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‘Pleased to meet you,’ Stephanie grinned, as Lucas said, ‘Likewise.’

It might have been Camille’s imagination, but she thought she saw a ripple of interest between the two and was gratified. She liked Stephanie, and felt she’d be a much better match for her son than that stroppy gold-digger Elle.

Then Camille’s face hardened as Paulo came swaggering out from the back, making a beeline for Catherine and Michael. He stopped as he saw Stephanie, making a show of kissing her hand as his gaze drifted over her with obvious interest.

‘And who’s this? I don’t think we’ve been introduced,’ he smiled charmingly.

‘I’m Stephanie. It’s good to meet you.’

‘The pleasure is all mine, Stephanie, believe me,’ he purred. ‘I’m Paulo Torres, co-owner of Il Paradiso.’

‘Oh, I didn’t realize …’ Stephanie faltered, glancing at Lucas.

‘He just does the cooking, but I’m the genius behind it all,’ Paulo grinned, as Camille’s lips tightened into a moue.

‘Now, Paulo, haven’t you got something you should be doing, apart from bothering my guests? It sounds as though this place will collapse without you if you take your eye off the ball for two minutes.’

Her comment wiped the smile from Paulo’s face, and he was about to respond when the door opened and another couple walked in.

‘Lucas,’ the man said, stepping forward to shake his hand. ‘Great to see you again. You’re looking extremely well. And thank you so much for fitting us in. I’ve been telling my wife all about your restaurant. The place looks fantastic.’

‘I’m delighted to have you here. Actually, it’s fortunate that you’ve arrived now, there’s someone I’d like to introduce you to. Maman …’ Lucas called, and Camille turned from where she’d been chatting to Catherine. ‘Maman, this is Stuart MacFarlane, one of the doctors involved in my surgery, after the accident. I don’t think you ever met him.’

‘Oh,’ Camille exclaimed. ‘Monsieur MacFarlane, enchantée. You simply must join us for dinner, I insist. I’m so grateful for everything you’ve done for my son. You don’t mind, do you?’ she asked, turning to her other guests.

‘The more the merrier,’ Catherine laughed.

‘Well,’ Paulo beamed. ‘Isn’t this a happy reunion, Camille? You’ll be able to spend the evening reminiscing about the accident.’

Lucas frowned, and Camille could tell he was wondering what on earth had got into his friend. She was about to reply when Lucas intervened, expertly smoothing over any awkwardness.

‘It’s wonderful to see you again, Señor MacFarlane. I’ll get a waitress to set two extra places, and your table is right over here,’ he said, leading them to a discreet corner of the restaurant. ‘Now, I’d better get back to the kitchen or there’ll be nothing for you to eat. Have a wonderful evening, everyone, and don’t hesitate to let my staff know if there’s anything they can do for you.’ With a final glance at Stephanie, he was gone.

‘Bon appétit, Camille,’ Paulo added with a tight smile, as he turned to follow Lucas.

The restaurant was buzzing, the drinks were flowing, and everyone was having a wonderful time. Il Paradiso was at capacity, but it was cleverly arranged so that it never felt overcrowded, yet the atmosphere was bustling with conversation and laughter. The food was excellent, as the guests finished their main courses of salted cod with black rice, and fricandó, a traditional slow-cooked beef stew with tender meat and locally sourced mushrooms marinated in dry sherry. Camille beamed with pride as everyone effusively praised the chef.

Stuart was seated beside her, and was enjoying talking to the elegant Frenchwoman as they discussed their respective businesses. She’d led a fascinating life, and the conversation flowed easily.

‘My wife is a huge fan of your bags,’ Stuart told her. ‘I must have spent a small fortune on them over the years.’

‘Then it’s the least I can do to buy you dinner,’ Camille laughed good-naturedly.

Across the table, Isobel was trying to listen to their conversation, but could only make out the occasional word over the hubbub. She could read their body language, though. Stuart was clearly trying to impress the famous designer, whilst Camille appeared laidback and relaxed. Isobel couldn’t tell if she was genuinely interested in talking to Stuart, or whether she was merely being polite.

‘Where’s it from?’

Isobel turned, realizing that the young woman beside her was trying to speak to her. She looked vaguely familiar, though she must have been better known than Isobel realized if she was friends with Michael Douglas and Catherine Zeta-Jones. Isobel was wild with excitement at the fact she was having dinner with them – she couldn’t wait to tell all the girls back in the boutique – but so far she’d barely managed to speak to them.

‘Sorry, what did you say?’ Isobel turned back to Stephanie with a smile.

‘I said, I love your dress, where’s it from?’

‘I designed it,’ Isobel said proudly.

‘Oh wow, it’s gorgeous! Everyone here is so talented.’

Isobel smiled tightly, taking a slug of her wine.