Page 85 of Silk Shadow

"Well, since you can't go out and we can't shoot you for your channel," Emily was saying, "I've arranged for Lara to come to you."

Lara was a local photographer, an expert in social media shoots.

"What, here?"

She spread her arms. "Why not? We've done photoshoots at your place before. You've got plenty of natural light and that lovely wide balcony. Izzy recuperating at home. Izzy looking stunning in this year's fall must-haves." She grinned. "That'll keep them happy—just until you can get back out there."

At her lackluster expression, Emily said, "What's wrong with you? I know you've been through hell lately, but you're always so enthusiastic about your business.” She paused and cocked her head to the side. “Is this about him?"

"Who?"

Emily tilted her head. "Come on, Iz. How long have we known each other?"

She sighed. "Honestly, Em. There's nothing going on between me and Viper." Not anymore.

"Are you sure? Because I've never seen you this down."

"It's just the stress getting to me."

Emily squeezed her hand. "I can't imagine how you must be feeling. I was scared just entering the building."

"Thanks."

"Sorry, I know that's not helping. Shall I schedule Lara for tomorrow? It might do you good to have something else to focus on."

She had a point. It would take her mind off Viper.

"Yes, okay. Tomorrow's fine."

"Great." Emily fired off a text message. "Now that's out of the way, shall we have a glass of wine and I'll update you on everything that's been happening."

The afternoon sped by. They drank most of the bottle as Emily filled her in on the new brands that wanted to work with her, the orders from her swimsuit line, the marketing around her new collection, and the other ventures she'd begun investigating.

The sun was setting when Izzy's phone beeped.

"Oh, crap," she murmured. "I'm having dinner with Robert tonight."

"Robert?" Emily raised an eyebrow. "I thought you weren’t interested in him?"

"I'm not, but we need to talk."

"It'll probably do you good. I don't like the thought of you moping here by yourself all evening."

"I'm not supposed to leave the apartment."

"Let him come to you, then." Emily had an answer for everything. "Tell him to stop by Del Posto on the way and pick up something nice."

Izzy perked up a bit. "Yes, we could do that. At least then I wouldn't have to get dressed up."

"You really are out of sorts," Emily said, frowning. "Cheer up, I'm sure they'll catch who's doing this soon."

"I hope so." She had visions of having to look over her shoulder for the rest of her life, or at least until she'd sold her share in the company. The more she thought about it, the more she decided Pat was right. Her heart wasn't in Omega Enterprises. As much as she cared about the communities the project supported in Mexico, the company wasn't her primary focus. It deserved to be in the hands of someone who really cared about it.

Someone who knew what they were doing.

Not her.

She was just winging it, grasping onto the reins because she was trying to maintain the status quo. But that wasn't working. Her life and her livelihood were now at risk. She didn't want to get any more involved in the company than she was, which put more strain on Robert and Raf. In the end, it was probably better that she get out.