Chapter 73

[Cordelia]

I called 15 banks and emailed at least a dozen more. By the end of the morning, I was exhausted.

At the end of three days, I had heard back from only one of them, an older bank with a solid reputation. In their message, they said the loan was as good as mine, all I needed to do was come down and sign for it.

I called back and set up an appointment to meet the very next day. They suggested I bring along any necessary documentation and proof of intention for this loan, to save me the trouble later.

This is why I am standing outside the loan manager's office wearing my only suit with an elastic waistband holding my portfolio and rocking back and forth on my heels.

"Mrs. Steele," the pretty blonde receptionist waves me into the main office. "Mr. Jones will be ready to meet with you in a few minutes."

I thank her as she leads me into a small but elegant office. Taking a seat in a small leather armchair across from his desk, I nod as the receptionist asks if I'd like something to