Page 27 of The Exposed Heiress

A well-known socialite in a leopard print sheer blouse approached them. “Leo, this is a surprise. You’ve been sending your minions lately.”

He laughed. “Hello, Jessica. I don’t think Alex would appreciate being called a minion.”

She threw her head back and laughed loudly. “Probably not.”

Leo placed his hand on her arm and turned her towards Jessica. “Have you met Emma Bolles, darling?”

“Only from afar. You always look stunning. I’m Jessica Lake.”

Emma took a sip of champagne. “It’s a pleasure to meet you, Ms. Lake.”

Jessica lifted her chin. “So, you’re part of Francis Bolles?”

Emma made herself smile and nod. “Yes.”

Leo moved his hand to her lower back. “Emma is modest to a fault. She is the force behind all of the changes happening over there. And her Spring collection is set to cause a stir.”

Jessica looked at Emma. “Really? I’ve heard murmurings that times were hard over there.”

Her spine stiffened. “I’m not sure what you mean exactly.”

The socialite took a sip of her wine. “That you’re flat broke.”

Leo leaned closer to Emma. “It’s challenging at the moment. I was hoping to speak with your talented husband tonight about the complexities of the business.”

“Peter is here.” She glanced around the room and then looked back at Leo, and said, “I don’t see him at the moment, but I’ll send him your way.”

He smiled. “Anything you can do to help us build confidence would be hugely appreciated.”

Jessica shrugged. “I do like an underdog. I’ll keep an eye out for the new collection and talk it up.”

Leo said, “You’ll be impressed.”

She made a sweeping gesture with her hand. “I need to mingle, but I’ll check in later.”

Emma placed her drink down on a side table. She couldn’t face any more small talk.

A man came over and shook Leo’s hand. Before he could catch her eye, she walked further into the gallery.

The far wall held a series of landscapes, but before she could get closer, a man asked her, “Do you have a light?”

Emma narrowed her eyes. “I don’t think you can smoke in here.”

He moved closer. “But do you have one?”

“No.”

“That’s disappointing. You may have actually been my dream woman if you possessed a lighter.”

She clutched her small evening bag.

He looked beyond her and said, “Ah, Leopold. That makes sense.”

Leo touched her upper back. “You know Leo isn’t short for anything, Marcus.”

Marcus took a sip of his drink. “Yes, well, what’s the fun in that?”

“I’m afraid that I’ll need to steal Emma away. We’re due across the city at an auction.”

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