Page 7 of The Exposed Heiress

John placed both of his hands on table. “The situation is dire. The board is trying to put the right things in place. You and Leo would have equal roles.”

Fear washed over her. “I’m open to a compromise of sorts, but I’d need final say on the design aspects of the collection and the staffing.”

John stood up. “We intend to appoint Leo as the acting CEO and create a position for you as CCO, or Chief Creative Officer, overseeing the design aspects. Both positions would report directly to the board. Is that acceptable?”

She hid her anguish. The last thing she wanted was to work directly with Leo Bloom. “What if we disagree?”

John said, “It would come down to a board vote. I trust that the two of you would work most things out. We all have the same goal, to bring Francis Bolles back into profit.”

Emma crossed her legs. “How long do you see this dual leadership lasting?”

“I’m proposing ninety days. After that point, your father may be sufficiently recovered to return.” John glanced at Emma. “This is the best way to move forward. Leo has the ability to raise needed funds and will help stabilize the company.”

Leo stood. “We’ll leave you to the deliberations. Emma and I have much to discuss.”

She disagreed, but could tell the board was not going to back down. Her mind could barely take in all of the changes. She followed Leo into the hallway and shut the door to the conference room.

Emma led him back to her father’s office, without allowing her panic to become visible to staff members.

He closed the door with a wide outstretched arm.

Facing him, she said, “This is not going to be workable and could end up being a complete disaster.”

Leo poured himself some Cardhu whiskey placed discreetly on a side table. “I’ll not let that happen.”

She squared her shoulders. “I’m not going to let you dismantle this place one piece at a time.”

He took a swallow of whiskey. “Are you afraid of change?”

She met his gold-flecked gaze and an unwelcome craving flared deep inside of her. “I’m not afraid, but I do find change stressful. Especially with so many issues facing the couture house.”

He placed his glass down. “I know this is a difficult time for your family.”

Emma glanced at her phone. “I’m needed at the hospital.”

Her brother, Jeremy, had texted an hour ago and told her that her father was being taken down for surgery later that afternoon. “It’s heartbreaking, actually. He was in his prime, getting exercise, and was hit by a lorry. Now he has months, if not years, of recovery ahead of him.”

Leo nodded. “I know his injuries are serious, but if he has survived this long, the odds must be in his favor.”

Emma stepped back. “Whatever we need to discuss will need to wait a day or two.”

He sat down in one of the leather armchairs. “Things do need to change. It’s the eleventh hour and disaster is about to hit Francis Bolles.”

She let out her breath. “What do you mean exactly?”

He loosened his tie. “The funds are wiped out. The board hasn’t been able to secure financing. It’s only a matter of time before the bank has locks put on the doors.”

The room became blurry for a moment. “I need to be with my father.”

He nodded. “Yes. Go and do what you need to. I’ll stay and begin putting together a plan.”

An ache began to form at the back of her head. “I don’t want you to make any long-term decisions in my absence. Especially if it concerns getting rid of employees.”

* * *

Leo staredat her for a long moment. Her slim, feminine beauty with her long, silky dark hair reminded him of flawlessness. It was why his brother wanted to be with her. Tyler sought out superficial fixes to deeper problems. But she had to be close to her breaking point. “This is an unfair burden on you at the moment. You can’t be expected to solve problems here while your father needs you.”

He watched her skin pale and she lowered her head. He resisted feeling too much empathy for her. She had grown up in a privileged world, sequestered away from any real struggle. He had observed her from afar, always dressed neatly with security holding mere mortals away from her.

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