Page 65 of The Exposed Heiress

He turned and looked at Harry. Had his uncle left his house to come and question him about Emma?

Harry stood and used his cane for support. “I was never brave enough to seek out love. Instead, I stayed passive and let things happen. It’s not always the right way, Leo. Sometimes you have to put aside your fear and make yourself vulnerable.”

Pain filled his chest and he took in a deep breath. He wouldn’t allow himself to be made a fool of over a spoiled heiress. It was far better to let her move on.

Harry headed towards the door. “I hear you’re going to be living in London. Come and visit your mother and I. Don’t stay away.”

Leo nodded. “I call her each week, but I’ll stop in soon.”

“Goodbye for now.”

Leo watched his uncle leave the office. He saw his uncle at the holidays and on various birthdays, but it was always at his house. Had he really ventured into the city to talk about Emma Bolles?

He refused to allow his uncle to change his thinking. Emma was about burying the truth, and he wouldn’t live his life that way. He grew up having to hide all sorts of family secrets, and he would not continue that in his adult life. He’d been a fool to let down his defenses and allow Emma to slip into his life. Now he’d have to deal with the consequences.

Chapter 12

Emma placed the scissors back on her work table and smoothed out the red satin fabric over the mannequin. Glancing outside her studio, darkness had descended and she had no idea what time it was. She stretched her tired back muscles by standing up straight and lifting her arms over her head.

The image she had in her mind had been hard to create, but she was getting closer. Deciding to leave the straps alone for now, she bent down and began pinning the hem. In two days, she would reveal this gown at the opening of London Fashion Week.

The gown did not look like a Bolles creation. Instead of being sophisticated and elegant, it drew attention with its compelling proportions and elaborate structure. Taking off the straps, she looked for a stiffer material to insert in the satin folds. The eight straps needed to float above the dress, giving the illusion of height and shape.

Claire opened the door to her studio. “I’m heading home. It’s after nine o’clock.”

Emma continued to search the room for the right material. “The eleventh hour before Fashion Week is always insane.”

Her assistant moved closer to inspect the gown. “More so this year with all the changes. And now you intend to showcase a brand-new design.”

“I know it’s crazy, but I have a vision for this.”

“This doesn’t belong with the collection. It has a different feel.”

Emma touched her collarbone. “It’s for Leo.”

Claire smiled. “He’s going to love it. I just hope he comes. He’s been in New York and his assistant hasn’t been able to confirm his attendance yet.”

Nodding, Emma wouldn’t allow herself to think about him not showing up. He had saved Francis Bolles and knew how important it was to be seen supporting the debut of their new collection. Within the industry,The Independentinterview had created a ton of buzz around their restructuring and landing in Rotherhithe.

“I’m a little worried about you. This gown has to be ready to ship in the morning. Maybe you should call in another seamstress?”

“I want to create this one by myself.”

Claire nodded and said, “Goodnight, Emma.” She slipped out the door.

Finding a roll of plastic the right stiffness, she cut the material to support the eight straps for the elaborate gown. Stitching each strap, she stayed focused on the design and didn’t let her thoughts wander.

At nearly dawn, Emma laid on the small sofa in her studio and allowed herself to sleep for an hour or two.

When her employees arrived a few hours later, she had showered and wrapped the gown for shipment. Everything would be transported in several large moving containers and would be placed in the proper location for their launch the next day.

Emma kept busy overseeing all the details that would come together on the runway. Her staff had commercial photographs taken of the entire collection with the exception of the final gown. They stayed busy getting the back end of their website ready to go live with descriptions and ordering information. The first forty-eight hours would be critical to their survival. If enough orders came in, they would be able to hire a few more staff and begin to build back their reputation.

Instead of staying the night in the penthouse, Emma drove back to London. Unlocking the door to her flat, she stepped inside and the silence consumed her. The space used to fill her with joy.

Photographs of her grandparents and cousins covered the foyer. She had chosen all of the modern furnishings herself, and yet she didn’t feel at home.

She missed Leo. She missed their conversations and his laughter. She could almost feel his strong chest beneath her fingers. Clenching her hands, she moved around the space and closed the drapes. Taking off her shoes, she headed to the bathroom to take a shower.

---