“Beautiful name for a beautiful woman.” Xander Warren didn’t release Lillian Winters’ hand. “I heard your company’s running into a cash-flow problem—you’re here for a loan, right?”
“Yes.” Lillian tugged her hand back, but he didn’t let go. Her face flushed with embarrassment and anger. “Let go of me.”
“How much are you asking for?” Xander finally released her hand.
“Eighty million,” she said, steadying her voice.
“Eighty million, huh? That’s not pocket change.” Xander leaned back, pretending to think. “Times are rough. The market’s tight, banks aren’t exactly generous these days—you know what I mean?”
He wasn’t wrong. Lillian had already tried the banks, and all of them had turned her away.
“Well,” Xander continued smoothly, “since you’re friends with Celina and Tiffany, that makes y
