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

him up. She wanted him to act as the knight in shining armor and had selected Bridget to further the cause. But he wouldn’t allow anyone to dictate his business choices. If he couldn’t find a reason to invest, he would walk away. Even if his sister was momentarily upset.
    He waited for Bridget to climb out of the car and watched as she straightened her dress and placed her large handbag over her shoulder.
    “I don’t know that you need your handbag. I’m locking the car if you want to leave it.”
    The top of her head barely reached his shoulder. “It has a notebook and relevant files.”
    He gestured to the side entrance of the building and followed her. Stepping inside the factory reminded him of Old Dublin. The brick building had to be two hundred years old and the factory-style windows were placed high enough that air could flow but employees couldn’t see out. Beyond the reception area, he could see a vast cavern of sewing equipment and other machinery. There were more than fifty employees.
    ***
    It was darker than she remembered. Maybe it was the absence of lighthearted banter. The employees were busy at each work station but missing was the carefree attitude. It would be so much better if William could see everyone at their best.  
    “We have a meeting with the owner, Patrick Breen.”
    The receptionist nodded and picked up an old, outdated phone and called upstairs.
    “Mr. Breen is expecting you. Do you know the way?”
    Bridget nodded. “Thank you, Frannie. It’s good to see you.”
    Walking through the wooden gate, she waited a moment for William.  
    She led him through the shop floor, paying attention to the marked pathway on the cement. It was obvious that the employees knew of their visit and greeted them as they passed by.
    William stopped and inspected a bowler hat. The man at the station was shaping the hats and said to him, “It’s one of the finest wool hats on the market today.”
    “I can see that by the fine workmanship.” He placed the hat back on the stack.
    He was difficult to understand. Treating the employee with respect, he hadn’t come off aloof or unconcerned. But judging from their discussions so far, she was convinced he wouldn’t agree to invest. He would look for a token reason to refuse Olivia.
    At the far end of the factory, she led him up a steel staircase. She could feel his gaze on her as she walked in front of him. Was he attracted to her? Reminding herself not to be insane, she hurried up the stairs.
    When they reached the fireproof steel door at the top of the stairs, William placed a hand on her arm and turned her to him.
    “Before we meet with the owner, I want to caution you not to give anything away. We are here to gather information not to give false hope.”
    The breath in her lungs stilled. He was standing much too close to her and she needed space. What was it about him that caused her body to react? In the fashion world, she came into contact with attractive men all the time and she would feel nothing. Yet, a Bolles descendant, whom she despised for his lack of morals, caused her to become breathless. It was unfair. She needed to focus on his flaws not his captivating, intense look.
    She tried to pull away but he held her tight. For a moment, she wondered if he would kiss her. Their gazes were locked in a silent duel of wills and she became aware of his breathing.
    “I understand.” She looked away from him and waited for him to release her.
    He let go of her arm and trailed his fingers along her jawline. “You are proving to be a welcome distraction.”
    Stepping abruptly to the side, she wrenched the door open and walked into a dingy office space. Looking around the outdated space, she knew William would not be impressed. Hopefully he would concentrate on the products being made downstairs.
    He whispered to her, “They are not squandering money on décor.”
    Patrick Breen came out of one of the offices and greeted them warmly. He was in his fifties