Page 11 of The Exposed Heiress

His eyes held a challenge. “You could model it.”

She thought about refusing but instead took the gown into the back. He was impossible. He demanded too much. She should be finishing a new design and not trying on a gown.

Emma placed the sheer pink gown in a fitting room and began undressing. Placing her skirt and silk blouse on a bench, she glanced at the mirror. Her lace bra wouldn’t work, so she removed it. She’d need different heels.

Stepping carefully into the silk gown, she drew the gown up and placed the thin straps over her shoulders. The ultra-deep V-neck meant she would need molded plunge cups instead of a bra.

Leaving the fitting room, she lifted the gown slightly as she searched for nude stilettos. Stepping into the heels, she organized the fabric to flow without a crease. Next, she opened a few drawers until she found the right support cups.

Checking her appearance, Emma lifted her chin slightly. Her hair was pulled in a tight bun for the work day, but she wasn’t going to change it. She wanted to showcase the gown, not herself.

Emma stepped around the partition and caught Leo’s attention. For a moment when his gaze slid over her, she felt exposed. The gown needed to make a statement, but standing in the studio wearing the nearly translucent design caused her breath to stall.

He met her gaze. “I see the difference. It’s a departure from more of the traditional gowns I’ve seen in the past.”

Emma straightened her spine. “It’s meant to capture attention.” She nodded and forced herself to move forward. “It’s one of the more glamorous pieces in the collection.”

His gaze stayed on the gown. He crossed his arms. “You designed the gown?”

She nodded. “I became the principal designer when Henry left two years ago.”

“It can’t be easy to be here if your last name isn’t Bolles.”

Her eyes widened. “It’s not easy to be here when your last nameisBolles.”

Leo smiled. “True. You should fully step into the limelight and become the new face of Francis Bolles. You’re young, talented, and have the right look. It’d help the couture house gain needed attention.”

She adjusted the material and went over to the rack to point out other pieces. With her back to him, she said, “That’s not a good idea. It’s a family business and it’s never been our way to rely on just one front person.”

“I disagree, Emma. Your brothers are pursuing other careers and your mother never steps into this place.”

Fear slid over her. She turned and looked at him. “My father will return one day.”

Leo gestured with his hand. “Maybe if there’s something left. In the meantime, we need a new strategy. You were raised in the public eye and certainly have the ability to court the media if you so choose.”

Emma shook her head. “The media is fickle. They could just as soon report something negative about Francis Bolles.”

“At this point, any coverage is good coverage.”

She took in a deep breath. “No. I much prefer to let the fashion speak for itself. I don’t need the attention.”

He crossed his arms. “Then you shouldn’t be in the leadership role. Leadership requires tough choices and taking risks. If you can’t do that, then this collection is going to fail. It’s not enough to have beautiful designs. The market is flooded with talented designers. You have to create interest and make people want to own your designs.”

Emma inwardly cringed. The media had an entire arsenal against her family. “I’m willing to put myself out there but I’m not willing to stir up controversy for the sake of gaining media attention.”

Leo smiled slightly. “Maybe there is a glimmer of hope for your couture house. I’ll see you upstairs.”

She watched him leave the studio. She had worked for months on revamping the collection; she hoped it would help steer the Bolles brand in the right direction. But now she was back to the issue of gaining exposure for Francis Bolles.

Her assistant Claire came in. “You look fabulous.”

She smiled. “Thank you. How about a quick cup of caffeine before I have to face Leo again?”

“I’ll pour us a cup while you transform back into a stylish office worker.”

Emma retraced her steps and hung the gown in the fitting room. Instead of removing the molded cups, she left them in place and got dressed. She neatly folded her lace bra and put it in the zippered pocket of her jacket.

She found Claire in the modest staff kitchen.

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