17 - No, we are using each other.

"Mr Legend, I would like to have a word with you," Mercedes said to Nathan, who was about to step out of his office. Nathan halted, wondering about what could make her want to speak with him. 

"Miss Winters, are you still here?" He asked. He thought Mercedes had already left.

"Fortunately yes," she forced a smile but Nathan could sense there was something amidst. She looked disturbed. He ambled close to her. "Are you alright?" He asked with genuine concern.

"I need a loan," she said directly. Nathan was slightly troubled about how straightforward she was. He already knew about her brother's condition but with $80,000 in two days, he wasn't expecting this. He sat on the sofa and tapped the other side, "sit."

She sat amenably. "How much and for what?" He asked cooly. He only hoped his suspicion wasn't right and that Mercedes hadn't woven her way into his life to her advantage as Lanre had said.

"I need a loan of $120,000