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Jack had a good feeling about things, too, but for different reasons Because, while he was happy that their business was going well, solidifying his future with Mary now took precedence over everything else

"I’ well," Jack said, and then in his characteristically direct way, he said, "I need an advance on s, Allen This afternoon, actually"

"You need money this afternoon?" The other man raised an eyebrow "How much?"

Jack told hi"Excuse me while I call my personal banker to let hi for you immediately"

"Thank you" Jack had never asked anyone for a loan before, and he’d very rarely asked for a favor, either But his pride could take a backseat for a few hours Mary wasthe call, Allen sat back in his chair "You don’t strike a for more details, but in the end he si to use that le doubt about that" Jack decided that Allen’s vote of confidence in hi to ask Mary to enerous advance on profits has justshe deserves"

Allen’s eyes grew big "You’re with Mary? Our Mary?" When Jack nodded, Allen had to clarify one more time, "Mary Ferrer?"

"I’m in love with her"

"Of course, you’re in love with her Who isn’t?" Allen replied, but his shock was already shifting to admiration "I couldn’t have written the headlines better myself: An Unexpected Christeous Model She was already the golden touch we needed for this can, but if she says yes to your proposal, the two of you together will be the best story we could ever have--"

Jack cut Allen off "I appreciate your cashier’s check, and that you’re so excited about things working out between Mary and s private between us for as long as we possibly can" The chair the check, but Jack’s gratitude didn’t extend to selling their "love story" to the press, especially not given Mary’s past with Romain "I would never exploit our relationship for increased profits"

After a long silence, Allen spoke "Very few people stand up to me anymore I’m richer, smarter, and more powerful than all of them But you’ve surprisedten years younger as he waved Jack out of the rooirl I’d wish you luck, but I have a feeling you’re not going to need it"

Jack thanked Allen again and was just getting into the elevator when Howie and Larry stepped out of it