you off at your home. I'm sorry." I wave my han

get me married. She knows how Machiavellian

ding photos look like crap when the bride is black and blue. The other people in my

notes reflecting my mood. Unlike most Paris people of my age and ci

ould have all the privacy I wanted. Charles didn't move out after g

y residence. He always does what's expected of him and doesn't understand why I do

happened to him, the entire conglomerate would

of Paris called Chez, which is famous all over the world I wonder how mu

reasons I never quite understood. And if he does, do I get to move back

not using family money. The primary res

of friends in Paris I might be able to stay with, then shake my

with Golden Gate or its subsidiaries. Friendsh

ntrance to my condo complex, Mr. Clifford opens

y," he says pleasantly, but I catch a hint of wistfulness. M

ment for him. He drives away. I watch the black Mercedes van

ere. We don't get taxis driving by either, because every resident here has a

. currency which is pathetic. A loud engine roar catches my attention. I l

an overly white grin. Excessive tooth bleaching. His pale, strawlike hair is spiked wi

His teeth gleam like a row of tiny se

eople like this away, but I'm on my own now. Should I b

iolet Georges Hobeika is more than nice. And Chanel heels

his car's almost as nic

's Lamborghinis. Or try to pick up girls who are way out of their league. You should

s face turns blotchy. "Wh

the security team created a set of extensive reports on

t I looked this idiot up when he repeatedly tried to hi

oice drips with feigned pity. "Does your girlfriend

cheater." I turn and walk away,

here are guards all over the place, one of t

evator to the top floor. As the car moves upward, I tap the s

eadquarters, but Charles could have some quicke

e Charles wanting to take over my shoe collectio

uldn't mind one bit if I had to find an em

ix-digit combination into the lock panel on the d