Page 58 of The Exposed Heiress

“Leo, it wasn’t intentional. I felt attacked and didn’t want to share anything personal.”

He shrugged. He wouldn’t allow her to make him feel unworthy. “It’s fine. Our parting ways was going to happen anyway. We aren’t suited for one another.”

She touched his chest. “I don’t agree.”

He removed her hand. “Let’s not do this. Let’s part friends. We worked well together to stabilize Francis Bolles, and you have a clear path forward.”

She didn’t say anything.

“You can stay here. I’ll send movers for my personal belongings and lease a flat in London.”

She sat down on the sofa and stared into space. “No, this is your place.”

He needed to leave. “I’m ready to move on, and with Francis Bolles occupying the lower levels of this building, it’s best if you take over the flat.”

“I’m not going to stay here.”

“Suit yourself.” He walked out and took the stairs. He needed to escape the entire situation. He allowed himself to want more from her than was possible. He should have put more barriers in place. But instead, he invited her into every part of his life.

* * *

Emma heardthe door click and put her head in her hands. Why did Leo care that she had hidden their relationship? The article had been meant to explain the changes at Francis Bolles, not be a personal exposé. It was intended to drive attention and interest to the Bolles clothing line.

She sat on the sofa and tried to gather her thoughts.His reaction didn’t make sense.

Shewaited for nearly an hour for him to return. Standing up, Emma decided to gather her belongings and go back to her flat. Taking her cosmetics from the bathroom and a few items of clothing from the bedroom, she packed everything in her overnight bag.

Going downstairs at four o’clock, she looked for Claire and found her in the office.

“Hey. I’m leaving early.”

Claire and Tom, their purchasing clerk, looked up from a pile of papers.

Her assistant moved away from the desk. “Is everything okay? I know the interview was difficult.”

“It’s fine. I have a few family things to deal with today. Can you call a taxi for me?”

Claire nodded. “Absolutely.”

Emma gave her mother a call while she waited for the car to come.

Staying busy would help her get through the next two weeks. If she followed her heart, she’d go and find him. Make him understand why she didn’t want to reveal her innermost feelings to a reporter. But it was too late. He didn’t want to see her and was looking for a way to end their relationship.

Chapter 11

Emma climbed out of the taxi at her parent’s estate and thanked the driver. Standing in the front circle, she watched the car disappear through the ornate iron gates.

Making herself stand tall, she walked up the steps to the front door. She wanted to avoid any place that would remind her of Leo, and this house was definitely such a place.

Using the elaborate knocker, Emma stepped back and waited for Elyse, their long-standing housekeeper, to answer the door.

She resisted her shoulders curling forward. The last thing she wanted was to answer questions about her heartbreak.

Georgia answered the door wearing black silk pajamas. “What are you doing here, dear?”

“Mother.” Emma said. “I wasn’t sure you’d be home, but I wanted to talk with you about Fashion Week.”

Standing back, Georgia waited for her to come in. “I can’t think about that right now.”

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