Page 201 of King’s Ransom

But Yasmina wanted to hear everything from me.

I was about to start telling it all when Georgy emerged from the main house.

‘Are you finished, cousin?’ Yasmina asked.

‘It’s all done,’ Georgy said. ‘Aristo’s attorneys were a little confused, but they have agreed to all the amendments to the pre-nup. $500 million and this house, and—I added this—all taxes covered.’

‘Good lawyering, Georgy,’ I said.

‘Thank you, Dr Sam. I am good lawyer. Oh! And did you see my new car out front?’

‘The Audi?’ I said.

‘Yes! Yasmina buy it for me. I like my little old Toyota, but it get damaged in car chase and this one, well, it is Audi, and is much nicer and more comfortable.’

‘You earned it, Georgy,’ I said, smiling.

Then Yasmina again insisted I tell her everything, down to the smallest detail, and I did.

When I was done, she said, ‘Goodness. All I can say is thank you. Thank you so much. In fact, that is partly the reason I wanted to invite you all here today. To express my gratitude.’

She nodded to the maid, who brought in three wrapped gifts.

Yasmina handed the first one to Heidi.

It was a small box, beautifully wrapped.

‘Heidi,’ she said. ‘You are young, like I once was. And so beautiful. I am informed that you enjoy the odd party.’

Heidi nodded. ‘Sure do.’

‘Please, open it.’

Heidi did so.

In the small box was a key.

‘That is key to this guesthouse,’ Yasmina said. ‘It is yours to use whenever you desire, in summer or winter or at any other time. It will not be occupied by anyone but you. The Hamptons can be very popular in the summertime, and you should have nice place to stay and party with your friends whenever you want.’

Heidi was gobsmacked.

You couldn’t have given her a better gift.

Yasmina handed the next wrapped object to Audrey: another small box.

‘As for Agent Audrey,’ she said. ‘You are a very lucky woman, because you have the heart of the brave Dr Speedman. I do not know if I can give you anything better than that. I am also told by Georgy that it is tricky for FBI agents to accept gifts. But if a gift is deemed to be “of sentimental value”, it is apparently okay. Please, open it.’

Audrey unfolded the wrapping paper.

To reveal a massive diamond ring sitting in a box.

Audrey inhaled sharply at the sight of it.

‘It is my old engagement ring,’ Yasmina said. ‘From Aristo. It is very valuable in dollars, but it means nothing to my heart anymore. Yet, still, it is a symbol of love. Maybe when Dr Sam makes honest woman out of you, you can wear it till he buys you another one. Then sell it and buy a house with the money.’

Audrey was momentarily speechless.

‘Um, I mean, gosh, thanks.’