Page 24 of The Exposed Heiress

He touched her shoulders and turned her towards him. “Find a gown, Emma. I have a suit back at my office.” He glanced at his watch. “Ten minutes?”

She stepped away from him and cleared her throat. “Do you want photographs of us out on the town published in the morning for every employee to see?”

He nodded. “Yes. It’s important that we show confidence. We want people to think that we have a plan and are not simply reacting to circumstances.”

Her voice broke. “I can’t put on a gown and pretend I’m fine. I’m not fine. I’m heartbroken. I’m having to cut employees that are like family.”

Leo held her gaze. “As the leader, you have to show conviction. It’s that simple. You can’t fall apart.”

Her mouth flew open and nothing came out for several seconds. “I’m going to fall apart.”

He shook his head. “No, you’re a Bolles. You are going to lead everyone out of this mess. Go and find a gown. I’ll call John Blatchly and give him an update.”

She wrapped her arms around her body. “I don’t think you understand. I can’t face the public on a good day. It’s going to be impossible tonight.”

He stood up. “I don’t expect you to do this alone. I’ll be by your side all evening.”

Leo watched Emma march out of the office, loudly closing the door behind her.

Emma was not what he expected. She had integrity and the ability to take calculated risks. But he needed to keep his distance. He wouldn’t allow himself to fall into the same trap his brother had. Tyler had been all in, ready to marry her.

Leo texted his assistant and asked her to put together a schedule of suggested events or places to visit that evening to bring attention to the Bolles name.

Picking up his phone, he called the chair of the board. After outlining their plans and explaining the next steps, John thanked him and ended the call.

Emma appeared in the doorway wearing a short silver cocktail dress with a plunging V-neck and silver stilettos. Her hair had been put in a top knot, making her slender curves stand out.

He suppressed an urge to take her in his arms. “You definitely look vintage Bolles.”

She smiled. “This is from a late sixties collection designed by my grandfather.”

Leo clenched his hands to stop the tingling sensation in his fingers. “It’s gorgeous.” He needed to get a grip. Turning to pick up his leather bag, he attempted to erase her image from his mind.

“Are we heading to 34 Mayfair?”

“It’s an obvious choice, but I asked my assistant to put together a few events for us this evening.” He glanced at his phone. “There’s a gallery opening, a jewelry auction to benefit a homeless shelter, and dinner at Pied a Terre. My publicist has alerted a few society columnists.”

“Pied a Terre is dark for decent photographs.”

He slipped his phone into his pocket. “We don’t want to look like we are trying too hard. I called for a taxi to take us to my office. I need to change and I had the Ducati switched out for the Lamborghini.”

* * *

Emma smiledbut didn’t say anything. He had maneuvered the Ducati flawlessly. Instead of being nerve-wracking, the ride into London had been exhilarating.

“It might be easier to have a car service drop us off.”

“I prefer driving myself.”

They walked together out into the main lobby. The security officer positioned by the entrance nodded and walked over and unlocked the side door for them.

“Good evening, Ms. Bolles, Mr. Bloom.”

Emma could see the black cab waiting near the side entrance and they climbed into the backseat.

Leo leaned forward and gave the address of his office.

Closing her eyes for a moment, Emma leaned back against the seat. She clutched her small evening bag. Her brothers had distanced themselves from Francis Bolles, but she needed to give them advance warning of the changes coming. And someone needed to tell her mother. The stress swirling around her family these days reminded her of a small boat about to be capsized by a tidal wave. Should she jump into the ocean or hang onto the small boat?

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