Grommit Engineering expects to have net income next year of $20.75 million and free cash flow of $22.15 million. Grommit's marginal corporate tax rate is 35%.

a. If Grommit increases leverage so that its interest expense rises by $1.0 million, how will net income change?

Net income will fall to $ ___million. (Round to two decimal places.)

b. For the same increase in interest expense, how will free cash flow change?(Select the best choice below.)

A. Free cash flow is not affected by interest expense.

B. Free cash flow decreases by the amount of the interest expense.

C. Free cash flow increases by the amount of the interest expense.

D. None of the above.