“But you paid far and above what it was worth,” Sophie insisted.
“Did I?” Simon said with a small smile. “A business that has been operating for over three generations has value beyond a price tag. The goodwill, trust, and professional reputation are of incalculable worth. In addition, there’s Fergus.”
“Fred,” Sophie corrected. “He prefers to be called Fred.”
“Right. Fred. His contribution as a designer is a huge asset, which is why I insisted on keeping him on. The store, from what I was able to determine, went south when Fred couldn’t keep up with his design work and special orders. Once he’s back to doing what he’s best qualified for, Gallagher Jewels will prove to be worth every penny of my offer.”
Maisy didn’t know what to say. And from the look on her mother’s face, she felt the same way.
“I’ve been a successful businessman for over forty years,” Simon continued. “I don’t purchase companies to lose money.”
“But you’re taking a financial risk with Gallagher Jewels.”
“True, but my gut tells me otherwise. I have experience in these situations. When a small business is facing debt, all they tend to see is debt. Worries overtake their good sense. They cut back inventory and hours, their fears take root instead of their potential. I view the big picture. The store will join with other stores under our umbrella but keep the family name. With the financial backing of the conglomerate, they will achieve success. I am moving them out of the mall and placing the shop in a high-traffic area.”
“The offer…”
“I’ll agree it was higher than I normally would have submitted.”
Maisy knew it must have been. “You shouldn’t have—”
Again, he cut her off. “You gave Chase details about his mother that he might never have known. It gave him the closure he needed, and me as well. So I made a generous offer as a small way of thanking you. Remember, though, I’m a businessman, and I’m not naïve when it comes to earning a profit. I wouldn’t have purchased the store if I didn’t believe I would make money on it.”
Maisy hardly knew what to say.
“Plus, you’ve been good for my son,” Simon added.
“No matter what your reasoning,” Sophie cut in, “we’re grateful. But we have no way of paying you back.”
“Paying me back?” Simon said with a curt laugh. “That is ridiculous. I already said I fully intend to make money on thisventure. Second, I’d hoped it would solve a problem for my son and the woman he loves. I understand your family has an abundance of pride and you’d prefer to do without outside help, but there are times when that way of thinking is downright foolish.”
“I agree,” her mother said. “You were an answer to our prayers and we’re grateful.” She looked to Maisy for confirmation.
“My mistake,” Simon continued, “was keeping what I did a secret. I didn’t realize it would all blow back on Chase. It was thoughtless of me to leave him in the dark. I thought I was helping, and instead I did more harm to my son than good.”
“What about my grandmother’s medical bills?” Maisy asked, her mind whirling. “Did you pay those, too?”
Simon frowned. “No. I wasn’t aware of any financial problems having to do with your grandmother.”
“What about Sean’s truck?”
Again, Simon shook his head. “I did hear about that, but no, if he got a new vehicle, it didn’t come from me.”
“And my schooling,” Maisy asked, although convinced that must have come from Chase.
“That was all me,” Simon said, with a quirky slant of his mouth, as if he was overly pleased with himself.
“Another investment?” her mother suggested.
“Far more than an investment,” Simon supplied. “I arranged that scholarship because Maisy told me why she’d dropped out of school. I admired her selflessness and felt it was only right to give her the opportunity to return to her studies.”
Once again, Maisy hardly knew what to say. “Thank you,” she whispered, as that seemed to be the only appropriate response.
“You’re welcome,” Simon said. “I have to admit it would be nice to have a nurse in the family.”
Sadness stole over her.
“Earlier you asked why I’m here, and the answer is simple. I muddled everything up when I stepped in. As a result, you broke off the relationship with Chase. My son is miserable. He hasn’t been worth a damn ever since. He can’t seem to keep his mind on the business.”
