Fortune
Megan Cole

To every girl who wantsto be somebody.

With thanks to Hannah,for the inspiration.

Table of Contents

Cover Page

Title Page

Chapter one

Chapter two

Chapter three

Chapter four

Chapter five

Chapter six

Chapter seven

Chapter eight

Chapter nine

Chapter ten

Chapter eleven

Chapter twelve

Chapter thirteen

Chapter fourteen

Chapter fifteen

Chapter sixteen

Chapter seventeen

Chapter eighteen

Chapter nineteen

Chapter twenty

Chapter twenty-one

Chapter twenty-two

Chapter twenty-three

Chapter twenty-four

Chapter twenty-five

Chapter twenty-six

Chapter twenty-seven

Chapter twenty-eight

Chapter twenty-nine

Chapter thirty

Chapter thirty-one

Chapter thirty-two

Chapter thirty-three

Chapter thirty-four

Chapter thirty-five

Chapter thirty-six

Chapter thirty-seven

Chapter thirty-eight

Chapter thirty-nine

Chapter forty

Chapter forty-one

Chapter forty-two

Chapter forty-three

Chapter forty-four

Chapter forty-five

Epilogue

Copyright

About the Publisher

Chapter one

New York CityJuly

‘Why the hell shouldn’t I have Botox? It’s my face.’

Nineteen-year-old Madison Vanderbilt, ice-blonde hair cascading down her back, eyed her mother belligerently over the fifteen-foot breakfast bar.

Candy Vanderbilt, a stretched-face forty-something with diamonds dripping from her ears and neck, showed the first bit of common sense she’d had in her life. ‘Honey, don’t you think you’re a little bit young?’

‘Heidi Montag had, like, everything done.’ Madison offered up a smooth, blemish-free face, courtesy of regular facials at the most expensive beauty salon on Fifth Avenue. ‘I’m covered in wrinkles, look!’

Candy frowned, or rather tried to. Her own forehead was so frozen that she had difficulty registering any expression at all. ‘Why don’t you leave it for a few years? Twenty-one is as good a time to start as any.’

‘That’s if I don’t look 112 by then,’ huffed Madison. God, her life sucked! Come July, she’d normally be joining the rest of her friends in the Hamptons for a summer of sunbathing and scoping out hot guys. This year, however, she and her mom were stuck at home in their five-million-dollar apartment in New York. Madison stomped over to the floor-to-ceiling window to look down at the sticky, traffic-clogged streets below. New York in July was so not the place to be. Her best friends, Tiffani and Chelsea, would be heading down to the beach now, while she, Madison, was cooped up in this stupid condo.

It wasn’t fair.

‘What am I supposed to do now?’ she said, turning back to her mother.

Candy looked up from her stool, where she was readjusting the diamond collar on her lapdog, Dolce. ‘Honey, you live in the greatest city in the world! There’s so much to do.’

‘Like what?’

‘Shopping! And Fabrizo has opened up that new nail bar around the corner. His French manicures are to die for.’

Madison carelessly examined a perfect pink nail. ‘Whatever.’ She was so over manicures, so over her mother, so over this dumb city. It was like being a prisoner in a cage with no end in sight. Madison couldn’t believe the injustice of it all. ‘Oh my God, of all the times to get sick, Hank has to do it now. Doesn’t he know he’s ruining my life?’

Candy’s baby-blue eyes widened. ‘Madison, that’s a dreadful thing to say!’

Madison sighed. ‘You know what I mean.’

Exasperated, she turned and walked over to one of the many full-length mirrors adorning the luxury apartment. Her stepfather Hank, her mom’s third husband and a self-made millionaire, had recently been diagnosed with colon cancer and was now in one of the most prestigious hospitals in New York. The good news was that Hank was responding well to treatment…the bad news was that he was going to be in hospital all summer, ruining their annual family holiday.

Madison scrutinised herself in the mirror. Five foot eight and an American size six, she was perfectly proportioned, with a pert chest, flat stomach and shapely legs. Madison turned round, admiring her high, peachy butt, courtesy of three-hundred-dollar-an-hour Pilates sessions with the same woman who trained Sarah Jessica Parker. She was looking hot, even for her. Her brow furrowed crossly as she thought of it all going to waste. She could kill Hank!

The intercom sounded, making her mother’s little lapdog jump.

‘Go and get that will you, honey?’ asked Candy.

Sighing again, Madison made her way to the front door and looked through the peephole. Juan, the young Puerto Rican bellboy, was standing outside, smoothing down his hair. Madison pulled the door open and leant on the door frame, giving him the full benefit of her white denim hot pants. The young man’s eyes widened. He had a monster crush on Madison. She looked down at the shiny black envelope in his hand.

‘That for me?’

‘Yes, it just came by courier. I thought I would bring it up personally. I was going to—’

But Madison had already snatched the envelope out of his hand and shut the door in his face. Then she returned to the kitchen to show it to her mother.

‘It’s heavy, it must be a super dooper invite,’ said Candy approvingly, handing the envelope back to her daughter.

Madison opened the envelope quickly and threw it on the floor. Dolce jumped down and started ripping the paper apart, but both women were so engrossed in the contents they didn’t notice. Madison had only got three lines down before she started squealing.

‘Oh my God! Brad Masters! He’s invited me to his fiftieth birthday party!’ Her eyes widened. ‘In Capri! Oh my God, Brad Masters!’ She clutched the invitation to her chest. ‘I bet I get flown over in his private jet.’

Madison couldn’t believe it.

Brad Masters?

In the worldwide fame league, you had the Pope at number one, followed by Madonna, then Brad Masters in a close third place. A British-born billionaire, he spent his life jetting round the world making millions in property, running record companies and throwing lavish, high-profile parties. Despite his fame and good looks, though, Brad was still something of an enigma – a confirmed bachelor who never talked about his private life. The mystery only added to his allure.

‘The party’s at his beachfront house,’ Madison breathed excitedly, her eyes darting back and forth across the invitation. ‘Oh my God! Courtney Richard’s sister Cara went to one of his parties at Nobu last year! Cara is, like, this top model and she says Brad’s people only handpick the best guests.’ She gasped. ‘O.M.G! What if he can get me a part on The Hills?’

Her mother’s expression was less-than-pleased.

‘Why would Brad Masters invite you to his birthday party?’ Candy said. ‘If anyone should go, it should be me.’

Madison shot her a look. Her mother really had to get over herself – Candy’s partying days had ended with, like, the dinosaurs. ‘Mother, you are way too ancient. Brad’s obviously seen me on the scene, hanging with the beautifuls,’ she said, re-reading the invitation.

‘Madison, it’s entirely inappropriate. You’re not going!’

Madison looked at her mom in disbelief. Candy never said no to her! ‘Excuse me, yes, I am.’

‘No, you’re not!’

‘I’m nineteen. I can do what I like.’

Candy fixed pleading eyes on her daughter. ‘What if your father takes a turn for the worse?’

‘Stepfather,’ corrected Madison. ‘And if you hadn’t married him, I wouldn’t be stuck in this sucky city in the first place.’

‘Madison!’ Looking pained, Candy stood up. ‘I’ve got another one of my headaches coming. I need to go lie down.’ She scooped up Dolce and shot her daughter a look. ‘You’re not going and that’s it!’

‘You just don’t want me to go off and have fun,’ Madison shouted after her. ‘Hank’s your husband – you stay with him.’

Candy’s bedroom door slammed. Madison rolled her eyes; her mom was such a drama queen! She turned back to the invitation, turning it over in her hands. This was her ticket out of Dullsville – wait until Tiff and Chelsea heard about it!

It was going to be the best summer ever!

Chapter two

London

The doorbell of the dusty little shop tinkled. Sapphire Stevens looked up from behind the counter, where she had been gently strumming on one of the guitars. The lyrics had come to her easily, but she just couldn’t get the melody.

‘How’s it going?’

It was Jerry, back from his lunch-break. He was the friendly-faced owner of the Camden music shop where Sapphire worked part-time. Unlike other places she’d worked, Jerry didn’t mind if she practised when the shop wasn’t busy. Even though he was quite old – at least in his forties – he was really encouraging about her music and always took time out to help her or listen. Sapphire’s dad had died when she was little and she thought of Jerry as the father figure she’d never had.

Sapphire gave a rueful smile. ‘Oh, you know.’

Jerry grinned. ‘Don’t tell me, the melody again.’

‘I just can’t get it right,’ she sighed. ‘I don’t know why the words come so easily, but the tune won’t.’

‘It’ll come, don’t worry,’ he assured her. ‘Even the most successful artists struggle with one or the other. Elton John has worked with loads of lyricists, for example.’

Sapphire laughed. ‘He’s ancient!’

‘Ancient, but very rich,’ Jerry pointed out. He eyed her over the counter. ‘Why don’t you knock off? It’s really quiet today.’

‘If you’re sure? I really don’t mind staying.’

‘Nah, it’s cool.’ Her boss’s eyes twinkled. ‘Go home and start practising. Those melodies won’t sing themselves.’

Five minutes later, Sapphire was taking her usual route home through the twisty streets of North London. It was a fifteen-minute walk home, or a five-minute bus ride, but Sapphire preferred the fresh air. Her life was so hectic, what with college and work, it felt like the only time she could think. As she pounded the pavement, Sapphire noticed a hole beginning to appear in one of her Converse trainers. It was last thing she needed. All her wages from her job went on supporting herself through her art degree at the prestigious Central Saint Martins college. Her mum helped where she could, but money was tight at home. There was just about enough for the two of them to live and eat comfortably, with the odd takeaway or cinema trip thrown in.

A white van drove past and the driver honked his horn.

‘All right, sexy!’

Sapphire blushed beetroot and pulled her jacket round her. At five foot six, with soulful brown eyes and a petite figure, there was no doubt she was a natural beauty. Not that Sapphire ever thought that. Her long, brown hair seemed to have a mind of its own and her double-D breasts were a source of constant embarrassment to her. Instead of flaunting them in tight tops, Sapphire covered up her assets in baggy T-shirts and oversized checked shirts.

She put her head down and hurried home, away from beeping drivers and sleazy comments. Five minutes later she reached an old Victorian mansion that had been converted into flats. It was a rather dilapidated building, with crumbling brickwork and ivy climbing up the walls, but Sapphire liked it. It had character. She and her mother, Leonie, lived in a cramped little flat on the ground floor.

As Sapphire opened the front door the smell of herbs and spices greeted her. ‘Hi, Mum!’ she called out, as she took her jacket off and hung it on one of the hooks in the narrow corridor. A fluffy black and white dog wearing a red neckerchief appeared at the end of the corridor, ears cocked.

‘Hello, Beatle, come here, boy!’ The ancient collie ambled up to Sapphire and stuck his wet nose in her hand. Beatle was named after her mother’s favourite band – The Beatles – and was nearly as old as Sapphire. He was like the third member of their family.

‘In here, darling!’

Sapphire walked into the cluttered, cosy kitchen. An older woman, with the same tumbling hair as her but tinged with grey, stood stirring a big pot on the Aga.

‘That smells good,’ Sapphire said, as she came over to kiss her mum on the cheek. She caught a whiff of patchouli oil, her mother’s signature sent.

‘Lentil curry. I thought I’d make up a big batch and we could freeze the rest.’ Leonie Stevens watched her daughter as she went to the fridge and opened it. ‘You’re home early.’

Sapphire came out from the fridge holding Beatle’s lead. ‘Mum, what’s this doing in here?’

‘That’s where it was!’ Leonie laughed. ‘I must have put it in there by mistake when I came back from our walk. I remember walking in and…’

Sapphire shook her head fondly. ‘What are you like?’

Leonie’s absent-mindedness was a bit of a family joke. She had been the ultimate rock chick when she was younger, and her party-loving lifestyle had left its mark on her memory. Sometimes Sapphire felt more like the mum in their household, but she wouldn’t swap Leonie for the world.

‘Jerry let me off early, the shop was quiet.’

‘There’s a letter here for you,’ her mum said, turning back to stir the pot. ‘It looks very posh.’

Sapphire picked up the shiny black envelope from the kitchen counter. It had an address badge on the front, with her name printed in swirling black letters. It was probably a promotion for a product Sapphire could never afford. Carefully, she opened the envelope and pulled out a stiff piece of black card, covered in gold writing.

‘You are cordially invited to a party celebrating the fiftieth birthday of Brad Masters,’ she read out.

There was a loud ‘plop’ as her mum dropped the wooden spoon in the curry.

‘Brad Masters?’ Sapphire repeated, confused. ‘He’s that big music industry guy, isn’t he?’

Leonie kept quiet. In disbelief, Sapphire carried on reading. ‘It’s being held at his beachfront villa in Capri.’ She looked up. ‘This has to be some kind of mistake! He’s obviously got the wrong person.’

Her mum hesitated. ‘Well, maybe not. I used to know Brad Masters, back in the day.’

Sapphire’s eyes widened. ‘You’re joking!’

Leonie nodded. ‘We were close for a while. Well, lovers actually.’

‘You…what?’ spluttered Sapphire.

‘Sex is natural, darling!’

Sapphire stared at her mum in horror. ‘Ewww!’ She couldn’t believe her mum had dated Brad Masters!

Leone smiled. ‘Maybe he’s decided to look me up again; he always was wonderfully generous.’

Sapphire frowned. ‘The invite should be addressed to you then. Brad Masters doesn’t even know me!’

‘Well…’ Her mum started stirring the pot again. ‘He and I have stayed in touch a bit over the years. I may…have mentioned you.’

‘You and Brad Masters?’ Sapphire repeated. ‘He’s, like, a gazillionaire.’ She just couldn’t get her head round it.

Her mum shrugged, as if being on first-name terms with one of the most famous people on the planet was entirely normal. ‘Brad’s a very nice man. I’ve told him about you and what a talented musician you are. Brad’s always on the lookout for fresh new talent and he said he’d like to meet you. I didn’t want to push anything when you were younger, because I know how the music industry works. But now that you’re eighteen…’ She left the statement hanging in the air. ‘Well, you’re old enough to make up your own mind.’

Sapphire shook her head. She was having a hard time taking all this in. Then something else fell out of the envelope and she bent down and picked it up.

‘What’s this, a plane ticket?’ She gave a gasp. ‘It’s got my name on it! British Airways, First Class.’

‘Oh my goodness!’ said Leonie. She came over to have a look. ‘I did say he was very generous.’

Sapphire shook her head. ‘I don’t get it, Mum. Why he’s done this? Did you know about it?’

Leonie’s heart gave a sudden jump. What do I say? she thought wildly. ‘I didn’t know he was going to do this,’ she said eventually. At least that was the truth.

Sapphire bit her lip. ‘What if he’s a bit, well, you know…pervy?’

‘Darling, I wouldn’t let you go if he was. Look, I know it’s a big surprise, but why don’t you think of it as a nice holiday, and the chance to meet the best-connected man in the music business? It could really open doors for you.’

The first flush of excitement crept across Sapphire’s face. ‘You don’t mind?’

Leonie smiled at her daughter’s expression. ‘Of course I don’t! I think it sounds fantastic. Just as long as I have the house phone number and you call me regularly.’

Sapphire blew out a big breath. ‘Brad Masters. Wow! I’ll need a bit of time to think about it though.’

Instinctively, she looked at the old photo on the dresser, of a smiling man with a little girl on his shoulders.

‘What would Dad think?’ she asked quietly. Her dad, Bill, had been a talented musician himself, until he’d been tragically killed in a motorbike accident when she was younger. Even though Sapphire couldn’t remember much about her dad, she treasured this photo.

Leonie felt herself welling up. ‘I’m sure he’d be very proud, darling.’

Sapphire shook her head in wonder. ‘This could be my big break!’ She narrowed her eyes at her mum, humorously. ‘Just before I go, Mum, have you got any more surprises for me? Like you’re best mates with Mariah Carey or something?’

Leonie laughed. ‘I’m afraid knowing Brad is the extent of it!’

Sapphire grinned and bounded out the kitchen.

As soon as her daughter was gone and she was alone again, the smile dropped from Leonie’s face. ‘Oh God,’ she muttered. She had worked hard to move on from what happened twenty years ago, and now she was starting it all up again. Had she just made the biggest mistake of her life?

Chapter three

Rome

Simonetta Mastrangelo breathed in deeply, filling her lungs. She didn’t smell the pollution-filled traffic fumes of Italy’s capital city; she smelled adventure, glamour and success.

Tucking her portfolio under her arm, she sashayed down the street, well aware of the admiring glances she was getting from passing pedestrians. She got a few dirty looks too, but Simonetta was used to bitchiness from other, less pretty girls. They were just jealous. As she passed a shop window, she caught sight of her perfect reflection and congratulated herself – not for the first time – on leaving behind her boring village in the countryside and moving to Rome to make it as a model.

Standing nearly six feet tall, Simonetta had the posture and long, lithe limbs of a natural. Or so Models Italia, the agency that had just signed her up, told her. With the smoky brown eyes and jet-black hair of Vanessa Hudgens, and the slim physique of Whitney Port, she had the beauty and natural grace to go very, very far. Simonetta had already done a few major catwalk shows, but she wanted more. Naomi, Claudia, Cindy, Giselle – she saw her name up there with all the greats.

It was taking a little more time than she’d anticipated, but Simonetta knew she’d get there eventually. She was destined for the cover of Italian Vogue. She just knew it.

Her mobile went off, rousing her from a daydream about red carpets and Hollywood parties. It was her mother. Simonetta rolled her eyes in irritation. Extremely over-protective and religious, her mother rang her at least four times a day. Anyone would think that Simonetta was a bambina of nine, not a beautiful, self-assured woman of nineteen.

‘How are you, Simonetta?’

‘Same as I was two hours ago, Mamma.’

‘Are you eating properly? Papa and I are worried about you.’

‘Mamma, stop fussing.’

‘You were skin and bone last time I saw you! That is not what men find attractive, Simonetta. How will we ever find you a husband?’ Her mother sighed dramatically. ‘You’re putting me in an early grave, Simonetta, all this gallivanting about Rome. I will pray extra hard for you at church tonight…’

Simonetta’s eyes glazed over as her mother droned on. She’d heard it all before: how she’d abandoned her family for a shallow, superficial life. How she had shamed her local congregation. Just because I want to make something of myself, Mamma, and not be stuck in a little hick town all my life! Just because I want to be someone!

Ten minutes later, her mother took her first pause for breath and Simonetta took the chance for escape.

‘I’m home now, Mamma! I’ll call you later.’ Before her mother could say anything, Simonetta ended the call. She gazed up at the modern apartment block she lived in now and swelled with pride. Renting in the trendiest part of the city may have left her in tons of debt, but it was essential to have the right address. Besides, she could pay all her debts ten times over when she started earning serious money.

As she let herself into the lobby and checked her mailbox, Simonetta noticed one envelope standing out from all the credit card statements and overdue bills. Black and shiny, it looked like an invitation to a hot new nightclub or bar. Simonetta smiled, pleased that her networking was starting to pay off.

She pressed the button for the lift and the doors slid open. Simonetta stepped inside. Trying to open the envelope with a portfolio under one arm and a Chloe handbag under the other wasn’t the easiest thing to do, and Simonetta had to wait until she got into her apartment. Kicking the door shut, she dumped her bag and portfolio and ripped open the envelope.

It was an invitation all right, but not the one she was expecting.

You are cordially invited to a party celebrating the fiftieth birthday of Brad Masters.

Location: Casa Eleganza, Capri.

Dress: Elegant.

‘Oh, mio Dio!’ exclaimed Simonetta. She knew who Brad Masters was! He’d obviously noticed her at a catwalk show and decided he had to meet her. Simonetta’s lips curled into a smile; she’d known it was only a matter of time before someone influential approached her. Even though Simonetta always went for older men, thirty years older was pushing it. Nonetheless, Brad was still very attractive for his age and it would be great to play him along and kick-start the luxury lifestyle she’d always dreamed about. Having Brad Masters on her speed dial would open doors for her, serious doors. Simonetta knew how it all worked.

Her phone rang and she snatched it up. It was Lexi, her agent from Models Italia.

‘Simonetta?’

‘Lexi, you’ll never believe whose party I’ve just been invited to!’ Simonetta’s normal aloofness had been taken over by excitement.

Her agent laughed. ‘Brad Masters?’

Simonetta frowned. ‘How did you know?’

‘Because his office called the agency, wanting to invite you to one of his parties.’ Lexi sounded almost as excited as she was. ‘Simonetta, Brad only asks the big-name models to his parties. This could be your break – it could put Models Italia on the map!’

Simonetta rolled her eyes. Typical Lexi, only thinking of herself and the stupid agency. After Brad Masters’ party, Select, Models One and all the other top agencies would be begging to sign her up. A beep indicated another call. ‘Lexi, I’ll call you later,’ Simonetta cut her off and switched over to her mother. Normally Simonetta would have ignored the call but she had to share the good news.

‘Mamma, you’ll never guess who has just invited me to his birthday party!’

‘I do not know, Simonetta.’

‘Brad Masters! You know, the really rich and famous music guy.’

She knew her mother wouldn’t approve, but even so, Simonetta was shocked by her reaction. There was a long silence, then her mother let out a high-pitched shriek.

‘Simonetta! This is an outrage. Why are telling me this?’

‘Because it’s exciting, Mamma, I thought you’d be pleased for me.’

‘Pleased?’ Her mother could barely get the word out. ‘I knew moving to Rome would be the undoing of you. You’re on a slippery slope. Mixing with those, those…people. Sex, drugs and loose morals, Simonetta – that’s all they care about.’

‘Mamma, it’s only a party!’

Her mother let out a stifled sob. ‘No, it is not! Simonetta, you do not know what you are doing. I forbid you to go.’

Simonetta had had enough. ‘And I forbid you to ring me again. I’m sick of you always telling me what to do.’

‘Simonetta, I only have your best interests at heart!’

‘Goodbye, Mamma,’ she said coldly and put the phone down.

Chapter four

London

Jerry let out a low whistle.

‘Brad Masters, eh?’

Sapphire played with a piece of her hair, as she always did when she had something on her mind. ‘What do you think?’

Jerry was silent for a moment, considering. ‘I think as long as your mum’s OK with it, you should go. Sapphire, Brad Masters wants to meet you and talk about music!’

‘But I’m crap at melodies!’ she half wailed. ‘What if he asks me to sing something?’

Jerry laughed at her anguished expression. ‘Then Brad Masters is the man to talk to about it! He knows the best people in the business. They’ll help you get it right.’

‘You really don’t mind if I take time off work? It’ll only be a few days.’

Jerry clutched his hand to his chest. ‘It’ll be hard, but I’ll try to survive.’

His silly face made Sapphire laugh, showing off her cute little dimples. ‘You’re the best, Jerry, thank you!’

‘Go get ‘em, kid,’ he said fondly.

Capri, two weeks later

Simonetta stepped out of the private jet and looked round triumphantly. This was what it was all about! She’d told her modelling agency that she was burned out and needed a last-minute holiday, and begrudgingly, they’d agreed. Lexi, her agent, wouldn’t have been so snotty if she knew Simonetta was going to stay with Brad Masters! Even though Simonetta had remained her aloof, disdainful self, inside she was bubbling with excitement. This was going to be the start of the rest of her life – the life she, Simonetta Mastrangelo, had always known she was destined for.

An immaculately suited chauffeur was waiting for her at the bottom of the stairs. Simonetta paused and looked over her sunglasses at him, adding to the effect of her tight black dress and towering heels.

‘Buongiorno, signorina,’ he murmured. ‘If you would be so kind, your transport awaits.’

He gestured with a white-gloved hand to a sleek, black Ferrari at the edge of the airfield. A smile crept over Simonetta’s face. Oh, yes, this was what it was all about. Flinging her hair back, she sashayed off, the admiring chauffeur following in her wake.

Sapphire’s journey had been just as mind-blowing. After travelling first class for the first time in her life, she had been greeted at Capri airport by another chauffeur, this time in a gleaming Mercedes. After a short journey which made Sapphire feel like she was gliding along silk, the car had made its way with some difficulty down to a little port where a sleek yacht called Melodia had been waiting for her. Sapphire knew enough Italian from her GCSEs to know it was Italian for melody.

But I’m rubbish at melodies – is this a bad omen? she thought, worriedly. Despite the stunning scenery around her, tension had been building in her stomach since she landed. Was it really such a good idea coming here? She had never met Brad Masters in her life and she wouldn’t know a soul at the party. Sapphire could only imagine the sort of movers and shakers who would be there; what on earth was she going to say to them?

But the handsome young crew waiting aboard the boat soon took Sapphire’s mind off such matters. With their deep tans, white teeth and sinewy bodies, they looked like a chartbusting boy band.

‘Signor Masters especially wanted you to come to his house this way,’ Alberto the skipper told her. ‘It’s the best way to see Casa Eleganza.’

Sapphire sat at the front of the boat, enjoying the sea air and occasional sea spray against her face. After ten minutes, Alberto pointed ahead and shouted something. As the speedboat zoomed round a rocky outcrop, Sapphire gasped. There, nestling above its own private beach and jetty, was a stunning white building the size of a palace. It was early evening by now and the sun was setting, a golden glow reflecting back at them from the windows.

‘Beautiful, eh?’ Alberto called.

Speechless, Sapphire could only nod in agreement. It looked like something out of a fairytale.

Up close, Casa Eleganza was even prettier, with jewel-coloured flowers tumbling from window boxes and immaculate green lawns stretching out in front. Despite the scorching heat, the grass was a dark emerald. Sapphire could see several gardeners hard at work. She was so busy taking in every detail she didn’t realise for a moment that they’d docked. Sapphire felt a warm hand on her shoulder and looked up to see Alberto smiling down at her. She blushed, wondering if all Brad Masters’ staff were this good-looking.

A plump, friendly-faced old woman with grey hair tied back in a bun was standing expectantly on the end of the jetty. ‘You be careful now, Alberto!’ she called. Sapphire noticed she had a strong Irish accent. As Alberto helped Sapphire off the boat, the old lady stepped forward and clasped both of Sapphire’s hands warmly.

Sapphire started to feel more relaxed. The woman had a kind, motherly air about her that just made you know she’d look after you. Yet somehow she also fitted in with the opulent, luxurious backdrop of Casa Eleganza, as if she was part and parcel of the place.

‘I’m Maggie O’Sullivan, housekeeper,’ said the woman. ‘And you must be Sapphire.’

‘Hi, Maggie,’ said Sapphire, suddenly feeling rather shy again. Maggie noticed and put a comforting arm around one shoulder. ‘You must be awful tired after your journey, so why don’t you come along and see your bedroom. I’ve had it made up extra-nice for you.’

‘What about my rucksack?’ Sapphire asked, but Maggie was already guiding her towards the house.

‘Ach, that’ll be brought up to your room shortly. Come along now.’

If Sapphire had thought the chauffeur-driven car and the yacht were mind-blowing, her bedroom was something else. In fact, the word ‘bedroom’ didn’t do it justice, as Sapphire found when she walked through her own private living-room on to a sweeping balcony overlooking the sea.

‘Maggie, this is amazing!’ she gasped.

The housekeeper smiled proudly. ‘Mr Masters does like to keep a nice house.’

‘It’s more than nice,’ said Sapphire, flopping on to a huge L-shaped sofa. Vases of exotic lilies stood everywhere, while the walls were cramped with modern art and expensive-looking paintings.

‘I’ll leave you to it,’ Maggie said. ‘You probably want a nice, long shower or something.’

Sapphire suddenly felt a bit awkward. ‘Er, when is the party? I mean, do I need to change now or anything?’

‘The party isn’t tonight, pet, don’t worry. Mr Masters is flying in tomorrow from a business trip. He sends his apologies and says he looks forward to meeting with you.’

‘Oh,’ Sapphire said, feeling somewhat at a loss. What was she supposed to do until then?

Maggie seemed to read her mind. ‘Why don’t you unpack and get yourself straight and then I’ll introduce you to the other guests.’

Sapphire felt a jolt of nervous excitement in her stomach. The other guests, she thought. I hope they’re nice.

Chapter five

It was 6:55pm and Sapphire was due in the drawing-room in five minutes. Unfortunately, she didn’t even know what the drawing-room looked like, let alone how to find it.

She gave herself one final look in the mirror. The vintage flowery tea-dress she’d bought from a second-hand shop in Covent Garden now looked a bit old and frumpy. Still, she didn’t have much else to choose from. As usual, Sapphire had left her packing to the last minute and had ended up throwing a mish-mash of random clothes in her rucksack. At least her dress for the party was OK – an All Saints puffball number her mother had bought her for Christmas last year. Sapphire had hung it up as soon as she’d unpacked, but like the rest of stuff she’d pulled out, it looked like it needed a good iron.

She looked at the photo of her dad that she’d brought, on the bedside table. Its presence comforted her. She still thought of her dad often, and loved to tell his photo what she’d been up to.

‘Wish me luck, Dad!’

Pulling open the heavy door to her bedroom, Sapphire slipped out on to a wide, marble-floored corridor. She paused to listen. Considering that there was supposed to be such a huge party tomorrow, she was surprised not to hear the sound of any other guests. Then again, the place was so big Sapphire doubted she’d hear them anyway.

The grandfather clock in the hall was chiming seven as Sapphire made her way down the sweeping staircase. The vast rooms yawning off the main hall were motionless and empty. Except for one. Sapphire strained her ears; a low murmur of voices was coming from somewhere. Following the voices, she set off down a corridor which seemed to lead into the heart of the house, pausing to admire the huge, blown-up photographs on the walls – most of them of the famous artists signed to Brad Masters’ record label, BMM. Oddly enough, there were no pictures of the man himself.

Finally, she stopped at a dark, wooden studded door. She held her breath for a moment before going in. From behind the door, she could hear what sounded like a young female voice. At least there were going to be people there her own age. Encouraged, she pushed open the door.

Inside, the drawing-room was just as opulent as every other in the house. The lights were turned down low, evening shadows starting to dance in every corner. Sitting in huge sofas opposite each other were two stunning girls – one dark-skinned and smouldering; the other blonde and icy-looking. While they were both slim, the dark-haired one had an angular look that made Sapphire think she might be a model. She was gazing round with a bored expression while the blonde talked in an affected American drawl. Both were wearing tight body-con dresses that definitely weren’t off the rack at Topshop.

‘So I said to Lauren Conrad, like get over yourself bitch, and she said—’

The blonde American girl stopped, suddenly aware of Sapphire’s presence. ‘Oh. Who are you?’ She gave Sapphire a snotty once-over and raised an eyebrow. ‘I didn’t realise tramp chic was in.’

The blonde looked to the brunette for a laugh, but the other girl yawned and went back to staring out the window. Feeling rather stupid, Sapphire introduced herself. The blonde looked disdainfully at her hair, which was still wet from the shower and curling round her shoulders. She sniffed.

‘I’m Madison Vanderbilt, and this is Simonetta…er…Mongolla, or something.’

‘I’ve told you, it’s Mastrangelo,’ Simonetta said, shooting Madison a death stare. Sapphire had already decided that she really didn’t want to get on the wrong side of these girls. Neither looked like they were about to get up, until Madison spoke.

‘You can come and say hello if you want to.’ She stuck out a hand as if she were royalty. Sapphire walked across and took it, before Madison snatched it back as if she’d just touched something unpleasant. She waved Sapphire away, and without thinking, Sapphire backed away respectfully. As she sat down on a hard little stool, Sapphire laughed at herself in disbelief – she couldn’t believe she’d just done that!

Simonetta looked at Sapphire, a secret smile playing on the edge of her lips. ‘So, you got the black invitation too, little creature? We were just talking about it.’

‘Er, yes I did. It was sent to my home.’

‘You’re English?’ said Madison.

‘Yes, I’m from London.’

‘Have you met the queen?’ Madison asked, her blue eyes showing interest for the first time.

‘Funnily enough, no,’ Sapphire replied, thinking Madison was winding her up.

Apparently, she wasn’t. Madison just sighed, as if Sapphire was just one big disappointment. ‘When’s everyone else getting here? I need some proper people to talk to,’ said the blonde, staring up at the ceiling. So far she hadn’t once made eye contact with Sapphire.

‘I think Brad is back tomorrow so maybe they’re coming then,’ Sapphire ventured.

Simonetta turned sharply towards her, incredulous. ‘How do you know that? About Mr Brad?’ she said.

‘Er…the housekeeper told me. Maggie.’

‘Ah,’ said Madison. ‘Already friends with the domestics. Tragic.’ She turned a hand over and studied her nails.

After an excruciating five minutes in which Madison talked about herself, Simonetta closed her eyes as if asleep and Sapphire perched awkwardly on the stool wondering what on earth they were all doing there, the door opened and Maggie came in. Sapphire smiled with relief.

‘There you are, girls,’ Maggie exclaimed cheerfully. ‘Madison, Simonetta, I haven’t had the pleasure yet, but welcome to Casa Eleganza. I’m Maggie. If you need anything, just let me know.’

‘I’ll be sure to do that,’ said Madison, coolly.

Maggie smiled blandly, as if Madison had said something nice. She’s got the patience of a saint, thought Sapphire. The housekeeper clasped her hands together. ‘I’m thrilled to see you all getting to know each other,’ she said. ‘Now, dinner will be served in a few minutes. Can I get you anything to drink in the meanwhile?’

‘A cosmopolitan,’ said Madison. ‘Pomegranate. I literally won’t drink anything else right now.’

Maggie gave her a steely look. ‘Isn’t the legal drinking age twenty-one in America?’

‘Yeah, if you’re a loser. Besides, we’re not in America,’ said Madison condescendingly.

Maggie ignored her and turned to the other two. ‘I’ll get you all a fresh pineapple juice.’ Giving Sapphire a wink, she exited the room with the light movement of someone half her age.

At dinner, which was served in a long, elegant room with chandeliers twinkling above, Sapphire got a better look at both girls. From their manicured nails to their perfect eyebrows and salon blow-dried hair, they had an expensive gloss to them. Sapphire felt a bit like a poor relation, something Madison wasted no time in pointing out.

‘So, why is it you say you’re here?’ she said, toying with the delicious lobster ravioli she had barely touched.

‘My mum knows Brad Masters,’ Sapphire said. ‘She kind of told him I was doing my own thing musically and apparently he wanted to meet me.’ Even to her ears, it sounded hollow. Why am I here? she wondered for the umpteenth time.

She turned to the sultry girl on her left. ‘What’s your connection to Brad, Simonetta?’ They’d already heard at great length how well-known Madison was on the New York/LA party scene, and how Brad must have spotted her there.

Simonetta shrugged her tanned shoulders nonchalantly. ‘I am a model. I am beautiful. People recognise me. Brad contacted my agency and invited me out here.’

‘Oh, right,’ said Sapphire. She looked at Simonetta to see if she was winding her up with the being beautiful bit, but quickly realised she wasn’t.

‘I haven’t seen any of your work, you can’t be that successful,’ Madison said.

Across the table Simonetta’s eyes glittered dangerously, but she didn’t dignify Madison’s comment with a response.

‘And what is it you do?’ said Madison, turning to Sapphire. ‘Clearly nothing in the fashion industry.’

Sapphire ignored the jibe. ‘Actually, I’m a student. I’m doing an art degree.’

Madison looked as if Sapphire had just made her eat a tablespoon of dog shit.

‘And I work too,’ Sapphire continued, with a sudden urge to displease Madison even more. ‘I’ve got a part-time job in a record shop. To help put me through art school.’

‘A record shop?’ Madison asked, horrified. ‘What, you own it?’

‘No,’ said Sapphire. ‘I work at the till.’

‘Till?’

‘Cash register,’ said Simonetta, in a bored tone.

Madison gasped. ‘O.M.G,’ she said. ‘That’s so not hot.’ She made a show of examining Sapphire’s bitten nails and the Top Shop earrings dangling in her ears. ‘Are your family really poor or what?’

Sapphire was taken aback by the rudeness of the question. ‘It’s just me and Mum so it is hard,’ she said defensively. ‘Well, there was my dad too, but he died when I was young. Before I went to boarding school.’

‘Boarding school,’ mused Madison. ‘That’s private, right?’

‘Er…yes,’ said Sapphire.

‘So how did your mother afford that?’

Sapphire opened and then shut her mouth, realising she had no answer. It had never occurred to her before – how had her mum been able to send her to the best girls’ school in the area when some months in the winter they’d had the electricity cut off?

The door to the dining-room swung open and through it came Tito, the young man who had served their ravioli.

‘Ladies, excuse me to interrupt.’ Tito had big eyes and slightly goofy front teeth, which gave him the look of a startled rabbit. ‘Signor Masters has just phoned from Monaco. He says he’s sorry he can’t be there, but hopes this will please you in his absence. Please, follow me.’

Even Madison and Simonetta let curiosity get the better of them. As Simonetta unfolded herself elegantly and stood up, Sapphire realised how tall she was. Even without the black stilettos, the dark-haired girl must be six foot. Sapphire felt like a midget in comparison. Sighing loudly, Madison got up and shoved past her. Sapphire watched as the American girl tottered out the room in stupidly high wedge heels. Sapphire looked down at her own New Look thong sandals. She’d break her ankle if she tried to walk in Madison’s shoes. The three followed Tito out on to the veranda, where an inky sky hung over the evening sea. He stood there, gazing intently at the view.

‘Like, it’s the sea at night-time. Whatever,’ complained Madison. ‘You can’t even see that many stars.’

All of a sudden there was a loud whoosh! and the sky was lit up by a huge, screaming rocket. It soared up higher and higher before exploding, a cascade of stars falling on to the waters below. Another went up, and then another, until a circus of light danced before their enraptured faces. On and on it went, the display getting more and more dazzling. It was the most incredible thing Sapphire had ever seen.

Some minutes later, when Sapphire thought her eyes couldn’t take any more, there was one final burst of colour. They all stood silent, watching the final sparkles fade away into the horizon.

Tito turned to them and smiled. ‘Signor Masters’ way of welcoming you to his home. Pretty good, huh?’

‘It was OK, I guess,’ said Madison, recovering her normal obnoxious manner.

‘It was brilliant, Tito!’ Sapphire told him.

He grinned. ‘Signor Masters will not be returning until tomorrow night. Until then, he has said you must use Casa Eleganza as if it is your own home.’

They stared over the balcony at the tennis courts, swimming pool and manicured gardens. A helipad stood some way off in the distance, its location marked by a big ‘X’.

‘I suppose it will have to do,’ sniffed Madison.

Chapter six

Sapphire woke up a start. Where was she? The soft silk sheets certainly didn’t feel like the ones on her narrow single bed at home. She opened one eye and realisation hit. She was at Brad Masters’ house in Capri! Instantly awake, she sat up. She picked up her mobile; it read 8:10am. Bright sunlight streamed in through muslin curtains that fluttered in the breeze. Sapphire threw the silk covers aside and got out of bed, bare feet padding on the marble floor. She walked over to the balcony, pulled the curtains aside and stepped out.

It was a stunning day, the sun already high in the cloudless sky. Below her, the grounds of Casa Eleganza stretched out like a kingdom. Sprinklers on the lawns whirred round and round, drenching the lush green grass. Sapphire saw a maid scurry from an outbuilding, her arms full of washing. To her right, the infinity pool glittered enticingly, overlooking the sea. Sapphire had only ever seen such things in the magazines her mum sometimes got.

A surge of excitement coursed through her – she had to get up and explore this beautiful place! Throwing on a vest, shorts and her old Havaiana flip-flops, she brushed her teeth and slipped out.

Downstairs the house was coming alive. Sapphire could hear women’s laughter and the clatter of plates from the kitchen. Turning left, she walked towards the huge front door and, with some difficulty, pulled it open. The view stretched before her like a painting. With a little hop and a skip, Saffron ran down the steps into her own private paradise.

From his bedroom window, the half-naked young man watched the brown-haired girl run off towards the swimming pool. His stomach churned with a mixture of rage and shock, just as it had when he had first laid eyes on the spoiled British girl yesterday. As far as he was concerned, inviting their new house guest was the worst mistake Brad had ever made. Not that he would ever tell Brad that. With a dismissive shake, the boy turned away and started to get dressed.

By mid-morning, Sapphire had pretty much covered every square foot of Casa Eleganza’s grounds. The more she explored, the more amazing it seemed to get, from the olive groves to the vineyard to the huge garages at the back of the house, which housed a fleet of Ferraris, Aston Martins and Lamborghinis. Brad Masters obviously liked his cars. Sapphire started to make her way back towards the house. She was feeling hungry now and wondered what would be for breakfast.

As she walked up the winding path, Sapphire noticed a building that sat back in a shady corner of its own, surrounded by trees. She frowned. Would it be rude to go and have a look inside? Brad Masters had said to treat the house as their own, after all.

Quietly, Sapphire pulled open the door. Inside it was cool and dark. ‘Hello?’ she called out. Hearing nothing, she ventured inside. She was standing in what seemed to be the corridor of a little flat. In front of her was a small living-room, practically empty apart from a sofa and a guitar leaning against one wall. Embarrassed that she had walked into someone’s home Sapphire turned to walk out, but bumped into a young guy standing behind her.

‘Sorry!’ she exclaimed, embarrassed. ‘I—’

All she could take in was a mop of black hair and luminous green eyes before the boy rounded on her furiously. ‘What the hell are you doing?’ he shouted, his English strongly accented. ‘You have no right to be in here!’

He was much taller than her, and Sapphire shrank back as he stared down at her angrily.

‘I’m really sorry,’ she stammered. ‘I didn’t realise—’

He didn’t give her time to finish. He gestured at the door. ‘Get out.’

Cheeks burning with humiliation, Sapphire started to walk out. Then a wave of anger suddenly swept through her. ‘There’s no need to be so rude,’ she said swinging round. ‘I said I was sorry. It was a mistake to come—’

Her words fell away as she realised he was right behind her. They collided and, as she fell against his chest, Sapphire felt the lean, hard muscle underneath and caught the waft of fresh aftershave.

‘Oh!’

She stumbled back as the dark-haired boy almost shoved her away from him. He looked at her, his pale face disdainful.

‘You kind of girls spend your whole life being rude, what can you expect in return?’

‘What?’ exclaimed Sapphire. ‘What are you talking about? You don’t even know me!’

His eyes flashed. ‘Nor do I wish to.’ With that, he shut the door in Sapphire’s face.

It was late morning before Sapphire found Madison and Simonetta sunbathing beside the pool. Each was in the smallest of bikinis, showcasing their perfect bodies. Simonetta was wearing huge gold hoop earrings, a selection of gold chains draped round her neck. The Italians sure go big on accessorising, Sapphire thought. Simonetta made even lying by the pool into a major fashion shoot. Sapphire dumped her bag and sat on the nearest sunlounger.

‘Hi, guys.’

Madison lifted up her Gucci sunglasses and inspected Sapphire as though she was some kind of insect.

‘Oh, it’s you.’

Simonetta didn’t move a muscle, as if she couldn’t even be bothered to say hello. Sapphire decided to persevere. After all, she was stuck with these two for the time being.

‘What have you two been up to?’

‘This,’ said Madison, lying back on her lounger. After a few seconds, though, her head lifted back up again. ‘Where’s your bedroom anyway? Simonetta and I were wondering where they’d put you. The servants quarters, maybe…’

Sapphire gestured at her balcony. ‘Actually, I’m up there.’

Madison sat up. ‘There? You’ve got your own balcony?’

Sapphire nodded. ‘Where are you two then?’

Madison looked at Simonetta, who had inclined her head slightly. Her jewellery glowed expensively in the sunlight. ‘We’re at the back of the house,’ she said, sounding annoyed.

‘Ah, no balcony?’ Sapphire asked, trying to stop herself smiling. She could imagine the dirty look she was getting from behind Madison’s mirrored sunglasses.

Madison opened her mouth to say something, but just then Tito appeared with a tray of glasses and iced water. He set it down on a table between Simonetta and Madison’s sunbeds.

‘I thought you might like some refreshment, signorinas.’

‘Grazie, Tito,’ Sapphire replied.

He looked pleased and clapped his hands. ‘I see you learn the lingo already. Have you had the chance to have a look round?’

Sapphire nodded. ‘It’s really lovely.’

‘It’s really lovely,’ Madison mimicked in a stupid English accent. She turned on her side with her back to them. Simonetta was completely motionless again, as if she had fallen asleep.

Tito’s eyes twinkled at Sapphire.

‘And from your observations, Sapphire,’ he asked, ‘what sort of man do you think Signor Masters is?’

Sapphire hesitated. ‘Well, he’s obviously into his art and music. Mr Masters clearly likes to be surrounded by beautiful things. But…’ She stopped, not wanting to seem rude.

‘Go on,’ Tito said, smiling.

‘Oh, I don’t know. It really is a beautiful place, but there’s just something a bit…’ Sapphire wrinkled her forehead, trying to think of the right words. ‘Empty about it, do you know what I mean? Like, it’s not very homely. I’m not slagging it off,’ she added hastily.

Tito laughed. ‘I am sure you’re not! Casa Eleganza is a little like, how do you say it, a blank canvas?’

‘Yeah,’ agreed Sapphire. ‘Normally you can get a feeling for someone from their house, but I don’t feel I know anything about Brad Masters.’

Tito’s eyes twinkled again. ‘Maybe Signor Masters likes it that way.’

Sapphire hesitated, thinking of the boy she’d bumped into earlier – the one who’d been so horrible to her. ‘Tito, I ran into this guy earlier. Black hair and green eyes, what’s his—’

‘Heavens, boy! Are you bothering these girls, Tito?’ Maggie walked alongside the pool towards them, wearing what looked like a dark-green version of the navy dress she had been wearing yesterday. ‘Haven’t you got any jobs to do?’ she said to Tito, though her tone wasn’t cross. Tito bowed and, giving Sapphire a cheeky smile, waltzed off.

‘He’s a good lad, Tito, but Lord can he talk the hind legs off a donkey,’ Maggie chuckled. She stood over the girls, hands on sturdy hips. ‘How are you all doing today?’ she asked.

Madison sat up, ignoring the question. ‘Are the other guests here yet? When’s Brad flying in?’

‘Hold your horses, young woman,’ Maggie told her. ‘I actually came to tell you that Mr Masters will be arriving by helicopter later on today. He’d like you to join him on the terrace at seven o’clock.’

‘Seven o’clock?’ said Madison. ‘You seriously expect me to be ready by then? It’s, like, the evening already.’

‘It’s not even lunchtime yet,’ said Sapphire. ‘You’ve got plenty of time.’

‘Maybe you do,’ said Madison, getting up from the sun lounger. ‘Some of us like to look good.’

Lying on her sunbed, Simonetta’s lips twitched into a smile. ‘And some of us look good naturally,’ she said airily.

Madison stared at her. ‘Bitch,’ she said, eventually. ‘You do not know who you’re messing with.’

‘I’m sorry, did I offend you?’ asked Simonetta. ‘I was just making an observation.’

Maggie stepped between the two girls. ‘Madison, why don’t you go up to your room. I’ll help you get ready if you like.’ She ushered Madison towards the house. Before she left, she turned to Sapphire and smiled. ‘Brad does not know what he’s getting himself into,’ she said.

No, thought Sapphire. I’m sure he doesn’t.

But do we?

Chapter seven

The tension in the air was palpable. Madison sighed. ‘Where is he? We’ve been waiting for years.’

Sapphire checked her watch. It was quarter past seven.

‘He’s probably on the phone or something,’ she said. The three of them were on the terrace, waiting for the grand arrival of Brad Masters. They had all heard a helicopter whirring overhead a moment ago and now it sat on the helipad, like a giant insect resting. A man had got out and walked into the house through another door, ignoring them.

Madison sighed. ‘I needn’t have rushed after all. Do you know I had to do my hair in two hours tonight?’

She certainly looked the part in a shocking pink Versace dress and sparkly Dolce and Gabanna stilettos. Simonetta, who was standing in the shadows looking out to sea, was the epitome of Italian sexiness in a backless black dress, her sheet of dark hair cascading down her back. Sapphire, by contrast, had plumped for a smock dress over leggings and flat sandals. She wished she’d bought another pair of heels; she felt like a dwarf next to Simonetta and Madison.

Simonetta turned back towards the other two. ‘Something’s going on,’ she announced dramatically. ‘Something weird.’

Madison frowned. ‘What do you mean?’

‘Think about it,’ Simonetta said loftily. ‘We are here for a party, but where are the other guests? It has just been us three since we got here.’

‘You’re right, you know,’ Sapphire said. She had been thinking the same thing herself.

Madison’s eyes widened. ‘But why would he invite just the three of us, all the way out here?’ Her eyes flickered over Sapphire. ‘After all, I can’t imagine what we’ve got in common.’

A man’s deep voice spoke behind them. ‘Ah, an inquiring mind. That’s what I like to see, young lady.’

They all spun round to see Brad Masters standing on the terrace. Even in the fading light, Sapphire could see he had an aura. He was tall – at least six foot two – with hair that had once been black, but was now greying around the temples. He was dressed in an expensive, lightweight grey suit (Armani, Simonetta noticed) with an open-necked black shirt underneath. He looked tanned, confident and simply oozing with power and money.

Brad Masters stepped forward and took Madison’s hand. ‘Madison, isn’t it? Delighted to meet you.’

‘And I’m delighted to meet you, Mr Masters,’ she gushed, eyes darting furiously to check him out. The Patek Philippe watch on his wrist must have cost a hundred grand!

He smiled easily. ‘Call me Brad.’

Simonetta wasted no time getting in next. ‘Simonetta Mastrangelo,’ she announced, giving Brad her hand. To her disappointment he didn’t kiss it.

‘Good evening, Simonetta,’ Brad replied. ‘I’ve seen your face before. You’re a model, aren’t you?’

Simonetta shot a smug look at Madison. Brad turned to Sapphire, who was standing at the back.

‘Last but not least, you must be Sapphire. Hello.’

‘Hello there,’ said Sapphire, blushing. Brad Masters was standing right there, in front of her! He shook her hand formally and his grip was strong and warm. Brad stepped back and surveyed the three of them.

‘I trust you’re enjoying your stay.’

‘Oh, we’re having a ball,’ Madison breathed, determined to strike up conversation first. ‘You have a really beautiful home. Of course, I’ve stayed in places as big as this before, but none quite so amazing. Your décor is really something,’ she added.

Brad smiled at her, as if he were slightly amused by something. ‘Thank you, Madison. I like it.’

‘How was your trip, Brad? Did you make any good deals?’ Simonetta asked, casually putting one hand on her hip to show off the outline of her body. She knew that when it came to powerful men, the way to impress them was by talking business.

Brad looked a bit taken aback. ‘It was a trip worth making, thank you, Simonetta.’

She smiled, doing that half-closed thing with her eyes she knew made men go wild.

Brad looked at Sapphire instead. ‘Have you had the chance to explore?’

‘Yes, it’s really beautiful, thank you. I’m just wondering, though…why did you invite me here?’

Brad ignored the question. ‘Do you play tennis?’

‘A bit,’ said Sapphire, blushing because he was singling her out. ‘I haven’t played much since school, though.’

‘We must find time to have a game,’ he told her. ‘Anyway, enough of my small talk, you must be starving. Please, follow me.’

Pushing Sapphire out of the way, Madison went after him, closely followed by Simonetta. All the way down the marble corridor, Brad made easy conversation with the girls, pointing out the famous photographs and paintings adorning his walls.

‘I’m particularly pleased with that – it’s an original Andy Warhol,’ Brad said as they passed a painting of brightly coloured flower prints.

Madison nodded sagely. ‘The name’s familiar. Was he on American Idol?’

Brad’s face stayed neutral, but Sapphire couldn’t help raising her eyebrows. She couldn’t believe Madison didn’t know one of the most famous artists of the last hundred years!

A few yards on, Brad stopped at the door of the dining-room. ‘By the way,’ he said casually, ‘I invited someone else to join us for dinner.’

He pushed the door open. ‘Girls, meet Cam Tyler.’

Madison screamed.

Chapter eight

Cam Tyler rose from his seat and smiled. Madison realised she was hyperventilating and tried to calm down. She couldn’t believe he was standing there in the flesh.

Cam was a twenty-year-old American R&B star who was the singing sensation of the moment. His debut single – originally released on his own MySpace page – had shot to the top of the charts on both sides of the Atlantic and he was tipped to be the next Usher, Ne-Yo and Justin Timberlake rolled into one. No wonder the music industry was going crazy for him, and every label was desperate to sign him.

But as usual, it seemed Brad Masters had got in there first.

‘Hi,’ Madison said breathily. ‘I’m Madison Vanderbilt.’

‘Cam,’ he said easily and stepped forward to take her hand. Madison held it a little longer than necessary before letting go. She stepped back to take a better look at the singer. She knew he was hot, but in the flesh he was even better. Cam Tyler was ripped. Six feet of pure muscle, with biceps nestling under his Rocawear T-shirt; Madison just wanted to reach out and squeeze. If the body was something, the face was even better – tanned, square-jawed and with chocolate-brown eyes that gave a Labrador puppy a run for its money. Today Cam’s short, thick black hair had been styled upwards into a cool quiff.

Madison smiled seductively, running her tongue over her lips. She was satisfied to see Cam smile back.

Brad stepped in to carry on the introductions. ‘Cam, this is Simonetta Mastrangelo.’

‘Buongiorno,’ Simonetta drawled. She’d got over her initial surprise of meeting Cam Tyler and was now back to her aloof, studied self. The boy was too young for her; Simonetta normally only dated men in their late twenties or thirties. But there was no denying he was cute. She gave him a casual once-over.

Cam raised his eyebrow interestedly. ‘Hey, Simonetta.’

‘And this is Sapphire Stevens, our English contingent,’ Brad said, gesturing to Sapphire.

Cam looked at her, as if he hadn’t really noticed she was there before. ‘Hey, Sapphire. Great name.’

‘Hi there,’ she mumbled, noticing a diamond stud glinting in his ear. Cam Tyler was the best-looking boy she had ever laid eyes on. She could feel herself going red under his penetrating gaze. Cam smiled, as if well-aware of the effect he was having on her.

A gong sounded somewhere in the house. Brad smiled.

‘Dinner is served.’

Two hours later, the four were still sitting at Brad’s dinner table, having seen off a delicious seafood dinner. Despite her claims that she wasn’t hungry and ‘couldn’t eat a thing’, Madison had polished off two plates of mussels and a piece of the exquisite dark chocolate tart that had been brought out for dessert. Now they were having coffee while Brad explained why Cam was there.

‘Cam’s working on his debut album for BMM and we both decided he’d be better off out here, without any distractions.’

‘LA’s kind of crazy,’ Cam said. ‘I needed some space to write, so when Brad invited me to stay in his guesthouse, I jumped at the chance.’

Brad looked across at Sapphire. ‘You should ask young Sapphire for help if you get stuck. I hear she’s quite a talent when it comes to writing lyrics.’

Cam looked at Sapphire. ‘Really? That’s cool.’ He sounded like he was being polite rather than interested.

Sapphire blushed again. ‘I’ve written a few things,’ she mumbled.

Madison decided the conversation had gone on long enough without her. She leaned across the table, giving Cam the full benefit of her cleavage.

‘Do you work out, Cam?’

Sapphire and Simonetta exchanged incredulous glances, but Madison was totally serious. ‘I bet you go to Benny’s Gym in Hollywood. It’s where all the hot people hang out, right?’

Cam smiled. ‘I’ve been there a few times, yeah.’

Brad coughed. ‘I’ve got some calls to make. Cam, can I leave you to look after our house guests?’

Cam smiled, showing off perfect white teeth. ‘Sure thing, Brad.’

Brad stood up. ‘Girls, if you’ll excuse me. I’ve taken the liberty of organising a boat trip tomorrow, so can you meet me on the jetty at nine o’clock sharp?’

Madison and Sapphire looked at each other and nodded excitedly. Brad was getting up to leave when Simonetta spoke. ‘Signor Masters, when is the party?’ She smiled seductively. ‘I’d like to look my best.’

Sapphire and Madison looked at each other again. In the heat of the moment, they had forgotten about the party.

Brad smiled smoothly. ‘My mistake, I should have let you know. It’s tomorrow evening, so you’ll have lots of time to prepare after the boat trip.’

‘Is it being held here?’ Simonetta persisted. She had seen no sign of caterers, florists, or any of the usual activity you’d expect to be involved with Brad Masters’ fiftieth birthday party.

‘Yes, it’s being held here. Now, I really must make those calls.’ Brad smiled at the table. ‘Goodnight, everyone. Sleep well and I’ll see you in the morning.’

The door closed behind him and all four looked at each other. A wicked look crossed Cam’s face. ‘You guys like to swim?’

‘I haven’t got my costume,’ said a slightly panicky Sapphire five minutes later. They were standing by the side of the infinity pool, the starry sky above like a velvet blanket studded with diamonds.

‘Don’t be so lame, Sapphire. Who needs a bikini?’ said Madison. Sapphire watched open-mouthed as the American girl peeled off her dress and stepped out of it, to reveal lacy knickers and a bra. Cam’s eyes gleamed in appreciation as they swept over her lithe body.

‘Last one in’s a total loser,’ she said, then dived elegantly into the pool.

Sapphire watched as Cam peeled off his T-shirt and her tummy did a funny little flip. It was like he’d just walked off an Abercrombie and Fitch billboard. His body was a work of art: broad, defined shoulders and a six-pack that tapered into a small waist. Sapphire couldn’t help staring at Cam’s flat, muscled stomach, where a fine line of hair from his belly button disappeared into the top of his shorts. Cam caught her looking and she blushed bright red. He raised an amused eyebrow.

‘Coming in?’

Sapphire shook her head quickly. ‘I don’t think so.’

‘OK.’ Cam turned and, with a whoop, launched himself into the pool.

‘Cam, you just soaked me!’ Madison screamed.

‘Well, we are in a swimming pool, Madison,’ he pointed out. ‘It’s kind of inevitable.’

Sapphire came and sat down, dangling her legs in the water. It was wonderfully cool and she wiggled her feet.

‘You’re making it very easy for me to pull you in,’ Cam told her, a wicked glint in his eyes. Suddenly he looked past Sapphire and his mouth dropped open. Sapphire turned and saw Simonetta shimmying along the side of the pool towards them. Her long limbs moved with the grace of a cat; her black hair gleamed in the moonlight. Sapphire’s eyes widened as she saw that, save for a tiny G-string, Simonetta was practically naked. Embarrassed by the sudden amount of flesh on show, Sapphire averted her eyes as she walked past.

‘How easy it is to make you blush, little creature,’ Simonetta murmured. Pausing to stretch and yawn, showing off her full, firm boobs, Simonetta climbed down the steps into the pool. She ducked her head under the water, coming up like some kind of beautiful sea nymph. Flashing a smile at Cam, she started to do a graceful breaststroke to the other end of the pool. After a moment, he followed.

Madison swam over to Sapphire.

‘What a slut!’

Sapphire remained silent, as Simonetta and Cam swam into a corner and started talking.

‘Talk about desperate. Guys hate girls throwing themselves at them,’ Madison sniffed. Suddenly, she pulled her bra down to expose a pair of perky boobs.

Sapphire half-laughed in shock. ‘What are you doing?’

‘Mine are better than hers, aren’t they?’ Madison demanded.

‘Er…’ Sapphire said, trying not to look at Madison’s dusky pink nipples. To her relief, Madison pulled her bra up again and glanced jealously down the pool. Simonetta and Cam’s heads were close together, barely a foot between them. The air had suddenly taken on a charged feeling that made Sapphire feel uncomfortable, out of her depth.

‘I think I’ll go to bed,’ she said.

‘Don’t leave me,’ Madison implored.

‘Really, I can’t keep my eyes open,’ Sapphire lied.

Madison shot another jealous look at Cam and Simonetta. ‘Whatever, this is a suck-fest anyway.’ Muttering under her breath she climbed out and stalked off.

‘So,’ Cam said with a lazy smile. ‘You go skinny-dipping often?’ His eyes strayed again to Simonetta’s breasts, just out of reach beneath the water. Simonetta dipped her hair back in the pool again, coming up with it sleek and sexy against her head.

‘This is not skinny-dipping, I am still wearing clothes.’

Cam raised an amused eyebrow. ‘You Italians have a funny dress sense.’

She smiled seductively. ‘And you Americans are far too uptight.’

Cam laughed, but his eyes had taken on a hungry, intense look. ‘You’re a very beautiful girl, Simonetta.’

‘I know.’

‘And very confident.’

Simonetta noticed his breathing had got more husky and shallow. She arched her back again and ran her hands through her hair. Cam bit his bottom lip and moved towards her.

‘Simonetta…’

Simonetta smiled. He was wriggling on the hook like a fish.

‘I have to go,’ she suddenly announced.

Cam looked stunned. ‘What?’

She gave him an amused, haughty look. ‘A model needs her beauty sleep.’ She pushed off and glided gracefully back across the pool.

Cam stopped her. ‘Wait! You’re leaving just like that?’

Simonetta turned and saw the lost expression on his face. Men – they were all the same! So easy to manipulate, so easy to tease. And now she’d proved that a world-famous R&B star was no different. It reinforced once again Simonetta’s knowledge that she was irresistible to any man.

Now that she knew she could have Cam, she had instantly lost interest. ‘Ciao, darling,’ she breathed.

‘There’s a name for girls like you,’ Cam said, but he sounded more disappointed than angry. He knew he’d just been played by Simonetta. He watched her lithe form emerge dripping from the water, this time her hands covering her assets.

Simonetta turned and dropped him a slow, seductive wink. ‘There’s only one name for me. It’s Simonetta.’ One day, she thought to herself, you’ll see it everywhere. ‘And now, I’m going to bed.’ Grabbing her clothes, she slid off into the darkness.

‘Jesus!’ Cam exclaimed, then dived under the water. He needed a cooling off.

Chapter nine

There had been no sign of the other two at breakfast. As Sapphire made her way down to the beach afterwards, she wondered briefly what had gone on last night after she left. An image of Cam’s torso, muscled and glistening with water, suddenly popped into her head, making Sapphire’s stomach lurch. Had he been with Simonetta last night? Or even both? Sapphire couldn’t help feeling a bit gutted; she’d gone to bed last night thinking about his sexy body and dark eyes.

Any thoughts of Cam were temporarily suspended when she saw the huge, gleaming-white yacht moored at the end of the jetty, the name Spirito Libero emblazoned across the side. As she approached, Brad was standing on the beach talking on his mobile. Sapphire waited until he was finished and then stepped forward hesitantly.

‘Happy birthday.’ She gave him the flower she’d plucked from the veranda outside her bedroom.

Brad looked surprised. ‘What’s this?’

Sapphire blushed. ‘It’s your birthday, isn’t it? I mean, the party’s tonight. I’m afraid I didn’t get you a card or anything, but I thought you might like the flower instead.’ She coughed, embarrassed. ‘I mean, even though it’s your flower anyway…’ She sighed. ‘Sorry, it was better in my head.’

Brad smiled back. ‘I’m really touched, thank you. My birthday was actually last week,’ he added. ‘But this was the only available space in my schedule.’

‘Oh,’ said Sapphire, blushing.

You are such an idiot, she told herself. Why can’t you just keep your mouth shut?

Behind them, they heard a loud shriek. Madison had got one ridiculously high heel stuck in the sand and had fallen over. Staff rushed from nowhere to help her. Brad and Sapphire looked at each other and started laughing.

‘I’ve got a feeling this is a birthday celebration I won’t forget,’ he said.

Simonetta lay still, enjoying the warm sun on her face. They had been on board for a few hours now, and already her dark skin was turning the colour of mahogany. She thought of how she’d left Cam last night and smiled to herself. Not many girls would turn down Cam Tyler – she could already see the cow eyes Madison and Sapphire were making at him. Silly little girls! Simonetta had much more important things on her mind. She wanted a way into Brad Masters’ inner circle and there was no way she was going to wreck her chances with a stupid holiday romance.

Her thoughts drifted to her mamma. What would she be doing now? Probably preparing yet another meal for her brothers and sisters in the narrow kitchen of their poky little house. Simonetta couldn’t understand why none of her siblings, who were all younger than her, had expressed any desire to leave their boring village in search of fame and fortune. Of course, none of them were as blessed as her looks-wise, but still. Her sister Vera had a big sweet habit and even bigger thighs, but you’d have thought she could get a job as a secretary or something.

Simonetta thought more about her mother. Mamma would have a heart attack if she could see her daughter now, perched atop a luxury yacht in a thong bikini. She had been ignoring her mother’s calls since she got to Capri, but she could imagine what the voice-mails would be.

‘Why are you such a bad girl, Simonetta? Why do you do this to me?’

Her mother had always been harder on her than her brothers and sisters and Simonetta had never known why. Still, it didn’t bother her now. She was free to do whatever she wanted.

‘Simonetta.’ Sapphire was standing over her, smiling. ‘Lunch is ready.’

Simonetta watched the English girl walk away. Such an odd creature! She was quite pretty, but she had clearly never heard of couture. And those eyebrows! If she weren’t such a lost cause, Simonetta would sit her down and give her the wisdom of her beauty tips. She was embarrassed to be seen out in public with her.

And yet Sapphire had a secret pass to Brad Masters’ world, just like her and that bimbo Madison. Something linked all three of them and Simonetta couldn’t for the life of her work out what it was.

‘Is this how you spend your time off, Brad?’ Sapphire asked, forking a mouthful of spaghetti alla carbonara. Although she had initially been intimidated, Brad was surprisingly easy to be around and Sapphire was feeling more relaxed by the minute.

Brad smiled ruefully. ‘Days like this are few and far between unfortunately. My work seems to have a habit of taking precedence.’

‘Yeah, but you don’t have to work, do you?’ asked Madison. ‘I wouldn’t if I had all this.’

‘I do it because I enjoy it,’ he said, smiling. ‘Music is my passion. I’d work even if I wasn’t getting paid.’

Madison looked puzzled at this revelation. ‘Oh.’

‘What about you, Sapphire?’ Brad said, turning to her. ‘You work in a music shop, don’t you? It must be pretty interesting.’

‘Yeah, Jerry, the guy who owns it, is really nice. He helps me out a lot with my own music.’ Sapphire went red as both Simonetta and Madison looked at her contemptuously.

‘I’m looking forward to hearing some of your stuff,’ said Brad. ‘Your mum said it had kind of an Amy Winehouse-vibe.’

Sapphire’s heart skipped a beat. ‘Er…I’m all right with lyrics, it’s just the melodies.’

Brad smiled understandingly. ‘That old chestnut, eh? It’ll come.’

‘Do you really think so?’ she asked eagerly.

He shrugged. ‘Sure. Anything’s possible if you work hard enough. I started out in life with an overnight bag and a couple of quid to my name.’ It was well known that Brad had arrived in London from a sleepy town in Devon and worked his way up to the big time.

‘Quid?’ asked Madison, looking puzzled.

He chuckled. ‘Quid, dosh, wonger, however you want to say it.’

‘Brad means money,’ Sapphire said, smiling at Madison.

Madison returned the smile, happy they were back on familiar ground. ‘Money makes the world go round, right?’

Brad studied her. ‘Do you really think that?’

‘Uh? Yeah!’

Brad said nothing as he stared out to sea.

Sapphire smoothed down her dress, checking herself for the umpteenth time in the mirror. The short, strapless number from Miss Selfridge was a bit daring for her, but her mum had encouraged her to buy it on one of their rare shopping trips. ‘You’ve got such a lovely figure, darling!’ Leonie had told her. ‘You should show it off more.’

Showing it off is what I am doing tonight, Sapphire thought. She had to admit the dress looked pretty good, and even better with the black heels her mother had insisted on buying her as well. Shaking her blow-dried hair over her shoulders, Sapphire applied a coat of lip-gloss, took a deep breath and walked out.

The house was strangely silent for a party and Sapphire had heard no guests arriving. Maybe they’re all being brought in on Brad’s yacht, she thought. As she reached the staircase, she saw Maggie standing at the bottom. On catching sight of Sapphire, the friendly housekeeper let out a happy gasp.

‘Don’t you look like a princess! Come down here so I can have a proper look at you.’

Careful not to trip up, Sapphire slowly made her way down the stairs.

Maggie’s eyes lit up in approval. ‘Such a darling dress. Don’t you think so, Raphael?’

Sapphire jumped. She hadn’t realised the rude boy from yesterday was standing in the hallway. His green eyes seemed to burn into her as he gave her a contemptuous look.

‘I will see you later, Maggie.’

‘Don’t mind him,’ Maggie said as Raphael stalked off. ‘That’s just Raphael’s way.’

Well, I don’t like his way, Sapphire thought. It’s rude. ‘Why is he here, Maggie? He doesn’t seem to fit in.’

Maggie chuckled. ‘Brad found him on the street in Rome, busking. He’s a music student, a rare talent, Brad says. They got talking and when Brad found out Raphael was busking to pay his way through college, he invited him to be his chauffeur for the summer instead. Brad likes nurturing young protégés.’

‘I don’t think Raphael likes me very much,’ Sapphire ventured.

Maggie smiled. ‘Don’t take it personally. Raphael’s…complicated. He doesn’t find it easy to relate to people.’

‘Right,’ said Sapphire. Like that explained anything. Maybe he just didn’t like brunettes or something. She asked a question that had been troubling her instead.

‘Maggie, where are all the other guests?’

The housekeeper smiled knowingly. ‘All good things come to those who wait.’

The three girls were waiting expectantly in the drawing-room. Madison had already surveyed Sapphire’s outfit with distaste. Now she looked Simonetta’s black silk jumpsuit up and down.

‘You say it’s Gucci? Looks fake to me.’

Simonetta made a ‘pff’ sound, giving Madison the once-over back. ‘I didn’t realise it was prom night.’

Madison looked down at her baby-blue sequinned mini-dress. ‘Er, hello? This is Dolce and Gabanna.’

‘They must have been having an off day,’ Simonetta sniffed.

It was a minute past seven when Brad walked in. ‘Girls, you look fabulous. Shall we?’ He gestured towards the door. In curious silence they followed him out of the house and down the garden path towards the beach. Hundreds of candles lit their way and at the end of them, Sapphire could see a gazebo ablaze with fairy lights and more candles. In the gathering gloom it looked magical. Brad led them inside, to where an ice bucket containing a bottle of champagne stood in one corner, along with four glasses.

‘When’s everyone else arriving?’ Madison asked, her eyes scanning the sweeping gardens.

Brad smiled. ‘Everyone’s here.’

‘But…’ Madison looked in confusion at Brad and then at Sapphire and Simonetta. ‘I don’t understand.’

There was a long silence before Brad spoke again. ‘Girls, I’m going to cut to the chase. I’ve brought you here under false pretences.’

Sapphire’s heart began to quicken. The atmosphere could be cut with a knife as the three girls listened to what he had to say.

‘It is my fiftieth birthday party,’ Brad said. ‘That much is true. But the reason I only invited the three of you is…’ He stopped, seemingly stuck for words. ‘That is to say…The reason you’re here is because I thought it would be a good chance to meet my…’

He looked at them all, face serious.

‘A good chance to meet my daughters.’

Chapter ten

There was a stunned silence.

‘O. M. Fricking G!’ Madison crowed. ‘I always knew that loser Frank was way too un-cool to be my dad!’

Sapphire was barely aware of Madison’s shrieks. Her heart was pounding, blood rushing through her ears as she tried to take it in. Brad Masters, her father? He couldn’t be! Her father was Bill! She thought of the cherished photo up in her bedroom. Suddenly the image of Bill’s face in her mind seemed blurred, as if her whole world was slowly sliding away from her.

‘You’re not my dad!’ she cried, aware of the tears pouring down her cheeks.

Brad took a step towards her, his face pained. ‘Sapphire…’

‘Don’t touch me!’ she yelled and turned to run out of the gazebo. She pelted up the garden path, kicking her heels off halfway, stones and grass scratching her feet. As she rounded the corner, she ran into something warm and solid.

‘Whoa there!’ said Cam. He grabbed hold of both of her arms and then saw her tear-stained face. ‘Hey, are you all right?’

Sapphire wriggled out of his strong grip and ran. When she got through the front door, she whirled up the stairs to her bedroom. The photo was sitting there on the bedside table – Sapphire picked it up and clutched it to her chest.

‘You’re not my dad!’ she shouted out towards the open window. Curling up in a ball on the bed, she started sobbing.

A few minutes later she became aware of another person in the room. Maggie was standing there, her pleasant, wrinkled face full of concern. ‘Oh, duckie,’ she said. ‘Mr Masters asked me to come and see if you were OK.’

The kindly tone of her voice set Sapphire off again. ‘He’s not my dad, he can’t be!’ she sobbed. ‘Bill is my dad. He rode a motorbike and he used to tell me bedtime stories. He loved my mother and me very much and he died when I was ten…’

Maggie came and sat down on the bed and put a warm hand on her shoulder. ‘No one is going to take Bill away from you,’ she said. ‘Mr Masters knows he hasn’t been a part of your lives, but he would like to start now, if you’ll let him. You know, as far as fathers go, you could do worse than him. He’s a good man.’

‘This is my dad,’ Sapphire said, showing her the photo of Bill. ‘My mum met him at a music festival.’

Maggie smiled sadly. ‘Oh darlin’.’ She hesitated. ‘Maybe you should call your mam and talk to her about it.’

Sapphire nodded. Leonie would tell her it wasn’t true.

‘I’ll bring you a nice hot cup of tea,’ Maggie said. Giving her another pat on the shoulder, she left. Sapphire got her mobile and switched it on. As she scrolled down to ‘home’ and it started ringing, her hands were shaking so much she almost dropped it.

Leonie answered after ten rings, sounding a bit out of breath. ‘Hello?’

‘It’s me.’

‘Hello, darling! I was just putting some things away.’ Her tone sounded anxious. ‘How are you getting on?’

‘Is Brad Masters my dad?’ Sapphire asked, voice trembling. Her mother was going to tell her it was all a sick joke, she knew it.

There was a short silence.

‘So he’s told you then.’ Her mum’s voice was tight with worry and expectation.

‘He’s told me, but that doesn’t mean it’s true, Mum!’ she shouted. ‘Tell me it’s not true. Bill’s my dad!’

Leonie’s voice wavered. ‘Oh, Sapphire, I wish you didn’t have to hear it like this, but I thought it was the best way. Please believe me, darling, Brad and I talked about it…’

Shock rippled through Sapphire. ‘You’ve known all along?’

‘Yes, but Sapphire, we weren’t going behind your back or anything. I just thought you could get to know your father a bit first…’

My father? Her mother had actually said the word. Sapphire knew Leonie was telling the truth.

‘Leave me alone,’ she cried and threw the phone across the room.

In all the fuss with Sapphire, no one noticed that Simonetta had slipped away quietly. When Brad had told them he was their father she had received the news with typical haughtiness, but her mind had been whirling. Brad Masters, her father? But how? Her mother had never left the village in her life! Simonetta knew what she had to do. Walking along the beach until she found a spot with good reception, she dialled her family home. Her sister Vera picked up.

‘It’s me. Can you get Mamma?’

Her sister let out a dramatic shriek. ‘So you’re alive! Mamma has been out of her mind, how could you do this to her?’

‘Just go and get her!’ Simonetta snapped. She didn’t have time for this. She could hear Vera’s lumbering footsteps and a few moments later her mother snatched up the phone.

‘Simonetta! Why haven’t you returned any of my calls?’

Simonetta ignored her. ‘Is Brad Masters my father, Mamma?’ she asked calmly.

A scandalised gasp. ‘How can you say such a thing?’

‘Just tell me, Mamma! I know you’re lying.’

Her mother fell silent. ‘Let me take the telephone outside,’ she said eventually. ‘It is more private there.’

Simonetta listened to her mother make her way through the kitchen to the back yard. She could picture the place – the broken kitchen cupboard Papa was too lazy to fix, the never-ending line of washing blowing outside in the breeze.

‘Now we can talk more comfortably,’ her mother said. Her voice had lost some of its drama and she seemed calmer, almost resigned. ‘What is it you want to ask me again?’ she said, as if she’d forgotten.

Simonetta cast her eyes upwards. ‘For Mary’s sake, Mamma. Is Brad Masters my father?’

She could hear her mother breathing down the line. Finally she spoke. ‘I know what you think of me, Simonetta – that I am a boring old woman who has never lived. But I, too, have a past and secrets.’ She paused. ‘You must never breathe a word of this to anyone, not even to Papa. The shame would kill him.’

‘So that’s what I am – an embarrassing secret?’ Simonetta demanded.

Her mother sighed. ‘That’s not what I meant.’ She took a long, deep breath. ‘When I was young, just after I had become engaged to Papa, I had the offer of a summer job in Rome, as a waitress. Papa and my father were adamant I wasn’t to go – it was not the thing for a young girl to do, especially back then. But I was determined. Determined to get out of the little village where I had grown up, where everyone knew my business. Against their wishes I went, but with a strict promise to be back at the end of the summer.’

Simonetta listened, spellbound.

‘I was working in this expensive restaurant, where I met Brad Masters. He was a customer and he used to talk to me. I liked him because he was very handsome and seemed to care about me. One thing led to another and we started dating. Of course, I was torn with guilt over Papa, but there was something about Brad that I found irresistible.’

‘What happened next, Mamma?’

Her mother sighed. ‘At the end of the summer I knew I had to go back. Papa was waiting and Brad was starting to make a big success of himself. So I came back home and a few weeks later I found out I was pregnant. I was able to get away with it because Papa and I were, you know, together.’ Her mother gave a short, bitter laugh. ‘See what a good Catholic girl I turned out to be!’

Simonetta ignored her. ‘How did Brad find out?’

‘Because I rang and told him, the day after you were born. I wasn’t sure up until then, but the moment I saw you I knew. You looked just like him. Brad was shocked, but insisted he’d pay to help bring you up. I told him no, we had Papa to look after us. I said I wanted to tell him as a matter of principle, but it was probably best if we never spoke again.’

‘So how did he find me?’

Her mother made a weary sound. ‘I do not know, maybe the surname from when you started modelling. Brad knew I was engaged to a Mastrangelo. Maybe he saw you and realised it was not a coincidence. Brad Masters has ways of finding out things, Simonetta.’

Simonetta sat down heavily on the sand. It was hard to take it all in.

Her mother’s voice was softer now. ‘So tell me, Simonetta, do you hate me more than ever? I know I’ve always been tough on you. I just didn’t want you to go the same way as me.’

Simonetta smiled in the darkness. ‘No, Mamma, in a funny way it’s made me understand you better.’

She ended the call and stared out to sea. She’d always known that there was something special about her, something that made her different from the rest of her family. And now she knew what it was.

Brad Masters was her father. And that meant a one-way ticket to riches and luxury.

Chapter eleven

The three girls stood in the drawing-room, waiting. Madison tried her phone again for the umpteenth time.

‘Why doesn’t my stupid mom turn her phone on? She’s only gone into hospital for chin lipo.’

Sapphire looked at her, not quite believing Madison was so shallow. Not quite believing she was Sapphire’s half-sister. The thought seemed to hit them all at once.

Madison and Simonetta looked at each other. ‘I suppose you and I got our height from him,’ Madison said. ‘Unlike the runt over there.’

Simonetta took Sapphire’s chin in her hand roughly, making her wince. ‘Oi!’

‘Hmm, I suppose you could say we have the same eyes,’ Simonetta said, scrutinising Sapphire’s face. ‘Not that you can tell under those eyebrows.’ She dropped Sapphire’s chin abruptly.

Just then the door opened and Brad came in. He looked at them, taking in Sapphire’s puffy red eyes. ‘I haven’t handled this very well. Sapphire, I’m sorry to have upset you.’

She stared at the floor, refusing to meet his gaze.

Brad sighed. ‘Girls, I didn’t just bring you here to make that revelation. There’s another reason. A very important reason.’

Despite herself, Sapphire looked up. What could he mean?

Brad walked over to one of the windows and stared out. ‘I’m a very rich man, but I’ve worked hard to get where I am. And working hard meant sacrifices.’ He sighed. ‘No time to pursue love or have a family.’ He swivelled round to face them. ‘I’ve decided that I want more out of life. I want to slow down.’ He smiled. ‘I want to start having some fun for a change.’

A silence fell over the room. All that could be heard was the distant crash of the waves. Brad walked back, hands on hips, meaning business. ‘I’ve got money. Lots and lots of money. It’s more than I could ever spend and is enough to let me lead an extremely comfortable life. But now I have to think about what happens to all that money…once I’m no longer here. I want to pass it down to someone, an heir, to hopefully invest and spend wisely. I want to give it…to one of you.’

Sapphire’s mouth fell open.

‘Like, how much are we talking about here?’ asked Madison, in an awed whisper.

‘That remains confidential until I have chosen one of you. Suffice to say it is well into the millions.’ Brad paused. ‘Hundreds of millions.’

Madison looked like she was about to faint. ‘Hundreds of millions of dollars?’

‘Wait…’ said Sapphire. ‘You said one of us. You want us to compete for it?’ She was starting to feel more annoyed by the second. Who did this bloke think he was, coming in here and playing God?

‘Not exactly,’ said Brad. ‘But I do want to make sure it’s in safe hands. That’s why I invited you all here, to get to know you better. So yes, I’m afraid that I can only choose one heir.’

‘What if one of us doesn’t want your stupid money?’ Sapphire said. ‘I’m perfectly happy with my life, thank you.’

‘Are you, like, totally insane?’ Madison asked incredulously.

Brad looked at Sapphire evenly. ‘So you’d pass up the chance to have unimaginable wealth and all the opportunities that come with that?’

Somehow Sapphire couldn’t find the words to say no.

Brad nodded, satisfied. ‘I’m giving one of you the most incredible opportunity, but you have to work for it. I would like you to spend a few weeks with me, so I can decide which of my three daughters deserves the money most.’

‘A few weeks!’ Sapphire cried. ‘But I’ve got a job!’

Brad smiled. ‘Ah, yes, Jerry. I believe one of my people has spoken to him and he’s more than happy to give you some time off.’

Sapphire’s shoulders slumped. Not Jerry as well! It was one huge, great conspiracy against her.

Brad noticed her expression and smiled. ‘Come on, Sapphire, a few weeks with all this’ – he waved his hand round the luxurious room – ‘can’t be too bad, can it? And we still haven’t had the chance to talk about your music.’

He had her and he knew it. ‘OK,’ she said stiffly. ‘But if I want to go home, I’m going.’

‘That’s a deal,’ Brad said, ‘and I’m a man of my word. One more thing, I would like this to remain amongst the four of us until my rightful heir is announced.’

Madison looked pained. She was, like, dying to tell her friends she was Brad Masters’ daughter!

‘Madison?’ Brad said sternly.

‘Fine, whatever,’ she muttered.

‘Good!’ Brad said, smiling. ‘I think we should celebrate – we still have a bottle of champagne waiting for us in the garden.’

Five minutes later they were back in the gazebo, ready to toast each other. Just then, Brad’s mobile rang. He took it out of his pocket and pulled a face.

‘Excuse me, I won’t be a minute.’

The girls looked at each other. To Sapphire, it was more like opponents facing up for a battle than sisters bonding.

‘Here’s to us, dear sisters. May the best woman win,’ Simonetta said jeeringly.

Unwillingly, Sapphire held her glass up to clink with the others.

Madison took a swig, then smiled sweetly at Sapphire and Simonetta. ‘This is mine, bitches.’

Chapter twelve

Madison retired to bed that evening in a euphoric state. The news that the man she’d thought was her dad wasn’t her dad hadn’t affected her at all. She hardly saw Frank anyway, he lived in Washington, which was, like, the other side of the world, and he never had much to say to her anyway. And he had nostril hair. And neck spots…Just ewww.

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