“Doesn’t change your financial situation.”

“I can fix our financial situation.” Maybe. Hopefully. They could always mortgage the Martha’s Vineyard property.

Alex cocked his head to one side. “I can have your loan called within twenty-four hours. Can you fix your finances that fast?”

Emma didn’t answer. He knew darn well she couldn’t fix them that fast. It would take weeks, maybe months to work through the maze of mortgages, letters of credit and personal guarantees signed by her father.

Her chest tingled and tightened. Why, oh, why did her father have to die so young? She missed him desperately. And she’d counted on having his guidance for decades to come.

“Ms. McKinley?”

“Why do you even want McKinley Inns?”

Garrison Hotels had dozens of properties, bigger, more opulent facilities. McKinley occupied a small, high-end niche, where Garrison could compete with any luxury hotel chain in the world.

“You’re joking, right?”

She shook her head.

“Like anyone, I want to expand. And you’re an opportunity.”

“And you don’t care who gets trampled in the process?”

The man’s reputation was well and truly deserved. Though his press coverage had become more flattering over the past months, Emma wasn’t fooled. He was a coldhearted takeover artist who profited from other people’s misfortune.

He took another step forward and crossed his arms over his chest. “I don’t think Katie made the situation clear. I’m the one doing you a favor.”

Emma’s spine snapped straight. She tipped her chin to look him in the eyes. “By marrying my sister and taking over our company?”

“By saving your company from bankruptcy. You’re insolvent, Ms. McKinley. If I don’t take you out, somebody else will. That’s the way capitalism works.”

“Don’t patronize me.”

A cold grin flexed one side of his mouth. “Way I see it, this is a win-win.”

“The way I see it, this is a lose-lose.”