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Maybe, instead, I’ll become an…interior designer.Don’t you need money to do that?

Or…a writer, of articles about home decorating.As if. You’ve never written anything besides spreadsheets and financial analyses.

Or…an entry-level clerk at a bank.That’s more like it. I mean, who would even hire you? You inherited a company you’re about to lose. Hardly impressive.

Damn it.

I sigh, get up, take a shower, get dressed and pour myself another coffee. I’m about to start drying my hair when my phone rings.

I check the screen. Unknown caller.

“Hello?”

There’s a pause. Then the deep, strong voice of a man. One brief question tells me he’s extremely self-assured and also pushy. “Is this L. Emerson Ashton?”

“Yes, it is.”

He sounds almost flustered. “You’re not quite what I was expecting.”

“You thought L. Emerson was a man? Yeah, I get that sometimes.”

“Right. Forgive me. Ms. Ashton, my name is Cash Maddox. I’m the founder and CEO of Invested Enterprises.” Cash’s voice is smooth, oozing a smug charm that immediately puts me on edge.

I recognize the name, of course. Invested Enterprises is well-known as being at the top of the New York heap. They get written up all the time in the financial papers. It’s run by three extremely successful brothers—who have been called some of “New York’s most eligible bachelors.” They used to work for their family business, Maddox Equities, one of the most profitable investment companies of all time, before going out on their own. Cash Maddox must be one of those brothers. It’s a little intimidating. “What can I do for you, Mr. Maddox?”

“I was very sorry to hear about your father’s passing. My father also passed away suddenly so I can relate to how difficult that must be.”

“Oh. I…” I wasn’t expecting him to say that. It catches me off guard and, after the nightmares and the harsh early morning realizations, it hits me hard. But I hold my voice steady. “I appreciate that.”

“I’ll get straight to the point, Ms. Ashton. We’re interested in buying Ashton Holdings. We’re prepared to make a cash offer. We’ve drafted the offer and a contract, which I’d like to present to you and discuss in person. Are you able to meet with us on Monday morning?”

Holy shit. Could this be it? The answer to all my prayers?

These guys are big players with a lot of money to spend. “What’s the offer?”

“As I said?—”

“Mr. Maddox, if you could let me know what you’re offering, I can then confirm whether or not it’s worth meeting.” I’m used to dealing with overconfident men. And I need to know.

“Fifteen million.”

I swallow.Fifteen million.

Ashton Holdings owes eighteen million. My apartment is worth three million—or, on a good day maybe 3.2 minus broker fees, which are insane. The lawyers will also have to be paid. That means that I would just about—maybe—break even. Or possibly be several hundred thousand in the red with no income and no place to live.

Six months ago I’d never eventhoughtabout the kinds of numbers I’m casually discussing right now. With a billionaire, no less. But circumstance forced me to get up close and personal very quickly with the fact that I was personally staring down the barrel of a shitload of debt with an unnerving amount of zeroes at the end of it.

I’m about to lose myhome.Is it too much to ask to at least have a tiny bit left over so I can at leasttryto start again?

To do that, I’m going to need to play hardball with one of the biggest sharks in Manhattan. I know I won’t get the number I’m about to ask for, but fuck it. “I’m sorry, Mr. Maddox, the lowest I could possibly go would be twenty million.” I’m thinking about taxes, maintenance, insurance. And no income.

“Ms. Ashton, Ashton Holdings currently owes 18.3 million dollars and it hasn’t made a profit in almost two years.”

“I’m aware of that, Mr. Maddox.”18.3?Where’d that extra three hundred thousand come from? And why am I inclined to believe Cash Maddox’s estimates are more correct than my ownaccountants’? “At its highest value it was worth over seventy million and we’re confident we can restore much of that value with new management.”

“New management? You’re referring to yourself?” Like it’s a joke.

Prick. I feel my Irish temper flare and it’s just what I need. “As a matter of fact, yes. My father was not forthcoming with all the numbers before he passed and I can admit there has been an adjustment period. But the company has huge potential and I’m determined to realize it.”