The Ex-Wife's Burning Elegance

Haynes asked, "What's wrong? Is there a problem?"

Stella snapped out of her thoughts. "No, it's nothing. I just thought The Richards Group was having issues because of a cash flow problem."

Haynes explained patiently, "A cash flow problem is actually the easiest kind to solve when a company's in trouble.

If it were just a matter of liquidity, The O'Brien Group could simply inject capital and help them through the rough patch."

Stella pressed further, "But what if the gap in cash flow is huge?"

"How huge are we talking?" Haynes replied.

"What if it's, say, fifty billion?" she ventured.

Haynes chuckled softly at that.

"Are you thinking that because it was a bit of a scramble for us to pull together thirty-six billion for you last time, a shortfall as big as fifty billion would make it impossible for the company to keep running if there's a cash crisis?"

"Isn't that

Haynes replied, "Yes-and no.

off our shares and bonds that quickly, so we couldn't

all at once would only trigger panic and send the

at Stella, who was listening with rapt attention, and a gentle

he said, "Star, you've only been learning about business for a few months. Of course you won't be as seasoned as those of us who majored in it at university and have spent years in the field. Don't worry about making mistakes-everyone makes

company never would have become what it is

that

you have

only thing you lack

rush-trying to force things will

if you need help, just ask. I'll do everything I

path was never going

and the entire Watson Group backing her up. All she had were people who seemed to hold her back.

strategic marriages to gain resources—and no one