Page 55 of The Exposed Heiress

“Yes, I’ll be back in a few minutes.”

Emma went back into the studio.

Jack asked, “Where are all your employees?”

“A few are taking a late lunch so they don’t interrupt the interview.”

“We wanted to take a few shots of people working.”

Emma took a seat in an upholstered chair set up for the interview. “That’s not possible. As you know, couture houses wait until Fashion Week to reveal new designs.”

Jack tugged on his full moustache. “But there must be work happening on your current clothing line.”

Remaining calm and unhurried, she said, “There are custom gowns being made, but most of the work is on our new collection.”

Claire came in with a large water bottle and a few glasses.

The reporter sat down opposite her and crossed his legs. “Alfred will take a few shots before we start.”

Claire stepped closer and put a glass of water on the table near her.

They waited several minutes while the photographer set up a screen and turned on a light. He took a series of photographs from several meters away and then got closer.

Alfred asked her to pretend to talk.

She looked at Jack and said, “Why don’t we make small talk before the actual interview begins? Can you tell me about your family?”

The reporter flipped through his notes and didn’t look up. “I don’t discuss personal details, Ms. Bolles.”

Taking in a calming breath, she asked, “I was curious if you had children or like working in London?”

His gaze hardened. “This interview isn’t about me.”

Emma took a sip of water. “Obviously, establishing a rapport would help insure a productive conversation.”

The reporter stroked his bushy moustache. “You’re a professional, Ms. Bolles. Someone in your considerable network forced this article to be written and here I am dutifully recording your staged answers.”

Emma glanced towards Claire but couldn’t see anyone else standing around. She needed Leo. This interview had been arranged by Bloom Advertising, but she wasn’t about to reveal things about herself to a hostile reporter.

She crossed her legs and leaned forward. “I receive many requests for interviews and typically turn them down. Given that Francis Bolles went through a restructuring recently, we thought the timing worked to shed some light on the recent changes. But if you don’t think it’s worth your time, then we should cancel.”

Jack stifled a yawn. “My employer would be unhappy if I came back empty-handed.”

Emma sat up straighter and plastered a polite smile on her face. “Well, let’s start and get this over with.”

“Ms. Bolles…”

“Emma.”

The reporter spoke in a flat voice, “Why did Francis Bolles leave London?”

“Rotherhithe is part of London.”

Jack spoke in a sharp ton. “Rotherhithe is a derelict area of old warehouses and dilapidated docks.”

She kept her tone light. “Not true. The area is being revitalized, and it holds an important part of our history.”

Jack waved his hand. “This area has nothing to do with the garment district or fashion.”

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