Page 56 of The Exposed Heiress

Emma shrugged. “It does now.”

The photographer stepped closer and took a series of images.

Jack leaned forward. “Let’s start over. Tell me about the changes at Francis Bolles.”

She took a sip of water and looked at him. She needed a positive article out there. Sticking to the messaging that she practiced with Leo, she told their story.

“I know your father is still recovering from his accident. Can you tell us how he’s doing?”

She stopped herself from clutching the arms of the upholstered chair. “He’s making progress each day. His injuries were extensive. He needed several surgeries, and unfortunately he isn’t walking yet. But he will.”

“It’s hard to think of the vibrant James Bolles confined to bed.”

She looked at him. “He was hit by a lorry, but the human body is remarkable. He is vibrant and strong.”

His thick eyebrows drew closer together. “Will your father be at Fashion Week in London?”

Emma smiled. “I’m hoping he will. He hasn’t missed one in forty-two years.”

Jack flipped to the next page of his notebook. “Is he excited about the changes at Francis Bolles?”

She nodded. “My father is fully committed to seeing Francis Bolles succeed. But at the moment, he needs to focus on regaining his health.”

Resisting the impulse to check the time, Emma waited for the next question.

“So the gossip is love is in the air.”

Emma frowned. “Our new collection draws inspiration from many things. In fact–”

Jack held up his hand. “You’ve missed my point. You and Leo Bloom have been hitting the sheets.”

Emma stood up. “You’re mistaken. And I don’t appreciate your suggestive question.”

Standing up as well, Jack asked, “Is your close association with Leo Bloom meant to be kept hidden?”

Emma sighed heavily. “Leo Bloom is immensely talented and has helped save Francis Bolles. Your insinuation about more of a personal connection is off the mark. We enjoy a professional working relationship, nothing more.”

“I didn’t mean to hit a nerve, Ms. Bolles.”

“Your readers expect more of you. This interview was about reclaiming Francis Bolles, not gossip.”

“I guess it’s a wrap.”

Emma walked away without saying anything else. Stopping in the foyer, she saw Leo standing next to his right-hand man, Alex.

She looked at Leo. “It wasn’t the best interview.”

* * *

Leo swallowed hard.He needed to shake off the slight. It didn’t matter that Emma wanted to hide their relationship. The interview should have been about the restructuring of Francis Bolles.

Alex nodded. “I’m sure that you did a good job, Emma.”

She glanced at Leo and then Alex. “Do you mind seeing them out?”

Emma walked over to the elevator and pushed the button.

Leo said, “I have a few things to discuss with Emma. I’ll see you back at the office.”

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