining scar of my past.
"It isn't charity, Holly," Matthew whispered, stepping closer and gently taking my hand in his. "It's an investment in my future. With you."
