The Chosen Heir (The Bolles Dynasty Book 3) Read Online Free PDF Page A

overnight bag in the small space that was designated as a back seat.
    Climbing into the low sports car, he brought the engine to life and tried to block out her enchanting perfume. Being in the fashion industry, she knew how to make herself irresistible. But he would resist her. Instead he thought about the strained conversation he had with Stella. She had accused him of being indifferent and not willing to share his life with anyone. She was right. He had grown up with parents that made it impossible to believe in a happy, normal relationship. Even though his sisters had found love, he didn’t see it in the future for himself. Women were interested in his wealth or position in society, but they wouldn’t want to take on his insane family. Especially his mother. She would shred any woman who dated him, given the chance. She certainly brought him misery.
    Bridget turned to him. “Have you looked into the history of the Breen Hat Company?”
    “I did some research last night.” What did she expect of him? It was only yesterday Olivia had sprung the idea on him.
    Bridget tucked a lock of hair behind her ear. “I’ve had several conversations with the owner, Patrick Feeney. He hoped Olivia would be tempted to purchase the company.”  
    He wasn’t sure if Olivia’s staff knew that she was expecting. “She does love the product.”
    Bridget was looking out the window. “Yes, but now that she will have a third child, it does seem like too much to take on running a failing company in a different country.”
    “Not to mention the economy is not favorable to Irish products when labor overseas is far cheaper.” He should rein in his opinions. He didn’t want to upset Olivia and he needed to be the one to deliver the news to her.
    Bridget glanced at him. She seemed to keep some thoughts to herself. “There is a tremendous amount of tradition and culture related to the garment business. When I was growing up, everyone’s grandmother was a seamstress and the skills were something to be proud of.”
    He downshifted and moved into another lane. “We’ll be there in a few minutes. It’s important that we don’t give away our thinking. We need to keep them on edge and ask tough questions.”
    Her voice softened. “They are probably stressed out. They are about to lay off employees that have been with them their entire working life.”
    He needed her to be tough. “Where is the sharp-tongued truth teller?”
    Bridget crossed her arms. “Excuse me?”
    He was being a tad unfair but couldn’t resist. “I thought you liked to challenge others and insist on knowing the truth.”
    The sound of her voice soothed him. “I know the truth. The company is failing both from circumstances beyond their control and an unwillingness to try new strategies. I’m familiar with their presence in the marketplace and have visited the factory before.”
    He needed to reign in his thoughts but said, “So you are only merciless while trying to get to the truth if the Bolles name is involved?”
    After a slight pause, she said “I’m sorry if my comments a year ago offended you.”
    He didn’t want her apology. He didn’t need the complication of taking a look at the Breen Hat Company.
    The faster she was back on a train to London, the better it was for both of them. “You are not on a mission of discovery but one to convince me to invest?”
    “Olivia thought I could help you understand the company and the market. But I do feel sympathy for the employees. They must be feeling dazed and anxious.”
    He slowed for a red light. “So Olivia has saddled me with an insider?”
    She turned towards him. “I don’t work for Breen, but I’m sympathetic. I’m hoping that some type of agreement can be forged that will allow them to keep operating.”
    William pulled into the parking area for employees. “During this visit, you are under my direction. You are not to offer hope to anyone and you are to ask tough questions.”
    Olivia had set