to clear her mind of the whirlwind of emotions that Jackson's proposal had caused. She hadn't even had

lready decided to start the foreclosure proceedings early? No. She had a week. A week, J

answered, her

ount of detachment to make her feel like she was nothing more than a transaction. "This is Victo

throat. The name hit he

. The same company Jackson Sterling controlled? Was this some kind o

, I'd like to discuss your current financia

interested in any more solutions," she said quickly, trying to soun

aven't made your decision yet, Miss Montgomery. You see, we have some

ere was something in his voice, something predatory, as though h

utions.'" Savannah tried to end the conversati

he was waiting for her to settle into the silence. Then Vi

in unfortunate circumstances. But the help comes at a cost." His words slid into the air like poison, slow a

recognized the name immediatel

he coffee table as she tried to steady herself. "I already to

Montgomery. Think of it as a business arrangement. You'll get the mo

ckening. "I don't want anything from

hear Victor's calculating star

e slightly colder, "you're not quit

e in around her, her chest tightening with every word. She had already signed her nam

, the words coming out far

ou know how these things work. He doesn't like to wa

r vision blurred for a second as the weight of it settled around he

at other choic

ely audible now, the decision already e

ictor said with a clipped final

dead before sh

She felt dizzy, disconnected. The walls seemed to close in on her, but she didn't

had bills, overdue bills, medical expenses from her father's treatment, maintenan

be. Her father's last words echoed in her min

f the way

wood as if it could anchor her to reality. She couldn't do it. She could

ct? A business arrangement, like he said. Jackson wasn't a

through her thoughts, making

called from the other side of

he hadn't expected him

d, his voice sounding

for a moment, uns

ked. She didn't

knew s

vier than the last. When she turned the handle and opened the door, Jac

ng for her to invite him in, as tho

at little courage she had lef

down at her, his expression calm, almost