Chapter 21

Leon glanced down at his fingertips, which still carried the lingering sensation of Victoria's touch. "Have you made up your mind?" Victoria was as stubborn as ever, and when she didn't respond, it seemed to him that she had silently agreed. Leon stood up. His movements were fluid and composed. Despite what had just happened between them, he carried himself like the gentleman he always was. "While Jonridge isn't lacking for wealthy people, I guarantee that no one but me would dare lend you the money." He adjusted the sleeves of his shirt, and his tone was cool. "Not even your best friend, Susie." Victoria's heart skipped a beat. "What are you planning to do?" she asked, suddenly on edge. "I'm not planning to do anything," Leon replied calmly. He took slow steps toward her. "But if you try borrowing from her, that's a different matter." Victoria clenched her fists at her sides. She had considered borrowing money from Susie, intending to repay her slowly, but now her thoughts were