Page 6 of The Exposed Heiress

He stepped closer to her. “I don’t think that you do. But we’ll leave that for another time. I’m being asked today if I can support you as the interim director, or if someone from outside should be considered.”

Emma tapped her fingers against his chest, but he didn’t back away. “I don’t need your support.” Touching him caused her mind to conjure up all sorts of unwanted thoughts.

He looked into her eyes. “I think you do.”

Emma stepped away from him. “You’re the one who’s lacking leadership insight. This couture house has always been family run and the Bolles name is needed to restore confidence in the brand.”

Leo smoothed down his tie. “At least we know where we each stand, and we’ll see who has the power and influence to move the board.”

Watching Leo leave, she regretted not accepting some sort of compromise. It would not help her case to be at odds with him. Leo had taken his uncle’s small ad agency and within a few short years, it grew to become one of London’s most powerful ad agencies.

An hour later, Emma slipped into the board meeting and stood at the back of the room. John Blatchly and other senior members were arguing over procedure.

She stepped forward, “Gentleman, if this is not a good time, I could come back.”

The room quieted, and then murmurs of condolences were uttered.

John said, “Welcome, Emma. As you can imagine, we’re attempting to get the proper procedures in place for a seamless transfer of power.”

She avoided looking at Leo Bloom. She wouldn’t reveal her vulnerabilities in front of him. As a shareholder, he must have listened to all of the discussion before she came in. She’d just have to brazen her way through.

She walked to the far end of the table and pulled out the chair her father used. “As you know, I spent last night at the hospital, so instead of having a vision to present, I intend to outline my intentions going forward.”

Several of the members nodded their heads.

Leo asked, “You must have had some thought before the accident about your role in the company?”

She took a sip of water and waited a moment. “I had assumed my father would stay in a leadership capacity for years to come. So, no, I hadn’t thought about leading the couture house. My attention has been on design. But being raised in the Bolles family, I have a deep understanding of how to court the media and keep the brand relevant.”

Leo shook his head. “I disagree. Your family has stayed in the background and doesn’t actively seek out the media.”

Emma pushed her hair behind her shoulders. “I have a design background and am interested in putting out designs that capture a younger demographic. The market is favoring classic, timeless pieces, but I see an opportunity to also include some of the glamour and glitz that put Bolles fashion on the map.”

A board member leaned forward and asked, “So you intend for Francis Bolles to become more focused on one designer instead of a team?”

She smoothed her skirt while crossing her legs. “It’s tricky. We need a definitive look, but we can be in many lines.”

“How do you intend to reach a younger demographic?” Leo asked.

Emma neatly aligned the papers in front of her. “There is a long-standing history here and loyal followers. I intend to market the loyalty factor but offer a fresh look.”

John cleared his throat. “Emma, we’re all impressed with your professionalism and knowledge of the industry. But it’s a tough time for Francis Bolles. We wonder if it would be better to bring in someone with more financial experience who wouldn’t have to be beholden to the family.”

She looked around the table. “My grandparents started Francis Bolles. The Bolles family is essential to the brand and a new generation can make sweeping changes to take us in a new direction.”

A board member said, “We need new blood, Ms. Bolles. This place is sinking fast.”

Emma looked at him. “The flip side is also true. It’s difficult to bring in an outsider when things are so chaotic.”

John clasped his hands together. “The issues facing this place are enormous.”

Emma leaned back in the chair and tried to hide her panic. She didn’t want to step aside and let someone else run Francis Bolles. She owed it to her father to try and salvage what was left of the company. “Francis Bolles needs continuity and someone who can be the face of the company. That person needs to be a Bolles.”

John tapped his pen on the table. “We’re not considering a complete outsider. We have asked Leo to consider taking the lead while your father recuperates.”

She glanced at Leo. “I wasn’t aware you had experience leading a fashion house?”

Leo leaned forward. “I don’t. But I do have considerable experience growing a company and launching products. We could work together.”

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