Page 4 of The Exposed Heiress

She rested her head on the headrest and closed her eyes. “My flat is fine.”

Her phone buzzed and Jeremy asked, “Who’s texting you so late?”

Emma glanced at the message and then slipped her phone back into her handbag. “John Blatchly, the chairman of the board. He’s calling an emergency meeting for later in the day.”

“Tell him to fuck off.”

She glanced out the window. She didn’t have the luxury of telling him off. If she was going to assume the leadership role, then she needed his support. “An interim director is needed.”

“Em, you need some time.”

She shrugged. “There isn’t any. I’ll be fine.”

Jeremy downshifted. “Are you still dating…Carter?”

She looked out the window and tried to call to mind an image of the elusive model. “He’ll come to events, but we’re not serious.”

He looked at her. “He’s an escort?”

Emma smiled at his characterization of the immensely successful model. Carter enjoyed being seen at galas, but was not interested in playing happy families. Their understanding suited her.

“I haven’t wanted to get serious with anyone after my disastrous breakup with Tyler Bloom.”

He shrugged. “For someone as bottled-up as you, it was unusual to have such a public break-up. I’m worried about you. You’re under a ton of pressure and need the support of a partner or close friend.”

She inwardly cringed. Even a year later, the entire debacle with Tyler had the ability to render her speechless and made her feel broken inside. She hadn’t wanted to get close to anyone after all of that misery.

Jeremy shifted and changed lanes. “I don’t mean to bring up bad memories, Em. Our family is way too concerned with what the media reports. But my worry is that if you take over the top position, not only will you have a ton of financial pressure on you, but you’ll be a magnet for the press.”

Her thoughts turned to Francis Bolles. An icy feeling ran down the back of her neck. “What if I can’t save Francis Bolles?”

Jeremy slowed for a red light. “What if it grows under your leadership?”

Right now, she wanted to see her father recover and have a business to hand back to him.

At the next block, Jeremy pulled into a no-parking area. “Let me know if I can help you. You shouldn’t have to take on running the couture house alone. There has to be someone that can help you. I can deal with the hospital and keep you informed on dad’s progress.”

“Thank Ava for bringing food earlier.” Emma leaned forward and kissed his cheek.

“Get some sleep, Em. I’ll call you in the morning.”

Getting out of the car, she waved to him. It had been a tough evening.

She didn’t relish the coming negotiations over who would lead Francis Bolles. The board didn’t handle instability well. Without her father present, it’d be difficult to get them behind any type of change.

Walking into her flat, she dropped her handbag on the sofa and took off her heels. Unbuttoning her blouse, she allowed the tears that she had been holding back all evening to flow over her cheeks. As a few sobs escaped her body, she drew her arms close to her chest.

Her father may not make it through the night, and there was so much that had to be handled. All of it was so unexpected she could barely string together two rational thoughts. She wanted to return to the hospital and sit by his bedside, but that was not what the family needed from her.

Sitting on the end of her bed, Emma settled her breathing and wiped away her tears. She was a Bolles. She’d pull herself together and show confidence. The next day would be fraught with uncertainty and disagreements, but she would refuse to back down. Whatever the board threw at her, she’d insist on the leadership position at Francis Bolles. It fell to her to keep her father’s legacy alive.

Chapter 2

Emma arrived at Francis Bolles before the rush of the day began. Nodding to security, she swiped her card and avoided the few employees gathered near the reception area. She needed a few minutes to collect herself before answering questions about her father.

Instead of heading to the design studio, Emma walked down the long corridor to the executive offices. Turning on the lights as she went, the space seemed strangely quiet. She dreaded seeing her father’s empty office, but it had to be faced. If she was going to assume the leadership position, she’d need to manage the couture house from there.

Pushing open the door to her father’s office, she froze. Leo Bloom stood with his back to her. He had taken off his suit jacket. She’d recognize his short-cropped hair, broad shoulders, and sculpted masculine shape in any situation. She had avoided him for the past year. Her chest tightened and she had trouble forcing a breath into her lungs. She couldn’t face him today. He could read every emotion and would demand a response.

---