ALSOBYKEVINKWAN

CrazyRichAsians

This book is a work of fiction. Names, characters, businesses,organizations, places, events, and incidents either are the product ofthe author’s imagination or areused fictitiously.Any resemblance toactual persons, living or dead, events, or locales is entirelycoincidental.

Copyright©2015byKevinKwan

All rights reserved. Published in the United States by Doubleday, adivisionofPenguinRandomHouseLLC,NewYork,andinCanadabyRandomHouseofCanada,adivisionofPenguinRandomHouseLtd.,Toronto.

www.doubleday.com

DOUBLEDAYandtheportrayalofananchorwithadolphinareregisteredtrademarksofPenguinRandomHouse,LLC.

CoverdesignandillustrationbyJoanWong

LIBRARYOFCONGRESSCATALOGING-IN-PUBLICATIONDATA

Kwan,Kevin.

Chinarichgirlfriend:anovel/KevinKwan.—Firstedition.

pages;cm

ISBN978-0-385-53908-1(hardcover)

ISBN978-0-385-53909-8(eBook)

1. Fiancées—Fiction. 2. Rich people—China—Shanghai—Fiction. 3.Socialites—Singapore—Fiction.I.Title.

PS3611.W36C482015

813′.6—dc23

2015003996

eBookISBN 9780385539098

v4.1

a

Contents

Cover

AlsobyKevinKwan

TitlePage

Copyright

Dedication

Epigraph

Prologue:BeijingCapitalInternationalAirport

PartOne

1:TheMandarin

2:Cupertino,California

3:ScottsRoad

4:RidoutRoad

5:TyersallPark

6:MortonStreet

7:BelmontRoad

8:DiamondBallroom,Ritz-CarltonHotel

9:TheLockeClub

10:Arcadia

11:FourSeasonsBiltmore

12:Arcadia

PartTwo

1:Ko-TungConsultingGroupSocialImpactAssessment

2:RachelandNick

3:Astrid

4:TheBaos

5:Charlie

6:CarltonandColette

7:NickandRachel

8:Colette

9:MichaelandAstrid

10:TheBings

11:CorinnaandKitty

12:Astrid

13:SavetheSeamstressFashionShow

14:Trenta

15:28ClunyParkRoad

16:Paris

17:TheMandarinOriental

18:TheShangri-La

PartThree

1:ShekO

2:ChangiAirport

3:JinxianLu

4:RiversideVictoryTowers

5:PulauClub

6:ImperialTreasureRestaurant

7:TheWestLake

8:NationalLibraryofChina

9:RidoutRoad

10:QueenMaryHospital

11:BukitBrownCemetery

12:MarVista

13:TriumphTowers

14:CentralPoliceStation

15:RidoutRoad

16:188TaiyuanRoad

17:NewspapersAroundtheWorld

Acknowledgments

ANoteAbouttheAuthor

Formybrothersandmycousins

LONDON,8SEPTEMBER2012,9:00A.M.GMT

AredFerrari458ItaliacrashedthroughthewindowoftheJimmyChooshoeboutiqueonSloaneStreetsometimebetween4:00a.m.and4:30a.m.lastnight.Noonewitnessedtheaccident.MetropolitanPolicereportedthattwopassengersweretakentoStMary’sPaddington,wheretheyarebeingtreatedforseriousbutnoncriticalinjuries.Thevehicleowner’snamewasnotreleasedpendingfurtherinvestigation.

—SARAHLYRE,TheLondonChronicle

PROLOGUE

BEIJINGCAPITALINTERNATIONALAIRPORT

SEPTEMBER9,2012,7:45P.M.

“Wait a minute—I’m in first class. Take me to first class,” EdisonChengsaidcontemptuouslytotheflightattendantescortinghimtohisseat.

“This is first class,Mr.Cheng,” theman in the crispnavyuniforminformedhim.

“Butwherearethecabins?”Eddieasked,stillconfused.

“Mr.Cheng,I’mafraidBritishAirwaysdoesnothaveprivatecabinsinfirstclass.*1But ifyou’dallowmetoshowyousomeof thespecialfeaturesofyourseat—”

“No,no,that’sfine.”Eddietossedhisostrichleatherbriefcaseontotheseatlikeapetulantschoolboy.Fuckyfuck—thesacrificesIhavetomake for the bank today! Edison Cheng, the pampered “Prince ofPrivate Bankers”—famous in Hong Kong society pages for his bonvivant lifestyle, his dapper wardrobe, his elegant wife (Fiona), hisphotogenicchildren,andhissuperb lineage(hismother isAlexandraYoung, of the Singapore Youngs)—was unaccustomed to suchinconveniences. Five hours ago he had been interrupted during aluncheon at the Hong Kong Club, rushed aboard the company jetboundforBeijing,andthenhustledontothisflighttoLondon.Ithadbeen years since he had suffered the indignity of flying commercial,butMrs.Baowasonthisgodforsakenplane,andMrs.Baoneededtobeaccommodated.

Butwhere exactlywas the lady?Eddie expected to findher seatednearby, but the chief purser informed him that there was no suchpersonbythatnameinthecabin.

“No,no,she’ssupposedtobehere.Canyouchecktheflightmanifestorsomething?”Eddiedemanded.

Minuteslater,Eddiefoundhimselfbeingledtorow37,seatEoftheaircraft—economy class—where a petite woman in a white vicuñaturtleneck and gray flannel slacks sat sandwiched between twopassengers.

“Mrs.Bao?BaoShaoyen?”EddieinquiredinMandarin.

Thewomanlookedupandsmiledwanly.“AreyouMr.Cheng?”

“Yes.Soglad tomeetyou,but I’msorrywehad tomeet like this.”Eddiesmiledinrelief.HehadspentthepasteightyearsmanagingtheBao family’soffshoreaccounts,but theywere sucha secretive lot,hehadnevermetanyofthemuntiltoday.Eventhoughshelookedrathertired at the moment, Bao Shaoyen was much prettier than he hadimagined.With alabaster skin, large eyes that slanted upward at theedges,andhighcheekbonesaccentuatedbythewaysheworeherjet-black hair—pulled into a tight, low ponytail—she did not look oldenoughtohaveasoningradschool.

“Why are you seated here?Was there somemix-up?”Eddie askedurgently.

“No,Ialwaysflyeconomyclass,”Mrs.Baoreplied.

Eddie couldn’t hide his look of surprise.Mrs. Bao’s husband, BaoGaoliang,wasoneofBeijing’stoppoliticians,andwhat’smore,hehadinherited one of China’s biggest pharmaceutical firms. The Baosweren’t just one of his regular clients; they were his ultra-high-net-worthclients.

“Only my son flies first class,” Bao Shaoyen explained, catchingEddie’slook.“CarltoncaneatallthefancyWesternfoodand,beingastudentundersomuchpressure,heneedsalltheresthecanget.Butforme, it’snotworth it. Idon’t touchairplane food,and I canneversleepontheselongflightsanyway.”

Eddiehad to resist theurge to roll his eyes.TypicalMainlanders!They lavished every penny on their Little Emperor and suffered insilence.Well,lookwherethatgotthem.Twenty-three-year-oldCarltonBao was supposed to be at Cambridge finishing his master’sdissertation,buthadinsteadspentthepreviouseveningdoinghisbestPrinceHarry impersonation—runningupa£38,000bar tabathalfadozenLondonnightspots,wreckinghisbrand-newFerrari,destroyingpublic property, and almost getting himself killed. And that wasn’teventheworstofit.TheworstofitEddiehadbeenexplicitlyinstructed

nottorevealtoBaoShaoyen.

Eddiefacedaconundrum.HeurgentlyneededtogoovertheplanswithMrs.Bao,buthewouldsoonerendureacolonoscopythanspendthe next eleven hours slumming it in coach. God in heaven, what ifsomeonerecognizedhim?ApictureofEdisonChengcrammedintoaneconomy-class seat would go viral within seconds. Yet Eddiegrudgingly realized that it would be unseemly for one of his bank’smost important clients to remain here in steerage while he was upfront, stretched out on a flatbed recliner, sipping twenty-year-oldcognac.Heeyedthespiky-hairedyouthslouchingdangerouslyclosetoMrs.Baoononeside,andtheelderlywomanclippinghernailsintotheairsicknessbagonherotherside,asolutionspringingtomind.

Lowering his voice, Eddie said, “Mrs. Bao, I would of course behappy to join you in this cabin, but as there are some highlyconfidential matters we need to discuss, would you allow me toarrangeaseatforyouupfront?I’mcertainthebankwouldinsistthatIupgrade you to first class—atour expense, of course—andwewill beabletotalkmuchmoreprivatelythere.”

“Well, I suppose—if the bank insists,” Bao Shaoyen replied a littlehesitantly.

After takeoff, when aperitifs had been served and they were bothcomfortably ensconced in the sumptuous, pod-like seats facing eachother,Eddiewastednotimeupdatinghisclient.

“Mrs.Bao,IwasincontactwithLondonjustbeforeboarding.Yoursonhasbeenstabilized.Thesurgerytorepairhispuncturedspleenwascompletelysuccessful,andnowtheorthopedicteamcantakeover.”

“Ohthankallthegods.”BaoShaoyensighed,easingbackinherseatforthefirsttime.

“We’ve already lined up the top reconstructive plastic surgeon inLondon—Dr. Peter Ashley—and he will be in the operating roomalongsidetheorthopedicteamattendingtoyourson.”

“Mypoorboy,”BaoShaoyensaid,hereyesgettingmoist.

“Yoursonwasverylucky.”

“AndtheBritishgirl?”

“The girl is still in surgery.But I’m sure shewill pull through just

fine,”Eddiesaid,puttingonhispeppiestsmile.

•••

Barelythirtyminutesearlier,EddiehadbeenonanotherplaneparkedinaprivatehangaratBeijingCapital InternationalAirport, taking inthegrimdetailsduringahastilyarrangedcrisis-managementmeetingwithMr.Tin,thegray-hairedheadofsecurityfortheBaofamily,andNigel Tomlinson, his bank’s Asia chief. The two men had climbedaboard theLearjet as soonas it landed,huddlingoverNigel’s laptopwhile an associate in London gave the latest update via secure-feedvideoconference.

“Carlton is out of surgery now.Hewas quite a bit banged up, butbeing in the driver’s seatwith his airbag and everything, he actuallysufferedtheleastinjuries.ButwiththeEnglishgirl,it’stouchandgo—she’sstillinacoma,andthey’verelievedtheswellinginthebrain,butthat’salltheycandofornow.”

“Andtheothergirl?”Mr.Tinasked,squintingatthesmallpixilatedpop-upwindow.

“We’retoldshediedonimpact.”

Nigelsighed.“AndshewasChinese?”

“Webelieveso,sir.”

Eddieshookhishead.“Whatafucky,fuckymess.Weneedtotrackdown the next of kin immediately, before they are contacted by theauthorities.”

“HowdoyouevenfitthreepeopleintoaFerrari?”Nigelasked.

Mr. Tin twirled his phone nervously on the lacquered walnutconsole. “Carlton Bao’s father is on a state visit to Canada with thepremier of China, and nothingmust interrupt him.My orders fromMrs.Baoarethatnohintofanyscandalmusteverreachhisears.Hemustneverknowaboutthedeadgirl.Doyouunderstand?Thereistoomuch at stake—given his political position—and it is an especiallysensitive time with the big once-in-a-decade changeover in partyleadershiphappeningrightnow.”

“Ofcourse,ofcourse,”Nigelassuredhim.“Wewillsaythatthewhitegirlwashisgirlfriend.Asfarasthefatherisconcerned,therewasonlyonegirlinthecar.”

“WhydoesMr.Baoevenneed toknowabout thewhitegirl?Don’tworry,Mr.Tin.Ihavehandledmuchworsedealingwithsomeofthosesheikhs’children,”Eddieboasted.

Nigel shot Eddie a warning glare. The bank prided itself on theutmost discretion, and here was his associate blabbing away aboutotherclients.

“We have a tactical response team in place in London that I ampersonally directing, and I can assure you we will do everything tocontainthis,”Nigelsaid,beforeturningtoEddie.“HowmuchdoyouthinkitwilltaketokeepFleetStreetquiet?”

Eddieinhaleddeeply,tryingtodosomequickcalculations.“It’snotjust the press. The policemen, the ambulance drivers, the hospitalstaff,thefamilies.There’sgoingtobeanassloadofpeopletoshutup.Iwouldsuggesttenmillionpoundsforstarters.”

“Well, theminute you land in London, you need to takeMrs. Baostraighttotheoffice.Weneedhertosignoffonthewithdrawalbeforeyoutakehertothehospitaltoseeherson.I’mjustwonderingwhatweshould say if Mr. Bao asks us why we needed so much,” Nigelpondered.

“Justsaythegirlneededsomeneworgans,”Mr.Tinsuggested.

“We can also say we needed to pay the boutique,” Eddie added.“ThoseJimmyChoosarebloodypricey,youknow.”

2HYDEPARK

LONDON,SEPTEMBER10,2012

EleanorYoungsippedonhermorningtea,craftingherlittlewhitelie.ShewasholidayinginLondonwiththreeofherclosestfriends—LorenaLim,NadineShaw, andDaisyFoo—andafter twodays of beingwiththe ladies nonstop, she desperately needed a few hours on her own.The tripwas amuch-needed distraction for all of them—Lorenawasrecovering from a Botox allergy scare, Daisy had gotten into yetanother fight with her daughter-in-law over the choice ofkindergartens for her grandchildren, and Eleanor herself wasdepressedthatherson,Nicky,hadnotspokentoherformorethantwoyears. And Nadine—well, Nadine was appalled by the state of herdaughter’sbrand-newapartment.

“Alamaaaaaaak! Fifty million dollars and I can’t even flush the

toilet!”Nadinescreechedassheenteredthebreakfastroom.

“What do you expect, when everything is so bloody high-tech?”Lorenalaughed.“Didthetoiletatleasthelpyousuaykah-cherng?”*2

“No, lah! Iwaved andwaved at all the stupid sensors but nothinghappened!” Feeling defeated, Nadine plopped down into anultramodernchairthatappearedtobeconstructedoutofatangledpileofredvelvetropes.

“I don’t want to criticize, but I think this apartment of yourdaughter’s is not only hideously modern, it’s hideously overpriced,”Daisycommentedbetweenbitesoftoasttoppedwithporkfloss.

“Aiyah,she’spayingforthenameandthe location,nothingmore,”Eleanor sniffed. “Personally, I would have chosen a unit with a niceviewofHydePark,ratherthantheviewfacingHarveyNichols.”

“YouknowmyFrancesca, lah!Shecouldcarelessaboutthepark—shewantstofallasleepstaringatherfavoritedepartmentstore!ThankGodshefinallymarriedsomeonewhocanpayheroverdraft.”Nadinesighed.

Theladieskeptquiet.Thingshadn’tbeeneasyforNadineeversinceherfather-in-law,SirRonaldShaw,wokeupfromasix-yearcomaandturned off the money spigot on his family’s free spending. Herprofligate daughter, Francesca (once voted one of the Fifty BestDressedWomenbySingaporeTattle), didnot respondwell to beingput on a clothing budget, and decided that her best solution was toembarkonabrazenaffairwithRoderickLiang(of theLiangFinanceGroup Liangs), who had only just married Lauren Lee. Singapore’ssocialsetwasscandalized,andLauren’sgrandmother,theformidableMrs.LeeYongChien,retaliatedbymakingsureeveryold-guardfamilyinSoutheastAsiashuttheirdoorsfirmlyontheShawsandtheLiangs.In the end, a severely chastenedRoderick chose to crawlback tohiswiferatherthanrunoffwithFrancesca.

Finding herself a social pariah, Francesca fled to England andquicklylandedonherfeetbymarrying“someIranianJewwithhalfabillion dollars.”*3 Since moving into 2 Hyde Park, the obscenelyexpensiveluxurycondominiumbackedbytheQatariroyalfamily,shewas finally on speaking termswith hermother again.Naturally, thisgavetheladiesanexcusetovisitthenewlyweds,butofcoursetheyjustwanted to check out the much-publicized apartment and, more

important,haveafreeplacetostay.*4

As the women discussed the day’s shopping agenda, Eleanorlaunched into her white lie. “I can’t go shopping this morning—I’mmeeting those boooring Shangs for breakfast. I need to see them atleastoncewhileIamhere,orelsetheywillbeterriblyinsulted.”

“Youshouldn’thavetoldthemyouwerecoming,”Daisychided.

“Alamak, you know that Cassandra Shang will find out sooner orlater! It’s like she has some special radar, and if she knew I was inEnglandanddidn’tpaymyrespectstoherparents,Iwouldneverheartheendofit.Whattodo,lah?ThisisthecurseofbeingmarriedtotheYoungs,”Eleanorsaid,pretendingtobemoanhersituation.Inreality,eventhoughshehadbeenmarriedtoPhilipYoungformorethanthreedecades,hiscousins—“theImperialShangs,”astheywereknowntoall—hadneverextendedheranycourtesies.IfPhiliphadcomewithher,theywould surely have been invited to the Shangs’ palatial estate inSurrey, or at the very least to dinner in town, butwheneverEleanorcametoEnglandonherown,theShangsremainedassilentastombs.

Ofcourse,Eleanorhad longsincegivenuptryingto fit inwithherhusband’s snobbish, insularclan,but lyingabout theShangswas theonly way to stop her girlfriends from prying too much. If she wasseeing anyone else, her kay poh*5 friends might surely want to tagalong, but the mere mention of the Shangs intimidated them fromaskingtoomanyquestions.

Whiletheladiesdecidedtospendthemorningsamplingallthefreegourmetdelicacies atHarrods’ famedFoodHalls,Eleanor,discreetlydressedinachiccamel-coloredAkrispantsuit,racinggreenMaxMaraswing coat, and her signature gold-rimmed Cutler and Grosssunglasses,*6 left the swanky building on Knightsbridge and walkedtwoblockseasttotheBerkeleyhotel,whereasilverJaguarXJLparkedinfrontofarowofperfectlyroundtopiariesawaitedher.Stillparanoidthat her friends might have followed her, Eleanor glanced aroundquicklybeforegettingintothesedanandbeingwhiskedoff.

AtConnaughtStreetinMayfair,Eleanoremergedinfrontofasmartrowof townhouses.Nothing about the red-and-white-brickGeorgianfaçade or the glossy black door hinted at what awaited beyond. Shepressed the intercom button, and a voice responded almostimmediately:“MayIhelpyou?”

“It’sEleanorYoung.Ihaveateno’clockappointment,”shesaidinanaccent that was suddenly much more British. Even before she hadfinished speaking, several bolts clicked open, and an intimidatinglythicksetman in a pinstripe suit opened the door. Eleanor entered abright, stark antechamber, where an attractive young woman satbehindacobaltblueMaisonJansendesk.Thewomansmiledsweetlyandsaid,“Goodmorning,Mrs.Young.Itwon’tbeaminute—we’rejustcallingup.”

Eleanornodded.Sheknewtheprocedurewell.Theentirebackwalloftheantechamberconsistedofsteel-framedglassdoorsleadingintoaprivate garden courtyard, and she could already see a baldman in ablack suit crossing the garden toward her. The pinstripe-suiteddoorman ushered her toward the bald man, saying simply, “Mrs.Young for Mr. D’Abo.” Eleanor noticed that both of them sportedbarelyvisibleearpieces.Thebald fellowescortedheralong theglass-canopied walkway that bisected the courtyard, past some neatlytrimmed shrubbery, and into the adjoining building, this one anultramodernbunkercladinblacktitaniumandtintedglass.

“Mrs.YoungforMr.D’Abo,”themanrepeatedintohisearpiece,andanothersetofsecuritylocksclickedopensmoothly.Afterashortridein the elevator, Eleanor felt a sense of relief for the first time thatmorning as she at last stepped into the richly appointed receptionroom of the Liechtenburg Group, one of the world’s most exclusiveprivatebanks.

Like many high-net-worth Asians, Eleanor maintained accountswithmanydifferent financial institutions.Her parents,whohad lostmuch of their first fortune when they were forced into the Endauconcentration camp during the Japanese occupation of Singapore inWorldWarII,hadinstilledintheirchildrenakeymantra:Neverputallofyoureggsinonebasket.Eleanorrememberedthelessonoverthenextfewdecadesassheamassedherownfortune.Itdidn’tmatterthatherhometownofSingaporehadbecomeoneoftheworld’smostsecurefinancial hubs; Eleanor—like many of her friends—still kept moneydistributedamongvariousbanksaroundtheglobe,insafehavensthatwouldprefertoremainunnamed.

The Liechtenburg Group account, however, was the jewel in hercrown. They managed the biggest chunk of her assets, and PeterD’Abo,herprivatebanker,consistentlyprovidedherwiththehighest

rateofreturn.Atleastonceayear,EleanorwouldfindsomeexcusetocometoLondon,wheresherelishedherportfolioreviewswithPeter.(It did not hurt that he resembled her favorite actor, RichardChamberlain—around the time he was in The Thorn Birds—and onmany an occasion Eleanor would sit across Peter’s highly polishedmacassar ebony desk and imagine him in a priest’s collar while heexplainedwhatingeniousnewschemehehadputhermoneyin.)

Eleanorcheckedher lipstickone last time inthetinymirrorofherJimThompsonsilklipstickcaseasshewaitedinthereceptionlounge.She admired the huge glass vase filled with purple calla lilies, theirbright green stems twisted into a tight spiral formation, and thoughtabouthowmanyBritishpoundstowithdrawfromheraccountonthistrip.TheSingaporedollarwason aweakening trend thisweek, so itwouldbebetter to spendmore inpounds at themoment.Daisyhadpaidforlunchyesterday,andLorenacovereddinner,soitwasherturntotreattoday.Thethreeofthemhadmadeapacttotaketurnspayingfor everything on this trip, knowing how tight things were for poorNadine.

The silver-edged double doors began to open, andEleanor rose inanticipation. Instead of Peter D’Abo, however, a Chinese lady camewalkingout,accompaniedbyEddieCheng.

“Mygoodness,AuntieElle!Whatareyoudoinghere?”Eddieblurtedoutbeforehecouldstophimself.

Eleanorknewof course thatherhusband’snephewworked for theLiechtenburgGroup,butEddiewasheadoftheHongKongoffice,andneverwould she imagine running intohimhere.Shehad specificallyopenedheraccountattheLondonofficesothatshewouldnever runtheriskofbumpingintoanyoneshemightknow.Turningscarletintheface, she stammered, “Oh…oh, hi. I’m just meeting a friend forbreakfast.”AiyohaiyohaiyohI’vebeencaught!

“Ah,yes,breakfast,”Eddiereplied,realizingtheawkwardnessofthesituation.Wellofcoursethecraftybitchwouldhaveanaccountwithus.

“I got here two days ago. I’m here with Nadine Shaw—you know,visiting Francesca.”Now the whole damn family will know I havemoneystashedawayinEngland.

“Ah yes, Francesca Shaw. Didn’t I hear she married some Arab?”

Eddie asked politely.AhMa is alwaysworriedUncle Philip doesn’thaveenoughtoliveon.WaittillshehearsTHIS!

“He’sanIranianJew,veryhandsome.Theyjustmovedintoaflatat2HydePark,”Eleanorreplied.Thankgoodnesshecanneverknowmysixteen-digitaccountnumber.

“Wah—hemustdoverywell,”Eddiesaidinmockawe.MyGod,I’mgoingtohavetogrillPeterD’Aboaboutheraccount,notthathe’lltellmeanything—thatstuffedshirt.

“I would imagine he does very well—he’s a banker just like you,”Eleanor retorted. She noticed that theChinesewoman looked ratheranxious to leaveandwonderedwhoshemightbe.ForaMainlander,shewasdressedinanelegant,understatedmanner.Mustbeoneofhisbigwig clients. Of course, Eddie was doing the proper thing by notintroducingher.WhatwerethebothofthemdoinginLondon?

“Well,Ihopeyouenjoyyourbreakfast,”Eddiesaidwithasmirkashetookoffwiththelady.

•••

Laterthatday,afterEddiehadtakenBaoShaoyentotheintensivecareunitofSt.Mary’sPaddingtontoseeCarlton,hebroughthertodinnerat Mandarin Kitchen on Queensway, thinking the lobster noodles*7

might cheer her up, but apparentlywomen lost their appetiteswhentheycouldn’tstopcrying.Shaoyenhadbeenutterlyunpreparedforthesightofherson.Hisheadhadswollentothesizeofawatermelon,andtherewere tubes sticking out everywhere—fromhis nose, hismouth,hisneck.Bothofhislegswerebroken,thereweresecond-degreeburnsonhisarms,andthepartthatremainedunbandagedlookedasifithadbeencompletelysmashedin,likeaplasticbottlethathadbeensteppedon. She wanted to stay with him, but the doctors wouldn’t let her.Visitinghourswereover.Noone toldher it hadbeen this bad.Whydidn’t someone tell her? Why didn’t Mr. Tin? And where was herhusband?Shewasfuriouswithhim.Shewasmadthatshehadtofacethisallalone,whilehewasoffcuttingribbonsandshakinghandswithCanadians.

Eddie squirmed awkwardly in his seat as Shaoyen sobbeduncontrollably in front of him. Why couldn’t she just get a grip?Carltonhadsurvived!Afewroundsofplasticsurgeryandhewouldbeas good as new. Maybe even better. With Peter Ashley, the

Michelangelo of Harley Street working his magic, her son wouldprobably turn out looking like the Chinese Ryan Gosling. BeforearrivinginLondon,EddieassumedthathecouldcleanupthismessinadayortwoandstillhavetimetogetfittedforanewspringsuitatJoeMorgan’sandmaybeacouplenewpairsofCleverleys.Butbigcrackswerebeginningtoshowinthedam.SomeonehadtippedofftheAsianpress,andtheyweresniffingaroundfuriously.Heneededtomeetwithhis insidemanatScotlandYard.Heneeded toget tohisFleetStreetcontacts.Thingswereindangerofburstingwideopen,andhedidnothavetimeforhystericalmothers.

Justwhenthingscouldn’tgetanyworse,Eddiesawafamiliarflashoutofthecornerofhiseye.ItwasdamnAuntieElleagain,enteringtherestaurantwithMrs.Q.T.Foo,thatwomanwhat’shernamefromtheL’OrientJewelryfamily,andthattackyNadineShaw.Fuckyfuck,whymust all the Chinese visiting London dine at the same threerestaurants?*8 Just what he needed—Asia’s biggest gossip queenswitnessing Bao Shaoyen having a meltdown. But wait—maybe thiswasn’tnecessarilyabad thing.After thismorningat thebank,EddieknewhehadEleanorbyherproverbial balls.He couldgether todoalmost anything. And right now, he needed someone he could reallytrusttohandleBaoShaoyenwhilehehandledthecleanup.Iftheladywas seen having a marvelous dinner in London with Asia’s leadingsocialites,itcouldactuallyworktoheradvantageandgettheravenousreportersofftheirtrail.

Eddiegotupandstruttedover to the round table in themiddleofthediningroom.Eleanorwasthefirsttoseehimapproaching,andherjawtightenedinannoyance.OfcourseEddieChengwouldcomehere.The idiotbetternotsayanythingaboutseeingmethismorningorIwillsueLiechtenburgGrouptillkingdomcome!

“AuntieElle,isthatyou?”

“Ohmygoodness,Eddie!WhatareyoudoinginLondon?”Eleanorgasped,givingalookofuttersurprise.

Eddiegrinnedbroadly,leaningovertogiveherapeckonthecheek.MyGod, somebodyhandher theOscarnow. “I’mhere onbusiness.Whatalovelysurprisetoseeyouhere,ofallplaces!”

Eleanor breathed a sigh of relief. Thank God he’s playing along.“Ladies, you all know my nephew from Hong Kong? His mother is

Philip’s sister,Alix,andhis father is theworld-famousheart surgeonMalcolmCheng.”

“Ofcourse,ofcourse.Suchasmallworld, lah!”thewomenchirpedexcitedly.

“Howisyourdearmother thesedays?”Nadineaskedeagerly,eventhoughshehadneverinherlifemetAlexandraCheng.

“Very well, very well. Mum is in Bangkok at the moment visitingAuntieCat.”

“Yes, yes, your Thai auntie,” Nadine answered in a slightly awedtone,knowingthatCatherineYounghadmarriedintoThaiaristocracy.

Eleanor had to resist the temptation to roll her eyes. That Eddiedidn’twasteanyopportunitytodosomename-dropping.

Switching toMandarin,Eddiesaid, “MayI introduceallyou lovelyladiestoMrs.BaoShaoyen?”

The women nodded politely at the newcomer. Nadine notedimmediatelythatshewaswearingaLoroPianacashmerecardigan,abeautifullycutpencilskirtfromCéline,sensiblelow-heelpumpsfromRobert Clergerie, and a pretty patent leather handbag ofindistinguishablebrand.Verdict:Boring,butunexpectedly classy foraMainlander.

Lorenazeroedinonherdiamondring.Thatrockwasbetween8and8.5 carats,D color,VVS1orVVS2grade, radiant cut, flankedby twotriangular yellow diamonds of 3 carats apiece, set in platinum.OnlyRonaldAbraminHongKonghadthatparticularsetting.Verdict:Nottoo vulgar, but she could have gotten a better stone if she’d boughtfromL’Orient.

Daisy,whodidn’tcareonebitabouthowsomeone lookedandwasrathermoreinterestedinbloodlines,askedinMandarin,“Bao?MightyouberelatedtotheBaosofNanjing?”

“Yes,myhusband isBaoGaoliang,”Mrs.Baosaidwithasmile.Atlast, someone who speaks proper Mandarin! Someone who knowswhoweare.

“Aiyah,whatasmallworld—ImetyourhusbandthelasttimehewasinSingaporewiththeChinesedelegation!Ladies,BaoGaoliangistheformer governor of Jiangsu Province. Come, come, you should both

joinus.Wewerejustabouttoorderdinner!”Daisygraciouslyoffered.

Eddiebeamed.“You’remuchtookind.Actually,wecouldusesomecompany.Yousee,it’sbeenquiteadistressingtimeforMrs.Bao.HersonwasinjuredinacaraccidenttwodaysagoinLondon—”

“OhmyGOD-ness!”Nadinecried.

Eddie continued, “I’m afraid I can’t stay, as I have to take care ofsomepressingmattersfortheBaofamily,butIamquitesureMrs.Baowouldenjoyyourcompany.Shedoesn’tknowLondonwell,soshe’satquitealosshere.”

“Don’tworry,we’lltakegoodcareofher!”Lorenaofferedcharitably.

“I’msorelieved.Now,AuntieElle,canyoupointmetothebestspottocatchataxi?”

“Ofcourse,”Eleanorsaid,walkinghernephewoutoftherestaurant.

While the ladies consoled Bao Shaoyen, Eddie stood outside therestaurantgivingEleanorthelowdown.“IknowthisisabigfavorI’masking of you. Can I count on you to keep Mrs. Bao occupied andentertainedforawhile?Moreimportant,canIcountonyourabsolutediscretion?We need to ensure that your friends do not ever discussMrs.Baowith thepress, especially theAsianpress. Iwill be in yourdebt.”

“Aiyah, you can trust us one hundred percent. My friends wouldnevergossiporanything,”Eleanorinsisted.

Eddienoddedsolicitously,knowingfullwellthatalltheladieswouldbetextingthenewsbacktoAsiaatwarpspeedtheminutehewasgone.Those pesky gossip columnists would be sure tomention it in theirdailyreports,andeveryonewouldthinkShaoyenwasjustinLondontoshopandeat.

“Now,canIcountonyourdiscretion?”Eleanorasked,lookinghimstraightintheeye.

“I’mnotsureIknowwhatyou’retalkingabout,AuntieElle,”Eddiesaidwithasmirk.

“I’mtalkingaboutmybreakfast…thismorning?”

“Oh, don’t worry, I already forgot about that. I took an oath ofsecrecy when I joined the world of private banking, and I wouldn’tdream of ever betraying it.At theLiechtenburgGroup,what canwe

offerbutdiscretionandtrust?”

Eleanor returned to the restaurant, feeling rather relieved by thisstrange turn of events. She was getting to even the score with hernephew. A huge platter upon which lay the most enormous lobsteroverabedofsteaminghotnoodlessatinthemiddleofthetable,butno one was eating. The ladies all looked up at Eleanor with ratherpeculiarexpressionsontheirfaces.ShefiguredtheymustbedyingtoknowwhatEddiehadtoldheroutside.

DaisysmiledbrightlyasEleanorsatdownandsaid,“Mrs.Baowasjustshowingussomepicturesofherhandsomesononherphone.Sheissoworriedabouthisface,andIwasjustassuringherthattheplasticsurgeonsinLondonaresomeofthebestintheworld.”

Daisy handed over the phone, and Eleanor’s eyes widened almostimperceptiblyasshelockedontotheimage.

“Don’t you think he’s handsome?” Daisy asked in an almost toocheerytone.

Eleanor lookedup from thephone and said, ever sononchalantly,“Ohyes,veryhandsome.”

NoneoftheotherladiessaidanythingelseaboutMrs.Bao’ssonforthe rest of thedinner, but all of themwere thinking the same thing.Therewasnowayitcouldbeacoincidence.BaoShaoyen’sinjuredsonlooked just like the woman who had caused the great estrangementbetweenEleanorandherson,Nicholas.

Yes,CarltonBaowasthespittingimageofRachelChu.

*1UnfortunatelyforEddie,onlyEmirates,EtihadAirways,andSingaporeAirlineshaveprivatecabinsaboardtheirAirbusA380s.EmiratesevenhastwoShowerSpabathroomswithsumptuousshowerstallsforfirst-classtravelers.(MileHighClubmemberstakenote.)

*2Hokkienfor“Washyourbottom.”

*3AccordingtoCassandraShangaka“RadioOneAsia.”

*4WomenofEleanor’sbackgroundwouldrathercampoutsixtoaroomorsleeponthefloorofanyonetheyremotelyknowthanspendmoneyonhotels.Thesearethesamewomenwhowouldn’tblinkatshellingout$90,000onaSouthSeapearl“trinket”whileonholiday.

*5Hokkienfor“nosy”or“meddlesome.”

*6Eleanor,whonormallydidn’twearpriceydesignerclothesandmadeapointofbraggingthatshe“startedgettingbrand-namefatiguebackintheseventies,”keptafewchoicepieces

reservedspecificallyforspecialoccasionsliketoday.

*7Nevermindthattherestaurantinexplicablyresemblesa1980sGreektaverna,withitswhitewashedbarrelvaultceilings,AsianfoodieswillflytoLondonjusttosavorMandarinKitchen’ssignaturedish,becausenowhereelseintheworldcanonegetChinesehand-pulledeggnoodlesbraisedinanintoxicatinggingerscallionsauce,servedwithgiantlobsterscaughtdailyfromtheScottishSea.

*8TheHolyTrinityareFourSeasonsfortheroastduck,MandarinKitchenfortheaforementionedlobsternoodles,andRoyalChinaforthedimsum.

PARTONE

Everyoneclaimstobeabillionairethesedays.Butyou’renotreallyabillionaireuntilyouspendyourbillions.

—OVERHEARDATTHEHONGKONGJOCKEYCLUB

1

THEMANDARIN

HONGKONG,JANUARY25,2013

Inearly2012,abrotherandsisterclearingouttheirlatemother’satticintheLondonneighborhoodofHampsteaddiscoveredwhatappearedtobeaclusterofoldChinesescrollsatthebottomofasteamertrunk.By chance, the sister had a friend who worked at Christie’s, so shedropped them off—in four Sainsbury’s grocery sacks—at theauctioneer’s salesroom on Old Brompton Road, hoping they might“takealookandtellusifthey’reworthanything.”

WhentheseniorspecialistofChineseClassicalPaintingsopenedupone of the silk scrolls, he nearly went into cardiac arrest. Unfurledbefore him was an image so remarkably rendered, it immediatelyremindedhimofa setofhangingscrollpaintings long thought tobedestroyed. Could this be The Palace of Eighteen Perfections? Theartwork, created by theQing dynasty artist Yuan Jiang in 1693,wasbelievedtohavebeensecretlyremovedfromChinaduringtheSecondOpiumWarin1860,whenmanyoftheroyalpalaceswereransacked,andlostforever.

As staffers scurried around unrolling the scrolls, they discoveredtwenty-four pieces, each almost seven feet tall and in immaculatecondition.Placedsidebyside, theyspannedthirty-seven feet,almostfilling the floorspaceof twoworkrooms.At last, theseniorspecialistcouldconfirmthatthiswasundoubtedlythemythicalworkdescribedin all the classical Chinese texts he had spent much of his careerstudying.

The Palace of Eighteen Perfections was an opulent eighth-centuryimperial retreat in themountains north ofmodern-dayXi’an. Itwassaidtobeoneofthemostmagnificentroyalresidenceseverbuilt,withgroundssovastthatonehadtotravelbetweenthehallsonhorseback.On these ancient silk scrolls, the intricate pavilions, courtyards, andgardens that meandered through a dreamlike blue-and-green

mountain landscape were painted in colors so vibrantly preserved,theyseemedalmostelectricintheiriridescence.

Theauction-housestaffstoodovertheexquisitemasterpieceinawedsilence. A find of this caliber was like discovering a long-hiddenpainting by da Vinci or Vermeer.When the international director ofAsian Art rushed in to see them, he began to feel faint and forcedhimself to take a few steps back for fear that hemight fall onto thedelicateartwork.Chokingbackhistears,thedirectorfinallysaid,“CallFrançoisinHongKong.TellhimtogetOliverT’sienonthenextflighttoLondon.”*1

The director then declared, “We need to give these beauties thegrandtour.We’regoingtostartoutwithanexhibitioninGeneva,thenLondon,thenatourRockefellerCentershowroominNewYork.Let’sgivetheworld’stopcollectorsachancetoseeit.OnlythenwillwetakeittoHongKong,andsellitrightbeforetheChineseNewYear.BythentheChineseshouldbefrothingatthemouthinanticipation.”

Which is preciselyhowCorinnaKo-Tung came tobe sitting in theClipper Lounge of the Mandarin Hotel in Hong Kong a year later,impatiently awaiting the arrival of Lester andValerieLiu.Her richlyembossedbusinesscardlistedherasan“artconsultant,”butforafewselectclients,shewasagreatdealmorethanthat.CorinnawasborntooneofHongKong’smostpedigreedfamilies,andshesecretlyparlayedher extensive connections into a very profitable sideline. For clientslike the Lius, Corinna did everything from refining the art on theirwalls to the clothes on their back—all in service of getting themmemberships at the most elite clubs, their names onto the rightinvitationlists,andtheirchildrenintothecity’stopschools.Inshort,shewasaspecialconsultantforsocialclimbers.

Corinnaspotted theLiusas theyascended theshort flightof stairsuptothemezzanineloungeoverlookingthelobby.Thecouplecutquiteastrikingpicture,andshehadtopatherselfonthebackforthis.Thefirst timeCorinnamettheLius, theywerebothinhead-to-toePrada.To these new arrivals from Guangdong, it was the height ofsophistication, but to Corinna, it just screamed clueless Mainlandmoney.Thanks toherhandiwork,Lester entered theClipperLoungelookingparticularlydapperinabespokethree-piecesuitfromKilgourof Savile Row, and Valerie was chicly clad in a silvery Persian lambparkafromJ.Mendel,appropriatelysizedblackpearls,anddove-gray

suedeLanvin ankle boots.But therewas something a little off aboutheroutfit—thehandbagwasamistake.Theglossyombré-dyedreptile-skin bag obviously came from some nearly extinct species, but itremindedCorinnaofthesortofhandbagonlyamistresswouldcarry.Shemadeamentalnotetodropahintattheappropriatemoment.

Valerie arrived at the table apologizing profusely. “I’m sorrywe’relate. Our chauffeur mistakenly took us to the Landmark MandarinOrientalinsteadofthisone.”

“Not a problem,”Corinna replied graciously. Tardinesswas one ofherpetpeeves,butwiththekindofretainertheLiuswerepayingher,shewasn’tabouttocomplain.

“I’m surprised you wanted to meet here. Don’t you think thetearoomattheFourSeasonsismuchnicer?”Valerieasked.

“OreventhePeninsula,”Lesterchimedin,castingadismissiveeyeattherectangular1970s-erachandelierscascadingfromtheceilingofthelobby.

“The Peninsula gets too many tourists, and the Four Seasons iswhere all the new people go. The Mandarin is where proper HongKong families have been coming to tea for generations. Mygrandmother Lady Ko-Tung used to bring me here at least once amonthwhen Iwas a girl,”Corinnapatiently explained, adding, “Youmust also leave out the ‘Oriental’—we locals simply call it ‘theMandarin.’ ”

“Oh,”Valeriereplied, feelinga littlechastised.Sheglancedaround,taking in the subduedoak-paneledwalls andarmchairswith just theperfect amount of sag in the seat cushions, her eyes suddenlywidening.Leaningcloser in, shewhisperedexcitedly toCorinna, “Doyou see who’s over there? Isn’t that Fiona Tung-Cheng with hermother-in-law,AlexandraCheng,havingteawiththeLadoories?”

“Whoarethey?”Lesterasked,alittletooloudly.

ValerienervouslyshushedherhusbandinMandarin.“Don’tstare—I’lltellyoulater!”

Corinnasmiledinapproval.ThatValeriewasaquickstudy.TheLiuswere relatively new clients, but they were Corinna’s favorite type ofclients—Red Royals, she called them. Unlike fresh-off-the-boatMainlandermillionaires,theseheirsofChina’srulingclass—knownin

Chinaasfuerdai,or“second-generation-rich”—hadgoodmannersandgood teeth, and had never known the deprivation of their parents’generation.ThetragediesoftheGreatLeapForwardandtheCulturalRevolution were ancient history as far as they were concerned.Obscenegobsofmoneyhadcomeeasilytothem,soobscenegobstheywerereadytopartwith.

Lester’s family controlled one of China’s largest insurancecompanies, and he met Valerie, the Shanghai-born daughter of ananesthesiologist, when they were both at the University of Sydney.With an ever-growing fortune and ever-refining taste, thisthirtysomethingcouplewasambitiouslystrivingtomaketheirmarkonthe power scene in Asia.With homes in London, Shanghai, Sydney,andNewYork,andanewlyconstructedhousethatresembledacruiseliner inHongKong’sDeepWaterBay, theywereanxiously fillingthewalls with museum-quality art in the hopes thatHong Kong Tattlemightsoondoafeature.

Lestergotrightdowntobusiness.“Sohowmuchdoyouthinkthesescrollswillendupgoingfor?”

“Well,that’swhatIwantedtodiscusswithyou.Iknowyousaidyouwere prepared to go up to fiftymillion, but I have a feeling we willbreakallrecordstonight.Wouldyoubepreparedtogouptoseventy-five?”Corinnasaidcarefully,testingthewaters.

Lesterdidn’t flinch.Hereachedforoneofthesausagepuffsonthesilvercakestandandsaid,“Areyousureit’sworththatmuch?”

“Mr. Liu, this is the singlemost importantwork of Chinese art toevercomeonthemarket.It’saonce-in-a-lifetimeopportunity—”

“It’s going to look so good in the rotunda!” Valerie couldn’t helpblurting out. “We’re going to hang it so that the whole painting ispanoramic, and I’m having the walls on the first and second floorsrepaintedtoexactlymatchthecolors.Ilovethoseturquoisetones…”

Corinna ignored Valerie’s chatter and continued. “Aside from theartwork itself, the value of owning itwill be incalculable. Think howmuch itwill raiseyourprofile—your family’sprofile—once it’sknownthat you acquired it. Youwill have beat out the top collectors in theworld. I’m told that representatives for theBins, theWangs, and theKuoks are bidding. And the Huangs just flew in from Taipei—interestingtiming, isn’t it?IalsohaveitongoodauthoritythatColin

andAramintaKhoosentaspecialteamofcuratorsfromtheNationalPalaceMuseuminTaipeitoexaminethepiecelastweek.”

“Ooh—AramintaKhoo. She’s so beautiful and chic! I couldn’t stopreading about that incredible wedding of hers. Do you know her?”Valerieasked.

“Iwasatthewedding,”Corinnasaidsimply.

Valerieshookherheadinwonder.Shetriedtoimaginethemiddle-aged,mousy-lookingCorinna,whoalwaysworethesamethreeGiorgioArmanipantsuits,atthemostglamorouseventevertohitAsia.Somepeoplehadalltheluck,beingbornintotherightfamily.

Corinna continued her lecture. “So let me give you the drill. Theauction tonightbeginsat eight sharp, and Ihave securedusentry totheChristie’sVVIPskybox.That iswhereyouwillbe throughout theauction. I will be downstairs on the auction room floor, biddingexclusivelyforyou.”

“Wewon’tbewithyou?”Valeriewasconfused.

“No, no. You’ll be in this special loungewhere you can look downontoalltheaction.”

“Butwon’titbemoreexcitingtobedownontheflooritself?”Valeriepressedon.

Corinnashookherhead.“Trustme,youdon’twanttobeseenontheauctionfloor.TheVVIPskyboxiswhereyouwanttobe.That’swhereallthetopcollectorswillbe,andIknowyouwillenjoythat—”

“Waitaminute,”Lesterinterrupted.“What’sthepointofbuyingthedamnthingthen?Howwillanyoneknowwemadethewinningbid?”

“First of all, you will be seen by everyone at the VVIP skybox, sopeoplewillalreadysuspect,andfirstthingtomorrow,Iwillhaveoneofmy sources at the South ChinaMorning Post issue an unconfirmedreportthatMr.andMrs.LesterLiuoftheHarmonyInsurancefamilyacquiredthepainting.Trustme,that’stheclassywaytodoit.Youwantpeopletospeculate.Youwanttobethatunconfirmedreport.”

“Ooh,you’resobrilliant,Corinna!”Valeriesquealedinexcitement.

“But if it’s ‘unconfirmed,’ how will people know?” Lester was stillconfused.

“Hiyah,slowtortoise,everyonewillseethepaintingwhenwethrow

ourhousewarmingpartynextmonth,”Valeriechastisedherhusband,smacking him on the knee. “They will confirm it with their ownenviouseyes!”

•••

TheHongKongConventionandExhibitionCentre, situated right onthe harbor in Wan Chai, boasted overlapping curved roofs thatresembledagiganticmantarayglidingthroughthewater.Thatsameevening, a parade of starlets, boldface-name socialites, low-levelbillionaires, and the sort of people Corinna Ko-Tung deemed to beinconsequential paraded through theGrandHall, vying for themostvisibleseatsattheauctionofthecentury,whilethebackoftheroomwaspacked to therafterswith the internationalpressandonlookers.UpstairsintheplushVVIPskybox,ValerieandLesterwereinseventhheaven as they rubbed elbows with the serious-money crowd overLaurent-PerrierchampagneandcanapéspreparedbyCaféGray.

When at last the auctioneer stepped up to the polished woodpodium,thelightsinthehallbegantodim.Amassivegoldlatticeworkscreen ran along the wall facing the stage, and at the appointedmoment,thescreenbegantopart,revealingthehangingscrollsinalltheirglory.Brilliantlyenhancedbythestate-of-the-artlightingsystem,they almost appeared to glow from within. The crowd gasped, andwhen the lights came up again, the auctioneer promptly began thesession without any fuss: “An exceedingly rare set of twenty-fourhangingscrollsfromtheQingdynasty,inkandcoloronsilk,depictingthe Palace of Eighteen Perfections, by Yuan Jiang. Inscribed by theartist,anddated1693.Shallwehaveanopeningbidof—onemillion?”

Valeriecould feel theadrenalinecoursing throughherveinsasshesawCorinnaraiseherblue-numberedpaddletovolleythefirstbid.Aflurry of paddles began popping up around the room, and the pricebegan its stratospheric climb. Five million. Ten million. Twelvemillion.Fifteenmillion.Twentymillion.Within amatter ofminutes,the bid was at forty million. Lester leaned forward in his chair,analyzing the action on the auction-room floor like some complexchessmatch,andValerieclawedhernailsintohisshoulderrepeatedlyinhighanticipation.

When the bidding hit sixty million, Lester’s phone rang. It wasCorinnasoundingfrantic.“Sueydohsei,*2it’sgoinguptoofast!We’regoingtopassyourseventy-five-millionlimitinnotime.Doyouwantto

keepbidding?”

Lesterbreathedindeeply.Anyexpenditureoverfiftymillionwouldsurely be noticed by his father’s bean counters, and there would besomeexplainingtodo.“KeepgoingtillIstopyou,”heordered.

Valerie’s head was spinning in excitement. They were so close.Imagine, soon she would own something that even Araminta Khoocoveted!Ateightymillion, thebidding finallysloweddown.NomorepaddlesintheroomwereraisedwiththeexceptionofCorinna’s,anditseemedliketherewereonlytwoorthreetelephonebuyersremainingtobidagainst theLius.Thepricewasgoinguponly in incrementsofhalfamillion,andLesterclosedhiseyes,prayinghewouldget it forunder ninety million. It was worth it. It was worth the scolding hewouldgetfromhisfather.Hewouldmakehispleathathehadboughtthefamilyabilliondollars’worthofgoodpublicity.

Suddenly there came a commotion from the back of the auctionroom. Murmurs could be heard as the standing-room-only crowdbegantogiveway.Even inaroompackedwithcelebritiesdressedtothenines,ahushcameoverthespaceasastrikinglyattractiveChinesewoman with jet-black hair, powdered white skin, and crimson lips,dramaticallydressedinablackvelvetoff-the-shouldergown,emergedfrom the crowd. Flanked by two snow-whiteRussianwolfhounds onlong diamond leashes, the lady began to walk slowly up the centralaisleaseveryheadswiveledtowardthesensationalsight.

Clearing his throat discreetly into themic, the auctioneer tried toregaintheattentionoftheroom.“Ihaveeighty-fivepointfivemillion,whowillsayeighty-six?”

One of the associates manning a telephone nodded. Corinnaimmediatelyraisedherpaddletochallengethatbid.Andthentheladyinblackvelvetraisedherpaddle.Lookingdownfromtheskybox, thedirectorofChristie’sAsiaturnedtohisassociatesinastonishmentandsaid,“Ithoughtshewasjustsomepublicityseeker.”Strainingtotakeabetter look, the director observed, “Her paddle number is 269.Someonefindoutwhosheis.Issheevenprequalifiedtobid?”

OliverT’sien,whowas in the loungebiddingonbehalfofaprivateclient,hadbeenstaringintentlywithhisoperaglassesattheladywiththe silken-haired dogs ever since she entered. He let out a chuckle.“Don’tworry,she’sprequalified.”

“Whoisshe?”thedirectordemanded.

“Well, her nose and chin have been refined and it looks like she’salsogottencheekimplants,butI’mquitecertainbiddernumber269isnoneotherthanMrs.Tai.”

“CarolTai,thewidowofDato’TaiTohLui,thattycoonwhodiedlastyear?”

“No,no,she’sthewifeofBernard,thedato’ssonwhoinheritedallofhisfather’sbillions.Thatladyinblackisthesoap-operastarformerlyknownasKittyPong.”

WANCHAI,HONGKONG,8:25P.M.

This is special correspondent Sunny Choy reporting for CNNInternational. I’m liveat theHongKongConventionandExhibitionCentre, where the world’s top collectors are in a frenzied state ofbiddingforThePalaceofEighteenPerfections.Thepricehas justhit$90 million. To put this into perspective, a Qianlong vase sold inLondon for a record-breaking US$85.9 million in 2010. But that’sLondon.InAsia,thehighestpriceeverachievedwasUS$65.4millionfor an ink painting by Qi Baishi in 2011.*3 So this painting hasalreadybrokenTWOworldrecords.Now,abouttenminutesago,theformeractressKittyPong—whoismarriedtobillionaireBernardTai—broughttheauctiontoastandstillwhenshemadeanentrancewithtwogiganticdogsondiamondleashesandbeganbidding.Rightnow,there are four others bidding against her.We’re told that one is arepresentative for the Getty Museum in Los Angeles, anothersuspected bidder is the heiress Araminta Lee Khoo, and there areunconfirmedreportsthatthethirdbidder isarepresentativefortheLiuinsurancefamily.Wedon’tknowwhothefourthmysterybidderisyet.Backtoyou,Christiane.

UPPERGUDAURI,REPUBLICOFGEORGIA,12:30A.M.

“There’s some ridiculouswoman inblackwith two friggin’ dogswhowill not stop bidding!” Araminta cursed into her laptop, notrecognizingKittyPonginthelivevideofeedoftheauction.Afteralongdayofheli-skiing in theCaucasusMountains,hermusclesachedandthisauctionwasdelayinghermuch-neededsoakinthegiganticsunkentuboftheirwinterchalet.

“What’s the price up to now?” Colin asked drowsily as he laystretchedoutontheblack-and-whiteyak-skinrugbythefireplace.

“I’mnottelling—Iknowyou’renotgoingtoapprove.”

“No,really,Minty,howmuchisit?”

“Shhh!I’mbidding!”Aramintaadmonishedherhusband,resumingherdialoguewiththeChristie’sassociateontheline.

Colin pulled himself up from the cozy rug and padded over to thedeskwherehiswifewassetupwithhercomputerandsatellitephone.Heblinkedtwiceatthevideofeed,notsureifhebelievedwhathewasseeing.“Lughsiow,ah?*4You’rereallygoingtopayninetymillionforabunchofoldscrolls?”

Aramintagavehimalook.“Idon’tsayanythingwhenyoubuyhugeugly canvaseswith elephantdungon them, sodon’t you start onmenow.”

“Wait aminute,myChrisOfilis only cost about two, threemillioneach.Thinkabouthowmanyelephant-dungpaintingswecouldbuy—”

Araminta cupped her hand over the mouthpiece. “Make yourselfuseful and getme another hot chocolate.With extramarshmallows,please.Thisauctionisn’toveruntilIsayit’sover!”

“Where are you even going to hang them?We have nomore wallspaceleftinthehouse,”Colincontinued.

“Youknow,Ithinktheywouldgosplendidlyinthelobbyofthenewhotelmymother’s building inBhutan.BLOODYHELL!Thebitch inblackisn’tgivingup!Whothehellisshe?ShelookslikeaChineseDitaVonTeese!”

Colinshookhishead.“Minty,you’regettingtooemotional.Handmethe phone—I’ll do the bidding if you really want it that bad. I havemuch more experience with this than you do. The most importantthingistosetyourlimit.What’syourtoplimit?”

COLDSTORAGEJELITA,SINGAPORE,8:35P.M.

AstridLeongwas at the supermarketwhenherphone rang. Shewastryingtocobbletogetheramealforthecook’snightofftomorrow,andherfive-year-oldson,Cassian,wasstandinginthefrontsectionofthecart,doinghisbest impressionofLeonardoDiCaprioon theprowoftheTitanic.Asalways,Astridwasalittlemortifiedtouseherphoneinapublic place, but seeing that itwasher cousinOliverT’sien callingfromHongKong,itcouldn’tbehelped.Shesteeredthecarttowardthefrozenvegetablessectionandtookthecall.

“What’sup?”

“You’re missing all the fun at the auction of the year,” Oliverreportedgleefully.

“Oh,wasthattoday?Sotellme,what’sthedamage?”

“It’sstillgoing!You’renotgoingtobelievethis,butKittyPongmadequitetheentranceandhasbeenbiddingupthepaintinglikethere’snotomorrow.”

“KittyPong?”

“Yes, in aMadame X cocktail dress with two borzois on diamondleashes.It’squitethespectacle.”

“Whendidshe become an art collector? IsBernard there? I didn’tthinkhespenthismoneyonanythingbutdrugsandboats.”

“Bernard is nowhere to be seen.But ifKitty succeeds in acquiringthispainting,theywillimmediatelybeconsideredthetopcollectorsofAsianartintheworld.”

“Hmm—Iammissingoutonallthefun.”

“So it’s down to Kitty, Araminta Lee, some Mainland couple thatCorinnaKo-Tung isbidding for, and theGettyMuseum.We’reup toninety-fourmilliononthepainting.Iknowyoudidn’tsetalimit,butIjustwanttobesureyouwanttokeepgoing.”

“Ninety-four? Keep going. Cassian, stop playing with those frozenpeas!”

“It’s ninety-six now. Oops. Holymarymotherofgod—we’ve justbrokenahundredmillion!Bid?”

“Sure.”

“TheMainlandershave finallydroppedout—poor things, they looklike they’ve just lost their firstborn child.We’re at one hundred andfive.”

“Cassian, I don’t care howmuch you beg, I’m not letting you eatmicrowavableminisliders.Thinkofallthepreservativesinthatbeef—putthemback!”

“This isGuinnessbookterritoryhere,Astrid.Noonehaseverpaidthismuch foraChinesepainting.One ten.One fifteen. It’sAramintaagainstKitty.Keepgoing?”

Cassian was trapped inside the ice-cream freezer. Astrid stared atherchildinexasperation.“Ihavetogo.Justgetit.Asyousaid,thisissomethingthemuseumoughttohave,soIdon’treallycarewhatIhavetopay.”

Tenminutes later, asAstrid stood in line at the checkout counter,herphonerangagain.Shesmiledapologeticallyat thecashierasshetookthecall.

“Sorry tobother youagain,butwe’re at ahundredandninety-fivemillionnow—yourbid,”Oliversaid,soundingabitfrazzled.

“Really?” Astrid said, as she snatched away the Mars bar thatCassianwastryingtohandtothecashier.

“Yes,theGettydroppedoutatonefifty,andAramintaatoneeighty.It’sjustyouagainstKitty,anditlookslikeshe’shell-bentonhavingit.At this point, I can’t in good conscience recommend it. I knowChorLing at the museum would be horrified to find out you paid thismuch.”

“She’llneverknow—I’mgivingitanonymously.”

“Evenso.Astrid,Iknowit’snotaboutthemoney,butatthisprice,we’reinidiotterritory.”

“Howannoying.You’re right—onehundredandninety-fivemillionis just silly. LetKitty Pong have it if shewants it that badly,”Astridsaid. She fished a stackof super-saver couponsout ofherpurse andpresentedthemtothecashier.

Thirtysecondslater,thegavelwentdownonThePalaceofEighteenPerfections. At one hundred andninety-fivemillion, itwas themostexpensive Chinese work of art ever sold at auction. The glitteringcrowd burst into deafening applause as Kitty Pong preened for thecameras,theflashesgoingofflikeIEDsindowntownKabul.OneoftheRussianwolfhoundsstartedtobark.Nowthewholeworldwouldknowthat Kitty Pong—orMrs. Bernard Tai, as she now insisted on beingcalled—hadindeedarrived.

*1OliverT’sien—oneofChristie’smosthighlyvalueddeputychairmen—haslong-standingrelationshipswithmanyoftheworld’stopcollectors.(BeingrelatedtopracticallyeveryimportantfamilyinAsiadidn’thurt.)

*2Cantonesefor“SorottenIcoulddie!”

*3Theauthenticityofthepaintingwaslaterquestioned,andthebuyerretractedthebid.(Theyprobablyrealizeditwouldn’tmatchtheirsofa.)

*4Hokkienfor“Areyououtofyourmind?”

2

CUPERTINO,CALIFORNIA

FEBRUARY9,2013—CHINESENEWYEAR’SEVE

“Theboysarebackfromtheirfootballgame.SteerclearofJason—he’sgoing to be one giant sweat rag,” Samantha Chu warned her cousinRachel as soon as she heard the boisterous echoes coming from thegarage.Thetwoofthemwereperchedonwoodenstoolsinthekitchenof Rachel’s uncle Walt and auntie Jin, making dumplings for theChineseNewYear’sEvefeast.

Samantha’stwenty-one-year-oldbrothercameburstingthroughthescreendooraheadofNicholasYoung.“WemadetheLinbrotherseatdirt!” Jason triumphantly announced, grabbing two Gatorades fromthefridgeandtossingonetoNick.“Hey,wheredidtheparentalsgo?Iexpectedtofindmorehystericalauntiesfightingoverkitchencounterspace.”

“Dad’s picking up Great-auntie Louise from the retirement home,and Mom, Auntie Flora, and Auntie Kerry went to 99 Ranch,”Samanthareported.

“Again? Glad I didn’t get roped into driving them this time—thatplace is always so packedwith fobbies,*1 the parking lot looks like aToyotadealership!Whatdidtheyrunoutofthistime?”Jasonasked.

“Everything.UncleRaycalled—he’sbringingthewholefamilyafterall,andyouknowhowmuchthoseboyscaneat,”Samanthasaidasshescooped some minced-pork-and-chive filling onto a dough wrapperandhandeditofftoRachel.

“Getready,Jase—I’msureAuntieBelinda’sgoingtosaysomethingaboutyournewtattoo,”Rachelteasedasshefoldedlittlepleatsonthetopofthedumplingandmoldeditintoaperfectcrescentshape.

“Who’sAuntieBelinda?”Nickinquired.

Jasonmadeaface.“Dude!Youhaven’tmetheryet,haveyou?She’s

UncleRay’swife.UncleRayisthismegabucksoralsurgeon,andtheyhavethishugeMcMansioninMenloPark,soAuntieBelindaactslikeshe’stheQueenofDowntownAbbey.She’sinsanelyuptight,andeveryyearshedrivesMomnutsbywaitingtilltheverylastminutetodecidewhether she and her spoiled-rotten kids will grace us with theirpresence.”

“It’s Downton Abbey, Jase,” Samantha corrected. “And come on,she’snotthatbad.She’sjustfromVancouver,that’sall.”

“Youmean Hongcouver,” Jason retorted, tossing his empty bottlefromacrossthekitchenintotheoversizedBedBathandBeyondplasticbag on the pantry door that served as the recycling bin. “AuntieBelinda’sgoingtoloveyouNick,especiallywhenshehearsyouspeaklikethatdudefromNottingHill!”

By six thirty, twenty-two members of the extended Chu clan hadarrivedatthehouse.Mostoftheolderunclesandauntiessataroundthe big rosewood dining table that was covered in thick protectiveplasticsheeting,whiletheyoungeradultssatwiththechildrenatthreefolding mah-jongg tables that spilled out into the living room. (Theteensandcollege-ageChuswerespreadout infrontofthebig-screentelevisioninthedenwatchingbasketballandgobblingdownfriedpotstickersbythedozen.)

Astheauntiesbeganbringingouttheheapingplattersofroastduck,jumbo shrimp deep fried in batter, steamed kai-lan with blackmushrooms, and Chinese long-life noodles with barbecued pork andscallops,AuntieJinlookedaroundatthegatheredcrowd.“Rayisstillnothere?We’renotwaitinganylongerorthefoodwillgetcold!”

“AuntieBelindaisprobablystilltryingtodecidewhichChaneldresstowear,”Samanthaquipped.

Justthenthedoorbellrang,andRayandBelindaChusweptintothehouse with their four teenage sons, all sporting Ralph Lauren poloshirtsindifferenthues.Belindaworehigh-waistedcreamsilktrousers,an iridescent orange blouse with billowing organza sleeves, hertrademarkChanel gold belt, and a pair of oversize champagne pearlearringsmoreappropriatefortheopeningnightof theSanFranciscoOpera.

“HappyNew Year, everyone!”Uncle Ray announced jovially as hepresentedhis eldestbrother,Walt,withabigboxof Japanesepears,

whilehiswifeceremoniouslyhandedAuntieJinacoveredLeCreusetdish.“Wouldyoumindwarmingthisupformeintheoven?Just115degreesfortwentyminutes.”

“Hiyah,youdidn’thavetobringanything,”AuntieJinsaid.

“No, no, this is my dinner—I’m on a raw food diet now,” Belindaannounced.

When everyone had finally settled into their seats and begunattackingthedisheswithgusto,UncleWaltbeamedacrossthetableatRachel. “I’mstillnotused toseeingyouat this timeof theyear!YouusuallyonlycomebackforThanksgiving.”

“ItworkedoutbecauseNickandIhadtodealwithsomelast-minuteweddingstuff,”Rachelexplained.

AuntieBelindasuddenlyexclaimedimperiously,“RachelChu!Ican’tbelieveI’vebeenheretenminutesandyouSTILLHAVEN’TSHOWNMEYOURENGAGEMENTRING! Get over here right now!” Rachelgotupfromherseatandwalkedtowardherauntdutifully,stretchingoutherhandforinspection.

“My, it’s so…pretty!” Auntie Belinda remarked in a shrill voice,barely concealing her surprise.Wasn’t this Nick fellow supposed tocome frommoney?HowdidpoorRachelgetsaddledwith this littlepebble?Itcouldn’thavebeenmorethanacaratandahalf!

“It’s just a simple ring—exactly what I wanted,” Rachel saidmodestly,eyeingthehugemarquis-cutrockonheraunt’sfinger.

“Yes, it’s very simple, but it suits you perfectly,” Auntie Belindapronounced.“Whereverdidyou findaring like this,Nick?Is it fromSingapore?”

“My cousinAstrid helpedme. It’s fromher friend Joel inParis,”*2

Nickansweredpolitely.

“Hmm.Imaginegoingall thewaytoParisforthis,”AuntieBelindamurmured.

“Hey,didn’tyougetengagedinParis?”Rachel’soldercousinVivian,who lived in Malibu, excitedly cut in. “I think my mom told mesomethingaboutatroupeofmimesperformingatyourproposal.”

“Mimes?”NickgaveVivianalookofhorror.“Iassureyou,nomimeswereeverinvolved!”

“Hiyah,thentellusthewholestory!”AuntieJincajoled.

NickglancedoveratRachel.“Whydon’tyoutakethisone?Youtellitmuchbetter.”

Racheltookadeepbreathaseveryonearoundthetablelookedatherexpectantly.“Okay,heregoes.OnthelastnightofourParistrip,Nickarrangedasurprisedinner.Hewouldn’ttellmewhereweweregoing,so I had a feeling something was up.We ended up at this beautifulhistoricresidenceonanislandinthemiddleoftheSeine—”

“The Hôtel Lambert, right at the tip of the Île Saint-Louis,” Nickoffered.

“Yes,andtherewasacandlelittablefortwosetupontheroof.Themoonlightwasreflectingofftheriver,acellistsatinthecornerplayingDebussy, everything was just perfect. Nick had hired this FrenchVietnamese chef from one of Paris’s top restaurants to prepare themost exquisite meal, but I was so nervous I completely lost myappetite.”

“Inretrospect,asix-coursetastingmenuwasprobablynotthebestidea,”Nickmused.

Rachelnodded.“Everytimethewaiterliftedthesilverdomefromadish, I thoughtI’d findaringunderneath.Butnothinghappened.Bythetimethedinnerwasoverandthecellistbeganpackingupherstuff,Ithought,Iguesstonight’snotthenight.Butthen,aswewereabouttoleave,weheardthesehornscomingfromtheriver.ItwasoneofthoseBateauxMouchestouristbarges,andallthesepeoplewereassembledonthetopdeck.Asthebargepassedbelowthebuilding,musicstartedblaringoutof the loudspeakersandthepeoplestarted leapingonthebencheslikegazelles.TurnsouttheywerefromtheParisOperaBallet,andNickhadcommissionedthemtoperformaspecialdancejustforme.”

“How lovely!”AuntieBelindagasped, finally impressed. “AndafterthatdidNickpropose?”

“Noooo! The performance ended and we began to descend thestaircase. I was still on a high from seeing this amazinglychoreographedperformance,butabitdisappointed that itdidn’tendin a proposal. So when we got downstairs, the street was desertedexceptforaguystandingunderatreeoverlookingtheriver.Thentheguy started playing his guitar, and I recognized it was the Talking

Heads’ ‘ThisMustBe thePlace’—thesongthatwehadheardastreetmusicianperforminginWashingtonSquareParkonthefirstnightwemet. The guy began to sing, and I suddenly realized it was theverysameguyfromthepark!”

“Shutup!”Samanthaclaspedbothhandstohermouth,aseveryoneintheroomcontinuedtolisteninraptattention.

“Nickhad somehow tracked the singerdownall theway inAustinandhadflownhimtoParis.Henolongerhadblonddreads,butIcouldneverforgetthatvoice.ThenbeforeIknewwhatwashappening,Nickwasdownononeknee,staringupatmewithalittlevelvetboxinhishand. That’s when I completely lost it! I started bawlinguncontrollably,andbeforeNickcouldfinishaskingmetomarryhim,Isaidyes,yes,yesandallthedancersonthebargebegancheeringlikecrazy.”

“That’s the coolest proposal I’ve ever heard!” Samantha gushed,wipingthetears fromhereyes.WhenshehadfirstheardaboutwhathadhappenedtoRachelinSingapore,SamanthahadbeenfuriouswithNick. How could he not have noticed how badly Rachel was beingtreated? Rachel had moved out of Nick’s place immediately afterreturningfromAsia,andSamanthawasgladhercousinwasridofhim.But as the months passed and Rachel began to see Nick again,Samanthafoundherselfhavingachangeofheartaswell.Afterall,hehad come to Rachel’s rescue and sacrificed his relationship with hisownfamilytobewithher.Hehadwaitedpatientlyinthewings,givingRachel all the time she needed to heal. And now they were gettingmarriedatlonglast.

“Well done, Nick! We’re all looking forward to the big day nextmonthinMontecito!”UncleRaydeclared.

“WedecidedtospendafewextranightsatOjaiValleyInnandSpa,”braggedAuntieBelinda,lookingaroundthetabletomakesureallthefamilyhadheardher.

Rachelchuckledtoherself,knowingthatherotherrelativeswouldn’teven have a clue what Belinda was talking about. “That soundswonderful. I wish we had the time to do something like that.We’regoingtohavetowaittillthesemesterendsinMaybeforewegoonourhoneymoon.”

“Butweren’tyouandNickjustinChina?”UncleRayinquired.

Rachel’sauntieJintriedtomakeeyesatRayfromacrossthetable,warninghimoffthetopic,whilehiswifepinchedhimhardonhisleftthigh. “Owww!”he letoutbeforerealizinghisgaffe.Belindahad toldhim that Rachel and Nick had been to Fuzhou again, chasing yetanotherfalseleadinthesearchforherfather,butthisapparentlywasanother in a long list of family secrets he wasn’t supposed to talkabout.

“Yes,wemadeashorttrip,”Nickansweredquickly.

“Well,youtwoarebravesouls.Iforonecannotstomachanyofthefood over there. I don’t care how ‘gourmet’ they say the food hasgotten,alltheiranimalsareloadedwithcarcinogens.Andlookatthisduck you’re all eating! I bet it was fed with growth hormones too,”AuntieBelindascoffedasshegnawedonherturnip.

Rachelstaredattheplumproastduckwithitsglossyambersheen,suddenlylosingherappetite.

“Yes,youcantrustthefoodinHongKong,butnotanywhereontheMainland,”AuntieJin said,deftly removingeverybitof fat fromherroastduckwithherchopsticks.

“That’sjustnottrue!”Samanthaargued.“WhyareyouguysstillsoprejudicedagainstChina?When Iwas there last year, Ihad someofthebestmealsofmylife.Youreallyhaven’thadgoodxiaolongbao*3

untilyou’veeatenitinShanghai.”

At the endof the table,Great-auntieLouise, theoldestmemberoftheChuclan,suddenlyblurtedout,“Rachel,whatnewsofyourfather?Haveyoufoundhimyet?”

Cousin Dave spat out a half-chewed piece of barbecued pork insurprise.Thediningroomfell silent,a fewpeopleexchanging furtiveglances. Rachel’s face clouded over a bit. She inhaled deeply beforeresponding,“No,wehaven’tfoundhim.”

NickgraspedRachel’shandandaddedencouragingly,“Wethoughtwehadaveryinterestingprospectlastmonth,butthatdidn’tpanout.”

“Thingscanbeverytrickyoverthere,”UncleRaymused,tryingforonemorejumboshrimpfritterbutfindinghishandsmackedawaybyhiswife.

“AtleastwearecertainnowthatRachel’sfatherchangedhisname.Becauseallofficialdocumentationofhimstopsin1985,shortlybefore

hegraduatedfromBeijingUniversity,”Nickexplained.

“Speaking of universities, does everyone know that Penny Shi’sdaughter,whowastheclassvaledictorianatLosGatos,didn’tgetintoanyoftheIvyLeagueschoolsthatsheappliedto?”AuntieJinchirped,trying to change the subject. Itwas so dreadful to bring upRachel’sfather in front of Kerry, Rachel’s mother, who had already sufferedenoughoverthepastthreedecadesasasingleparent.

Cousin Henry, ignoring his auntie Jin’s remark, chimed in,volunteering, “You know, my firm works with this amazing lawyerbasedoutofShanghai.Her father is veryhighup in thegovernmentandshe’ssuper-well-connected.Doyouwantmetoseeifshecanhelpout?”

Kerry, who had been silent until now, suddenly slammed herchopsticksonto the tableandsaid, “Hiyah, this isall suchawasteoftime.It’snousechasingghosts!”

Rachellookedathermotherforamoment.Thenshegotupfromthetableandwalkedoutoftheroomwithoutaword.

Samanthaspokeup,hervoicecrackinga littlewithemotion. “He’snotaghost,AuntieKerry.He’sherfather,andshehasarighttohavesomesortofrelationshipwithhim.Ican’tevenimaginewhatmylifewouldbe likewithoutmydad.CanyoublameRachel forwanting tofindhim?”

*1Anicknamefor“freshofftheboat”Asianimmigrants,usedmainlybysecond-,third-,orfourth-generationAsianAmericanstodenotetheirsuperiority.

*2JoelArthurRosenthal,akaJARofParis,whoseprecioushandmadejewelsareamongthemostcovetedintheworld.IfBelindahadamorediscerningeye,shemighthaverealizedthatRachel’sringwasaflawlessoval-cutdiamondheldinplacebyribbonsofwhitegoldalmostasthinashairs,interwovenwithtinybluesapphires.(NickwouldnottellRachelhowmuchhepaidforit.)

*3Dumplingsfilledwithmeatandpipinghotbroththat—duetotheirincreasedpopularityinrecentyearsontheinternationalfoodscene—havebeenscaldinguninitiatedmouthsaroundtheworld.

3

SCOTTSROAD

SINGAPORE,FEBRUARY9,2013

“Whenyougethere,justdrivestraightuptothegarage,”BaoShaoyentoldEleanoroverthephone.Eleanordidasshewasinstructed,pullinguptothesecurityboothandexplainingthatshewaspayinganafter-dinnervisittotheBaos,whohadrecentlyrentedaunitinthisbrand-newcondominiumoffScottsRoad.

“Ahyes,Mrs.Young.Pleasekeeptotheleftandfollowthearrows,”theattendant in thedarkgrayuniformsaid.Eleanordrovedowntheramp into a spotless underground parking garage that seemedcuriouslydevoidofcars.Theymustbeoneofthefirsttenantstomovein, she thought, veering to the left and approaching awhitemetallicgaragedoorwithasignoverheadthatreadUNIT01MECHANISEDCARPARK(FOR RESIDENTS ONLY). The door rose quickly and a green signal lightbegan to flash.Asshepulled forward into thebrightly lit chamber,adigital sign in front of her flashed STOP. PARKING POSITION OK. Howstrange…amIjustsupposedtoparkrighthere?

Suddenly the ground began tomove. Eleanor gasped and grabbedholdofthesteeringwheelreflexively.Onlyafterafewsecondsdidsherealizeshehaddrivenontoarotatingplatformthatwasslowlypivotinghercarninetydegrees.Whenthecarstoppedturning,theentirefloorbegantorise.Forheaven’ssake, it’sadrive-inelevator!Toherrightwasawallofwindows,andastheelevatorcontinuedtoascend,thefullgloryofSingapore’snighttimeskylineunfurledbelowher.

Thishigh-techapartmentmustbeCarlton’sidea,Eleanorthought.SincemeetingBaoShaoyen inLondon lastSeptember,shehadcometoknowthefamilywell.EleanorandherfriendshadlenttheirsupporttoShaoyenandherhusband,Gaoliang,duringthosetensefewweekswhenCarltonwasinandoutofsurgeriesatSt.Mary’sPaddington,andassoonashewasoutofdanger,itwasEleanorwhosuggestedthathecompletehisrecuperationinSingaporeratherthanBeijing.

“The climate and air quality will be much better for him, and wehavesomeofthebestphysicaltherapistsintheworld.I’mrelatedtoallthetopdoctors inSingapore,andI’llmakesureCarltongetsthebesttreatment,” she had urged, and the Baos thankfully concurred. Ofcourse,Eleanordidnot reveal the truemotivebehindher altruism—havingthemclosebywouldallowhertofindouteverythingshecouldaboutthefamily.

Eleanor knew plenty of overindulged sons, but never had shemetonewithamother sowrappedaroundhis finger.Shaoyenhad flownthree maids down from Beijing to assist in Carlton’s care but stillinsistedondoingpracticallyeverythingforCarltonherself.Andsincearriving in Singapore last November, they had inexplicably movedthree times.DaisyFoohaddonewhat she considered tobea specialfavorfortheBaos,andusingherfamilyconnectionshadsecuredthemaValleyWing suite at the Shangri-La at a very discounted rate—butCarltonhadforsomereasonbeendissatisfiedwithoneofSingapore’stop hotels. The Baos soon moved into a furnished apartment atHilltops,theluxurioushigh-riseonLeonieHill,andamonthlatertheyswitched again to an even swankier pad off Grange Road. And nowheretheywereinthisbuildingwiththeridiculouscarelevator.

Eleanor remembered reading about this place in the propertysection of Business Times—it was the first luxury condo in Asia toboastbiometricallycontrolledcarelevatorsand“ensuiteskygarages”in every apartment. Only expats on could-give-a-damn expenseaccountsorMainlanderswithtoomuchmoneywouldwanttoliveinaplace like this. Carlton, obviously in the latter category, had gottenexactlywhathewanted.

Fiftylevelsup,thegroundfinallycametoahaltandEleanorfoundherself peering into a sprawling living room. Shaoyen stood on theothersideofaglasswallwavingather,withCarlton—inawheelchair—byherside.

“Welcome,welcome!”ShaoyensaidexcitedlyasEleanorenteredtheapartment.

“Alamak,Igotthefrightofmylife!IthoughtIwasgettingavertigoattackwhenthefloorstartedtoturn!”

“Sorry, Mrs. Young, it was my idea—I thought you’d enjoy thenoveltyofthecarlift,”Carltonexplained.

ShaoyengaveEleanoralookofresignation.“Ihopeyouseenowwhywehadtomoveinhere.Thehandicapvancomesrightuptothisfloor,andCarlton can justwheel himself right into the apartmentwith nofuss.”

“Yes,veryconvenient,”Eleanorsaid,notbelievingforonemomentthathandicapaccessplayeda role in the selectionof thisapartment.Sheturnedaroundto lookat thegimmickygarageagain,butnoticedthatthewallofglasshadturnedanopaqueshadeofwhite.“Wah,howclever!Ithoughtyou’dhavetositinyourlivingroomandstareatyourcarallday.ItwouldbesounfortunateifyoudroveanoldSubaru.”

“Well, you can stare at your car if you want to,” Carlton said,touching the screen on his iPad mini. The wall instantly becametransparentagain,but this time,specialspotlightsandmood lightingin the garage made her twelve-year-old Jaguar look like it was amuseum showpiece. Eleanor was secretly relieved that her driver,Ahmad,hadpolishedthecarthedaybefore.

“Imagine how gorgeous a chrome-colored Lamborghini Aventadorwould look sitting in there,” Carlton said, shooting his mother ahopefullook.

“You are not getting behind the wheel of another sports car,”Shaoyensaidinahuff.

“We’llseeaboutthat,”Carltonmutteredunderhisbreath,shootingEleanor a conspiratorial look. Eleanor smiled back at him, thinkinghowutterly transformedhe seemed. For the first fewweeks after hehad beenmoved to Singapore for his rehabilitation, Carlton seemedtotally catatonic, barelymaking eye contact or saying aword to her.But today, theyoungman in thewheelchairwas talking, even jokingwithher.MaybetheyhadputhimonZoloftorsomething.

Shaoyen steered Eleanor into the formal sitting room, anaggressivelymodern space with floor-to-ceiling windows and backlitonyxwalls.AMainlandChinesemaidenteredcarryingatraygroaningwith an elaborate Flora Danica tea service that Eleanor privatelyjudgedincongruouswiththerestofthedecor.

“Come,come,havesometea.YouaresonicetospendtimewithusonNewYear’sEvewhenyoushouldbewithyourhusband,”Shaoyensaidgraciously.

“Well, Philip doesn’t arrive until late tonight. Our family doesn’t

celebrate New Year’s until tomorrow. Speaking of husbands, isGaoliangaround?”

“You justmissed him.He had to fly back to Beijing. There are somanyofficialfunctionshehastoattendoverthenextfewdays.”

“Howunfortunate.Well,you’llhavetosavesomeoftheseforhim,”EleanorsaidasshehandedShaoyenalargeplasticOGshoppingbag.*1

“Oh, you really shouldn’thave!”Shaoyen reached into thebagandbegantotakeouthalfadozendifferentcontainers.“Now,whatareallthesedelicious-lookingconfections?”

“Just some traditional New Year goodies made by my mother-in-law’scooks.Pineappletarts,loveletters,almondcookies,andassortednyonyacakes.”

“Thisissoniceofyou.Xièxie!*2Waitaminute,Ihavesomethingforyou,”Shaoyensaid,scurryingofftoanotherroom.

Carlton eyed the desserts. “Awfully nice of you to bring all thesetreats,Mrs.Young.Whichoneshouldwetryfirst?”

“Iwouldstartwithsomethingnot toosweet, like thekueh bangkitalmondcookies,andworkyourwayuptothepineappletarts,”Eleanoradvised.ShestudiedCarlton’sfaceforamoment.Thescaronhisleftcheek was just a faint hairline now, and it actually added a dash ofroguishcharmtohisboringlyperfectcheekbones.Hewasahandsomeyoung chap, and even after all the reconstructive surgery stillresembled Rachel Chu so closely that it was rather disconcerting tolook at him at times. Thankfully, his posh English accent, whichreminded her so much of Nicky’s, was much more attractive thanRachel’sabsurdAmericandrawl.

“Mind if I share a secretwith you,Mrs.Young?”Carlton suddenlywhispered.

“Ofcourse,”Eleanorsaid.

Carltonpeeredoveratthehallwayforamomenttoseeifhismotherwas approaching, and then, slowly, he lifted himself up from thewheelchairandtookafewtentativesteps.

“You’rewalkingnow!”Eleanorexclaimedinastonishment.

“Shhhhh!Notsoloud!”Carltonsaid,sittingdowninhiswheelchairagain.“Idon’twantmymothertoseethisuntilIcanwalkclearacross

theroom.MyPTthinksI’llbewalkingnormallyagainwithinamonth,andrunningbythissummer.”

“Ohmygoodness!I’msohappyforyou,”Eleanorsaid.

Shaoyen reentered the room. “What’s all the excitement? DidCarltontellyouabouthismazicomingtovisit?”

“Noooo?”Eleanorreplied,herinterestpiqued.

“She’snotmygirlfriend,Mother,”Carltonsaid.

“Okay, Carlton’s friend is coming to visit us next week,” Shaoyenclarified.

Carltonletoutanembarrassedgroan.

“Aiyah, Carlton is so handsome and so smart, of course hewouldhaveafriend!Toobad,Ihadsomanyeligibleprettygirlslineduptogaaisiu,”*3Eleanorsaidmischievously.

Carltonblushedalittle.“Doyouliketheview,Mrs.Young?”hesaid,tryingtochangethesubject.

“Yes,it’sverynice.Youknow,youcanseemyapartmentfromhere,”Eleanorsaid.

“Really?Whichoneisit?”Shaoyensaidwithinterest,goinguptothewindow.Theyhadbeen inSingapore for threemonthsnow,and shefounditabitcuriousthatEleanorhadneveronceinvitedthemover.

“It’stheoneontopofthathilloverthere.Doyouseethetowerthatlookslikeit’sbuiltontopofthatoldmansion?”

“Yes,yes!”

“Whichfloorareyouon?”Carltonasked.

“Ihavethepenthouse.”

“Wicked! We tried to get the penthouse here but it was alreadytaken,”Carltonbragged.

“This is big enough, don’t you think? Don’t you have the wholefloor?”

“Yes. It’s three thousand five hundred square feet, with fourbedrooms.”

“Mygoodness,youmustbepayinganarmandaleginrentalfees.”

“Well, we decided to buy the place rather than pay rent on it,”Carltonsaidwithasatisfiedgrin.

“Oh,”Eleanorsaid,surprised.

“Yes, and now thatwe’vemoved in,we like it somuch thatwe’vedecidedtobuythefloorsaboveandbelowandcreateatriplex—”

“No,no,we’rejustthinkingaboutit,”Shaoyencutinquickly.

“Whatdoyoumean,Mother?Wesignedthecontracttwodaysago!There’snobackingoutnow!”

Shaoyenpursedherlipstightlybeforecatchingherselfandforcingasmile.Shewasobviouslyuncomfortablethathersonhadsaidsomuch.

Eleanor tried to put her at ease. “Shaoyen, I think you’vemade averywisedecision.Prices inthisdistrictwillalwaysgoup.Singaporeproperties are becoming even more sought after than New York,London,orHongKong.”

“That’sexactlywhatItoldMother,”Carltonsaid.

Shaoyen said nothing, but reached over to pour a cup of tea forEleanor.

Eleanorsmiledasshetookthetea,whiletheaddingmachineinherbrain began to do its work. In such a prime location, this flatmusteasily have cost the Baos $15 million—probably more with the skygarage—andnowitturnsouttheyboughttwomorefloors.WithEddieCheng as their private banker, Eleanor assumed the Baos had to beloaded,butapparentlyshehadunderestimatedhowloaded.

DaisyFoohadbeenrightallalong.ShortlyaftermeetingShaoyeninLondon,Daisy had theorized, “I bet theseBaos are richer thanGod.YouhavenoideahowwealthyalltheseMainlandershavebecome—itseems like yesterday Peter andAnnabel Leewere the firstMainlandbillionaires,andnowtherearehundreds.MysontellsmethatChinawillhavemorebillionairesthanAmericawithinfiveyears.”Mr.Wong,thetrustyprivateinvestigatorLorenahadconnectedherto,hadbeencrisscrossingChinaforthelastfewmonthstryingtodigupeverypieceofdirton theBaos,andnowEleanorwasevenmoreanxious toreadhisdossier.

AfterCarltonandShaoyenhadmadearespectabledentintheNewYeardesserts, Shaoyenhandeda large red-and-gold shoppingbag to

Eleanor.“Here,justasmalltokenforyoutocelebratetheholiday.Xinniankuaile.”*4

“Aiyah, no need lah! What’s this?” Eleanor said, pulling out aninstantly recognizable orange-and-brown-trimmed box from theshopping bag. Lifting the cover, she saw that the box contained aHermèsBirkinbag.

“Doyoulikeit?Iknowyoutendtowearneutralcolors,soIgotyoutheWhiteHimalayanNileCrocodile,”Shaoyenexplained.

Eleanor knew that this handbag, dyed in the chocolate, beige, andwhite tones of a Himalayan cat, had to cost at least a hundredthousanddollars.“Alamak!Thisisfartoolavish!Ican’tacceptthis!”

“It’sjustasmalltoken,really,”Shaoyensaiddemurely.

“Iappreciate thegesture,but Icannotaccept it. Iknowhowmuchthesethingscost.Youshouldbesavingthisforyourself.”

“No, no, too late,” Shaoyen said as she unfastened the buckle andliftedupthefrontflapofthehandbag.EmbossedontheleatherwereEleanor’sinitials—E.Y.

Eleanorsighed.“Thisistoomuch.Imustpayyouforthis—”

“No, no. Do not insult us. This is nothing compared to all thekindnessyouhaveshownusoverthepastfewmonths.”

Youdon’tknowwhatI’mreallyupto,Eleanorthought.SheturnedtoCarltonandsaid,“Helpmeouthere.Thisisoutrageous!”

“It’sreallynobigdeal,”Carltonsaid.

“It ISabigdeal!YouknowIcan’tpossiblyacceptsuchagenerousgiftfromyourmother.”

Carltonscoffed. “Come,Mrs.Young.Letmeshowyousomething.”He wheeled himself out of the sitting room, beckoning Eleanor tofollow. At the end of the hallway, he opened the door to one of theguestbedroomsandturnedonthelight.Eleanorpeeredintotheroom.Itwassparselyfurnishedbutalmostimpossibletowalkinto.

Covering the entire floor were Hermès bags and matching boxes,and displayed on top of each boxwas a Birkin orKelly handbag—ineverycoloroftherainbow,ineverypossiblevariationofexoticleather.Along everywallwere custom-built cabinets thatdisplayed rows and

rowsofHermèshandbags,all illuminatedbysoftaccentlights.Thereweremorethanahundredhandbagsintheroom,andthecalculatorinEleanor’sbrainstartedgoingintooverdrive.

“This is my mother’s gift room. She’s giving an Hermès to everysingledoctor,nurse,andphysicaltherapistatCamdenMedicalCentrewho’shelpedmeoverthepastfewmonths.”

Eleanor stared at all the handbags crammed into the room, hermouthagape.

“My mother has one weakness. And now you know what it is,”Carltonsaidwithalaugh.

Shaoyen proceeded to show Eleanor some of the most uniqueHermèsbags—customizedjustforher.Privately,Eleanorfelt itwasagigantic waste of money. Think how many Noble Group orCapitaLand shares she could buy instead! But publicly, shemade ashowofoohingandaahingoverthebags.

Eleanor thanked them again for the lavish gift and prepared todepart. Carlton rolled over to the entrance foyer and said, “Take theelevatorthistime,Mrs.Young.I’llsendyourcardownbyitself,anditwillbewaitingforyouwhenyoureachthelobby.”

“Ohthankyousomuch,Carlton.IwasthinkingImighthaveapanicattackifIhadtogointhatcarelevatoragain!”

Shaoyen andCarltonwaved goodbye at the elevator vestibule. Thedoors closed, but instead of going down immediately, there was anunusualpause.Ontheothersideofthedoor,EleanorheardCarltonletoutasuddenyell.

“Ow!Ooow!Thatonereallyhurt,Mother!WhathaveIdone?”

“BAICHI! *5 How dare you tell Eleanor Young so much of ourbusiness?Haveyoulearnednothing?”ShaoyenscreamedinMandarin.

Thentheelevatorbeganitsrapiddescent,andEleanorcouldhearnomore.

*1OrientalGarments,betterknownasOG,isahomegrowndepartmentstorechainestablishedin1962.Offeringvalue-for-moneyapparel,accessories,andhouseholditems,it’sthego-toplaceforold-moneySingaporeanladiesofacertaingenerationwhoclaimthattheyonlywearHanrounderwearbutsecretlybuyalltheirdiscountTriumphbrasandpanties

there.

*2Mandarinfor“thankyou.”

*3Cantonesefor“tointroduce.”

*4“HappyNewYear”inMandarin.

*5Mandarinfor“Idiot!”

4

RIDOUTROAD

SINGAPORE

From:AstridTeo<astridleongteo@gmail.com>Date:February9,2013at10:42PMTo:CharlieWu<charles.wu@wumicrosystems.com>Subject:HNY!Heyyou,

JustwantedtowishyouaHappyNewYear!Igothomefromtheannualyeesang*dinnerwithmyin-laws,andIsuddenlyrememberedtheyearIcameovertoyourhouseforthedish,andoneoftheingredientswas24-caratgold-leafshavings.Iremembertellingmymumaboutit,knowingitwouldscandalizeher.(“Goodnessgracious,thoseWushaverunoutofwaystospendtheirmoney,sonowtheyareliterallyeatingit!”waswhatshehadtosay.)

Apologiesfornotwritinginawhilebutthesepastfewmonthshavebeenratherinsane.I’vebecomeaworkinggirlofsorts…I’mnowinvolvedwiththeFineArtsMuseum,helpingbehindthesceneswithsomestrategicnext-phaseacquisitionsasthemuseumexpands.(Pleasekeepallthistoyourself.TheywantedtoofficiallymakemeatrusteeornameawingformebutIdeclinedboth.Nodesiretoseemynamecarvedintoawall—Iactuallythinkit’skindofmorbid.)

Speakingofacquisitions,Michael’snewcompanyhasbeenonatear!HeboughttwoU.S.-basedtechstart-upslastyear,givingmeanexcusetoaccompanyhimonacoupleoftripstoCaliforniatovisitmybrother.AlexandSalimahnowhavethreekidsandliveinalovelyhomeinBrentwood.ThisyearmymumfinallyagreedtocomewithmetoLAtomeethergrandchildren(Dadstillrefusesto

acknowledgeSalimahand“those”kids).OfcourseMumfellinlovewiththem—theyareadorable.

ThesamecannotbesaidforCassian,who’sbeenmorethanahandful.Imadeitthroughtheterribletwosbutnoonetoldmeabouttheterriblefives!Yououghttocountyourluckystarsthatyouhavegirls.WearenowtryingtodecidewhethertoholdhimbackanotheryearbeforehestartsprimaryschoolatACS.(Ofcourse,Michaeldoesn’tthinkheshouldgotoACSatallandwantshimtogotoaninternationalschool.Whatdoyouthinkofthat?)

Also,inOctoberwemovedtoanewhouseonRidoutRoad.Yes,finally!Althoughitdidn’ttakemuchtoconvinceMichaeltoleaveourlittleflatnowthathecouldbuyahousewithhisownmoney.It’soneofthoselovelyKerryHill–designedbungalowsfromthe1990s—classictropicalmodernbuiltaroundthreecourtyardswithreflectingpools,etc.WehiredayounglocalarchitectwhohadapprenticedwithPeterZumthortodosomeupdating,andafantasticItalianlandscapedesignertomakethegroundslessBaliandmoreSardinia.(Yes,I’mstillinspiredbyourtriptoCaladiVolpeallthoseyearsago!)

Soofcoursemovingandsettingupthenewhousebecameafull-timejob,eventhoughIsupposedlyhadawholedesignteamatmydisposal.Butguesswhat?We’realreadyoutgrowing9,000sq.ft.asMichaelhasbecomeaddictedtocollectinghistoricalartifactsandvintagePorsches.Whatwassupposedtobeourdownstairslivingroomisnowpracticallyacarshowroom.Canyoubelieveit?Twoyearsago,Icouldn’tevenconvincemyhusbandtobuyanewsuit!

Anyway,howareyou?IsawyouonthecoverofWiredlastmonth—soproudofyou!Howarethegirls?How’sIsabel?Fromyourlaste-mailitsoundedlikethetwoofyouareinareallygreatplace.WhatdidItellyou?AweekintheMaldiveswithnophonesorWi-Fiwillreinvigorateanymarriage!

Ifyou’recomingtoS’porethisyearpleaseletmeknow—I’llgiveyouatourofmynewcardealership!

xo,

A

From:CharlieWu<charles.wu@wumicrosystems.com>Date:February10,2013at1:29AMTo:AstridTeo<astridleongteo@gmail.com>Subject:Re:HNY!HiAstrid,

Themuseumworkisperfectforyou—I’vealwaysthoughtyou’dmakeagreatforceintheculturalscene.Gladyoufinallyhaveahomewithenoughroomtoswingacat.Notsureifyou’dconsidermeluckythesedays:myyoungerone,Delphine(4),hasbecomeanexhibitionist(theotherdayshestrippedoffallherclothesandranaroundLaneCrawfordfortenminutesbeforethenanniescaughther—Isuspecttheyweretoobusyshoppingthepre–NewYearsaletonotice),andheroldersister,Chloe(7),isgoingthroughamajortomboyphase.ShefoundmyoldNorthernExposureDVDsandforsomereasonhasfalleninlovewiththeshow(eventhoughIthinkshe’stooyoungtogetanyofit).Shenowwantstobeeitherabushpilotorasheriff.Isabelisnotatallhappyaboutthis,butatleastshe’smuchhappierwithmethesedays.

HappyYearoftheSnaketoyouandyourfamily!

Regards,

Charlie

This message and any attached documents contain informationfromWuMicrosystemsoritssubsidiariesandmaybeconfidentialand/or privileged. If you are not the intended recipient, youmaynot read, copy, distribute, or use this information. If you havereceived this transmission in error, please notify the senderimmediatelybyreplye-mailandthendeletethismessage.

From:AstridTeo<astridleongteo@gmail.com>Date:February10,2013at7:35AMTo:CharlieWu<charles.wu@wumicrosystems.com>Subject:Re:Re:HNY!God,IrememberhowweusedtobingeonNorthernExposurebackinourLondondays!IwastotallyobsessedwithJohn

Corbett.Wonderwhathe’suptothesedays?Rememberthatideayouhad,inspiredbyAdamthechef’sstintattheBrick?Youwantedtofindanoldtruck-stopdinerinthemiddleofnowhere—onsomedesolateroadintheOrkneyIslandsorCanada’sNorthwestTerritories—andhireageniuschefwho’dapprenticedinthebestrestaurantsinParistoworkthere.We’dservethemostexquisite,innovativefood,butwewouldnotredecoratetheplaceonebitandstillserveontheoldplasticdinerplatesandchargedinerprices.IwouldbethewaitressandwearonlyAnnDemeulemeester.Andyouwouldbethebartenderandserveonlythefinestsinglemaltscotchesandtherarestwines,butwe’dscrapeoffallthelabelssonoonewouldknow.Peoplewouldjuststumbleineveryonceinawhilebyaccidentandbetreatedtothebestfoodintheworld.Istillthinkit’sabrilliantidea!Don’tworrytoomuchaboutyourdaughters.Ithinknudismisabeautifulthinginchildren(butmaybeyououghttosendhertoSwedenforthesummer),andmycousinSophiewentthroughatomboyphasetoo.(Ohwaitaminute,she’soverthirtynowandI’vestillneverseenherinmakeuporaskirt.Oops.)

xo,

A

p.s.What’supwithyour increasinglyminimalist responses?Yourlastfewe-mailshavebeenpainfullyshortcomparedtomytomes.If I didn’t knowhowbusyand important youare takingover theworld,Iwouldstarttogetoffended!

From:CharlieWu<charles.wu@wumicrosystems.com>Date:February10,2013at9:04AMTo:AstridTeo<astridleongteo@gmail.com>Subject:Re:Re:Re:HNY!JohnCorbetthasbeenlivingwithBoDereksince2002.Ithinkhe’sdoingjustfine.

Regards,C

p.s.I’mnottakingovertheworld—yourhusbandis.I’vebeenbusyonahunttofindageniuschefwhoiswillingtoliveinPatagoniaandcookforsixcustomersamonth.

ThismessageandanyattacheddocumentscontaininformationfromWuMicrosystemsoritssubsidiariesandmaybeconfidentialand/orprivileged.Ifyouarenottheintendedrecipient,youmaynotread,copy,distribute,orusethisinformation.Ifyouhavereceivedthistransmissioninerror,pleasenotifythesenderimmediatelybyreplye-mailandthendeletethismessage.

*EatenduringChineseNewYearinSingapore,yeesang,or“rawfish,”consistsofahugeplatepiledwithrawfish,shreddedpickledvegetables,andavarietyofspicesandsauces.Oncue,thedinersatthetablestandandtosstheingredientsintheairwiththeirchopstickswhilewishingeachotherprosperityandabundance.Knownasthe“prosperitytoss,”thebeliefisthatthehigheryoutoss,thehigheryourfortuneswillgrow.

5

TYERSALLPARK

SINGAPORE,CHINESENEWYEAR,MORNING

ThreeMercedesS-ClasssedansintheidenticalshadeofiridiumsilverbearinglicenseplatenumbersTAN01,TAN02,andTAN03idledinthemorning traffic on theirway toTyersallPark. In the lead car,LillianMay Tan,matriarch of the family with the surname so unabashedlyflauntedon its vehicles,peeredoutat the red-and-goldChineseNewYear decorations that assaulted every façade along Orchard Road.Every year, the decorations seemed to getmore andmore elaborateandlessandlesstasteful.“WhatinGod’snameisthat?”

Seated in the front passenger seat, Eric Tan studied the ten-storyLEDbillboardflashinganepileptic-seizure-inducinganimationandletout a chuckle. “Grandma, I think it’s supposed to be a red snake…enteringsome…um,goldentunnel.”

“It’sacurious-lookingsnake,”Eric’snewwife,Evie,commented inherhigh-pitchedvoice.

Lillian May refrained from mentioning what she thought theengorgedcreaturewiththeflaredheadresembled,butitremindedherof something shehad seen a long time agowhenher latehusband—bless his soul—took her to amost peculiar live show inAmsterdam.“We should have taken Clemenceau Avenue! Now we’re stuck in allthisOrchardRoadtraffic,”LillianMaysaid,fretting.

“Aiyah,nomatterwhichwaywego,it’sgoingtobejammedup,”herdaughterGeraldinesaid.

Beginning on the first day of theChineseNewYear, Singaporeansparticipate in a most unique ritual. All over the island, peoplefranticallydasharoundtothehomesoffamilyandfriendstoofferNewYeargreetings,exchangeangpows,*1andgobbledownfood.Thefirsttwo days of the New Year are most crucial, and a strict protocol isobservedaspeoplearrangetheirvisits inspecificorderofseniority—

paying respects to the oldest, most esteemed (and usually richest)relatives first.Adult childrennot living athomeare expected to visittheirparents,youngersiblingshavetovisiteachoftheiroldersiblingsin descending order of age, second cousins twice removed visit firstcousinsonce removed,andafter spendingalldaydrivingaround thecitypayingtributetothepaternalside,theyhavetorepeatthewholeprocessthenextdayonthematernalside.*2Inlargefamiliesthewholeaffair would often involve complicated Excel flow charts, ang powtracking apps, and plenty of Russian vodka to dull the migraine-inducingconfusionofitall.

The Tans prided themselves on always being the first to arrive atTyersall Park onNewYear’sDay. Even though these descendants ofthe nineteenth-century rubber tycoon Tan Wah Wee were thirdcousins to the Youngs and technically not supposed to be the firstvisitors, they had established a tradition of showing up promptly at10:00a.m.sincethe1960s(mainlybecauseLillianMay’slatehusbanddidnotwanttomissoutonrubbingshoulderswithalltheVVIPswhotendedtoshowupearly).

AstheconvoyofvehiclesfinallyreachedTyersallAvenueandmadeitsway up the private gravel road of the sprawling estate, GeraldinegaveEviealast-minutecrashcourseonhernewrelatives.“Now,Evie,be sure to greet Su Yi in Hokkien like I instructed you, and don’taddressherunlessyouarespokentofirst.”

“Okay.”Evienodded,gapingattheelegantcolonnadeofpalmtreesleading to themostmajestic house she had ever seen, gettingmorenervousbythesecond.

“And just avoid making any eye contact with her Thai ladies-in-waiting.Great-auntieSuYialwayshasthesetwomaidsstandingbyhersidewhowillgiveyoutheevileye,”Ericremarked.

“OhGod—”

“Aiyah,stopscaringthepoorgirl,”LillianMayscoffed.Asthefamilyemerged from their cars and prepared to enter the house,Geraldinewhisperedafinalwarningtohermother.“Remember…DONOTbringupNickyagain.YoualmostcausedAuntieSuYi tohaveastroke lastyearwhenyouaskedwherehewas.”

“WhatmakesyouthinkNickywon’tbeherethisyear?”LillianMayasked as she crouched down by the Mercedes’s side mirror to

rearrangetheelaboratewispsofhaircascadingdownherneck.

Geraldine glanced around quickly before continuing. “Aiyah, youdon’tevenknowthelatest!MonicaLeetoldmethathernieceParkerYeo heard the most sensational tidbit from Teddy Lim: Apparently,Nicky’s all set to marry that girl next month. Instead of a grandweddinghere theyaregettingmarried inCaliforniaonabeach! Canyouimagine?”

“Hiyah—whatadisgrace!PoorSuYi.AndpoorEleanor.Whatalossofface—allhereffortstopositionNickyasthemostfavoredgrandsonhavebeendashed.”

“Remember,Mummy,umngoihoiseh,ah.*3Don’tsayanything!”

“Don’tworry, Iwon’t say a thing to Su Yi,” LillianMay promised.ShewasgladtobehereatTyersallParkatlast,inthisoasisofsplendorfarremovedfromthegarishNewYearkitschthatadornedtherestofthe island. To Lillian, therewas this sense of being in an enchantedtime warp themoment she passed through the front door. It was ahouse that adhered only to the traditions decreed by its exactingchatelaine,transformingforthefestiveseasoninitsownsubtleways.The white phalae-nopsis orchids that usually greeted visitors on theancient stone table in the foyer were replaced by a toweringarrangementofpinkpeonies.Upstairsinthedrawingroom,atwenty-foot-longcalligraphyscrollbearingaNewYearpoembyXuZhimo—composedintributetoSuYi’slatehusband,SirJamesYoung—wouldbeunfurledagainstthesilver-andlapis-inlaidwall,andthewhitevoilecurtains that usually flapped against the veranda doors would beswappedforwatered-silkpanelsinthepalestshimmeringrose.

In the sun-soaked conservatory, the New Year tea ritual was justbeginning. Su Yi, resplendent in a high-necked turquoise silkcharmeusedress anda single opera-length strandof culturedpearls,sat on a cushionedwicker chair by the French doorswith her trustyThai lady’s maids standing solemnly behind her, while three of hermiddle-agedchildrenstoodinarowbeforeherlikeschoolkidswaitingto turn in their homework. Felicity and Victoria watched as theirbrother, Philip, ceremoniously offered the little teacup tohismotherwith both hands and formally offered wishes of good health andprosperity.AfterSuYitookasipoftheoolongteainfusedwithdriedred dates, it was Eleanor’s turn. As Eleanor began pouring thesteamingliquidfromtheornatelycarvedQingdragonteapot,thefirst

guestsofthemorningcouldbeheardarriving.

“Hiyah,thoseTanscomeearlierandearliereveryyear!”Felicitysaidirritatedly.

Victoria shook her head in disapproval. “That Geraldine is alwaysworriedthatshe’llmissoutonthefood.Shegetsfatterandfattereveryyear—I’mscaredtoimaginewhathertriglyceridelevelmustbe.”

“Now, didn’t that good-for-nothing Eric Tan just marry someIndonesiangirl?Iwonderhowdarksheisgoingtobe,”Felicitysaid.

“She’sIndonesianChinese—hermotherisoneoftheLiemsisters,soIbetyoushewillbefairerthanallofusputtogether.Nowdon’tsayathing,butCassandrawarnedmethatAuntieLillianMayjustgotbackfromAmericaandissportinganewwig.Shethinksitmakesherlookyounger,butCassandrathinksshe looks likeapontianak,”*4Victoriamuttered.

“Goodnessgracious!”Felicitygiggled.

Justthen,LillianMaybreezedintotheroom,followedbyaretinueof sons and daughters, assorted spouses, and grandchildren. ThematriarchoftheTanfamilyapproachedSuYi,bowedeversoslightly,andofferedthetraditionalNewYeargreeting:“Gongheifatchoy!”*5

“Gonghei fatchoy.Andwhoareyou?”SuYiasked,peeringatherthroughhertrademarktintedbifocals.

LillianMaylookedtakenaback.“SuYi,it’sme.LillianMayTan!”

SuYipausedforamomentbeforesaying,completelydeadpan,“Oh,Ididn’t recognizeyouwithyournewhairstyle. I thought thatwickedEnglishwomanfromDynastyhadcometovisitme.”

Lilliandidn’tknowwhethertobepleasedoroffended,buteveryoneelseintheroombrokeoutinlaughter.

Soon, more members of the extended Young–T’sien–Shang clanbegan to arrive, and everyone rushed aroundgongheifatchoying thehelloutofeachother,handingangpows to thekids,complimentingoneanother’soutfits,commentingonwhohadputonweightorlookedtoo skinny, trading reports onwhose house just sold for howmuch,showingoffpicturesof theirmost recentholiday/grandchild/medicalprocedure,andstuffingtheirfaceswithpineappletarts.

As guests began dispersing toward the grand staircase and the

upstairs drawing room, Lillian May took the opportunity to greetEleanor. “I didn’t want to compliment you in front of Felicity andVictoria,whoarealwayssojealousofyou,butImustsayyourpurplewrapdressisawinner!Youarebyfarthemostelegantwomanintheroom!”

Eleanor smiled graciously. “You look lovely too. That’s quite anoutfit…isthecaftandetachable?”

“I got thiswhen Iwas visitingmy sister inSanFrancisco. It’s thismarvelous new designer I discovered. What was the name? Let methink…EddieFisher.No,no, that’snotright…EileenFisher!Now,theWest Coast has really had an unseasonably cold winter. You reallymustpacksomeextra-warmclothingforyourtrip.”

“Mytrip?”Eleanorfurrowedherbrow.

“ToCalifornia?”

“I’mnotgoingtoCalifornia.”

“But surely you and Philip are going to—” Lillian began, beforesuddenlybreakingoff.

“Towhat?”

“Dearme,I’msuchafool…I’msorry,Iconfusedyouwithsomeoneelseforamoment,”Lilliansputtered.“Geiktohsei!*6 Iamgettingsosenile. Oh look, Astrid and Michael are here! Doesn’t Astrid lookdivine?AndlittleCassianlookssoadorableinthatbowtie.Imustgoandpinchthatcutiepie’scheeks!”

Eleanor’s jaw tightened. This Lillian May was such a bad liar.Somethingwasup inCalifornia, andEleanor’smind reeledatall thepossibilities. Why would she and Philip ever go to godforsakenCaliforniatogether?UnlesstherewassomebigeventinvolvingNicky.Was he finally getting married? Yes, yes, that must be what washappening.Ofcourse, theonepersonwhowouldknowthetruthwasAstrid,whoat thisveryminutewasstandingat thestaircase landingwhileLillianMayratherbizarrelystrokedherdress.Fromafar,Astridappearedtobewearingarathersimplewhiteshiftwithbluedetailingonthesleevesandhemline,butasEleanorgotcloser,sherealizedthatthe blue detailing was actually silk embroidery that mimicked Delftchinapatterns.

“Aiyah,Astrid,everyyearIcomeherejusttoseewhatcouturedress

you’llbewearing!Andyoucertainlydidn’tdisappoint—youarebyfarthe most elegant woman in the room. Who are you wearing? Is itBalmain?Chanel?Dior?”LillianMaygushed.

“Oh,thisisjustalittleexperimentthatmyfriendJun*7whippedupforme,”Astridsaid.

“It’sabsolutelydivine!AndMichael—fromToaPayohtotycoon!MysontellsmeyouhavebecometheSteveGatesofSingapore!”

“Ha, ha.No lah, Auntie,”Michael responded, too polite to correcttheoldlady.

“It’strue.EverytimeIopenBusinessTimesIseeyourface.Doyouhaveahottipforme?”Eleanoraskedasshejoinedthegroup.

“AuntieElle,fromwhatmyfriendsatG.K.Gohtellme,you’re theone who could give me a few stock tips!” Michael laughed, clearlyenjoyingthisnewadorationfromhiswife’srelatives.

“Rubbish,lah!Iamjustasmallfrycomparedtoyou.Excuseme,butIneedtoborrowyourwifeforaminute,”Eleanorsaid,grabbingholdofAstrid’s elbow and steering her down the long gallerylike drawingroomtothecornerbythegrandpiano.Theyoungpianist,wholookedlikehewasbarelyoutofhisfirstyearattheRafflesMusicCollegeashesweated profusely in his suit, was playing some innocuous Chopinétude.

AstridknewfromtheforceofhergripthatEleanormeantbusiness.Talkingoverthemusic,Eleanorsaid,“Iwantyoutotellmethetruth.IsNickygettingmarriedinCalifornia?”

Astridtookadeepbreath.“Yes.”

“Andwhenisthishappening?”

“Idon’twanttolietoyou,butIspecificallypromisedNickyIwouldnotgiveoutanydetails,soyou’llhavetoaskhimyourself.”

“YouknowaswellasIdothatmysonhasrefusedtotakemycallsforovertwoyears!”

“Well,that’sbetweenyouandhim.Pleasedon’tputmeinthemiddleofthis.”

“Youareinthemiddleofthiswhetheryoulikeitornot,becauseyoutwohavebeenkeepingsecrets!”Eleanorwasfuming.

Astrid sighed. She hated confrontations like this. “Given thecircumstances,IthinkyouknowexactlywhyIcan’ttellyou.”

“Comeon,Ihavearighttoknow!”

“Yes,butyouhavenorighttosabotagehiswedding.”

“I’mnotgoing to sabotageanything!Youhave to tellme! I’MHISMOTHER, DAMN IT!” Eleanor exploded, forgetting where she was.Theshockedpianiststoppedplaying,andsuddenlyalleyesintheroomwereonthem.Astridcouldseethatevenhergrandmotherwaspeeringoverintheirdirectionwithdispleasure.

Astridpursedherlips,refusingtosayanything.

Eleanorlookedathersharply.“Thisisunbelievable!”

“No,what’s unbelievable is howyou can expectNicky towant youanywherenearhiswedding,”Astridsaid,hervoiceshaking,beforeshestalkedoff.

•••

Threeweeks before theNewYear, the chefs from theYoung, Shang,and T’sien households would gather at Tyersall Park’s cavernouskitchen to begin the marathon production of New Year delicacies.Marcus Sim, the Shang family’s acclaimed pastry chef based at theirestate in England, would fly in to prepare all manner of nyonyadesserts—rainbow-huedkuehlapis,delicatelysculptedangkookueh,and of course, his famous kueh bangkit cookies with Marconaalmonds. Ah Lian, the T’siens’ longtime cook, would supervise theteamresponsibleforthelabor-intensivepreparationofpineappletarts,sinfullysweetniengao,andsavorytsaitaokuehradishcakes.AndAhChing, the chef at Tyersall Park, would oversee the New Year’s Dayluncheon where a gigantic baked ham (with her famous pineapplebrandysauce)wouldmakeitsannualappearance.

But for the first time in as many years as she could remember,Eleanordidnot enjoyher lunch. Shehardly touchedanyof thehamthatGeraldineTanproclaimedtobe“evenjuicierthanlastyear’s,”andshe couldn’t even face her favoriteneen gao. She loved the way thesticky-rice-flour dessert cake was prepared here—cut into half-moonslices, dipped in egg batter, and fried to a golden brown so that theouter layer of the cake was light and crisp, yet sweet and gooey theminuteyoubitintoit.Buttoday,shejustdidn’thavetheappetitefor

anything. Following strict seating protocol, she was trapped next toBishopSeeBeiSien,andsheglaredatherhusbandontheothersideofthe tablewhowas tucking intoanotherhelpingofhamashechattedwiththebishop’swife.Howcouldheeatatatimelikethis?Anhourago, she had asked Philip whether he had heard anything regardingNickyandawedding,andhehadshockedherbysaying,“Ofcourse.”

“WHAAAT?Whydidn’tyoutellme,lah?”

“Therewasnothingtotell.Iknewweweren’tgoingtogo.”

“Whatdoyoumean?TELLMEEVERYTHING!”Eleanordemanded.

“NickycalledmeinSydneyandaskedmeifIwantedtocometohiswedding. I asked if youwere invited, and he said no. So I told him,Goodluckchap,butIwon’tbecomingifyourmotherdoesn’t,”Philipcalmlyexplained.

“Whereisthewedding?Whenisit?”

“Idon’tknow.”

“Alamak!Howcanyounotknowwhenheinvitedyou?”

Philip sighed. “I didn’t think to ask. It wasn’t relevant since weweren’tgoing.”

“Whydidn’tyoutellmeabouttheconversationinthefirstplace?”

“BecauseIknewyouweregoingtobeunreasonableaboutit.”

“Youareamoron!Anabsolutemoron!”Eleanorscreeched.

“See,Iknewyouweregoingtobeunreasonable.”

Eleanorplayedwithherbraisednoodles, seethingon the inside asshe pretended to listen to the bishop complain about some pastor’swifewhowasspendingmillionstryingtobecomeafamouspopstar.Atthe children’s table, Cassian’s au pair was trying to coax him intofinishinghis lunch.“Idon’twantnoodles!Iwant icecream!”theboyfussed.

“It’sChineseNewYear.Noicecreamforyoutoday,”hisaupairsaidfirmly.

Suddenly, an idea came to Eleanor. She whispered to one of theservingmaids,“CanyoupleasetellAhChingthatIhaveasorethroatfromallthisheatyfoodandI’mdesperatelycravingsomeicecream?”

“Icecream,ma’am?”

“Yes,anyflavor.Anythingyoumighthaveinthekitchen.Butdon’tbringittomehere—I’llmeetyouinthelibrary.”

•••

Fifteenminutes later,afterhavingpaidoffCassian’saupairwithfivecrisphundred-dollar bills,Eleanorwas sitting at the black lacqueredscholar’s table in the library, watching the little boy devour an ice-creamsundaeoutofalargesilverbowl.

“Cassian,whenyourmummy isaway,you just tellLudivine tocallme, and my driver will come and pick you up and take you for icecreamanytimeyoulike,”Eleanorsaid.

“Really?”Cassiansaid,wide-eyed.

“Absolutely. Itwill beour little secret.When is yourmother goingaway? Did she tell you she is getting on an aeroplane and going toAmericasoon?”

“Uh-huh.InMarch.”

“Didshetellyouwhereshewasgoing?IsshegoingtoCupertino?OrSanFrancisco?LosAngeles?Disneyland?”

“LA,”Cassiansaidwhilegulpingdownanotherspoonful.

Eleanorbreathedasighofrelief.Marchgaveherenoughtime.ShepattedtheboyontheheadandsmiledashestainedtheentirefrontofhisBonpointdressshirtwithhotfudge.ServesAstridrightfortryingtokeepthingsfromme!

*1Hokkienfor“redpacket,”theseredenvelopesembossedingoldarestuffedwithcoldhardcashandaregivenoutduringChineseNewYearbymarriedcouplestosinglepeople,especiallychildren,forgoodluck.Amountsvaryaccordingtothegiver’sincomebracket,butitissafetosaythattheminimumamountinmoreaffluenthouseholdsisahundreddollars.Bytheendoftheweek,mostkidsmakeoutwiththousandsofdollars,andforsome,theirentireallowancesfortheyeardependonthisritual.Inanotherdeparturefromtradition,theangpowsatTyersallParkweremadeofapalepinkvellum,andalwayscontainedanominalbutsymbolicamount.ThisexplainsthegenerationsofchildrentakentoTyersallParkeveryNewYearwhowouldblurtoutindisappointment,“Kanninah—onlytwodollarsinside!”

*2IfyourparentsweredivorcedandremarriedoryoucamefromoneofthosefamilieswhereGrandpahadtakenmultiplewivesandsiredmultiplefamilies,youweretotallyfucked.

*3Cantonesefor“Don’tputacurseofdeath,”meaning“Don’tsabotagethesituation.”

*4Afemaleghostwithlong,rat-nest-likehairthatlivesinabananatree.FromIndonesianandMalaymythology,pontianaksaresaidtobespiritsofwomenwhodiedwhilegivingbirth.Apontianakkillshervictimsbydiggingintotheirstomachswithhersharpdirtyfingernailsanddevouringtheirorgans.Yum.

*5“Congratulationsandwishingyouprosperity,”thepropergreetinginCantonese.Naughtierchildrenprefertosay“HappyNewYear—Ipullyourear!”or“Gongheifatchoy—angpowtaelai!”(Nowgimmethatangpow!)

*6Cantonesefor“Thisirritatesmetodeath!”

*7JunTakahashi,thecreativeforcebehindthecultfashionlabelUndercover.TheprototypeofAstrid’sdresswasquitepossiblytheinspirationforhisautumn–winter2014collection.

6

MORTONSTREET

NEWYORK

FEBRUARY10,201318:38PMPST

TextmessagestoNicholasYoung’sprivatecellphone(theonehisparentsdon’thavethenumberfor)

ASTRID:Yrmumfoundoutaboutthewedding.HappyNewYear.

NICK:WTF!Howdidshefindout?

ASTRID:Notsurewholeaked.Sheconfrontedme@AhMa’s.Thingsgotugly.

NICK:Really?!?

ASTRID:Yes.ShewentnutsandmadeascenewhenIwouldn’tgiveheranydetails.

NICK:Soshedoesn’tknowwhen,where,etc.?

ASTRID:No,butI’msureshe’llfindouteventually.Getready.

NICK:I’lldoubledownonsecurityatthevenue.Willhireex-Mossad.

ASTRID:MakesuretheyareallfromTelAviv.Withgoodtans,lotsofstubble,andgreatabs.

NICK:No,weneedreallysinisterguards.MaybeIshouldcallPutinandseewhomhecanrecommend.

ASTRID:Missu.Gottarun.LingCheh’sringingthelunchgong.

NICK:PleasewishLingChehgongheifatchoy,andsavemesometsaitaokueh.

ASTRID:I’llsaveyouallthecrispybits.

NICK:Myfavorite!

FEBRUARY10,20139:47AMEST

MessageleftonNicholasYoung’svoicemailinNewYork

Nicky,ah?Areyouthere?HappyNewYear.AreyoucelebratinginNewYork?Ihopeyouaregoingtodosomething.IfyoucannotfindyeesanginChinatown,atleasthaveaplateofnoodles.WehavebeenatAhMa’sallday.Everyonewasthere.Allyourcousins.EricTan’snewIndonesianwifeisveryprettyandhasverywhiteskin.Ithinkshemustbleachit.IheardtheyhadaridiculouslylavishweddinglikeColinandAraminta’s,butinJakarta.Hersidepaidformostofitofcourse.I’msurehersidewillpayforallofEric’smoney-losingfilmsfromnowon.Nicky,pleasecallmewhenyougetthismessage.There’ssomethingIneedtodiscusswithyou.

FEBRUARY11,20138:02AMEST

MessageleftonNicholasYoung’svoicemailinNewYork

Nicky,areyouthere?Alamak,thisisgettingridiculous.Youcannotkeepignoringmelikethis.Pleasecallmeback.Ihavesomethingveryimportanttotellyou.Somethingyouwillwanttoknow,Ipromise.Pleasecallmeassoonaspossible.

FEBRUARY12,201311:02AMEST

MessageleftonNicholasYoung’svoicemailinNewYork

Nicky,isthatyou?Nicky?He’snotin…Dadhere.Pleasecallyourmother.Sheneedstospeaktoyouurgently.Iwantyoutoputasideyourfeelingsandjustcallher.It’sChineseNewYear.Pleasebeagoodsonandcallhome.

•••

ItwasRachelwhoheardthemessagesfirst.TheyhadjustarrivedhomefromCalifornia,andaftersettingtheluggagedown,NickhadrunouttograbsomesandwichesatLaPanineriawhileRachelunpackedandcheckedthevoicemailsonthehomeline.

“TheywereoutofmortadellasoIgotaprosciuttoandfontinawithfigmustardandamozzarella,tomato,andpestopanini—Ithoughtwe

couldshareboth,”Nickannounceduponreturning to theapartment.HandingthepapersacktoRachel,hesensedthatsomethingwasoff.“Youokay?”

“Um, you need to listen to the voicemails,” Rachel said, handinghim the cordless phone. While Nick listened, Rachel went into thekitchen and beganunwrapping the sandwiches. She noticed that herfingersweretrembling,andshefoundherselfunabletodecidewhethertoleavethesandwichesonthewaxpaperorputthemonplates.Foramoment, she became angry with herself. She hadn’t thought thathearingEleanorYoung’svoiceagainafterallthistimewouldhavethiseffectonher.Whatwasitshewasfeeling?Anxiety?Dread?Shewasn’tquitesure.

Entering the kitchen,Nick said, “You know, I think that’s the firsttimeinmylifemydad’severleftmeavoicemail.I’malwaystheonewhocallshim.Mymummustbegivinghimhell.”

“Lookslikethecat’soutofthebag.”Rachelforcedasmile,tryingtomaskhernerves.

Nickgrimaced.“Astridsentatextwarningmewhilewewereatyouruncle’s, but I didn’t want to mention anything while we were allcelebrating New Year’s. Things were tense enough with all the talkaboutyourfather.Ishouldhaveknownthiswascoming.”

“Whatdoyouthinkyou’lldo?”

“Absolutelynothing.”

“You’rereallygoingtoignorehercalls?”

“Ofcourse.I’mnotgoingtoplayhergame.”

Rachelfeltrelievedatfirst,butthenalittleconflictedaboutwhetherthiswastherightwayforNicktohandlethings.Ignoringhismotherhad gotten them into all that trouble the first time around.Was hemakingabigmistakeagain?“Areyousureyoudon’twant toat leastspeaktoyourfather…maybetrytocleartheairbeforethewedding?”

Nick thought about it for a moment. “You know, there’s reallynothingtoclear.MydadalreadygaveushisblessingwhenIspoketohimlastmonth.He’shappyforus,atleast.”

“Butwhatifthemessageshavenothingtodowithourwedding?”

“Listen,iftherewasanythingtrulyimportantmyparentsneededto

tell me, they would have just told me on the voice mail. Or Astridwould have told me. This is just some new scheme my mother hascookedupinherlast-ditchefforttopreventusfrommarrying.Igottahandittoher—she’slikearabiddogthatjustwon’tletgoofyourleg,”Nicksaid,fuming.

Rachel walked into the living room and sank down onto the sofa.Hereshewas,agirlwhohadgrownupneverknowingher father.Asmuch as she detested Eleanor Young, she couldn’t help but feel sadthat Nick had become so estranged from his mother. She knew itwasn’ther fault,butshehatedthatshewaspartofwhy ithappened.Shegatheredherthoughtsforafewminutesbeforefinallyspeaking.“Iwishthingsdidn’thavetobethisway.IneverthoughtI’deverputyouinapositionlikethis.”

“Youdidn’tputmeinanyposition.Thiswasmymother’sowndoing.Sheonlyhasherselftoblame.”

“I justnever imaginedI’dbeataplacewheremyfuturehusband’sparentsweren’tinvitedtoourwedding,andmostofhisfamilywon’tbethere…”

Nick took a seat besideRachel. “We talked about this already. It’sgoing to be fine. Astrid and Alistair will be there, and they are myclosestcousins.YouknowI’vealwayshatedthosetraditionalChineseweddingswhereeveryoneandtheircatisinvited.We’regoingtohavean intimate ceremony surrounded by your family and our closestfriends.Justyou,me,andourchosenfamily.Nooneelsematters.”

“Areyousure?”

“I’mmorethansure,”Nicksaidashebegantokissthetenderspotatthenapeofherneck.

Sighing softly, Rachel closed her eyes and hoped he really meantwhathesaid.

•••

Acoupleofweekslater,thestudentsenrolledatNewYorkUniversityin the course Britain Between the Wars: The Lost GenerationRediscovered,Deconstructed, andRestoredwere treated to themostcurious spectacle. In the middle of Professor Young’s lecture, twoextremely tan, extremely blond women of Amazonian proportionsentered the classroom. Dressed in identical outfits of figure-hugging

navy-bluecashmeresweaters,immaculatelypressedwhitelinenslacks,and white nautical caps with gold piping on the brims, the pairsauntered up to the front of the classroom and addressed theprofessor.

“Mr.Young?Thefavorofyourpresencehasbeenrequested.Ifyouwould please come with us,” one of the blondes said in a thickNorwegianaccent.

Notsurewhattomakeofthis,Nickreplied,“Myclassisn’toverforanother twenty-five minutes. If you’d care to wait outside, we canspeakwhenit’sover.”

“I’mafraid that’snotpossible,Mr.Young.Thematter is extremelyurgentandwe’vebeenrequestedtocollectyouimmediately.”

“Immediately?”

“Yes, immediately,” the other blonde replied. This one had anAfrikaans accent that made her sound much sterner than theNorwegian.“Pleasecomewithusnow.”

Nick was starting to get a little annoyed by the disruption whensuddenly it hit him—this had to be some pre-wedding prank, mostlikelycourtesyofhisbestfriendColinKhoo.HehadassuredColinthathedidn’tcareforabachelorpartyoranysortoffuss,butitsurelookedlikethesetwoleggyblondeswerepartofsomeelaborateploy.

“AndwhatifIdon’tgowithyou?”hesaidwithaplayfulgrin.

“Thenyouwillgiveusnochoicebuttoresorttoextrememeasures,”theNorwegianreplied.

Nickfoundhimselffightingtokeepastraightface.Hehopedthesewomenwerenotabouttobustoutaboomboxandstartstripping.Hisclassroomwoulddescendintototalchaosandhewouldlosecontrolofthese already attention-deficient kids. Not to mention all his hard-earned credibility, since he hardly looked older than most of hisstudents.

“Givemeafewminutestowrapthingsup,”Nickfinallysaid.

“Verywell.”Thewomennoddedinunison.

Ten minutes later, Nick exited the classroom as his studentsexcitedlywhipped out their phones and began texting, tweeting, andinsta-gramming pictures of their instructor being led away by two

statuesqueblondesinnautical-inspiredoutfits.Waitinginfrontofthebuilding on University Place was a silver BMW SUV with tintedwindows. Nick got in a little reluctantly, and as the sedan beganspeedingacrossHoustonStreet andonto theWestSideHighway,hewonderedwhereintheworldhewasbeingtaken.

At Fifty-second Street, the car merged into one of the exit lanesleadingtowardtheManhattanCruiseTerminal,wherethecruiseshipsthatvisitedNewYorkalldocked.MooredatPier88wasasuperyachtthat looked like it had at least five levels of decks.TheOdin, it wascalled.Good God, Colin has way toomuch time andmoney on hishands! Nick thought, staring up at the gargantuan vessel, whichseemedtosparkleasshardsofsunlightreflectingoffthewaterdancedacrossitsmidnight-bluehull.Heclimbedupthegangwayandenteredthe grand foyer of the yacht, a soaring atrium with a circular glasselevatorinthemiddlethatlookedlikeitcouldhavebeenstolenfromanApplestore.TheblondesescortedNickintothelift,whichrosejustonefloorbeforeopeningupagain.

“Wecouldhavetakenthestairs,”Nickremarkedwrylytotheladies.He steppedoutof theelevator,half expecting to find the room filledwith friends like Colin Khoo, Mehmet Sabançi, and some of hiscousins, but instead found himself alone on what seemed to be themain deck of the yacht. The ladies led him through a series ofsumptuous spaces, past sleek lounges paneled in golden sycamore,barstoolsupholsteredinwhaleforeskin,andasalonwithaceilingthatglowedlikeaJamesTurrellinstallation.

Nickbegantohavethesinkingfeelingthatnoneofthishadanythingtodowithabachelorparty.Justashewasbeginningtoconsiderhisoptionsforahastyexit,theyarrivedatapairofslidingdoorsguardedby two tall, strapping deckhands.*1 The men slid the doors apart,revealing a skylit dining deck.At the end of the deck, lounging on adining settee in a white pique blazer, white jodhpurs, and camel-coloredF.lliFabbriridingboots,wasnoneotherthanJacquelineLing.

“Ah,Nicky,justintimeforthesoufflé!”shesaid.

Nick approachedhis old family friend, feeling equally amusedandexasperated.HeshouldhavecluedinearlierthatallthisScandinaviansillinesshadsomethingtodowithJacqueline,whoselongtimepartnerwastheNorwegianbillionaireVictorNormann.

“Whatkindofsoufflé is it?”Nickaskednonchalantly, takingaseatacross from the legendary beauty dubbed “the Chinese CatherineDeneuve”bythesocietypages.

“Ibelieve it’skaleandEmmentaler.Don’tyouthinkall thesuddenhypeaboutkaleisgettingabitmuch?Iwanttoknowwho’sbeendoingallthePRforthekaleindustry—theyshouldreallygetanaward.Now,aren’tyoutheleastbitsurprisedtoseeme?”

“Actually, I’m rather disappointed. For a while I thought I’d beenkidnappedandforcedtobeanextrainaJamesBondmovie.”

“Didn’t you enjoymeeting Alannah andMetteMarit? I knew youwouldn’tcomeifIhadjustcalledupandinvitedyoutolunch.”

“OfcourseIwouldhave,butatamorenormaltime—Ihopeyou’regoing to findme a new job when NYU firesme for abandoningmyclassinthemiddleofalecture.”

“Hiyah,don’tbesuchaspoilsport!Youhavenoideahowharditwasto find a place to dock this beast. Now, I thought New York wassupposedtobesuchaworld-classcity,butdoyouknowyourbiggestmarina can only hold up to a hundred and eighty feet? Where isanyonesupposedtoparktheiryacht?”

“Well,thisisquiteabeast.Lürssen,Ipresume?”

“Fincantieri, actually. Victor did notwant his baby built anywherenearNorway,withthosepeskyjournalistsalwaysscrutinizinghiseverymove, so he chose an Italian shipyard instead. Of course, Espen*2

designedthisone,likehehasallourboats.”

“Auntie Jacqueline, I don’t think you summoned me here to talkaboutshipbuilding.Whydon’tyousaywhatyoureallycametosay?”Nicksaid,breakingoffacornerofastill-warmbaguetteanddippingitintohissoufflé.

“Nicky, I told younever to callme ‘Auntie.’Youmakeme feel likeI’mpastmyselldate!”Jacquelinesaidinmockhorrorassheflickedalustrouslockofblackhairbehindhershoulders.

“Jacqueline—youdon’tneedmetotellyouthatyoudon’tlookadayoverforty,”Nicksaid.

“Thirty-nine,Nicky.”

“Okay,thirty-nine.”Nicklaughed.Hehadtoadmitthatevenasshe

satacrossfromhiminthebrightsunlightwithonlyatouchofmakeupon,shewasstilloneof themoststunninglyattractivewomenhehadeverknown.

“There’sthathandsomesmileofyours!ForawhileIwasafraidyouwere beginning to get surly. Don’t ever get surly, Nicky, it’s mostunbecoming.My son,Teddy, alwayshas themost surly, superciliouslookabouthim—IshouldneverhavesenthimtoEton.”

“Idon’tthinkEtonhadanythingtodowithit,”Nickoffered.

“You’re probably right. He has those snobby recessive Lim genesfrom my late husband’s side. Now, you should know that all ofSingaporewastalkingaboutyouovertheChineseNewYear.”

“I highly doubt that all of Singapore was talking about me,Jacqueline. I haven’t lived there in over a decade and I really don’tknowmanypeople.”

“YouknowwhatImean.Ihopeyoudon’tmindmybeingfrank.I’vealwaysbeenveryfondofyou,soIdon’twanttoseeyoudothewrongthing.”

“Andwhat’sthe‘wrongthing’?”

“MarryingRachelChu.”

Nickrolledhiseyes in frustration.“Ireallydon’twant tobedrawnintoadiscussionaboutthiswithyou.Itwouldbeawasteofyourtime.”

Ignoringhim, Jacqueline continued. “I sawyourAhMa lastweek.Shesummonedmetovisither,andwehadteaonherveranda.Sheisverydistressedbyyourestrangementfromher,butatthispointsheisstillwillingtoforgiveyou.”

“Forgiveme?Oh,that’srich.”

“Iseeyouarestillreluctanttoseehersideofthings.”

“I’mnotreluctantatall.Ican’tevenbegintoseehersideofthings.Idon’t know why my grandmother can’t be happy for me, why shecannottrustmetomakeadecisionaboutwhoIwanttospendtherestofmylifewith.”

“Ithasnothingtodowithtrust.”

“Thenwhatisitabout?”

“It’samatterofrespect,Nicky.YourAhMacaresforyoudearly,and

shehasalwayshadyourbestinterestsatheart.Sheknowswhatisbestforyou,andonlyasksthatyourespectherwishes.”

“Iusedtorespectmygrandmother,butI’msorry,Ican’trespecthersnobbery. I’m not going to roll over and marry into one of the fivefamiliesinAsiadeemedacceptablebyher.”

Jacquelinesighedandshookherheadslowly.“Thereissomuchyoudon’tknowaboutyourgrandmother,aboutyourownfamily.”

“Well,whydon’tyoutellme?Let’snotkeepitamystery.”

“Listen,thereisonlysomuchIcansay.ButIwilltellyouthis:Ifyouchoosetogothroughwithyourweddingnextmonth,Icanassureyouthatyourgrandmotherwilltakenecessarymeasures.”

“Meaning what?Meaning she’s going to cutme out of her will? Ithoughtshedidthatalready,”Nicksaidmockingly.

“Forgiveme if I soundpatronizing,but thearroganceofyouthhasled you astray. I don’t think you truly realize what it means for thegatesofTyersallParktobeclosedtoyouforever.”

Nick laughed. “Jacqueline, you sound like some character out of aTrollopenovel!”

“Laugh all youwant, but you’re being rather foolhardy about this.Thereisthissenseofentitlementthatwasbredintoyou,andyouarelettingthataffectyourdecisions.Doyoureallyknowwhatitmeanstobecutofffromyourfortune?”

“I’mdoingjustfine.”

JacquelinegaveNickapatronizingsmile.“I’mnottalkingaboutthetwentyorthirtymillionyourgrandfather leftyou.That’s justteettohlui.*3Youcan’tevenbuyaproperhouse inSingaporewiththatthesedays. I’m talking about your real legacy. Tyersall Park. Are youpreparedtoloseit?”

“TyersallParkisgoingtobelefttomyfather,andonedayitwillpasstome,”Nicksaidmatter-of-factly.

“Letmegiveyousomenews—yourfatherlongagogaveupanyhopeofinheritingTyersallPark.”

“That’sjustidlegossip.”

“No it’s not,Nicky. It’s a fact, and aside from your grandmother’s

lawyersandyourgreat-uncleAlfred,Iamprobablytheonlypersonontheplanetwhoknowsthis.”

Nickyshookhisheadindisbelief.

Jacquelinesighed.“Youthinkyouknoweverything.DoyouknowIwaswithyourgrandmotherthedayyourfatherannouncedthathewasgoing to immigrate to Australia? No, because you were away atboarding school during that time. Your grandmother was furious atyourfather,andthenshewasbrokenhearted.Imagine,awomanofhergeneration,awidow,havingtosuffertheindignityofthis.Iremembershe cried to me, ‘What’s the use of having this house and all thesethings,whenmyonlysonisabandoningme?’That’swhenshedecidedtochangeherwilland leave thehouse toyou.Sheskippedoveryourfatherandputallherhopesinyou.”

Nick couldn’t mask his look of surprise. For years, his busybodyrelatives had engaged in covert speculation over the contents of hisgrandmother’swill,butthiswasonetwisthehadn’timagined.

“Ofcourse,yourrecentactionshavesabotagedthoseplans.Ihaveiton good authority that your grandmother is preparing to changeherwill again. How will you feel if Tyersall Park goes to one of yourcousins?”

“IfAstridgetsit,I’dbehappyforher.”

“Youknowhowyourgrandmotheris—shewillwantthehousetogotooneoftheboys.Itwon’tgotoanyoftheLeongs,becausesheknowsthattheyalreadyhavetoomanyproperties,butitcouldverywellgotooneofyourThaicousins.OroneoftheChengs.HowwouldyoufeelifEddieChengbecamelordandmasterofTyersallPark?”

NicklookedatJacquelineinalarm.

Jacqueline paused for a moment, carefully considering what shewantedtosaynext.“Doyouknowanythingaboutmyfamily,Nicky?”

“Whatdoyoumean?IknowyourgrandfatherwasLingYinChao.”

“Inthe1900smygrandfatherwastherichestmaninSoutheastAsia,revered by all.His house onMount Sophiawas bigger thanTyersallPark,and Iwasborn in thathouse. I grewupmuch likeyour familydid,inakindofluxurythathardlyexiststoday.”

“Waitaminute…you’renotgoingtotellmethatyourfamilylostall

theirmoney?”

“Ofcoursenot.Butmygrandfatherhadtoomanydamnwivesandtoomanychildren,so the fortune’sbeendispersed.Collectively,we’dstillrankhighontheForbeslist,butnotwhentherearesomanyofusfeeding from the pot these days. But look at me, I’m a girl. Mygrandfatherwasanold-fashionedmanfromAmoy,andforpeoplelikehim, girls weren’t supposed to inherit—they were just married off.Beforehedied,heput allhisholdings in a labyrinthine family trust,stipulatingthatonlymalesbornwiththeLingsurnamecouldbenefit.Iwasexpectedtomarrywell,andIdid,butthenmyhusbanddiedmuchtooyoung,andIwasleftwithtwosmallchildrenandsometeettohlui.Doyouknowhowitfeelstoliveamongsomeoftherichestpeopleintheworld and feel like youhavenothing compared to them?Take itfrom me, Nicky—you have no idea what it’s like to come fromeverythingandthenloseitall.”

“You’renotexactlyhurting.”Nickgesturedattheirsurroundings.

“True, I’vemanaged tomaintain certain standards, but it has nothappenedwiththesortofeasethatyoumightimagine.”

“I appreciate your story,but thedifferencebetweenyouandme isthatIdon’trequireallthatmuch.Idon’tneedayachtoraplaneorahugeestate.Ispenthalfmylifeinhousesthatwerefartoobig,andit’ssuch a relief to live theway I do inNewYork. I’m perfectly contentwithmylifejustthewayitis.”

“I think you misunderstand me. How can I put it to you moreclearly?”Jacquelinepursedherlipsforamomentandconsideredherfinelypaintedmanicure,asifshewasn’tquitesurewhatshewantedtosay. “You know, I grew up thinking that I was born into a certainworld.MywholeidentitywaswrappedupinthenotionthatIbelongedto this family—that I was a Ling. But the moment I got married, IfoundoutthatIwasnotconsideredaLinganymore.Notinthetruestsense. All my brothers, half brothers, and idiot male cousins wouldinherithundredsofmillionseachfromtheLingTrust,butIwouldn’tbe entitled to a cent. But then I realized it wasn’t really the loss ofmoneythatwasaffectingmethemost.Itwasthelossoftheprivilege.Tosuddenlyrealizethatyouareinconsequentialevenwithinyourownfamily.Ifyougothroughwiththismarriage,Ipromiseyouwillfeelaseismicshift.Youcanactself-righteous infrontofmerightnow,butbelieveme,when it is all taken away, youwon’t knowwhat hit you.

Doorsthathavebeenopentoyouallyourlifewillsuddenlybeclosed,becauseineveryone’seyes,youarenothingwithoutTyersallPark.AndIwouldhatetoseethathappen.Youaretherightfulheir.Howmuchisthat landworth today? Sixty of themost prime acres in the heart ofSingapore…it’s like owning Central Park in New York. I can’t evenbegin to fathomthevalue. IfRachelonlyknewwhatyouweregivingup.”

“Well,I’mcertainlynotinterestedinhavinganyofitifIcan’tsharemylifewithher,”Nicksaidadamantly.

“Whosaidyoucouldn’tbewithRachel?Whydon’tyoulivewithheras you have been? Just don’t getmarried now. Don’t rub it in yourgrandma’s face. Go home and make peace with her. She is in hernineties,howmanyyearsdoesshehaveleft?Aftershegoes,youcandoanythingyouwant.”

Nickconsideredherwords insilence.Therewasagentleknockonthedoor,andastewardbearingatrayofcoffeeanddessertsentered.

“Thankyou,Sven.Nowtrysomeofthischocolatecake.Ithinkyou’llfindittobequiteinteresting.”

Nicktookabite,recognizing immediately that it tastedexactly likethe airy yet rich chocolate chiffon cake made by the cook at hisgrandmother’shouse.“HowdidyoumanagetoprytherecipeoutofAhChing?”heaskedinsurprise.

“Ididn’t.IsmuggledasliceintomyhandbagwhenIhadlunchwithyour grandmother lastweekandhad it flown straight toMarius, thegenius chef we have aboard. He spent three days doing his ownforensicson thecake,andafterabout twentyattempts,wegot it justright,don’tyouthink?”

“It’sperfect.”

“Now, how would you feel if you could never have this chocolatecakeagain?”

“I’lljusthavetobeinvitedbacktoyouryacht.”

“Thisisn’tmyyacht,Nicky.Noneofthisismine.Anddon’tthinkI’mnotremindedofthiseverydayofmylife.”

*1Alsoblond,mostlikelySwedish.

*2She’snaturallyreferringtoEspenOeino,oneoftheworld’sleadingnavalarchitects,whohasdesignedsuperyachtsforthelikesofPaulAllen,theEmirofQatar,andtheSultanofOman.

*3Hokkienfor“playmoney.”

7

BELMONTROAD

SINGAPORE,MARCH1,2013

ThemanwiththemachineguntappedonthetintedglassofCarolTai’sBentleyArnage.“Loweryourwindow,please,”hesaidgruffly.

Asthewindowcamedown,themanpeeredin,carefullyscrutinizingCarolandEleanorYounginthebackseats.

“Yourinvitations,please,”hesaid,extendingaKevlar-glovedhand.Carolhandedovertheengravedmetalcards.

“Pleasehaveyourhandbagsopenandreadyforinspectionwhenyouget to the entrance,” the man instructed, gesturing for Carol’schauffeur to drive on. They passed through the security roadblock,only to find themselves bumper-to-bumper with other fancy sedanstryingtomaketheirwaytowardthehousewiththeredlacqueredfrontdooronBelmontRoad.

“Aiyah,ifIknewitwasgoingtobethislaychay,*1Iwouldn’thavecome,”Carolcomplained.

“Itoldyouitwouldn’tbeworththeheadache.Itneverusedtobelikethis,”Eleanorsaid,glaringatthetraffic jamandthinkingbacktotheearlier days of Mrs. Singh’s jewelry tea party. Gayatri Singh, theyoungest daughter of a maharaja, possessed one of Singapore’slegendaryjewelrycollections,saidtorivalthatofMrs.LeeYongChienorShangSuYi.Everyyear,shewouldreturnfromherannualtriptoIndia with another stash of heirlooms spirited away from herincreasingly senile mother, and starting in the early 1960s, she hadbegun inviting her dearest friends—women hailing from Singapore’selitefamilies—tocomeoverforteato“celebrate”herlatestbaubles.

“BackwhenMrs.Singhwasrunningtheshow,itwassucharelaxedaffair.Itwasjustabunchofniceladiesinbeautifulsarissittingaroundthe living room. Everyone took turns fondling Mrs. Singh’s jewelswhilegossipingandgobblingdownIndiansweets,”Eleanorrecalled.

Carolscrutinizedthelongqueuetryingtogetthroughthefrontdoor.“Thislooksanythingbutrelaxed.Alamak,whoareallthesewomenalldressedupliketheyaregoingtoacocktailparty?”

“It’sallthenewpeople.Thewhoest-whoofSingaporesocietythatnoonehaseverheardof—mainlyChindos,”*2Eleanorsniffed.

EversinceMrs.SinghlostinterestincountinghercaratsandbeganspendingmoretimeinIndiastudyingVedicscriptures,herdaughter-in-lawSarita—aformerminorBollywoodactress—hadtakenover theaffair, and the homey ladies’ tea party evolved into a high-profilecharityexhibitiontoraisemoneyforwhateverhappenedtobeSarita’scausedujour.Theeventwasbreathlesslychronicledbyall theglossymagazines,andanyonewhocouldpaytheexorbitantentryfeehadtheprivilegeoftraipsingthroughtheSinghs’elegantmodernistbungalowand gawking at the jewelry, which nowadays consisted of somespeciallythemedexhibition.

This year’s show was devoted to the works of the acclaimedNorwegian silversmith Tone Vigeland, and as Lorena Lim, NadineShaw,andDaisyFoopeeredintotheglassvitrinesinwhatwasnowthe“gallery,”convertedfromtheformertable-tennisroom,Nadinecouldnothelpbut registerherdismay. “Alamak,whowants to see all thisScandinaviangowsai*3? I thoughtwewouldget toseesomeofMrs.Singh’sjewels.”

“Keep your voice down!Thatangmoh*4 over there is the curator.Apparently she is some hotshot from the Austin Cooper DesignMuseuminNewYork,”Lorenawarned.

“Aiyah,Idon’tcareifshe’sAndersonCooper!Whowantstopayfivehundreddollarsatickettoseejewelrymadeofrustynails?Icametoseerubiesthesizeoframbutans!”

“Nadinehasapoint.Thisissuchawasteofmoney,eventhoughwegotthesefreeticketsfrommybankeratOCBC,”Daisysaid.

Justthen,Eleanorenteredthegallery,squintingatthebrightlights.Sheimmediatelyputhersunglassesbackon.

“Eleanor!”Lorenasaidinsurprise.“Ididn’tknowyouwerecomingtothis!”

“Iwasn’tplanning to,butCarolwasgiven ticketsbyherbankeratUOB,andsheconvincedmetocome.Sheneedscheeringup.”

“Whereisshe?”

“Inthetoilet,ofcourse.Youknowherweakbladder.”

“Well,there’snothingherethatwillcheerherup,unlessshewantstoseejewelrythatwillgivehertetanus,”Daisyreported.

“ItoldCarolthiswouldbeawasteoftime!SaritaSinghonlywantstoimpressherarty-fartyinternationalfriendsthesedays.Threeyearsago she invitedme, Felicity, andAstrid, and itwas all thisVictorianmourningjewelry.Nothingbutblackjetandbroochesmadefromthehairofdeadpeople.Hakseiyen!*5OnlyAstridcouldappreciateit.”

“LetmetellyouwhatI’mappreciatingrightnow—yournewBirkinbag!Ineverthoughtyou’dbecaughtdeadwithoneofthese.Didn’tyouonce say that only tacky Mainlanders carried such bags?” Nadineasked.

“Funnyyoushouldsaythat—thiswasagiftfromBaoShaoyen.”

“Wah, ah nee homiah!*6 I told you the Baoswere loaded,” Daisysaid.

“Well,youwereright—theBaosare loadedbeyondbelief.MyGod,thewayI’veseenthemspendinjustthefewmonthsthey’vebeenhere!Nadine, if you thought yourFrancescawasa spendthrift, you shouldseehow thatCarlton spends. Ihavenever seenaboymoreobsessedwithcarsinmylife!Atfirsthismothersworeshewouldneverlethimset foot in another sports car, but every time I goover there, there’ssomeexoticnewcar in theirskygarage.Apparentlyhe’sbeenbuyingcarsandshippingthembacktoChina.Heclaimshe’llmakeafatprofitresellingthemtohisfriends.”

“Well, it sounds like Carlton has made quite a recovery!” Lorenasaid.

“Yes, he hardly even needs his crutches anymore. Oh, in case youwerestillthinkingofhimforyourTiffany,youshouldstop.Apparentlyhe’salreadygotagirlfriend.Afashionmodelorsomethinglikethat—shelivesinShanghaibutfliesdowntoseehimeveryweekend.”

“Carlton is so handsome and charming, of course theremust be alonglineofgirlstryingtocatchhim,”Nadinesaid.

“Hemaybeallthat,butIcanseenowwhyShaoyenlosessleepoverher son. She toldme that the past fewmonths have been themost

relaxedtimeshe’shadinyears.She’safraidthatonceCarltonis fullybackonhisfeetagainandtheyreturntoChina,hewillbeimpossibletomanage.”

Loweringhervoice,Lorenaasked,“SpeakingofChina,didyoumeetwithMr.Wong?”

“Of course.Aiyah, that Mr. Wong has put on so much weight—Ithinktheprivateinvestigatingbusinessmustbezheenhosenglee.”*7

“So,everythingisgood?Didyoureadthedossier?”

“Did I ever. You won’t believe what I found out about the Baos,”Eleanorsaidwithalittlesmile.

“What?What?”Lorenaasked,leaningincloser.

Just then,Carolentered thegalleryandmadeabeeline forLorenaandEleanor. “Alamak, therewas such a long line for the bathroom!How’stheshow?”

Daisy took her by the arm and said, “I think there were moreinterestingthingstoseeinthejambun*8thaninthisshow.Come,let’sseeifthefoodisanybetter.Ihopetheyhavesomespicysamosas.”

As the ladies made their way down the passageway toward thediningroom,anIndianwomanwithsnow-whitehairwearingasimplebone-coloredsariemergedfromoneoftheroomsandcaughtsightofthem.“EleanorYoung,isthatyoulookingsomysteriousbehindthosesunglasses?”thewomanaskedinanelegant,liltingvoice.

Eleanortookoffhersunglasses.“Ah,Mrs.Singh!Ididn’trealizeyouwerebackintown.”

“Yes, yes. I’m justhiding from the crowd.Tellme,how isSuYi? ImissedherChapGohMeh*9partytheothernight.”

“She’sverywell.”

“Good, good. I’ve beenmeaning to payher a visit since I got backfromCoochBehar, but I’ve been so jet-lagged this time.Andhow isNicky?DidhereturnforNewYear’s?”

“Notthisyear,no,”Eleanorsaid,forcingasmile.

Mrs. Singh gave her a knowing look. “Well, I’m sure he’ll be backnextyear.”

“Yes of course,” Eleanor said, as she proceeded to introduce theladies.Mrs.Singhnoddedgraciouslyateveryone.“Tellme,areyouallenjoyingmydaughter-in-law’sexhibition?”

“It’sveryinteresting,”Daisyoffered.

“Tobehonest, Imuchpreferredwhenyouused to showyourownjewelry,”Eleanorventured.

“Comewithme,”Mrs.Singhsaidwithamischievoussmile.Sheledthe women up a back staircase and down another passageway linedwith Mughal-era portraits of various Indian royals in antique giltframes.Soontheycameuponanornatedoorwayinlaidwithturquoiseandmother-of-pearl,guardedbyapairofIndianpoliceofficers.“Don’ttell Sarita, but I decided to have a little party ofmy own,” she said,flingingthedooropen.

InsidewasMrs.Singh’sprivatesittingroom,anairyspaceopeningontoa luxuriantveranda linedwith lime trees.Abutlerwashandingout steaming cups of chai, while a sitar player plucked a soft,entrancing melody in a corner. Several ladies in iridescent sarissprawledon thedeeppurpledivans,nibblingon sweet ladoos, whileotherssatcross-leggedontheKashmirsilkcarpet,admiringtherowsupon rows of jewels blindingly arrayed on large forest green velvettrays in themiddle of the floor. It felt like being at a pajama partyinsidethevaultofHarryWinston.

Daisy’sandNadine’sjawsdropped,andevenLorena—whosefamilyowned an international chain of jewelers—couldn’t help but beimpressedby thesheervarietyandmagnificenceof thepieces.Therewere easily hundreds of millions’ worth of jewels just lying on thegroundinfrontofthem.

Mrs.Singhbreezedintotheroom,aswishofchiffontrailingbehindher.“Comein,ladies.Don’tbeshy,andpleasefeelfreetotryanythingon.”

“Areyouserious?”Nadineasked,herpulsebeginningtorace.

“Yes,yes.Whenitcomestojewels,IascribetotheElizabethTaylorschool of thought—jewels should beworn and enjoyed, not stared atfrombehindaglasscase.”

Before Mrs. Singh could even finish her sentence, Nadine hadinstinctivelygrabbedoneof thebiggestpiecesondisplay—anecklace

comprised of twelve strands of ridiculously oversize pearls anddiamonds.“OhmyGOD-ness,it’sallonenecklace!”

“Yes,it’ssuchasillything.Believeitornot,Garrardmadeitformygrandfather for Queen Victoria’s Jubilee, and since he weighed overthreehundredpounds,itdrapednicelyacrosshisentirebelly.Buthowcanyouevenwearsuchathinginpublicthesedays?”Mrs.Singhsaidas she struggled to fasten the enormous baroque pearl clasp behindNadine’sneck.

“Now that’swhat I’m talkingabout!”Nadine said excitedly, a littlebubbleofspitformingatthecornerofhermouthasshegazedatherreflectioninthefull-lengthmirror.Herentiretorsowassmotheredindiamondsandpearls.

“You’ll get a backache if you have it on for more than fifteenminutes,”Mrs.Singhwarned.

“Oh,it’sworthit!It’sworthit!”Nadinepantedasshebegantotryonacuffbraceletmadeentirelyofcabochonrubies.

“NowthisIlike,”Daisysaid,pickingoutanexquisitebroochintheshapeofapeacock feather inlaidwith lapis, emeralds,andsapphiresthatperfectlymatchedapeacock’snaturalhues.

Mrs.Singh smiled. “Thatwasmydearmama’s.Cartierdesigned itforherintheearly1920s.Iremembersheusedtowearitinherhair!”

Twomaidsenteredbearingbowlsof freshlymadegulab jamun,*10

and the ladies began enjoying the sinfully sweet treat in one of thecornersoftheroom.Carolfinishedherdessertintwobitesandlookedintohersilverdessertbowl ratherwistfully. “I thoughtall thiswouldmake me happier, but I probably should have just gone to churchinstead.”

“Aiyah,what’sthematter,Carol?”Lorenaasked.

“Takeaguess, lor. It’s thatsonofmine.EversinceDato’died,I’vehardlyseenorheardfromBernard.It’sasifIdon’texistanymore.I’veonly met my granddaughter twice since she was born—first time atGleneaglesHospital,andthenwhentheycamebackforDato’sfuneral.NowBernarddoesn’tevenreturnmycalls.Themaidstellmethatheisstill inMacau,but thatwifeofhis is flyingoff somewhere else everyday. Her baby is not even three and she is neglecting her already!EveryweekIopenthepaperandseesomenewsaboutheratthisparty

or that party, or buying something new. Did you hear about thatpaintingsheboughtforalmosttwohundredmillion?”

Daisylookedathersympathetically.“Aiyah,Carol,I’velearnedoverthe years to stop listening to all the stories about my children’sspending.Wahmai chup.*11 At a certain point, youhave to let themmaketheirownchoices.Afterall,theycanaffordit.”

“Butthat’spreciselymyworry—theycan’taffordit.Wherearetheygettingallthismoneyfrom?”

“Didn’tBernardgaincontrolofallthebusinesseswhenDato’died?”Nadine asked, suddenlymore interested in Carol’s story than in thegold-and-cognacdiamondsautoirshewasholdinguptothesunlight.

“Ofcoursenot.DoyouthinkmyhusbandwouldbefoolishenoughtoputBernardincontrolwhileI’mstillalive?Heknowsthatboywouldsellmyownhousefromundermeandleavemeontheroadsideifhecould! After Bernard ran off with Kitty to Las Vegas to getmarried,Dato’ was furious.He forbid anyone in the family office from givingBernardaccesstoanymoneyandtotallylockeduphistrustfund.Hecannottouchtheprincipal—onlytheannualincome.”

“Sohowdidtheyaffordtobuythatpainting?”Lorenaasked.

“Theymustbespendingonoverdraft.Thebanksallknowhowmuchhe’llbeworthoneday,sotheyareonlytoohappytolendtohimnow,”EleanorconjecturedasshefiddledwithabejeweledIndiandagger.

“Aiyoh,soshameful!Ican’t imaginemysoneverhavingtoborrowmoneyfromabank!”Carolmoaned.

“Well,ifyousayhedoesn’thaveanymoneyrightnow,Icanassureyouthatiswhathemustbedoing.That’swhatoneofPhilip’scousinsdid.HewaslivingliketheSultanofBrunei,andonlywhenhisfatherdied did they realize he had mortgaged the house, mortgagedeverything, to support his lifestyle and his two mistresses—one inHongKongandoneinTaipei!”Eleanorsaid.

“Bernardhasnomoney.Heonlygetsabouttenmillionayeartoliveon,”Carolconfirmed.

“Well,definitelytheymustbeborrowingheavily,becausethatKittyseemstobespendinglikeasiowtsahbor,”*12Daisysaid.“What’sthatyou’replayingwith,Elle?”

“It’s someunusual Indiandagger,”Eleanor replied. Itwas actuallytwodaggers thatwent into opposite ends of a scabbard encrusted incloudy,colorfulgems,andshehad flicked the latchopenononeendand was absentmindedly sliding the small sharp knife in and out.Looking around forherhostess, she said, “Mrs. Singh, tellme aboutthislovelylittleweapon.”

Mrs.Singh,whowasseatedonthecornerofanearbydivanchattingwithanotherguest,glancedoverforamoment.

“Ohthat’snotaweapon. It’saveryancientHindurelic.Becarefulnottoopenit,Eleanor,it’sverybadluck!Infact,youshouldn’tevenbetouchingit.Thereisanevilspiritthat’sbeingheldcaptiveintherebythetwoknives,andagreatmisfortunewillbefallyourfirstbornifyouunleash it.Now,wedon’twantanythingtohappentodearNicky,dowe?Sopleaseleavethatalone.”

Theladieslookedatherinhorror,andforoneofthefewtimesinherlife,Eleanorwasabsolutelyspeechless.

*1Hokkienfor“troublesome.”

*2CrazyRichChinese+Indonesia=Chindos

*3Hokkienfor“dogshit.”

*4“Redhair”inHokkien,thisisaslangtermusedtorefertoCaucasiansofallstripes,eventhoughthemajorityofCaucasiansdon’thaveredhair(orstripes).

*5AlthoughthisCantonesephrasemeans“Scarespeopletodeath,”itisusedtodescribeanythingthat’sgrossorcreepy.

*6Hokkienfor“Youhavesuchagoodlife.”

*7Hokkienfor“averyprofitablebusiness.”

*8Malayfor“toilet.”

*9Hokkienfor“FifteenthNight,”acelebrationheldonthefifteenthdayofthefirstlunarmonthtomarktheofficialendofNewYearcelebrations.Onthisevening,singleladieswillcastorangesintheriverunderthefullmooninthehopesoffindinggoodhusbands,whileeveryoneelseinSingaporestartsplanningtheirdiets.

*10Deep-friedmilkdumplingssoakedinasweetrosesyrup.

*11Hokkienfor“Icouldn’tgiveadamn.”

*12Hokkienfor“insanewoman.”

8

DIAMONDBALLROOM,RITZ-CARLTONHOTEL

HONGKONG,MARCH7,2013

PINNACLEMAGAZINE’S“SOCIALSWELLS”COLUMNbyLeonardoLai

Lastnight,astar-studdedcrowdlituptheFifteenthAnnualMingFoundation Pinnacle Ball. The event is a labor of love forConnieMing,thefirstwifeofHongKong’ssecondrichestmanMing Ka-Ching, and the HK$25,000-per-seat tickets to thisyear’ssoireesoldfastwhenwordgotoutthattheDuchessofOxbridge,acousinofH.M.QueenElizabethII,wouldattend,andthattheFourHeavenlyKings*1wouldreunitetoperformatributetolegendarysongstressTracyKuan,therecipientofthisyear’sLifetimePinnacleAward.Thethemewas“NicholasandAlexandra,”theromanticyetill-

fatedimperialcoupleofRussia,andtherewasnomoreperfectsetting than the Ritz-Carlton Diamond Ballroom on the thirdfloorofHongKong’stallestbuilding.Guestsarrivedtofindthespace transformed into “St. Petersburg in Winter,” with anocean of Swarovski crystal icicles dangling from the ceiling,birch trees covered in “snow,” and towering Fabergé eggcenterpiecesoneverytable.OscarLiang,theenfantterribleofCantonesefusioncuisine,outdidhimselfwithhissucculentandinventive Ekaterinburg Pork—suckling pig riddled with truffle-infused gold-leaf “bullets” and thrown down a cellar chutebeforebeingflame-roastedoverRussiancoffeegrounds.In this fabuloussetting,HongKong’smostroyalbroughtout

all the big stones from their vaults. Hostess supreme ConnieMingworeaczar’sransomworthofcanarydiamondswithhercustom strapless black-and-white beaded Oscar de la Renta

gown,AdaPoonworethefamousPoonrubiesagainstherrosechiffon couture Elie Saab, and China’s biggest star, PanTingTing,drewgaspsofdelightinthegossamerwhiteEmpirewaistgownoncewornbyAudreyHepburn inthefilmWarandPeace.TheKaibrothersgotintoafistfight(again),andacrisiswasnarrowlyavertedwhenMrs.Y.K.Loongwasshowntothewrongtablewherethechildrenfromherlatehusband’ssecondfamily were seated (the lawsuit to settle the estate resumeslater thismonth).ButallwasforgottenbythetimeTracyKuanmade her entrance on a reindeer sleigh pulled by eight six-pack-popping shirtless male models in Cossack uniforms.Tracy, in a white-fur-and-leather corset dress by AlexanderMcQueen enchanted the audience by singing three encoresaccompaniedbytheFourHeavenlyKings,whoreallysanglivethistime.Also honored was Business Pinnacle of the YearMichael

Teo, theridiculouslyphotogenic techtitanwhosemeteoricrisehas beenmuch talked about. After the stock price of his tinysoftware firm shot up higher than Mount Fuji two years ago,Michaeltooktheproceedsandopenedhisownventurecapitalfirm,whichmadegazillionsmorelaunchingsomeofAsia’smostwinning digital start-ups, like Gong Simi?, the Singlishmessagingapp.ThebigquestionIhave iswherehasMichaelbeen hiding his beautiful Singaporean wife all this time? Thedoe-eyed Astor Teo looked absolutely ravishing in a wispyblack lace number (vintage Fontana), though I wished therewasmoreblingtoherdiamond-and-aquamarineearrings.(Withall themoney her husband hasmade lately, it’s high time heupgradedherjewels!)Sir Francis Poon, who was awarded the Philanthropic

PinnacleAward, got thebiggest surpriseof theeveningwhenMrs. Bernard Tai (aka the former soap star Kitty Pong),overcomewithemotion fromSirFrancis’s touchingslide showabout his medical rescue missions, rushed onstage andshockedthecrowdbyspontaneouslyannouncinga$20milliongift to his foundation! Mrs. Tai wore a scene-stealing scarletGuoPei gownwithwhat looked like a billion dollars’ worth ofemeralds and a six-foot-long train made out of peacockfeathers.But it sure looks likeshewon’tneedany feathers to

soartonewsocialheights.•••

AstridsettledintoaclubchairattheSilverKrisLoungeatHongKongInternational Airport, waiting for her flight to Los Angeles to beginboarding.Shegotouther iPad todoa finalcheckofe-mails,andaninstantmessagepoppedup.

CHARLIEWU:Goodseeingyoulastnight.

ASTRIDLEONGTEO:Likewise.

CW:Whatareyouuptotoday?Lunchpossible?

ALT:Sorry,I’malreadyattheairport.

CW:Suchashorttrip!

ALT:Yes,that’swhyIdidn’tcallyoubeforehand.Thiswasaone-nighteronmywaytoLA.

CW:YourhubbybuyingupanotherSiliconValleycompanythisweek?

ALT:No,hubby’salreadybackinS’pore.I’mgoingtoCaliforniaforNicky’sweddinginMontecito.(Shh!It’sasecret,andnooneinmyfamilyknowsI’mgoingexceptmycousinAlistair,who’stravelingwithme.)

CW:SoNicky’sfinallymarryingthatgirleveryonecouldn’tstoptalkingaboutacoupleofyearsago?

ALT:Yes,Rachel.She’sgreat.

CW:Pleasegivehimmycongratulations.Michael’snotgoingtothewedding?

ALT:ItwouldhavelookedtoosuspiciousifbothofusranofftotheU.S.sosoonafterourlasttrip.BTW,hewasthrilledtomeetyoulastnight.Apparentlyhe’sahugefanofyoursandcouldn’tbelieveIwastheonemakingtheintroductions.

CW:Didhenotknowwewereonceengaged?!?

ALT:Ofcourse,butIdon’tthinkitreallyclickedinhisminduntillastnight.Heassociatesyouwithhistechcrowd,sohecouldn’treallyconceiveofthetwoofusactually

knowingeachother.Youreallyboostedmystreetcred!

CW:He’sanicechap.Andcongratsagainonhisaward.He’sreallymadesomesmartmoves.

ALT:Youshouldhavetoldhimthat!Whywereyoubeingsoquietlastnight?

CW:WasI?

ALT:Youhardlysaidathingandlookedlikeyoucouldn’twaittorunoff.

CW:IwastryingtoavoidConnieMing,who’salreadytryingtocommitmetounderwritingnextyear’sball!AndIguessIwasn’texpectingtoseeyouthere.

ALT:OfcourseIwouldbetheretosupportMichael!

CW:Yes,butIthoughtyoudidn’tdocharitygalas,especiallyinHongKong.Wasn’tittheruleinyourfamilynevertoattendthesebigto-dos?

ALT:TheruleismorerelaxednowthatI’maboringhousewife.WhenIwasyounger,myparentsdidn’twantpicturesofmeappearingeverywherefortheirparanoidsecurityreasons,andtheydidn’twantmetoassociatewiththefastpartycrowd—the“InternationalChineseTrash”asMumcalledit.

CW:Peoplelikeme.

ALT:LOL!

CW:Lastnightwasespeciallybad.Lotsofpeopleyourmumwouldn’tapproveof.

ALT:Itwasn’tsobad.

CW:Really?IsawyouwereseatedatAdaPoon’stable.

ALT:Okay,Iconfess—THATwasawful.

CW:Hahaha!

ALT:Adaandhertaitai*2friendstotallyfrozemeoutforthefirsthour.

CW:DidyoutellthemyouwerefromSingapore?

ALT:Michael’sbiowasintheprogramme,andeveryoneknewIwashiswife.IknowHongKongershavebecomeabittouchyeversinceSingapore’sairportwasvotedtheworld’sbest.

CW:Well,inmyopinionwestillhavebettershoppingatourairport.WhoneedsafreecinemaoranorchidgardenwhenyoucangofromLoewetoLongchampinlessthantensteps?Anyway,therealreasontheladiesgaveyouthecoldshoulderwasbecauseyoudidn’tgotoSt.Paul’s,St.Stephen’s,orDiocesan’s.Theydidn’tknowwheretorankyouintheirhierarchy.

ALT:Butthereissuchathingascommoncourtesy.We’reataneventforcharity,forchrissake.Alltheladiescouldnotstoptryingtooutdoeachotherbraggingaboutthehugefinestheyallhadtopayontheirillegalbasements.Itwassuchabore.Butthenaftertheduchessmadeherspeech,shecamerightuptomytableandsaid,“Astrid!Ithoughtthatwasyou!Whatareyoudoinghere?I’mseeingyourparentsforlunchnextweekatStokerandAmanda’s.WillyoubeatChatsworthtoo?”Andthat’sallittook.Suddenlythetaitaiscouldnotleavemealone.

CW:Ibettheycouldn’t!

ALT:HongKongwomenfascinateme.ThestyleherereallyissodifferentthaninSingapore.It’sastudiedopulencethat’sjustbreathtakingtobehold.Idon’tthinkI’veseenSOMUCHjewelryinoneroomatonetime.TrulyfeltliketheRussianRevolution,whenallthearistocratswerefleeingthecountrywitheverypieceofjewelrytheyhad,somesewnintotheirclothing.

CW:Theyreallypilediton,didn’tthey?Whatdidyouthinkofallthosetiaras?

ALT:Idon’tthinkawomanshouldwearatiaraunlessit’sbeeninherfamilyforseveralgenerations.

CW:Notsureifyoulookatourgossipcolumns,butthereisthisfoolnamedLeonardoLai…

ALT:Haha,yes!MycousinCeciliajustsentmethearticle.

CW:LeonardoobviouslyhadNOCLUEwhoyouwereandcouldn’tevengetyournameright,buthe’sapparentlyconcernedthatyoudon’thaveenoughjewelry.LOL!

ALT:I’msogladhemisspelledmyname!Mumwouldbefurioustoseemeinthegossipcolumns.IguessLeonardowasn’timpressedbypiecesfromtheactualImperialcollection—myearringsusedtobelongtoDowagerEmpressMariaFeodorovna.

CW:Ofcoursetheydid.Inoticedthemimmediately—theylookedlikesomethingIwouldhaveboughtyoubackinourLondondays,fromthatlittlevintagejewelryshopintheBurlingtonArcadethatyoulovedpokingaroundin.Youwerethebest-dressedwomanattheball,nocontest.

ALT:You’retoosweet.Butcomeon,IdidnotgoalloutlikesomeofthoseHongKongfashionistaswhoworespeciallycommissionedgownsinthestyleofCatherinetheGreatorwhomever.

CW:You’vealwaysdressedtopleaseyourself—that’spreciselywhyyoulookedgreat.YouandKittyPong,ofcourse.

ALT:You’refunny.Iactuallythoughtshelookedfantastic!HerdresswasveryJosephineBaker.

CW:Shewasnakedexceptforallthosefeathersandemeralds.

ALT:Thedressworked.ButstealingthespotlightfromFrancisPoonwasrathershameless.IwasafraidpooroldFranciswasgoingtohaveaheartattackwhensherushedonstageandgrabbedthemicrophonefromhimwhilehewastryingtomakehisspeech!

CW:AdaPoonshouldhavejumpedupandslappedKittyPongjustlikeanygoodthirdwifewould.

ALT:Shewastooweigheddownbyallthatjewelrytodoanyjumping.

CW:Ireallydowonderwhat’shappenedtoBernardTai.WhyisKittyeverywherebuthe’snot?Isheevenstillalive?

ALT:She’sprobablygothimchainedupinadungeonsomewherewithaballgaginhismouth!

CW:AstridLeong!Youshockme!

ALT:Sorry,I’vebeenreadingtoomuchMarquisdeSadelately.DareIaskwhereYOURwifewas?AmIevergoingtomeetthelegendaryIsabelWu?

CW:Isabelistoosnottytogotoeventslikethese.Sheonlygoestotwoorthreeoftheold-guardballseveryyear.

ALT:LOL!Old-guardballs.Idon’tevenwanttotellyouwhatjustcameintomyhead!

CW:SirFrancisPoon?

ALT:You’reterrible!Oh—mycousin’swavingmeover.It’sboardingtime.

CW:WhyyoustillflycommercialI’llneverunderstand.

ALT:We’reLeongs,that’swhy.Mydadthinksitwouldbeshamefulifthefamilyisseenflyingprivatesinceheisa“publicservant.”Andheclaimsit’sfarsaferinabigcommercialairlinerthaninasmallone.

CW:Ithinkit’smuchsaferonyourownplane,withadedicatedgroundcrew.Yougetthereinhalfthetimeandfeellessjetlag.

ALT:Idon’tevergetjetlag,remember?Also,wedon’thaveCharlieWu$$$.

CW:That’safunnyone!YouLeongscouldbuymeforbreakfastanyday.Anyway,haveagoodflight.

ALT:Nicechatting.Nexttimewe’reinHK,IpromiseI’llgiveyoumorenotice.

CW:Okay.

ALT:MichaelandIwilltakeyoutodinner.There’sthisgreatTeochewplaceinHutchisonHousethatmycousinkeepstellingmeabout.

CW:No,no,no—mytown,mytreat.

ALT:We’llfightaboutitlater.xo.

Charlieloggedoffhiscomputerandswiveledhischairaroundtofacethe window. From his office on the fifty-fifth floor of WutheringTowers he had a sweeping view of the harbor and could see everyeastboundflightthatdepartedoutofHongKongInternationalAirport.He stared into the horizon, scanning each plane thatwas taking off,searching for Astrid’s. I should never have IM’d her today, he toldhimself.WhyintheworlddoIkeepdoingthistomyself?EverytimeIhearhervoice, every time I readane-mailorevenexchangea textwithher, it’spure torture. I tried to stop. I tried to leaveheralone.Butseeingheragainforthefirsttimeinsolong,enteringtheroominnothing but black lace against glowing bare skin, I was just hit sohardbyherbeauty.

When at last Charlie saw the double-story Airbus A380 glidingthrough the sky with its telltale navy-and-gold markings, he foundhimself inexplicably picking up the phone and calling his privatehangar.“Johnny,ah?Couldyoupleasehavetheplanereadywithinanhour?Ineed togo toLosAngeles.”I’ll surpriseAstridat thearrivalloungewith red roses, just like I did back in ouruniversitydays inLondon.This timetherewillbe fivehundredredrosesawaitingherwhenshegetsofftheplane.I’lltakehertoGjelinaforlunch,andthenmaybewecanrentacaranddrivetosomeamazingspaupthecoastforafewdays.Itwillbejustliketheolddays,whenweusedtotakethe Volante over to France and drive all over the Loire Valleyexploring ancient castles together, going towine tastings. OhwhatthehellamIthinking?I’mmarriedtoIsabelandAstridismarriedtoMichael.Iamthebiggestidiotinthewholeworld.Foronemoment,onebriefmoment,Ihadachancetowinherback,whenherinsecurehusbandwasfeelingtoopoortoaffordher,butinsteadImadehimafortune.Christ,whatwasI thinkingwhenIdidthat?Andnowtheyareback together, sodamnhappyandperfectly in love.Andhere Iam,withawifewhohatesme,miserableasfuck.

*1FourmaleCantopopstarsinthe1990s—JackyCheung,AaronKwok,LeonLai,andAndyLau—whodominatedtheAsianmusiccharts,packedstadiums,andmadeitacceptableformachoAsianmentofrosttheirhairandwearsequinedblazers.

*2ACantonesetermthatmeans“supremewife”(implyingasituationwhereamanhasseveralwives)butnolongerstrictlyinterpreted,sincepolygamyhasbeenbannedinHongKongsince1971.Nowadaystaitaireferstoaprivilegedladyofmeans,usuallyofhighstandingwithinHongKongsociety.Aprerequisiteofbeingataitaiisbeingmarriedtoawealthyman,thusallowingthetaitaiatremendousamountofleisuretimetolunch,shop,visitthebeautyparlor,decorate,gossip,establishapetcharity,enjoyafternoontea,taketennislessons,scheduletutorsforherchildren,andterrorizehermaids,notnecessarilyinthatorder.

9

THELOCKECLUB

HONGKONG,MARCH9,2013

Kitty Pongwas brimming over with anticipation as she stood in thecrowdedelevator.Foryearsshehadheardaboutthisplace,andatlonglast shewasabout tohave lunchhere.Locatedon the fifth floorofanondescript office building onWyndhamStreet, the Locke ClubwasHong Kong’smost exclusive dining club—the holy of holies—and itsmembersconsistedofthecrèmedelacrèmeofHongKongsocietyandthe international jet set. Unlike other private dining clubs,*1 wherefameorafatcheckbookwouldgainyouinstantmembership,theLockeplayed by its own rules. The place didn’t even have a membershipwaiting list—you had to be invited to join by its strict and secretiveboard, and even feigning a passing interest in belonging couldmeanthatyouwouldnever,everbeasked.

BackinthedayswhenshehadaminorroleonthesoapoperaManySplendidThings,KittyoftenoverheardSammiHui—theshow’sbiggeststar—bragaboutherlunchesattheLocke,andhowshewasseatedinthesameroomastheQueenofBhutanorLeoMing’s latestmistress.Kittycouldn’twaittoseewhichsumptuousroomshewouldbeseatedin today, and which important personages would be dining at thetablesaroundher.Wouldtheyallbesavoringthespecialtyofthehouse—turtlesoupservedincamphor-woodcups?

Itwassuchastrokeof luckthatshehadbeenseatedatEvangelinede Ayala’s table at the Pinnacle Ball. Evangeline was the glamorousyoungwifeofPedroPaulodeAyala, a scionofoneof theoldest realestate families in the Philippines, and though the couple were fairlyrecenttransplantstoHongKong(viaLondon,wherePedroPaulohadworkedatRothschild’s),theiraristocraticconnections—nottomentionaristocratic-sounding surname—had made them popular newmembersattheclub.EvangelineappearedtobewowedbyKitty’sbigdonation to Sir Francis Poon’s foundation, and when she suggested

meetingforlunchattheLocke,Kittywonderedifshewasfinallygoingto be invited to join. After all, she had in two short monthstransformed herself into Hong Kong’s leading art collector andphilanthropist.

The elevator door finally opened, andKitty pranced into the frontfoyer of the club, with its glossy ebony-paneled walls and dramaticblack-marble-and-steelstaircaseleadinguptothefableddiningroom.Oneofthehostsatthereceptiondesksmiledather.

“Goodafternoon.MayIhelpyou?”

“Yes,IammeetingMissdeAyalaforlunch.”

“MissusdeAyala?”thehostofficiouslycorrected.

“Yes,Imeantmissus,”Kittyrepliednervously.

“I’mafraid she isn’thereyet.Pleasehavea seat inourparlor,andwe’llshowyoutothediningroomassoonasshearrives.”

Kittywalkedintoaroomwithsilk-coveredwallsandtookaseat inthemiddleoftheredLeCorbusiersofasothatshecouldshowherselfofftobestadvantage.Afewoftheladiescomingofftheelevatorstaredatherintentlyastheypassedby,andshefeltcertainitwasbecauseofthe outfit she had taken such care in choosing. She had opted for asleeveless Giambattista Valli black-and-red floral-print dress, a redCélineknottedlambskinclutch,andCharlotteOlympiaredflatswithagold buckle. Her only jewelry was a pair of cabochon ruby earringsfromSolangeAzagury-Partridge.Evenwithapeekabooslitonthesideofherdress, the lookborderedondemure,andshedaredanyuppitytaitaitocriticizehertoday.

Unbeknownst to Kitty, one of the ladies in the elevator had beenRosieHo, whowas on her way to join Ada Poon and a few of theirformerMaryknollclassmatesforlunch.Rosiemadeamaddashtothediningroomandbreathlesslyannounced,“Girls,you’renevergoingtobelieve who is sitting in the parlor right now. Three guesses. Quick,quick!”

“Giveussomesortofclue,”LaineyLuisaid.

“She’s wearing a floral-print dress, and she definitely had breastreductionsurgery.”

“Oh my God, is it that lesbian girlfriend of Bebe Chow’s?” Tessa

Chencackled.

“No,evenbetter—”

“Hiyah,tellus!”theladiesimplored.

“It’sKittyPong!”Rosietriumphantlyannounced.

Ada’sfacewentwhitewithcontempt.

Laineyseethed,“Mutlaanyeah?*2Howdaresheshowuphereafterthestuntshepulledtheothernight!”

“Whowasstupidenoughtobringher?”Tessaasked.

Ada rose slowly from the table and smiled tightly at her lunchcompanions. “Will you excuse me for just one minute? Please keepeating—don’tletthedeliciousturtlesoupgetcold.”

EvangelinedeAyalaentered theparlor inaprettyblack-and-whiteLanvinshiftdressandgaveKittyadouble-cheekkiss.“Sosorrytobelate—Ihavenogoodexcuse,exceptthatIamalwaysonManilatime.”

“Don’t worry—I was just admiring the art,” Kitty graciouslyresponded.

“Quitecool,isn’tit?Doyoucollect?”

“I’mjustbeginningto,soIamtryingtoeducatemyself,”Kittysaidmodestly, wondering whether Evangeline was just pretending not toknowthatshehadrecentlyboughtthemostexpensivepaintinginallofAsia.

The ladies approached the reception desk together, and the samehostgreetedthemwarmly.“Goodafternoon,Mrs.deAyala.Joiningusforlunchtoday?”

“Yes,justthetwoofus,”Evangelinereplied.

“Wonderful. Please come with me,” the host said, escorting theladies up the curvedmarble staircase.When they entered thediningroom,Kittynoticedquiteafewpeoplegawkingatthem.Themanageroftheclubcamerushingtowardthemwithalookofimportance.

Goody, he’s coming to welcome me personally to the club, Kittythought.

“Mrs.deAyala,Idoapologize,butthereseemstohavebeenahugemix-upwith our computerized reservation system. I’m afraidwe are

completelyoverbookedtodayandwillnotbeabletoaccommodateyouforlunch.”

Thehost lookedtakenabackbyhismanager’sdeclaration,butsaidnothing.

Evangeline lookedpuzzled. “But Imade thebooking twodaysago,andnoonecalledtoinformme.”

“Yes,Iamawareofthat.We’retrulysorry—butifyou’llallowme,IhavemadeabookingforyourightaroundthecorneratYungKeeonWellingtonStreet. Theyhave a lovely table awaiting you, and I hopeyou will allow us to treat you to lunch, to make up for theinconvenience.”

“Surelyyoucanseatusforaquicklunchhere?We’rejusttwo,andIseeafewemptytablesalongthewindow,”Evangelinesaidhopefully.

“Unfortunately those tables have already been spoken for. Onceagain,pleaseacceptmyapologies,andIdohopeyouenjoyYungKee—be sure to order their fabulous roast goose,” themanager said as heauthoritativelysteeredKittyandEvangelinetowardthestaircase.

As they left theclub,Evangelinewasstillperplexed. “Howbizarre!I’m so sorry—nothing like that has ever happened before. But theLockedoeshaveratherstrangerules.Now,letmejusttextmydriveraboutourchangeofplans.”AsEvangelinegotoutherphone,shesawthatherhusbandwastryingtocall.

“Heyswithart,*3howareyou?Thestrangest thing justhappened,”Evangeline cooed into the phone. Then she jumped at the torrent ofcursingthatcamefromtheotherend.

“Nothing!Wedidnothing!”shesaidinadefensivetone.

KittycouldhearEvangeline’shusbandcontinuetorant.

“I can’t explain…I don’t know what happened,” Evangeline keptsputteringintothephone,herfacegettingpalerandpaler.FinallysheputherphonedownandgaveKittyaratherdazedlook.

“I’msorry,butI’msuddenlynotfeelingtoowell.Doyoumindifwetakearaincheckonlunch?”

“Of course. Is everything okay?” Kitty asked, rather concerned forhernewfriend.

“Thatwasmyhusband.OurmembershipattheLockeClubhasjustbeenrevoked.”

AfterEvangeline’sdriverhadpickedherup,Kittystoodatthecurb,trying to process what had just happened. She had woken up thismorning feeling so happy and excited, and now she was rathercrestfallen that her lunch plans had gone so awry. Poor Evangeline.Whatanawfulthingtohappentoher.Justasshewasabouttocallforher driver, Kitty noticed a gray-haired woman in a dowdy-lookingpantsuitsmilingather.

“Areyouokay?”thewomanasked.

“Yes,” Kitty responded, a little confused. Did she know her fromsomewhere?

“IwasjustatlunchattheLocke,andIcouldn’thelpbutnoticewhathappenedinthediningroom,”thewomansaidbywayofintroduction.

“Yes,it’squitestrange,isn’tit?Ifeelsobadformyfriend.”

“Howso?”

“Shedidn’trealizethatshehadlosthermembershipattheclub,andshewas trying to takeme to lunch there. I think shemust feel veryembarrassedrightnow.”

“EvangelinedeAyalawaskickedoutoftheclub?”thewomansaidincredulously.

“Oh—you knowher?Yes, right afterwe left the club, her husbandcalledwiththenews.Hemusthavedonesomethingterriblywrongforthemtobekickedoutwithoutanynoticelikethat.”

The woman paused for a few moments, as if she was trying toascertain whether Kitty was being serious. “My poor dear, you arecompletelyouttosea.Youreallyhavenocluewhatactuallyhappened,do you? In the history of the club, they’ve only ever revoked amembership three times. Today was the fourth. The de AyalasobviouslywerekickedoutbecauseEvangelinetriedtobringyoutotheclub.”

Kittylookedincredulous.“Me?Whatasilly idea!Thatwasmyfirsttimesettingfootintheclub—whatdidIhavetodowithit?”

Thewomanshookherheadpitifully. “The fact thatyoudon’t evenrealizethismakesmeextremelysad.ButIthinkIcanhelpyou.”

“Whatdoyoumeanhelpme?Whoareyou?”

“I’mCorinnaKo-Tung.”

“AsinKo-TungPark?”

“Yes, and Ko-Tung Road and the Ko-Tung wing at Queen MaryHospital.Now,comewithme.Iknowyoumustbestarving.I’llexplaineverythingoveryumcha.”*4

CorinnaledKittydownOnLanStreetandintoanalleybehindNewWorld Tower. Taking the service elevator up three floors, they weredepositedatthebackentranceofTsuiHangVillagerestaurant,whereVIPscouldpassthroughunnoticed.

The manager recognized Corinna at once and rushed up to her,bowingdeeply.“Ms.Ko-Tung,suchanhonortohaveyoudiningwithustoday.”

“Thankyou,Mr.Tong.Canwehaveaprivateroom,please?”

“Certainly. Please comewithme.How is yourmother these days?Pleasesendmybestwishestoher,”themanagersaideffusivelyasheescortedthemdownahallway.

The ladieswere shown to aprivatedining roomdoneup in subtleshades of beige,with a large round table and a flat-screen televisionalongthebackwallsetonCNBCwiththevolumeonmute.

“Iwillletthechefknowthatyouarehere—I’msurehewillwanttosendoutallhisspecialdishes.”

“Pleasethankhimformeinadvance.Now,couldyoupleaseturnoffthetelevision?”Corinnainstructed.

“Oh I’m so sorry, of course,” the manager said, lunging for theremotecontrolasifitwerethemostoffensivethingintheworld.

Afterhottowelswereceremoniouslydistributed,twocupsofteahadbeen poured, and the waitstaff had finally left the room, Kitty said,“Youmustbearegularhere.”

“I haven’t been here in a while. But I thought it would be aconvenientplaceforustospeakfreely.”

“Dotheyalwaystreatyouthiswell?”

“Generally.Italsohelpsthatmyfamilyownsthelandthistowerisbuilton.”

Kittywasquietlyimpressed.EvenafterbecomingMrs.BernardTai,shehadneverbeen treatedwith such reverence anywhere. “Now,doyou really think the deAyalas got thrown out of the club because ofme?”

“I don’t think—I know,” Corinna answered. “Ada Poon is on themembershipcommittee.”

“Butwhatdoesshehaveagainstme?Ijustmadeahugedonationtoherhusband’sfoundation.”

Corinna sighed. This was going to be harder than she thought. “Iwasn’t at the Pinnacle Ball, since I don’t attend such affairs, but theverynextmorningmyphonewasringingoffthehook.Everyonewastalkingaboutwhatyoudid.”

“WhatdidIdo?”

“YougravelyinsultedthePoons.”

“ButIwasjusttryingtobegenerous—”

“Youmaysee it thatway,buteveryone theresaw itdifferently.SirFrancis Poon is eighty-six years old, and he is revered by all. Thataward was his big moment, the culmination of decades ofhumanitarianwork,butwhenyoubargedonstageandannouncedyourbigdonation right in themiddleofhis speech, itwas seenasahugeaffronttohim.Youoffendedhisfamily,hisfriends,andperhapsmostimportant, his wife. It was supposed to be Ada’s night too, and youstolethelimelightfromher.”

“Itwasnevermyintentiontodothat,”Kittyshotback.

“Behonestwithyourself,Kitty.Ofcourseitwas.Youwantedalltheattentiononyourself,justlikeyoudidwhenyouboughtThePalaceofEighteen Perfections. But while the crowd at Christie’s mightappreciate a good floor show, Hong Kong society does not. Youractions over the past few months are seen as nothing but blatantattemptstobuyyourwayintotherightcrowd.Now,manypeoplehavedone just that, but there’s a right way to do it, and there’s a wrongway.”

Kittywas indignant.“Ms.Ko-Tung,IknowexactlywhatI’mdoing.JustdoaBaidusearchundermyname.Lookatallthemagazinesandnewspapers. The bloggers and gossip columnists can’t stop writingabout me. My pictures are in all the magazines every month. I’ve

totallychangedmystyleoverthepastyear,andinlastweek’sOrangeDaily,theyranthreepagesonmyred-carpetlooks.”

Corinna shook her head dismissively. “Don’t you see that thosemagazinesarejustexploitingyou?Sure,theaveragereaderofOrangeDaily livinginYauMaTeimustthinkyourlifeisadreamcometrue,but at a certain level of Hong Kong society, it doesn’tmatter if youwearthefinestcoutureandmillionsofdollars’worthofdiamonds.Atthis level, anyone can do that. Everyone is rich. Anyone canmake atwenty-million-dollardonationiftheyreallywantto.Tothesepeople,havingyourpictureinthepartypagesallthetimeactuallydoesmoredamagethangood—itisseenasdesperate.Trustme,beinginTattleisnot going to help your image. It won’t get you amembership at theLockeClub,oraninvitationtoMrs.Ladoorie’sannualgardenpartyathervillainRepulseBay.”

Kitty didn’t know whether or not to believe her. How could thiswoman who looked like her hair had been cut by some cheaphairdresserinMongKokdaretogiveheradviceonherimage?

“Mrs.Tai,letmetellyouabitaboutwhatIdo.Iadvisepeoplewhowant to secure a place among Asia’s elite, among the real people ofinfluence.”

“With all due respect, I’mmarried to Bernard Tai.My husband isoneoftherichestmenintheworld.He’salreadyinfluential.”

“Ohreally?WellwhereisBernardthesedays,then?WhyishenotatallthefunctionsIgoto?Whywasn’theattheChiefExecutive’s*5lunchhonoringtheFiftyMostInfluentialLeadersinAsialastThursday?Orat the party thatmymother threw for the Duchess of Oxbridge lastnight?Whyweren’tyouthere?”

Kitty didn’t know how to respond. She felt a wave of humiliationsweepoverher.

“Mrs.Tai, if Imaybevery frank, theTaishaveneverhad thebestreputation.Dato’TaiTohLuiwasacorporateraiderfromsomeMalaybackwater.Theothertycoonsdespisedhim.Andnowhissonisseenasane’er-do-wellpartyboywhoinheritedafortunebuthasn’tworkedaday in his life. Everyone knows Carol Tai still controls the pursestrings.Noone takesBernardseriously,especiallyafterhemarriedaformerpornstarturnedsoap-operaactressfromMainlandChina.”

Kitty looked likeshehadbeenslapped in the face.Sheopenedher

mouthtoprotest,butCorinnapressedon.“Idon’tcarewhatthetruthis—I’mnotheretojudgeyou.ButIfeelthatyouneedtoknowthisiswhat everyone in Hong Kong has been saying about you. EveryoneexceptEvangelinedeAyala,whowebothknowisverynewintown.”

“She was the first person who has been nice to me since I gotmarried,” Kitty said sadly. She looked down at her napkin for amoment before continuing. “I’m not as stupid as you think. I knowwhatpeoplearesaying.I’vebeentreatedhorriblybyeveryone,anditstarted long before the Pinnacle Ball. I was seated next to AramintaLeeattheViktor&RolfshowinParislastyear,andshepretendedlikeI didn’t even exist.What have I done to deserve this? There are somanyothersocialiteswithmurkypasts,muchworsethanmine.WhyamIbeingsingledout?”

CorinnaassessedKittyforafewmoments.Shehadexpectedhertobe far more mercenary, and she was unprepared to discover thenaïvetéofthegirlsittinginfrontofher.“Doyoureallywantmetotellyou?”

“Yes,please.”

“Firstofall, youareMainlandChinese.YouknowhowmostHongKongersfeelaboutMainlanders.Likeitornot,youhavetoworkextrahard right out of the gate to overcome all the prejudices. But youhandicappedyourselfearlyonintherace.There’sawholecrowdwhowillneverforgiveyouforwhatyoudidtoAlistairCheng.”

“Alistair?”

“Yes. Alistair Cheng is immensely popular. When you broke hisheart,youmadeenemiesoutofallthegirlswhohaveadoredhimandallthepeoplewhorespecthisfamily.”

“Ididn’tthinkAlistair’sfamilywasthatspecial.”

Corinnasnorted.“Didn’tAlistairtakeyoutoTyersallPark?”

“Tire-what?”

“MyGod,youneverevengotnearthepalacegates,didyou?”

“Whatareyoutalkingabout?Whatpalace?”

“Nevermind.Thepointis,Alistair’smotherisAlixYoung—becauseofher,AlistairisrelatedtoalmosteveryimportantfamilyinAsia.TheLeongs of Malaysia, the aristocratic T’siens, the Shangs—who own

practicallyeverything. I’msorry tohave tobreak this toyou,butyouplacedyourbetonthewronghorse.”

“Ihadnoidea,”Kittysaidinawhisper.

“How could you? You didn’t grow up among these people. You’veneverbeenproperlyschooled in thewaysof themanor-born.Letmeassure you, if we choose to work together, you will get the insider’sviewoneverything.Iwillteachyoutheinsandoutsofthisworld.Iwillsharewithyouallthesecretsofthesefamilies.”

“Andhowmuchisallthisgoingtocostme?”

Corinna tooka leather foliooutofherbatteredFurla totebagandpresented it to Kitty. “I charge an annual retainer, and you arecontractuallyobligatedtosignonforaminimumoftwoyears.”

Kitty looked over the schedule of fees and burst out laughing.“You’vegottobejoking!”

Corinna’s expression turned grave. She knew the moment hadarrivedforthehardsell.“Mrs.Tai,letmeaskyousomething.Whatdoyou really want out of life? Because this is where I see your lifeheading:You’llkeepflyingaroundAsiaforthenextfewyears,goingtogalasandbenefitsandwhatnot,gettingyourpictureinthemagazines.Overtime,youmightstrikeupfriendshipswithotherrichMainlandersorthegweilo*6wivesofmenstationedherewiththree-yearcontractsatsomeforeignbankorprivateequityfirm.Youmightevenbeinvitedto join theboardsof inconsequential charities startedby theseboredexpatwives.Yourin-boxwillbefilledwithinvitationsforcocktailsattheChopardboutiqueorartopeningsinSheungWan.Sure,youmayoccasionally be invited to one of Pascal Pang’s parties, but the realHongKongwillalwaysbeclosedtoyou.Youwillneverbeaskedtojointhebestclubsorattendthemostexclusivepartiesinthebesthouses—andI’mnottalkingaboutSonnyChin’smansiononBowenRoad.Yourchildrenwill never get into thebest schools andhaveplaydateswithchildren fromthe top families.Youwillneverget toknowanyof thepeoplewhomovetheeconomy,whohavetheearofthetoppoliticiansin Beijing,who affect culture. Peoplewho trulymatter in Asia.Howmuchisthatworthtoyou?”

Kittyremainedsilent.

“Here,letmeshowyouafewpictures,”Corinnasaid,placinganiPadonthetable.Asshebegantoscrollthroughanalbumofimages,Kitty

recognized a few of the city’s top social figures posing casually withCorinna in private settings.Herewas Corinna at breakfast on boardtheplaneofacertainMainlandtycoonwhonowlivedinSingapore,atthe graduation of Leo Ming’s son from St. George’s School inVancouver,inthedeliveryroomatMatildaHospitalholdingafamousHongKongsocialite’snewbornbaby.

“Thesearepeopleyoucanintroducemeto?”

“Thesearemyclients.”

Kitty’s perfectly mascaraed eyes suddenly widened. “Ada Poon?She’soneofyourclients?”

Corinnasmiled.“LetmeshowyouapictureofwhatshelookedlikebeforeIbeganworkingwithher.Foryoureyesonly.”

“OhmyGod—lookatthatoutfit!Andthoseteeth!”Kittycackled.

“Yes,Dr.Chandid someofhisbestworkeveronher teeth,didn’the?DidyouknowthatbeforeshebecamethethirdMrs.FrancisPoon,she worked in the Chanel boutique on Canton Road in Kowloon?That’showshemetFrancis—hecameinlookingforalittlesomethingforhiswife,butleftwithalittlesomethingforhimself.”

“How interesting. I thought she came from a good Hong Kongfamily.”

Corinnachoseherwordscarefully. “Ican tellyouaboutAda’spastbecauseit’sawell-knownfact.Butyousee,practicallyanyonecanriseup in Hong Kong society. It’s all about perception, really. And thecareful reinvention of personal history. We will refocus your image.Anyonecanbeforgiven.Anythingcanbeforgotten.”

“Soyouwillimprovemyimage?YouaregoingtohelpchangeHongKong’sperceptionofme?”

“Mrs.Tai,Iamgoingtochangeyourlife.”

*1Inacitywherepeoplearealmostasobsessedwithfoodastheyarewithstatus,perhapsthebest-keptsecretofthediningsceneisthatthefinestcuisinearguablyisn’tfoundattheMichelin-starredrestaurantsinfive-starhotelsbutratheratprivatediningclubs.Thesemembers-onlyestablishmentsaresanctuariesofluxuryhiddenawayonupperfloorsofofficebuildings,wherethefamousandwell-heeledgathertoenjoytheirmealsfarfromthepryingeyesofpaparazzi.Theseclubsoftenhaveyears-longwaitinglistsformembership,andonly

thebestconciergesatthetophotelscanbebribedintogettingyouaspecial“guestmembership,”providedyouarefabulousenough.

*2Cantonesefor“Whatthefuck?”

*3Filipinoslangfor“sweetheart.”

*4TheCantonesephraseliterallymeans“drinktea,”butinHongKongitusuallyconnotesalunchtimemealofteaanddimsum.

*5ReferstotheChiefExecutiveofHongKong,whoissupposedlytheheadofthegovernment.

*6ThisisacommonCantonesederogatorytermusuallyappliedtoCaucasianforeigners,whichliterallytranslatesas“foreigndevil.”Thesedays,manyHongKongersfrequentlyusethetermtorefertoforeignersingeneralanddon’tconsideritderogatory.

10

ARCADIA

MONTECITO,CALIFORNIA,MARCH9,2013

Rachelledherfriendsdownthelonghallwayandopenedadoor.“Hereitis,”shesaidinahushedtone,gesturingforGohPeikLinandSylviaWong-Swartztolookin.

Peik Lin squealed as she caught her first glimpse of Rachel’sweddinggownhangingona vintagemannequin in themiddleof thedressingroom.“Ooooh!It’sgorgeous!Absolutelygorrrgeous!”

Sylviawalkedaroundit,inspectingthedressfromeveryangle.“It’snothinglikewhatIwasexpecting,butit’sbeautiful.Soyou.Istillcan’tbelieveNicktookyoutoParistoshopforyourdressandyouendedupfindingthisattheTemperleysamplesaleinSoHo!”

“Ijustdidn’tfallinlovewithanythinginParis.EverydressIsawthisseasonwas soover-the-top, and I reallydidn’twant todealwith thefussofacouturegown—youknow,havingtoflybackandforthtoParisforallthosefittings,”Rachelsaidalittlebashfully.

“Oh you poor thing, what torture, having to go to Paris for yourfittings!”Sylviateased.

PeikLinpattedSylviaonthearm.“Aiyah, I’veknownRachelsinceshewaseighteen.She’smuchtoopractical—we’llneverchangeher.Atleastthisdresslookslikeitcouldbehautecouture.”

“Waittillyouseeiton.It’sallaboutthewayitdrapes,”Rachelsaidexcitedly.

Sylvia narrowed her eyes. “Hmm…that’s not a typical Rachel Chustatement.Wejustmightmakeafashionistaoutofyouyet!”

Rachel’s cousin Samantha, looking rather authoritative with aheadset on, entered the roomall flustered. “There youare! I’vebeensearchingeverywhereforyou.Everyone’sarrived,andwe’reallwaitingtostarttherehearsal.”

“Sorry,Ididn’tknowyouguyswerewaiting,”Rachelreplied.

“Found the bride!We’re on ourway back!” Samantha barked intothe headset as she shepherded the girls out of the main house andacrossthegreatlawntowardthePalladian-stylemusicpavilionwheretheceremonywastobeheld.SylviamarveledatthemountainsinthedistanceononesideofthelawnandtheviewsofthePacificOceanontheother.“Tellmeagainhowyouguysfoundthisamazingproperty.”

“Wegotreally lucky.Nick’sfriendMehmettoldusaboutArcadia—theownersarefriendsofhisfamily.Theyonlycomehereonceayearforafewweeksinthesummer,andneverlendtheplaceoutforevents,buttheymadeaspecialexceptionforus.”

“Is Mehmet the hunk with the stubble and those incredible hazeleyes?”Samanthaasked.

“Yougotit.TheTurkishCasanova,wecallhim,”Rachelsaid.

“Imagine how rich you have to be tomaintain this huge estate allyeartouseitforjustafewweeks,”Sylviasaidinastonishment.

“Speaking of rich, some of thewomenwho just got here look likethey stepped out of the pages ofVogueChina. There’s a tall, leggy,supermodel typewearingboots thatclearlycostmore thanmyPrius,andthere’sanotherstunninggirlinthemostto-die-forlinenshirtdresswith such a poshEnglish accent—AuntBelinda alreadyhashernosehalfwayupherhoo-ha,”Samanthareported.

Rachel laughed. “I’mguessing thatAramintaLeeandAstridLeonghavearrived.”

“ShegoesbyAramintaKhootheseday,”PeikLincorrected.

“Ooh,Ican’twaittomeetallthesewomenI’vebeenhearingsomuchabout—it’s gonna be like an issue ofVanity Fair magazine come tolife!”Sylviasaidgleefully.

TheladiesenteredtheTuscan-stoneporticoinfrontofthepavilion,whereeveryoneinvolvedintheweddingceremonyhadassembled.Thedecoratingcrewwasstillputting the finishing touches toan intricatebambootrellisentwinedwithwisteriaandjasminethatleduptheaisletoanarchwherethecouplewouldexchangetheirvows.

BelindaChu rushedup toRachel, looking rather distressed. “Yourfloraldesignerpromisesthatthewisteriawillbeatitspeaktomorrow,

just in time for the ceremony, but I’m not convinced. Look at howsmallsomeofthesebudsare.Theywon’tbebloomingfordays!You’llneedtoputhairdryersonthem!Tsk,tsk,tsk,youreallyshouldhaveusedmyguy,whodoestheflowersforallthebesthomesinPaloAlto.”

“I’m sure itwill be just fine,”Rachel said calmly as shewinked atNick,whowasstandinginfrontofthearchtalkingtoMehmet,Astrid,andoneofthecrewmen.

Astrid greeted Rachel warmly with a hug. “Everything looks sobeautiful,itmakesmewanttogetmarriedalloveragain!”

Nick’sphonebegantoring.Notrecognizingthenumber,heignoredthecallandput thephoneonvibrate.Thecrewmanstandingnext toNickwavedatRachel shyly, and she realizedwith a start that itwasColinKhoo.Withhisshockofdarkhairgrownouttohisshoulders,shehadn’trecognizedhim.

“Lookatyou!NowyoureallylooklikeaPolynesiansurfer!”Rachelexclaimed.

“That’s rad!”Colin repliedashegave thebride-to-beakisson thecheek. Araminta, who stood out from the crowd in her vintage YvesSaintLaurentsafarijacketandgoldleathercagedthigh-highGianvitoRossisandals,wasnexttogreetRachelwithadouble-cheekkiss.

“That’s the heiress whose wedding Rachel went to where all thetroublestarted,”AuntieJinmurmuredunderherbreathtoRayChu.

“Who’sthefellowbesideherinthetornjeansandflip-flops?”

“That’s her husband. I heard he’s a billionaire too,” Kerry Chuwhisperedback.

“It’slikeallmypatientsthesedays—IneverknowwhetherthekidinmydentalchairishomelessorownsGoogle,”Raysaidgruffly.

After everyone in the wedding party had been introduced to oneanotherandJasonChuhadsnappedenoughpicturesofhimselfwiththesupermodelandNick’shottiecousinAstrid—whohesworehadtobe that babe from House of Flying Daggers—Samantha begancorrallingeveryoneintopositionfortheprocessionuptheaisle.

“Okay,afterMehmethasmadesureall theguestshave takentheirseats, theprocession canbegin. Jase—youneed to escortAuntKerryuptheaislefirst,beforeyoucomebackforMom.OnceyougetMomto

herseat,you’redoneandyoucantaketheseatnexttoher.Now,IneedAlistair Cheng. Where are you?” Alistair identified himself asSamantha checked the chart on her iPad. “Okay, you’ll be escortingAstrid Leong up the aisle, since she is representing Nick’s family.That’sAstridoverthere.Willyourememberhertomorrow?”

“I think so. She’s my cousin,” Alistair said in his usual laconicmanner.

“Mybad—Ididn’trealizeyouwereacousintoo!”Samanthagiggled.

Nick’sphonestartedbuzzingagain,andhedugintohisjeanspocketinannoyance.Itwasfromthesamenumber,butthistimeitwasatextmessage.Nickscrolledtothetext,whichread:

Sorry—triedeverythingIcouldtostopMum.Love,Dad.

Nickstaredatthetextagain.Whatonearthcouldhisfathermean?

Samanthabeganbarkingoutneworders.“Okay,nowit’stimeforthegroomandhisbestmantoenter.NickandColin—bothofyouwillbeat the staging area to the left of the pavilionwhile all the guests arebeing seated.When you hear the cello solo begin, that’s your cue towalkdownthepathtoward—”

“ ’Scusemeforonesec,”Nicksaid,dashingawayfromthearch.Hestoodat thebackcornerof the forecourt, frantically trying tocallhisfather. This time, it went straight to voice mail: “I’m sorry, but theperson you called has a voice-mail box that has not been set up yet.Pleasetryyourcallagainlater.”

Damn. Nick tried calling his father’s regular Sydney number, anavalancheofdreadsuddenlybeginningtoengulfhim.

Colincameuptocheckonhim.“Everythingokay?”

“Um, I don’t know. Hey, don’t you have security wherever youtravel?”

Colinrolledhiseyes.“Yes.It’sabignuisance,butAraminta’sfatherinsistsonit.”

“Where’syoursecuritydetailnow?”

“There’sateampostedoutsidethegates,andthatwomanoverthereisAraminta’spersonalbodyguard,”Colinreplied,indicatingawomanwith a frizzy spiral perm seated inconspicuously among Rachel’srelatives.“Iknowshelookslikeabankteller,butletmetellyou,she’s

formerChineseSpecialForcesandcandisembowelamaninundertenseconds.”

NickshowedColinthetextmessagefromhisfather.“Canyoupleasecall your securitypeopleandrequestextrabackup for tomorrow? I’llpaywhateverittakes.Weneedtogointofulllockdownandmakesurethatonlythepeopleontheguestlistareallowedontotheproperty.”

Colingrimaced.“Um,Ithinkit’salittletoolateforthat.”

“Whatdoyoumean?”

“Lookdeadahead.Twelveo’clock.”

Nickstaredforasecond.“No,that’snotmymum.That’sacousinofRachel’sfromNewJersey.”

“Imeanlookup.Inthesky…”

Nicksquintedintothebrightbluesky.“Oh.My.Fucking.Hell.”

•••

“Viv, is Ollie ready?” Samantha said, bending down to give Rachel’slittle toddlercousin thebluevelvetpillow for theweddingrings.Theboytookholdofthepillowfortwosecondsbeforeitsuddenlyblewoutofhishands.Thebranchesonthetoweringoaktreesbegantotremble,andadeafeninghumfilledtheair.Fromoutofnowhere,alargeblack-and-whitehelicopterzoomedover theporticoandhoveredabove thegreat lawnas itslowlybeganto land.SamanthaandRachelstaredinhorrorasthewindgustsfromthegiantpropellersbegantotearaparteverythingontheporticolikeatornadothathadjusttoucheddown.

“Getawayfromthetrellis!It’scomingdown!”aworkmanscreamedaseveryonebeganrunningforcover.Thearchtoppledoverjustasthetrellis began to collapse. Parts of bamboo began blowing off thestructure at high speed, and the wisteria buds were blown clear offtheirstems.AuntBelindascreamedasabigclumpofjasminehitherintheface.

“Hiyah,everythingisruined!”KerryChucried.

WhenthepropellersoftheAgustaWestlandAW109finallygroundtoahalt, the forwarddoor opened and a burlyman in dark sunglassesjumpedouttoopenthemaincabindoor.AChinesewomancladinachicsaffron-coloredpantsuitsteppedout.

“Jesus,ofcourseit’sAuntieEleanor!”Astridgroaned.

RachelwentabsolutelynumbasshewatchedNicksprintacrossthelawn toward hismother. Colin and Araminta rushed up behind her,followedbyaChineseladywithabadperm,whowasforsomereasonbrandishingagun.

“Let’sgetyoubacktothehouse,”Colinsaid.

“No,no,I’llbefine,”Rachelreplied.Witnessingthesheerabsurdityof the situation, a sudden realization had come over her. She hadabsolutelynothing to fear.Nick’smotherwas theonewhowas filledwithfear.Shewassoafraidofthismarriageactuallytakingplacethatshewouldgotoall thetroubleofcharteringahelicopterandlandingrightinthefriggin’middleoftheirweddingsite!RachelfoundherselfinvoluntarilywalkingontothelawntowardNick.Shewantedtobebyhisside.

Nickstormeduptohismotherinfury.“Whatthehellareyoudoinghere?”

Eleanorlookedathersoncalmlyandsaid,“Iknewyouweregoingtobemad.Buttherewasnootherwaytoreachyousinceyourefusedtoreturnanyofmycalls!”

“So you think you could stopmy wedding by launching this…thisinvasion?You’reoutofyourfuckingmind!”

“Nicky,stopusingthatkindoflanguage!Ididnotcomeheretostopyourwedding.Ihavenointentionofdoingthat.Infact,IwantyoutomarryRachel—”

“We’recallingsecurity—youneedtogetoffthepremisesrightnow!”

Bythispoint,Rachelwasbesidehim.Nickglancedatherquicklyinconcern,andRachelsmiledathimreassuringly.“Hello,Mrs.Young,”shesaid,findingarenewedconfidenceinhervoice.

“Hello, Rachel. Canwe please speak somewhere private?” Eleanorasked.

“No,Rachel isnot speaking to you inprivate!Haven’t youalreadydoneenough?”Nickinterjected.

“Alamak, I’ll pay to have everything fixed.Actually, you should bethankingmethatricketybamboothingcamedown—thatwasalawsuitwaiting to happen. Listen to me, I’m really not here to ruin yourwedding.Icameheretoaskforyourforgiveness.Iwanttogiveyoumy

blessing.”

“It’sabitlateforthat.PleasejustLEAVEUSALONE!”

“Trustme,IknowwhereI’mnotwanted,andIwillgladlyleave.ButI felt that I needed tomake things right forRachel before shewalksdowntheaisle.Doyoureallywanttodepriveherofmeetingherfatherbeforeherwedding?”

Nick stared at his mother as if she was deranged. “What are youtalkingabout?”

EleanorignoredhersonandlookedRachelstraightintheeyes.“I’mtalkingaboutyourrealfather,Rachel.Ifoundhimforyou!That’swhatI’vebeentryingtotellthebothofyouforthepastmonth!”

“Idon’tbelieveyou!”Nicksaiddefiantly.

“Idon’tcareifyoubelieveme.ImetRachel’sfather’swifethroughyour cousinEddiewhen Iwas inLondon last year—youcanaskhimyourself.Itwasallacompletecoincidence,butImanagedtoputtwoand two together and confirmed that he really is her father. Rachel,yourfather’snameisBaoGaoliang,andhe’soneofthetoppoliticiansinBeijing.”

“BaoGaoliang…”Rachelsaidthenameslowly,inutterdisbelief.

“Andrightnow,he’sattheFourSeasonsBiltmoreinSantaBarbara,and he’s hoping to see yourmother, Kerry, again. And he’s dying tomeetyou.Comewithme,Rachel,andI’lltakeallofyoutohim.”

“This isanotherbullshitschemeofyours.You’renot takingRachelanywhere.”Nickwasseething.

•••

RachelputherhandonNick’sarm.“It’sfine.Iwanttomeetthisguy.Let’sseeifhe’sreallymyfather.”

Rachel didnot speakduring the short helicopter ride to thehotel.She clutchedNick’s hand tightly and lookedpensively at hermothersittingacrossfromher.Sherealizedfromhermother’sexpressionthatall thiswasmuchmoredifficult forher, since itwas the first time inmorethanthreedecadesthatKerrywouldbeseeingthemanshehadbeen in love with, the man who had rescued her from her abusivehusbandandtheterrorofhisfamily.

Astheydisembarkedfromthehelicopter,Rachelhadtopausefora

momentbeforecontinuingintothehotel.

“Areyougoingtobeokay?”Nickasked.

“I think so…it’s all happening too fast,” Rachel said. This was nothow she had imagined itwould happen. She didn’t really have a setvisionofhowthingsmightunfold,butafterthedisappointmentofherlasttwotripstoChina,shehadbeguntolosehopethatshewouldeverfindherfather.Orelse,itwouldhappenyearsfromnow,aftermakinga long, arduous journey to some far outpost. She never thought thatshewouldmeethimforthefirsttimeataresort inSantaBarbaraonthedaybeforeherwedding.

Rachelandhermotherwereledthroughthemimosa-scentedlobby,thendownalongMediterranean-tiledcorridor,andoutsideagain.Astheywalkedthroughthelushgardenstowardoneoftheprivatecottagesuites,Rachel feltas thoughshewere floating throughsomestrange,nebulousdream.Timeseemedtohavespedup,andeverythingseemedso unreal. It was all too bright, too tropical for such a momentousoccasion.Beforeshecouldfullycollectherself,theywereatthefrontofthe cottage, and Nick’smother was giving theMission-style woodendoorafewrapidknocks.

Racheltookadeepbreath.

“I’m right herewith you,”Nickwhispered frombehind, givinghershoulderanaffectionatesqueeze.

The door was opened by a man with an earpiece who Rachelassumed was some sort of bodyguard. Inside the roomwas anothermaninanopen-collaredshirtandapaleyellowsweatervest,sittinginfront of the fireplace. His rimless glasses framed a vibrant, fair-complexionedface,andhisjet-blackhair,meticulouslycombedwithapart on the left, hada fewgraying streaks at the temples.Could thisreallybeherfather?

Kerry stood at the doorway hesitantly, but as theman got up andcametowardthe light,shesuddenlyputherhandstohermouthandletoutasmallgasp.“KaoWei!”

The man came up to Rachel’s mother and stared into her facesearchinglyforasplitsecond,beforescoopingherintoatightembrace.

“Kerry Ching. You are even prettier than I remember,” he said inMandarin.

Kerry broke out in loud, violent sobs, and Rachel found her eyesflooding uncontrollablywith tears as shewatched hermother cryingagainst the man’s chest. Managing to collect herself after a fewmoments,Kerryturnedtoherdaughterandsaid,“Rachel,thisisyourfather.”

Rachel couldn’tbelieve shewashearing thosewords.She stoodbythedoorway,suddenlyfeelingasifshewerefiveyearsoldagain.

Standingoutsidethecottage,Eleanorturnedtohersonandsaidinaratherchoked-upvoice,“Comeon,let’sgivethemsomeprivacy.”

Nick, a little misty-eyed himself, answered, “That’s the best thingI’veheardyousayinalongtime,Mum.”

11

FOURSEASONSBILTMORE

SANTABARBARA,CALIFORNIA

Comfortably ensconced in the hotel loungewith her requisite cup ofhot water and lemon, Eleanor proceeded to recount to Nick the fullstoryofhowshecametodiscoverRachel’srealfather.

“BaoShaoyenwassogratefultoallofus inLondon.YourhopelesscousinEddieleftafterafewdays,aftergettingfittedforhisnewsuits,andShaoyendidn’tknowasoulinLondon.Sowetookcareofher.Wetook her to visit Carlton every day in the hospital while he wasrecoveringfromhissurgeries,wetookhertoeatatthehalfwaydecentChineserestaurants,andFrancescaevendroveallofustotheBicesterVillage outlets one day. Shaoyen was in seventh heaven when shediscoveredthattheyhadaLoroPianaoutletstorethere.MyGod,youshouldhaveseenhowmuchcashmerethatwomanbought!IthinkshehadtobuythreebigsuitcasesattheTumioutletjusttofiteverything.

“AssoonasCarltonwasoutofintensivecare,IencouragedShaoyentolethimdohisrehabilitationinSingapore.IevencalledupDr.ChiaatNUHtopull stringsandgetCarlton into thebestphysical therapyprogram.SoofcourseCarlton’sfathercamedowntovisitfromBeijing,and I got to know the family well over the next few months.Meanwhile,AuntieLorena’sprivate investigator inChinawent todigupeverythinghecouldonthefamily.”

“AuntieLorenaandhershadyinvestigators!”Nickscoffed,takingasipofhiscoffee.

“Alamak, you shouldbe grateful LorenahiredMr.Wong!Withouthissnoopingaroundandpayingoff therightpeople,wewouldneverhavebeenabletogettothetruth.ItturnedoutthatBaoGaolianghadchangedhis name right after he graduated fromuniversity.KaoWeiwasalwaysaboyhoodnickname—hisactualnamewasSunGaoliang.HegrewupinFujian,buthisparentsmadehimtakethesurnameofhis godfather, who was a well-respected party official in Jiangsu

Province,becausethenhecouldmovethereandgetabetterstarttohiscareer.”

“SohowdidyoubreakthenewstotheBaos?”

“Atonepoint, Shaoyenhad to goback toChina to attend to somebusiness, andGaoliangwas alone in Singapore visiting Carlton.Onenight,ItookhimtohavekaifunatWeeNamKee,*1andIaskedhimabouthisyoungerdays.HestartedtotellmeabouthiscollegedaysinFujian,soatonepointIjustblurtedout,‘DidyoueverknowawomanbythenameofKerryChing?’Gaoliang’sfacewentwhiteasaghost.Hesaid,‘Idon’tknowanyonebythatname.’Thenhesuddenlywantedtofinish his dinner quickly and leave. That’s when I finally confrontedhimwiththetruth.Isaid,‘Gaoliang,pleasedon’tbealarmed.Youcanleaveifyouwant,butbeforeyoudo,pleasehearmeout.Ifeelthatfatehasbroughtustogether.MysonisengagedtoawomanbythenameofRachelChu.Please letmeshowyouherpicture,andI thinkyouwillunderstandthatsomethingremarkablehashappened.’ ”

“WhatphotoofRacheldoyouhave?”Nickasked.

Eleanor blushed. “It’s the one from her California driver’s licensethat I got from the first detective I hired in Beverly Hills. Anyway,Gaoliangtookonelookatthephotoandwentintocompleteshock.Heimmediately asked, ‘Who is this girl?’ It’s just soobvious—thegirl inthepicturelooksexactlylikeCarlton,butwithlonghairandmakeup,ofcourse.SoIsaid,‘ThatgirlisthedaughterofawomanwhogoesbythenameofKerryChu.ShenowlivesinCalifornia,butsheusedtoliveinXiamenwhenshewasmarriedtoamanbythenameofZhouFangMin.’Andthat’swhenGaoliangfinallycracked.”

“Wow. You should do this professionally,” Nick said with a raisedeyebrow.

“You can make fun of me all you want, but Rachel wouldn’t bemeetingherfathertodayifitwasn’tformyinterfering.”

“No,no,Iwasn’tbeingsarcastic,Imeantitasacompliment.”

“I know you are still angry withme for all that’s happened, but IwantyoutoknowthateverythingIdid,Ididforyoursake.”

Nickshookhishead indignantly. “Howdoyouexpectme to react?Youalmost ruined the loveofmy life.Youdidn’t trustmy judgment,and you just assumed the worst of Rachel from the beginning. You

thoughtshewasagolddiggerevenbeforeyoumether.”

“Hiyah, how many times can I say I’m sorry? I misjudged her. Imisjudgedyou.Golddiggerornot,Ididn’twantyoutomarryRachelbecauseIknewthatitwouldleadtoheartacheforyouassoonasyourgrandmother became involved. I knew AhMawould never approve,andIwantedtospareyouherwrath.Becauseonceuponatime,Iwasthatunacceptabledaughter-in-law.AndIwasnoteventhedaughterofasinglemotherfromMainlandChina!Believeme,Iknowwhatitfeelsliketosufferunderherdisapproval.Butyouneversawthatsideofher.Iprotectedyoufromthat.Sheadoredyoufromthedayyouwereborn,andIneverwantedthattochange.”

Nick noticed the tears brimming in his mother’s eyes, and hesoftened his stance. A waiter walked by, and Nick gestured to him.“Excuseme,couldwepleasehaveanothercupofhotwaterwithlemonslicesontheside?Thankyou.”

“Veryhot,please,”Eleanoradded,asshedabbedawayhertearswiththe crumpled pieces of Kleenex she always seemed to have in herpurse.

“Well, I’m sure you know thatAhMa plans to disinheritme now.JacquelineLingtoldmejustasmuchafewweeksago.”

“ThatJacquelinealwaysdoesyourAhMa’sdirtywork!ButyoucanneverbesurewhatAhMaisgoingtodo.Anyway,itdoesn’tmatterasmuch,becauseyouhaveRachel.ItrulymeanitnowwhenIsayIamverygladsheisgoingtobeyourwife.”

“My, how your tone has changed! I guess you don’t disapprove ofRachelnowthatyouknowherrealfatherissomebigwigpoliticianinChina.”

“He’snotjustsomepolitician.Heismuchmorethanthat.”

“Whatdoyoumean?”

Eleanor did a quick scan of the room tomake sure no one couldoverhear her. “Bao Gaoliang’s father started MillenniumPharmaceuticals,oneof the largestmedical companies inChina.ThestockisabluechipontheShanghaiStockExchange.”

“So?Idon’tunderstandhowthatimpressesyou.Everyoneyouknowisrich.”

Eleanorleanedincloserandloweredhervoice.“Aiyah,thesepeoplearen’t just everyday richwitha fewhundredmillion.TheyareChinarich! We’re talking billions and billions. More important, they onlyhaveoneson…andnowonedaughter.”

“Sothat’swhyyou’resuddenlysokeenonusgettingmarried!”Nickgroanedashismother’struemotivesfinallydawnedonhim.

“Ofcourse!IfRachelplayshercardsright,shewillbeagreatheiressandyouwillbenefittoo!”

“I’msogladIcanalwayscountonyoutohavesomesortofulteriormotivethatinvolvesmoney.”

“I’mjustlookingoutforyou!NowthatyourinheritancefromAhMaissouncertain,youcan’tblamemeforwantingthebestforyou.”

“No, I don’t suppose I can,”Nick said quietly. As frustrated as hewas,herealizedthathewasnevergoingtochangehismother.Likesomany of her generation, her entire existence revolved around theacquisitionandpreservationof fortune. Itseemed likeallher friendswereinthesamecontesttoseewhocouldleavethemosthouses,thebiggestconglomerates,andthefatteststockportfoliostotheirchildrenaftertheydied.

Eleanor leaned in closer. “Now, here are some things you need toknowabouttheBaos.”

“Idon’tneedtohearanyidlegossip.”

“Aiyah,it’snotidlegossip!TheseareimportantdetailsI’velearnedjustfrombeingaroundthem,andfromwhatMr.Wongfoundout—”

“Stoprightthere!Idon’twanttoknow,”Nicksaidemphatically.

“Aiyah,Ineedtotellyouforyourowngood!”

“Give it a rest,Mum!Rachel justmetherdad twentyminutes agoandnowyouwant to spill all the secrets of his family?Yourdiggingaroundandsecretsarewhatalmostruinedmyrelationshipinthefirstplace. It’snot fair toRachel,and it’snot theway Iwant tobeginmymarriage.”

Eleanor sighed. This son of hers was impossible. He was toostubborn and too self-righteous and couldn’t even see that she wastrying to help him. Well, she would have to wait for anotheropportunity. Squeezing more lemon into her water and not making

directeyecontactwithherson,sheasked,“So,isthereachanceyou’lllet your poor lonely mother come to her only child’s weddingtomorrow?”

Nickwassilent foramoment. “Letmetalk toRachel. I’mnotsurewhethershe’sreadytorollouttheredcarpetafteryoujustdestroyedherweddingsite,butI’llask.”

Eleanorgotupfromthetableinexcitement.“I’mgoingtotalktotheconciergerightnow.We’llfixit.We’llflyinallthewisteriaintheworldifwehaveto.I’llmakesureherweddingisbacktoperfection.”

“I’msureRachelwillappreciatethat.”

“AndletmegocallDad.Heshouldgetonaplanerightnow.It’sstillnottoolateforhimtomakeitherebytomorrowafternoon.”

“Youknow,IsaidI’dtalktoRachel.Ididn’tpromiseanything,”Nickcautioned.

“Aiyah,ofcourseshewillletmecome!Icantellsheistheforgivingtypejustbylookingatherface.That’stheonegoodthingabouther—shedoesn’thavehighcheekbones.Womenwithhighcheekbonesareverygowtzay.*2Now,willyoupleasedoonethingforme?”

“What?”

“Pleeeease go to the barber shop and get your hair cut beforetomorrow! It’s far too long and I can’t stand to see you on yourweddingdaylookinglikesomechaoahbeng.”*3

*1Hainanesechickenrice,whichcouldarguablybeconsideredthenationaldishofSingapore.(Andyes,Eleanorisreadyforfoodiebloggerstostartattackingherrestaurantchoice.ShechoseWeeNamKeespecificallybecausetheUnitedSquarelocationisonlyfiveminutesfromtheBaocondo,andparkingthereis$2.00after6:00p.m.IfshetookhimtoChatterbox,whichshepersonallyprefers,parkingatMandarinHotelwouldhavebeenanightmareandshewouldhavehadtovaletherJaguarfor$15.WhichshewouldRATHERDIEthando.)

*2NoEnglishwordscanproperlydojusticetothischarmingHokkienterm,whichisusedtodescribepeoplewhoareequalpartsbitchy,unreasonable,stuckup,andimpossibletodealwith.

*3Hokkienfor“stinkylow-classgangster.”

12

ARCADIA

MONTECITO,CALIFORNIA

The late-afternoon sun hovered over the crest of the Santa YnezMountains,suffusingeverything inagoldenhaze.Thebambootrellishadbeenfullyrestoredtoitsformerglory,creatingaluxuriantcanopyof hanging wisteria and jasmine over the central aisle, its delicatelysweet scentwafting across the guests as they took their seats on theportico.WithaneoclassicalmusicpavilioncarvedfromTuscanstoneas a backdrop and towering two-hundred-year-old oaks framing thegardens, the scene looked like something straight out of a MaxfieldParrishpainting.

Attheappointedmoment,Nickemergedfromthepavilionwithhisbest man, Colin, and took his place beside an arch majesticallyradiatingwithwhitedendrobiumorchids.Hesurveyedthehundredorso guests, noticing that his father—just arrived from Sydney andwearing an extremely rumpled gray suit—was seated next to Astrid,whilehismotherwasarowbehindgossipingwithAraminta,whohadminutes ago caused a stir when she entered the portico in a show-stoppingemeraldgreenGiambattistaValligownwithadeconstructed-rufflenecklinethatplungedallthewaydowntohernavel.

“Don’t fidget!” Astridmouthed from the front row as Nick fussednervouslywith his cuff links. She couldn’t help but recall the skinnyboyinsoccershortswhousedtorunaroundwithherinthegardensofTyersallPark,scalingtreesandjumpingintoponds.Theywereforeverinventing games andgetting lost in fantasyworlds,Nicky always thePeter Pan to her Wendy, but now here he was, all grown up andlookingutterlydashinginhiscelestialblueHenryPooletuxedo,readytocreatehisownnewworldwithRachel.Therewouldbegreattroubletocomeoncetheirgrandmotherfoundoutaboutthewedding,butatleastfortonight,Nickywasgettingtomarrythegirlofhisdreams.

Thewall of French doors at the front of the pavilion opened, and

from inside a musician on a grand piano began to play a vaguelyfamiliar melody as Rachel’s bridesmaids—Peik Lin, Samantha, andSylvia,inpearlgraybias-cutsilkdresses—begantheprocessionuptheaisle. Auntie Belinda, in a gold lamé St. John gown with matchingbolerotop,suddenlyrecognizedthatthepianistwasplayingFleetwoodMac’s “Landslide” and began to sob uncontrollably into her Chanelhandkerchief.UncleRay,mystified by hiswife’s behavior, pretendednot to notice and stared straight ahead, while Auntie Jin turnedaround and glared at her. “Sorry…sorry…Stevie just gets me everytime,”Belindawhispered,tryingtocollectherself.

Afterthepianisthadfinished,anothersurpriseawaitedthecrowdasthe lights inside thepaviliondimmedanda scrimhangingabove thebuildingcamedown,revealinga fullensembleofmusicians fromtheSanFranciscoSymphonyontheroof.Theconductorraisedhisbaton,and as thedelicate opening strains ofAaronCopland’s “AppalachianSpring”begantofilltheair,RachelappearedatthestepsoftheporticoonthearmofheruncleWalt.

Theweddingguestsmurmuredinapprovalatthebride,wholookedstunninginafigure-hugginggownofsilkcrepedechinewithdelicateknifepleatsthat fannedoutoverthefittedbodiceandacolumnskirtthat draped across the front in romantic cascading folds. With herlong,luxurianthairworndowninloosecurlsandpinnedonthesideswith a pair of feather-shaped art deco diamond clips, she was theepitome of a relaxed, modern bride with just a touch of 1930sHollywoodglamour.

Rachelclutchedherbouquetoflong-stemmedwhitetulipsandcallalilies,smilingatallthepeoplesheknew.ThenshecaughtsightofhermotherseatedinthefrontrownexttoBaoGaoliang.Shehadofcourseinsisted thatUncleWalt,whohadalwaysbeen the closest thing to apaternal figure, walk her down the aisle, but seeing hermother andfathertogetherlikethisstirredupawholenewsetofemotions.

Herparentswerehere.Herparents.Sherealized that thiswas thefirsttimeinherlifethatshecouldactuallyusethattermproperly,andhereyesbegantowellup.Theregoesthathourspent inthemakeupchair. Just yesterdaymorning, shehadalmostgivenuphopeof evermeetingherrealfather,butbytheendoftheday,shediscoveredthatnotonlywasherfatheraliveandverymuchrealbutshealsohadahalfbrother. It was more than she could have ever hoped for, and in a

strangeroundaboutway,shehadNicktothankforallofthis.

BaoGaoliang couldn’thelpbut feel apeculiar senseofprideashewatched his daughter glide gracefully down the aisle. Here was awomanhe had notmet until yesterday, but already he could feel anundeniableconnectionwithher,somethinghecouldn’tseemtoforgewithhisownson.CarltonandShaoyenhadaspecialbondthathewasnever able to penetrate, and he suddenly began to dread theconversation that he knew would take place when he returned toChina.Hehadyet todiscussanyofEleanorYoung’s revelationswithShaoyen, who thought he was on a diplomaticmission in Australia.Howintheworldwasheevergoingtoexplainallthistohiswifeandson?

“I can’t believe how beautiful you look,” Nick whispered whenRachelreachedhisside.

Rachel,toomovedtosayanything,simplynodded.Shelookedintothekind,beautiful,sexyeyesof themanshewasabouttomarryandwonderedwhetherthiswasalladream.

•••

After the ceremony, as the wedding guests adjourned to a receptioninside themusicpavilion,Eleanor sidledup toAstrid andbeganhercommentary. “The only thing missing from that service was a goodMethodist pastor. Where is Tony Chi when you need him? I didn’treally care for thatwe-are-all-natureUnitarianminister.Did you seehewaswearinganearring?Whatsortofkopi-license*ministerishe?”

Astrid,who hadn’t spoken toEleanor since herApocalypseNow–stylearrivalthedaybefore,gaveherasharplook.“Nexttimeyouplanonplyingmychildwithagallonoficecream,youhavetotakehimfortherestoftheday.Youhavenoideahowlongittookustopryhimofftheceiling.”

“Sorry,lah.ButyouknewIhadtofindoutaboutthewedding.See?Itallworkedoutintheend,didn’tit?”

“I suppose so. But you could have spared everyone so muchheartache.”

Refusingtobeanymorecontrite,Eleanortriedchangingthesubject.“Hey,didyouhelpRachelchooseherdress?”

“No,butdoesn’tshelooklovely?”

“Ifinditabitplain.”

“I think it’s exquisitely simple. It looks like something CaroleLombardwouldhaveworntoadinnerpartyontheFrenchRiviera.”

“I find your dress much more striking,” Eleanor said, admiringAstrid’scobaltbluehalter-neckGaultieroutfit.

“Aiyah,you’veseenmeinthisadozentimes.”

“I thought I recognized it! Didn’t you wear it to Araminta’swedding?”

“Iwearittoeverywedding.”

“Whyonearthdoyoudothat?”

“Don’t you remember Cecilia Cheng’s wedding years ago, whenpeople couldn’t stop talking aboutmydress in front of her? I felt sobad,Idecidedfromthatdayontoalwayswearthesamedresstoeverywedding.”

“You’reafunnyone.Nowonderyougetalongwithmyson,withallhisfunnyideas.”

“I’lltakethatasacompliment,AuntieElle.”

•••

The sunken gardenbehind themusic pavilionhadbeen transformedintoanalfrescoballroom.Hundredsofcandlesinantiquecrystalorbssparkled in the eucalyptus trees surrounding the garden, while old-fashionedklieglightscastasilver-screenglowontothedancefloor.

Astrid leaned on the stone balustrade overlooking the garden,wishingherhusbandcouldhavebeenheretodancewithherunderthemoonlight. The phone inside herminaudière gave a quick buzz, andshesmiled,thinkingMichaelmusthavejustreadhermindandpingedher.Shegotoutherphoneeagerlyandfoundatextmessage:

Hopeyou’reenjoyingthewedding.Guesswhat?HadtocometoSanJoseonbusiness.Ifyou’restayinginCAforafewdays,let’smeetup.MaybeSanFrancisco?Icansendmyplanetopickyouup.There’sanItalianplaceinSausalitoIknowyou’dlove.

CHARLESWU

+85267759999

Theguestsbegangatheringon the terrace towatch thenewlywedshavetheirfirstdance,butbeforethemusicstartedup,Colinsuddenlybegan clinking loudly on his champagne glass to get everybody’sattention.

“Helloeveryone, I’mNicky’sbestman,Colin.Don’tworry, I’mnotgoingtoboreanyonewithalong-windedtoast.I justfeltthatonthismostspecialofoccasions,thehappycoupleneededalittlesurprise.”

NickshotColinalookthatsaid,Whatthehellareyoudoing?

Grinning fromear toear,Colin continued, “A fewmonthsago,mywife and I ran into a friend of Rachel’s at the Churchill Club.” Helooked over at Peik Lin, who raised her champagne glassconspiratorially. “It turns out that all through college, Rachel wouldplayacertainsongoverandoveruntil itdrovePeikLinup thewall.And guesswhat? I just happen to know itwas one ofNick’s favoritesongstoo.SoNickandRachelthoughttheywouldbedancingtosomeromanticwaltzbytheSanFranciscoSymphonyrightnow,butthey’renot. Ladies and gentlemen, please help me welcome Mr. and Mrs.Youngtothedancefloorfortheveryfirsttime,accompaniedbyoneoftheworld’sgreatestsingers.”

Withthosewords,abandofmusiciansenteredthesmallstageattheedge of the garden, followed by a petite woman with a shock ofplatinumblondhair.Thecrowdbegantoscreaminexcitement,whilemanyoftheolderfolkslookedutterlybaffledbyalltheexcitement.

Nick and Rachel stared first at Colin and then at Peik Lin, theirmouthsagape.

“I can’t believe it! Did you know anything about this?” Rachelexclaimed.

“No! Sneaky bastards!”Nick said as he ledRachel onto the dancefloor.Thefirstchordsofafamiliarhitsongbegantofilltheair,andthecrowdroaredinapproval.

Philip and Eleanor Young stood on the steps leading down to thegarden,watchingas theirson twirledhisbridearoundwithdebonairease. Philip glanced over at his wife. “Your son is happy at last. Itwouldn’thurtforyoutosmilealittletoo.”

“I’msmiling,lah,I’msmiling.I’vebeensmilingtillmyfacehurtsatall those annoyingly friendly relatives of Rachel’s. Why do all these

ABCs talk to you as if they think you are their best friend? It’s sopresumptuous.Iwasallpreparedforthemtohateme.”

“Whywouldtheyhateyou?YouendedupdoingaverygooddeedforRachel.”

Eleanorbegantosaysomething,butthenchangedhermind.

“Justsayit,darling,youknowyouwantto.You’vebeenwantingtotellmesomethingallnight,”Philipeggedheron.

“I’mnotsosureRachelwill thinkIdidsuchagooddeedonceshereallygetstoknowhernewfamily.”

“Whatdoyoumeanbythat?”

“Mr.Wonge-mailedmeanewreportlatelastnight.Ineedtoshowittoyou.Frankly,IthinkImighthavemadeamistakegettingmixedupwiththeBaosinthefirstplace.”Eleanorsighed.

“Well,it’salittletoolate,darling.We’rerelatedtothemnow.”

Eleanor gave her husband a look of abject horror. It was the firsttimethishadoccurredtoher.

•••

Nick and Rachel swayed together to the rhythm of the song, feelingalmostdeliriouswithhappiness.“Canyoubelievewereallypulledthisoff?”Nickasked.

“Notreally.I’mwaitingforthenexthelicoptertoland.”

“Nomorehelicopters,andnomoresurprisesever,Ipromise,”Nicksaidashetwirledheraround.“Fromnowonwe’re justgoingtobeaboringmarriedcouple.”

“Oh, please! When I decided to walk down the aisle with you,NicholasYoung,IknewI’dbesigningupforalifetimeofsurprises.Iwouldn’twantitanyotherway.Butyouhavetoatleastgivemeacluewherewe’regoingonourhoneymoonthissummer.”

“Well,Ihadallthesegrandplansthatinvolvedthemidnightsunanda few fjords,but thenyour father justasked ifwewouldvisithim inShanghaiassoonassummerbreakstarts.He’seagerforyoutomeetyour brother, and he swears he’ll hook us up at the most romanticspotsinallofChina.Sowhatdoyouthinkofthat?”

“I think it’s the best idea I’ve ever heard,” Rachel said, her eyes

lightingupwithexcitement.

Nickpulledherintoanembrace.“Iloveyou,Mrs.Young.”

“AndIloveyou.ButwhosaysI’mgoingtotakeyourname?”

Nickfrownedlikeahurtchild,andthenbrokeoutintoagrin.“Youdon’thavetotakemyname,hon.YoucanbeRachelRodhamChuforallIcare.”

“You know what I realized today? Rachel Chu was the name mymothergaveme,butitturnedoutnottobemyname.Andeventhoughmy father’s last name isBao, that reallywasn’t his name either.Theonlynamethat’strulyallmineisRachelYoung,andthat’sachoiceI’mmaking.”

NickgaveRachelalongtenderkissastheweddingguestsbrokeoutintoapplause.Thenhewavedforeverybodytojointhemonthedancefloor,andasCyndiLaupercontinuedhersong, thenewlywedsbegantosingalong:

Ifyou’relost,youcanlookandyouwillfindme,

timeaftertime.

*KopiisSinglishslangforcoffee.“Kopilicense”referstoanysortoflicenseorcertificatethatwasobtainednotbytruemeritbutbypayingasmallbribetoanofficial—enoughforhimorhertobuyacoffeewith.Thoughthetermisusedtoinsultdoctors,lawyers,orsomeotherqualifiedindividual,itismostoftenusedwhileswearingatbaddrivers,whosurelymusthavebribedtheexaminerinordertopasstheirdrivingtest.(Believeitornot,Asianscansometimesbebaddriverstoo.)

PARTTWO

IfyouwanttoknowwhatGodthinksofmoney,justlookatthepeoplehegaveitto.

—DOROTHYPARKER

1

KO-TUNGCONSULTINGGROUP

SOCIALIMPACTASSESSMENT

PreparedforMrs.BernardTaibyCorinnaKo-Tung

April2013

Letusbecompletelyfrankandstartwiththeobvious:YourformernamewasKittyPong,andyouwerenotbornonHongKongIsland,Kowloon,oranyofthesurroundingislandsthatmakeuptheformerBritishCrownColonyofHongKong.Remember,forthecrowdyouseektoimpress,yourmoneymeansnothing.Especiallythesedays,whentwentysomethingMainlandershaveburstontothescenewithbillionsapiece,theoldguardhaveresortedtonewwaysofstratifyingthemselves.Whatmattersmorethanevernowarebloodlinesandwhenyourfamilyfirstmadeitsmoney.WhichprovinceofChinadidyourfamilyoriginatefrom?Whichdialectgroup?WeretheypartofthetightlyknitChiu-Chowclans,ortheShanghaiémigréclass?Areyousecond-,third-,orfourth-generationrich?Andhowwasthefortunemade?Wasitintextilesorproperty(pre–LiKa-Shingorpost-1997)?Everyminutedetailmatters.Forinstance,youcanhavetenbilliondollarsbutstillbeconsiderednothingmorethanaspeckofdirtbytheKeungs,whoaredowntotheirlasthundredmillionbutcantracetheirlineagetotheDukeofYansheng.*1Overthenextfewmonths,Iintendtochangethenarrativeaboutyou.Wewilltakeyourmostembarrassingbiographicaldetailsandturnthemintoassets.Wewilldothisinavarietyofways.Letusbegin.

APPEARANCE

PhysiqueandFeatures

Firstofall,thebreastreductionwasoneofthemostastutemovesyoucouldhavemade,andyourphysiqueisnowoptimal.Beforeyoursurgery,yourhourglassfigureonlyservedtofueltherumorsofyourcinematicextracurricularactivities,butnowyouhavethe

bodyshapeconsideredidealtothewomenyouseektocultivate—delicatelyemaciated,withjustahintofawell-managedeatingdisorder.Pleasedonotloseanymoreweight.

Imustalsocommendyoursurgeononaremarkablejobonyourface(remindmetogethisnamefromyou—forsomeofmyotherclients,ofcourse).Theroundercurvesofyourcheekshavebeensculpteddownandyournosehasbeenexquisitelyreshaped.(Admitit:YoucopiedCeciliaChengMoncur’snose,didn’tyou?Iwouldrecognizethatpatricianbumpanywhere.)Butnowyouruntheriskoflookingtooperfect,andthiswillonlyincitejealousyfromyoursocialcompetitors.Sopleaserefrainfromanyfurtherproceduresintheimmediatefuture.Nomorefillersfornow,andtheBotoxinjectionstoyourforeheadarealsonolongernecessary,asIwouldliketoseeafewfinelinesdevelopintheareabetweenyoureyebrows.Wecanalwayserasetheminthefuture,butforthetimebeing,possessingtheabilitytomaketinyfrownswillallowyoutoconveyempathy.

Hair

Yourlongjet-blackhairisoneofyourbestfeatures,butthehighponytailsanddramaticupdosyoucurrentlyfavorconveyalookofaggression.Whenyouenteraroom,theladiesimmediatelythink,“Thiswomaniseithergoingtostealmyhusband,mybaby,ormyyogamat.”Irecommendwearingyourhairdowninamorelayeredlookformostoccasions,andsweptintoarelaxedlowchignonforformaloccasions.Yourhairalsoneedstobecoloredtoaddsomebrownlowlights,asthiswillsoftenyourfeaturesoverall.IwillreferyoutoRickyTseungatModaBeautyonSeymourTerraceinMid-Levels.Youarenodoubtaccustomedtosomeoverpricedsalonlocatedinoneofthefancierhotels,buttrustme,Rickyissomeoneyoumustcultivate.Notonlyisheabargain,heisthehairdresserofchoicetoladiesfromthebestfamilies—FionaTung-Cheng,Mrs.FrancisLiu,MarionHsu.WhenyoufirstmeetRicky,tellhimabsolutelynothingaboutyourself(hewillalreadyknowfartoomuch).Overtime,Iwillcraftanecdotesthatyoucansharewithhim(i.e.,yourdaughter’sabilitytosing“Wouldn’tItBeLoverly”inaperfectCockneyaccent,theinjuredSiamesecatthatyourescued,anonymouslypayingforaformerteacher’schemotherapybills,etc.).Thesetaleswillmaketheirwayintotheearsofalltherightladies.Note:YoudonotneedtotipRicky,

sinceheistheownerofthesalon.Butoccasionally,youcanfeedhimsomeCadburychocolate.Helovesexpensivechocolates!

Makeup

Yourmakeup,unfortunately,requiresacompleteoverhaul.Thetofu-milkskinandcherry-redlipsnolongersuityou—nowthatyouarearespectablewifeandmother,itisessentialthatyounolongerappearliketheunattainableobjectoffantasyforpubescentboys.Weneedtocreateavisagethatispleasingandnonthreateningtowell-bredwomenofallagegroups.Youwantyourcolorandcomplexiontolookasifyouonlyspentfiftysecondsonitbecauseyouweretoobusyrepottingtulipsinyourgarden.IwillaccompanyyoutoGermaine,mybeautyconsultantattheElizabethArdencounteratSogoCausewayBay.(YouneednotactuallybuyallyournewproductsatArden—theyarefartoooverpriced.WecanpickupnewcosmeticsatManningsPharmacy,butyouwillbuyoneortwolipsticksatArdeninordertoqualifyforthefreeconsultationandmakeover.Imayalsohaveanadditionalcouponforafreegiftwithpurchase—pleaseremindme.)

OtherGroomingSuggestions

Discontinuetheuseofnailpolishinredoranyshadesofred.(Yes,pinkisashadeofred.)Thisisnonnegotiable—youmustrememberthatwehavetheHerculeantaskofremovinganyconnotationsoftalons,claws,orgraspinghandsfromyourperson.IfIcouldgetyoutowearwhiteglovesorwrapyourfingersinrosarybeadsallthetime,Iwould.Fromnowon,getusedtonudenailsormonochromatictonesofbeige.Forspecialoccasions,JinSoon’s“Nostalgia”isashadeofpinkbeigepolishthatIwillallow.

Inordertofurtheravoidbeingmistakenforoneofthosegirlswhohavebeensetupwithadriverandaone-bedroomflatinBraemarHill,youwillalsodiscontinueuseofanyperfumesorscentedproducts.Iwillprovideyouwithanessentialoilmadefromylang-ylang,sage,andothersecretingredientsthatwillmakeyousmelllikeyouhavebeenbakingappletartsallmorning.

WARDROBE

IknowyouhavebeenworkingwithatopHollywoodfashion

stylistwhointroducedyoutocoutureandgaveyouanavant-gardelook.Well,thatlookachieveditsgoals—youwerenoticed.Butoneofmymosturgentgoalsistopurgeyoufromthephotosectionsofallthemagazines.AsIhavementionedtoyoumorethanonce,thesortofpeopleyouarenowstrivingtocultivateprizeinvisibilitymorethananything.WhenwasthelasttimeyousawJeannetteSangorHelenHou-Tininthepartypages?I’lltellyoutheanswer:ONCEORTWICEAYEARATMOST.Therehasbeenfartoomuchconversationaboutandcoverageonyourclothes,andyouaremoreoverexposedthantheVenusdeMilo.It’snowtimetoevolveintoyournextpersona:Mrs.BernardTai—dedicatedmotherandhumanitarianontherise.

(Pleasedonoteverrefertoyourselfasa“philanthropist”again.Itistheheightofpretension.Ifanyoneasksyouwhatyoudo,say:“Iamafull-timemother,andIdosomepart-timecharitywork.”)

MyassistantsandIhavedoneafullassessmentandauditofyourcloset,andyouwillfindthatallapparelandaccessoriesdeemedappropriateremainastheyare,whileinappropriateclothingandaccessorieshavebeenrelocatedintothesecond,third,andfourthguestbedrooms(withsomeadditionaloverflowintheKaraokeroom).Ihopeyouarenottooalarmedbytherigorouseditwehavedone.IknowtheaverageoutfitinyourwardrobecostsmorethanasemesteroftuitionatPrinceton,butitmakesyoulooklikeacommunitycollegeduringsummertime:NOCLASS.Frommytally,therearetwelvepiecesremaininginyourclosetthatarestillfittobeseeninpublic,andthreehandbags.(Four,actually—IwillallowyoutocarrytheOlympiaLeTan“ToKillaMockingbird”bookclutchonspecialoccasions,onlybecauseithassuchnobleconnotations.)PleaseseeAPPENDIXA,whichlistsallapproveddesignersandbrandsforyournewwardrobe.Anydesignersnotlistedthereareoff-limitsforthenextyear,withoneexception:YoushouldundernocircumstanceswearRobertoCavallieveragain.Pleasedonotthinkmebrutal:Ihavespeciallycuratedthislistinorderforyoutobedressedelegantly—butforgettably—indailylife.AsCocoChanelsaid,“Dressimpeccablyandtheynoticethewoman.”

Forbigfunctions(andyouwillonlybeattendingafewinthenextyear),wewillchooseanelegantgownthatexudesaquietluxury.(Pleasegoogle“QueenRaniaofJordan”forsome

examples.)

JEWELRY

Thevastmajorityofyourjewelryisofsuchasizeandflamboyancethatitcrossesthepointofvulgarityandentersintoaterritorythatcanonlybedescribedasobscene.Don’tyourealizethatatyourage,biggemstonesonlyservetomakeyouseemolder?Astheysay,“Thelargerthediamonds,theolderthewife,themorethemistresses.”YoudonotneedtolooklikeasixtysomethingmatronwhohasbeenplacatedwithjewelsbyahusbandwhoiskeepinggirlfriendsineveryprovinceofChina.Allthepiecesnotlistedbelow—especiallythe55-caratdiamondringgiventoyoubyHerMajestytheSultanaofBorneo—shouldbestoredinyourvaultfortheforeseeablefuture.Eveningjewelryforofficialfunctionswillbenegotiatedonacase-by-casebasis,butyourdaytimejewelrywillnowberestrictedtothefollowing:

• Weddingband(notyourTiffanyonebutyouroriginalweddingringfromtheLittleChapeloftheWestinLasVegas)

• Graff4.5-caratdiamondsolitairering

• Mikimotopearlstudearrings

• LynnNakamuraTahitianblackpearldropearrings

• K.S.Szesingle-strandchampagnepearlnecklace

• 3-caratpear-shapeddiamondearrings(tobewornonlywithextremelycasualsportswear—whichcreatesarefreshinglyunexpectedjuxtapositionandmakesthesizeofthegemstonesacceptable)

• L’Orientrubyringontensionmounting

• Carnetorchidbrooch

• PomellatoMaderaquartzring

• EdwardChiudiamond-and-jadetennisbracelet

• VintageCartierTankAméricainewristwatch

Tothiscollection,youshouldaddafewfun,cheaptrinketstowear—likesomeTibetanprayerbeads,aJawboneUPband,achild’stoynecklace,orarubberwristbandsupportingsomecharitablecause.Thiswillfurthersolidifythenotionthatyouare

Mrs.BernardTai,andyounolongerhaveanythingtoprovetoanyone!

LIFESTYLE

InteriorDesignandDecoration

KasparvonMorgenlattedidanadmirablejobwithyourapartment,butthelookissomewhatoutdatedandmorethanalittledisturbing.(IfIrecall,thedesignconceptwascommissionedbyyourhusbandintheearly2000stoevoketheMiamiBeachbachelorpadofaBoliviandrugcartelkingpin.Thiswasdoneextremelysuccessfully.Iparticularlyadmiredthe“chalkbodyoutline”mother-of-pearlinlayontheebonywoodfloorandthetrompel’oeil“bulletmarks”onyourmasterbedroomheadboard,butIthinkthatitwouldbeinadvisabletohostachildren’sbirthdaypartyhere,especiallywhilethoseLisaYuskavagepaintingsarestillhanging.)

Ratherthanattemptadecoroverhaul,whichwouldtakefartoolonganyway,Ithinkyoushouldinsteadbeonthehuntforanewproperty.LivinginapenthouseatOptusTowerssendsthewrongmessageatthisstageinyourlife—youareneitherthesecondsonofatycoonnorthemanagingdirectorofsomethird-tierSwissbank.ItmayhavebeendesignedbythatfamousAmericanarchitect(overrated,inmyopinion),butitisnotconsideredoneofthe“goodfamily”buildings.Iwouldliketoseeyourelocatetoahouseinoneoftheneighborhoodsonthesouthsideoftheisland—RepulseBay,DeepWaterBay,orevenStanley.Thiswillsendthemessagethatyouareaseriouslycommittedwifeandmother(nevermindalltheFrenchexpatsinStanleythatoughttobecommitted).

ArtCollection

IwasexpectingtoseeThePalaceofEighteenPerfectionsintheprideofplaceatyourapartment.Whereisit?Iwouldsuggestintegratingafewimportantworksofartintoyourcollection.ThecontemporaryChineseartistsarecompletelyoverboughtatthemoment,anddon’tevengetmestartedontheAmericans.ButGermanphotographymightbeaninterestingoptionforyou—Ithinkitwouldgiveyourcollectionsomesorelyneededgravitasandgainyounoticeinseriouscollectorcirclesifyouwereto

possessoneofThomasStruth’sepicimagesofpharmaceuticalplants,CandidaHöfer’srivetingstudiesofmunicipallibrariesinLowerSaxony,oradelightfulgroupingofrustingwatertowersbyBerndundHillaBecher.

Household

Iamverypleasedtoobservethatyourdomestichelparewelltreatedandhaveactualbedrooms.(Youwouldn’tbelievehowmanypeopleIpersonallyknowwhoforcetheirhelpers*2tosleepinspacesnolargerthanclosetsorpantryrooms,andyethavesparebedroomsfilledwithclothes,shoes,orLladrofigurines.)InsteadofmakingthemwearthoseFrenchmaiduniforms,mightIsuggestasmartmodernuniformofnavyblousesandwhitecottonslacksfromJ.Crew?Remember—yourdomestichelperswilltalkwithotherdomestichelpersontheirdaysoff,andhavingareputationasabenevolentmistresswillonlyfurtheryourcause.

TRANSPORT

Automobiles

YoushouldnolongerbechauffeuredaroundinthatRolls-Royce.IhavealwaysfeltthatunlessoneiseitheroversixtyyearsofageorinpossessionofasilverhelmetofhairthatresemblesHerMajestyQueenElizabethII’s,beingseeninaRollsiscompletelyridiculous.Instead,pleasepurchaseaMercedesS-Class,AudiA8,orBMW7Serieslikeeveryoneelse.(Orifyouarefeelingparticularlybrave,aVolkswagenPhaeton.)WecandiscussthepossibilityofaJaguarafteroneyear,dependingonyoursocialstandingthen.

Aircraft

YourGulfstreamVisperfectlyacceptable.(PleasedonotupgradetotheGVIyet,atleastuntilYolandaKwoktakesdeliveryofhers.ShewillbefuriousifyougetonebeforeshedoesandwillblockyourChineseAthleticAssociationmembershipapplication.)

DINING

Therestaurantsthatyoucustomarilypatronizearedeplorable.Theyarefilledwithnothingbutexpats,soapoperastars,socialclimbers,and—mostdisagreeableofall—foodies.Aspartofmynewcampaigntoassociateyouonlywithestablishmentcircles,

youcannolongerriskbeingseenatanytrendy“culinarydestinations.”IfarestaurantislessthantwoyearsoldorhasbeenfeaturedinHongKongTattleorPinnacleMagazineinthepasteighteenmonths,Iconsiderittrendy.PleaseseeAPPENDIXBforalistofapproveddiningclubsandrestaurantswithprivatediningrooms.Sixmonthsfromnow,ifIfeelthatyouhavereachedacertainthresholdofsocialacceptability,Iwillarrangeforyoutobesnappedbypaparazzieatingabowlofwontonnoodlesatadaipaidong.*3Thiswilldowondersforyourimage,andIcanalreadypicturetheheadline:“SocialGoddessUnafraidtoDinewiththeMasses.”

SOCIALLIFE

Yoursocialresurrectionwillfirstbeginwithsocialdeath.Forthenextthreemonths,youwillcompletelydisappearfromthescene.(Takeatrip,spendtimewithyourchild,orwhynotboth?)Youwillthereforerefrainfromattendingsocialfunctionsheldatanyretailestablishmentordesignerboutique—untiltherightpeoplebegininvitingyou.(AninvitationfromthePRfirmisnotacceptable;ahandwrittennotefromMr.DriesVanNotenrequestingthehonorofyourpresenceis.)Youwillalsorefrainfromallrandomreceptions,galadinners,annualballs,fund-raisingbenefits,charityauctions,“cocktailpartiesinaidof”anything,polomatches,tastings,oranyothereventsthatyouwouldinstinctuallyfeelcompelledtoattend.Afteryourthree-monthpurgatory,wewillslowlyreintroduceyoutotheworldinaseriesofcarefullychoreographedappearances.Dependingonhowwellyouperform,ImayorchestratefurtherinvitationstoselecteventsinLondon,Paris,Jakarta,andSingapore.Dippingyourtoesintheinternationalscenewillfurtherenhanceyourreputationas“onetowatch.”(Note:AdaPoondidn’tbegintoreceiveinvitationstoLadyLadoorie’sannualgardenpartyuntilshewasseenattendingColinKhooandAramintaLee’sweddinginSingapore.)

TRAVEL

Iknowyou’vebeengoingtoDubai,Paris,andLondonforyourholidays,butthat’swhateverycommonjet-setterinHongKongdoesthesedays.Tostandoutfromthecrowd,youneedtobegintravelingtonewlocalestodemonstratethatyouaresomeoneof

originalityandinterest.Thisyear,IsuggestthatyouplanatouroffamousreligiouspilgrimagesitessuchastheShrineofOurLadyofFatimainPortugal,theSanctuaryofLourdesinFrance,andSantiagodeCompostelainSpain.BesuretopostpicturesoftheseplacesonyourFacebook.Inthisway,evenifyouarephotographedbitingintoaGalicianhamcroquette,peoplewillstillassociateyouwiththeBlessedVirginMother.Ifthistripgoeswell,wecanorganizeavisittoOprah’sschoolsinSouthAfricanextyear.

PHILANTHROPICAFFILIATIONS

Inordertotrulyascendtoahighersocialstratosphere,itisimportantforyoutobecomeaffiliatedwithonecharitablecause.MymotherofcoursehaslongbeenassociatedwiththeHongKongHorticulturalSociety,ConnieMinghasalockonalltheartmuseums,AdaPoonownscancer,andinabrilliantmaneuver,JordanaChiuwasabletowrestlecontrolofirritablebowelsyndromefromUnityHolastyearattheSerenityColonBall.Wecandiscusssomeofyourpersonalinterestsanddecideifthereisanythingsuitablethatdovetailswithourgoals.Otherwise,Iwillselectacausefromwhateveravailableoptionsremainsothatwecansendaunifiedmessageaboutwhatyoustandfor.

SPIRITUALLIFE

WhenIfeelyouareready,IwillintroduceyoutoHongKong’smostexclusivechurch,whichyouaretobeginattendingonaregularbasis.Beforeyouprotest,pleasenotethatthisisoneofthecornerstonestomymethodologyofsocialrehabilitation.Yourtruespiritualaffiliationsdonotconcernme—itdoesnotmattertomeifyouareTaoist,Daoist,Buddhist,orworshipMerylStreep—butitisabsolutelyessentialthatyoubecomearegularpraying,tithing,communion-taking,hands-in-the–air-waving,Bible-study-fellowship-attendingmemberofthischurch.(ThishastheaddedbonusofensuringthatyouwillbequalifiedforburialatthemostcovetedChristiancemeteryonHongKongIsland,ratherthanhavingtosuffertheeternalhumiliationofbeinginterredatoneofthoselessercemeteriesontheKowloonside.)

CULTUREANDCONVERSATION

Yourchiefhandicaptosocialsuccesswillalwaysbethefactthat

youdidnotattendtherightkindergartenwithanyoftherightcrowd.Thiseliminatesyoufromparticipatinginseventypercentoftheconversationsthatoccurduringdinnerpartiesatthebesthouses.Youdonotknowthegossipthatgoesbacktothesepeople’schildhoods.Andthisisthesecret:Theyareallstillcompletelyobsessedwithwhathappenedwhentheywerefive.Whowasfatorthin?Whowetherpantsduringchoirpractice?Who’sfathershutdownOceanParkforthedaysothathecouldhaveahugebirthdayparty?Whospilledredbeansoupalloverwhosepartydresswhentheyweresixyearsoldandstillhasnotbeenforgiven?TwentypercentoftheotherconversationsatpartiesconsistofcomplainingaboutMainlanders,sobydefaultyouwillnotbeabletojoininthatdiscussion.AnotherfivepercentisearmarkedforcomplainingabouttheChiefExecutive,soinordertodistinguishyourselfintheremainingmeagerfivepercentconversationalwindow,youmusteitherhaveonehellofagoodstocktiporlearntobecomeascintillatingconversationalist.Beautyfades,butwitwillkeepyouontheinvitationliststoallthemostexclusiveparties.Tothatend,youwillembarkonareadingprogramthatIhavedesignedspecificallyforyou.Youwillalsoattendoneculturaleventperweek.Thiscanincludebutisnotrestrictedtoplays,opera,classicalmusicconcerts,ballet,moderndance,performanceart,literaryfestivals,poetryreadings,museumexhibitions,foreign-languageorindependentfilms,andartopenings.(Hollywoodmovies,CirqueduSoleil,andCantopopconcertsdonotcountasculture.)

READINGLIST

Inoticedmanymagazinesbutnotasinglebookinyourentirehouse,withtheexceptionofaChinese-languagetranslationofSherylSandberg’sLeanInfoundinoneofthemaid’sbedrooms.Youwillthereforecompleteonebookperfortnight,withtheexceptionofTrollope,whereyouwillbeallowedthreeweeksperbook.Asyoureadthesebooks,youwillhopefullycometounderstandandappreciatewhyIammakingyoureadthem.Thebooksaretobereadinthefollowingorder:

SnobsbyJulianFellowes

ThePianoTeacherbyJaniceY.K.Lee

PeopleLikeUsbyDominickDunne

ThePowerofStylebyAnnetteTapertandDianaEdkins(thisisoutofprint;Iwilllendyoumycopy)

PrideandAvaricebyNicholasColeridge

TheSoongDynastybySterlingSeagrave

FreedombyJonathanFranzen

D.V.byDianaVreeland

APrincessRemembers:TheMemoirsoftheMaharaniofJaipurbyGayatriDevi

JaneAusten—completeworksbeginningwithPrideandPrejudice

EdithWharton—TheCustomoftheCountry,TheAgeofInnocence,TheBuccaneers,TheHouseofMirth(mustbereadinstrictorder—youwillunderstandwhywhenyoufinishthelastone)

VanityFairbyWilliamMakepeaceThackeray

AnnaKareninabyLeoTolstoy

BridesheadRevisitedbyEvelynWaugh

AnthonyTrollope—allthebooksinthePalliserseries,beginningwithCanYouForgiveHer?

IshalldoanassessmentwhenyouhavecompletedthesebookstoseewhetheryouarereadytoattemptsomelightProust.

FINALNOTE

There’snoeasywaytoputthis:WeneedtotalkaboutBernard.Noneofourgoalswillbeeffectiveifpeopleareundertheimpressionthatyourhusbandissomehowincapacitated,inacoma,orhasbecomeyoursexslaveinadungeon.(Thatisthelatestrumorgoingaround.)Weneedtoorchestrateaverypublicappearancewithyourhusbandanddaughterverysoon.Let’sdiscusstheoptionstomorrowattheMandarinoverteaandscones.

*1AdirectdescendantofConfuciuswhowasalsoratherfabulouslyknownasthe“HolyDukeofYen.”

*2InAsia,thenewgenerationofrulingclassareusingtheterm“helper”torefertothepeopletheirparentscall“maids”andtheirgrandparentscall“servants.”

*3Anopen-airroadsidefoodstall.ThedaipaidongwhereCorinnastagesallherpaparazzishotsisaparticularlypicturesqueonelocatedonSt.FrancisYard,oppositetheClubMonacomen’sconceptshop.

2

RACHELANDNICK

SHANGHAI,JUNE2013

“And this,” the general manager said with a flourish, “is your livingroom.”RachelandNickwalkedthroughthefoyerandintoaroomwithdouble-heightceilingsandagrandartdeco–stylefireplace.Oneoftheassociates in the generalmanager’s entourage pushed a button, andthesheercurtainsinfrontofthetallpicturewindowpartedsilentlytorevealabreathtakingviewoftheShanghaiskyline.

“No wonder you call this the Majestic suite,” Nick said. AnotherassociatepoppedopenabottleofDeutzchampagneandbeganpouringthebubblyintoapairoftallflutes.ToRachel,thesprawlinghotelsuitefeltlikeadecadentboxofchocolates—fromtheblackmarblebathroomwithitsovalsoakingtubtotheridiculouslyplushpillowsonthebed,everycornerwasjustwaitingtobesavored.

“Ouryachtisatyourdisposal,andIwouldhighlyrecommendalate-afternoon cruise so that you can see the city transition from day tonight.”

“We’lldefinitelykeepthatinmind,”Nicksaid,eyeingtheplushsofalongingly.CouldtheselovelypeoplepleasejustleavesoIcankickoffmyshoesandcrashforabit?

“Pleaseletusknowifthereisanythingelsewecandotomakeyourstaymoreenjoyable,”themanagersaid,placinghishandonhischestandmakinganalmostimperceptiblebowbeforediscreetlyexitingtheroom.

Nick plopped down on the sofa lengthwise, grateful to be able tostretchoutaftertheirfifteen-hourflightfromNewYork.“Wellthisisasurprise.”

“I know!Can youbelieve this place? I’mpretty sure thebathroomaloneislargerthanourwholeapartment!IthoughtourhotelinPariswassomethingelse,butthisisonawholeotherlevel,”Rachelgushed

asshereturnedtothelivingroom.

Theyweresupposedtobestayingwithherfatherforthefirstcoupleof weeks of their vacation in China, but upon landing at PudongInternationalAirport,theyweregreetedatthegatebyamaninagraythree-piece suitwho had a note fromBaoGaoliang.Rachel took thepieceofpaperoutofherpurseandreaditagain.WritteninMandarinscriptinboldblackink,thenotetranslatedto:

DearRachelandNick,

Itrustyouhadagoodflight.MyapologiesthatIamunabletogreetyouattheairportmyself,butIhadtobeinHongKongatthelastminuteandwillonlybereturninglatertoday.Sinceyouarenowofficiallyonyourhoneymoon,IfeltitwouldbemuchmorefittingforyoutospendyourfirstdaysatthePeninsulaHotelasmyguest.Itwillcertainlybefarmoreromanticthanmyhouse.Mr.TinwillspeedyourwaythroughpassportcontrolandthePeninsulahassentacartotakeyoutothehotel.Havearelaxingafternoon,andIlookforwardtointroducingyoutoyourfamilyatacelebratorydinnertonight.Iwillcontactyouwithmoredetailsbeforetheevening,butlet’splanonmeetingat7:00p.m.

Yourstruly,

BaoGaoliang

NicknoticedRachel’sfacelightupassherereadtheletter,hereyesskimmingoverthewords“yourfamily”fortheumpteenthtime.Takinganothersipofthechampagne,hesaid,“Itwassocoolofyourfathertoarrangeallthisforus.Verythoughtful.”

“Wasn’t it? It’s all abitover the top—fromthisginormoussuite totheRollsthatpickedusupattheairport.Ifeltalittleembarrassedtoberidinginit,didn’tyou?”

“Nah,thenewPhantomsareperfectlydiscreet.Colin’sgrandmotherhad a vintage Silver Cloud from the 1950s that looked like it camestraightfromBuckinghamPalace.Nowthatwasembarrassingtoridein.”

“Well,I’mstillnotusedtoallthis,butIguessthis ishowtheBaoslive.”

As if reading her mind, Nick asked, “How are you feeling about

tonight?”

“I’mexcitedtomeeteveryone.”

Nick remembered the hints his mother hadmade about the Baosback in Santa Barbara, and he had shared all the details of thatconversationwithRachelafewdaysaftertheirwedding.Atthattime,Rachelhadsaid,“I’mhappythatmyfatherandhis familyhavedonewell,but itreallymakesnodifferencetomewhethertheyarerichorpoor.”

“I justwanted you to knowwhat I know. It’s part ofmy new ‘fulldisclosurepolicy,’ ”Nickhadsaidwithasmile.

“Ha—thanks!Well, I’m a lot more comfortable navigating aroundthe Richie Rich crowd, thanks to you. I’ve already gone through abaptism of fire with your family. Don’t you think I’m ready foranythingnow?”

“Yousurvivedmymother—Ithinkeverythingelsefromhereonoutisapieceofcake,”Nickhadlaughed.“Ijustwantyoutobefullyawareofwhatyou’regettingyourselfintothistime.”

Rachelhadgivenhimathoughtfullook.“Youknow,I’mreallygoingtotrytoapproachthiswithnoillusions—Iknowit’lltakeawhiletogettoknowmynewfamily.I imagineit’s justasmuchofashockformybrotherandmystepmotherasitisforme.Theyprobablyhaveissuesoutthewazooaboutallthis,andI’mnotexpectingtobondwiththemovernight.It’senoughformetoknowtheyexistandtomeetthem.”

Nowthat theywereactuallyonChinesesoil,Nickcouldsense thatRachelwasn’t feeling as laid-back as shehadbeen inSantaBarbara.Hecould feelhernervousenergyevenasshe laynestledagainsthimon the sofa, both of them trying to battle through their jet lag.Eventhoughshetriedtoplayitcool,Nickknewhowmuchshelongedtobeacceptedbythisnewfoundfamilyofhers.Hehadgrownuprootedinalong-established lineage: The hallways of Tyersall Park had alwaysbeenhungwithancestralportraitsinancientrosewoodframes,andinthe library, Nick had spent many a rainy afternoon paging throughvolumes of hand-bound books containing intricate family trees. TheYoungshaddocumentedtheirancestorsgoingallthewaybacktoAD432, and itwas all there in the brittle, brownpages of these ancienttomes. He wondered what it was like for Rachel to grow up notknowingathingaboutherfather,abouttheotherhalfofherfamily.A

softbuzzinterruptedhisthoughts.

“Ithinksomeone’satthedoor,”Rachelsaidwithayawn,asNickgotupreluctantlytoopenit.

“Delivery forMs.Chu,” thegreen-uniformedbellmansaidcheerily.He entered the suite pulling a luggage cart groaning with stacks ofimmaculatelywrappedboxes.Behindhimwasanotherbellboywithasecondluggagecartpackedfullofcartons.

“What’s all this?”Nickasked.Thebellboy smiledandhandedoveranenvelope.Scrawledonaplushcreamynotecardwas:“WelcometoShanghai!Thoughtyoucouldusesomeessentials.Cheers,C.”

“It’s from Carlton!” Rachel exclaimed in surprise. She opened thefirstboxandfoundfourdifferentjamsnestledagainstthepackinghay:Seville Orange Marmalade, Redcurrant Jelly, Nectarine Compote,Lemon and Ginger Curd. Stamped on the minimalist glass jars inelegantwhitetypewerethewordsDAYLESFORDORGANIC.

“Oh!DaylesfordisanorganicfarminGloucestershireownedbymyfriendstheBamfords.Theymakethemostgloriousfoods.Areall theboxesfromthem?”Nickasked,dulyimpressed.

Rachel opened another carton and found it full of bottles ofSparklingAppleandBilberryJuice.“Who’sevenheardofbilberries?”sheremarked.Asthetwoofthemdoveintotheboxes,theydiscoveredthat Carlton had for all intents and purposes supplied them withDaylesford’s entire product line. There were crackers with sea salt,shortbreads,andbiscuitsofdizzyingvariety togoalongwiththe finecheeses, farmedShetland IslesSmokedSalmon,andexotic chutneys.Andthereweresparklingwines,cabernetfrancs,andbottlesofwholemilktowashitalldown.

Rachelstoodamidtheopenboxesinastonishment.“Canyoubelieveallthis?There’senoughstuffheretolastusforayear.”

“Whateverwecan’teatwe’llsaveforthezombieapocalypse.ImustsayCarltonseemstobearathergenerousfellow.”

“That’sputtingitmildly!Whatasweetwelcomegift—Ican’twaittomeethim!”Rachelsaidexcitedly.

“Judging by his taste, I think I’m going to like him. Now, whatshouldwetryfirst?Thewhite-chocolate-dippedlemonbiscuitsorthechocolate-dippedgingerbiscuits?”

BAORESIDENCE,SHANGHAI

EARLIERTHATMORNING

Gaoliangwasonhiswayupstairstoshowerafterhismorningjogwhenheencounteredtwomaidscomingdownwithseveralpiecesofblack-and-tanTramontanoluggage.

“Whosebagsarethose?”heaskedoneofthemaids.

“Mrs.Bao’s,sir,”thegirlreplied,notdaringtomakeeyecontactwithhim.

“Whereareyoutakingthem?”

“Justouttothecar,sir.TheyareforMrs.Bao’strip.”

Gaoliangheadedintohisbedroom,wherehefoundhiswifeseatedatherdressingtableputtingonapairofopal-and-diamondearrings.

“Whereareyouoffto?”heasked.

“HongKong.”

“Ididn’tknowyouhadatripplannedtoday.”

“It’salast-minutething—therearesomeproblemsattheTsuenWanfactoriesIneedtosortout,”Shaoyenreplied.

“ButRachelandherhusbandarearrivingtoday.”

“Oh,wasthattoday?”Shaoyensaid.

“Yes.WehaveaprivateroombookedattheWhampoaClubtonight.”

“I’m sure dinner will be very good. Be sure to order the drunkenchicken.”

“Youwon’tbebackintime?”Gaoliangsaid,alittlesurprised.

“I’mafraidnot.”

Gaoliangsatdownonthechaiseloungebesidehiswife,knowingfullwell why she was making this sudden trip. “I thought you said youwereokaywithallthis.”

“Forawhile,IthoughtIwas…”Shaoyensaidslowly,lettinghervoicetrail off as she methodically wiped one of the earring posts with acottonballsoakedindisinfectant.“Butnowthat it’sreallyhappeningI’verealizedI’mnotcomfortablewithanyofit.”

Gaoliang sighed. Since his reunionwith Kerry andRachel back in

March, he had spent many a long night trying to placate his wife.Shaoyen had been shocked, of course, by the bombshell he haddroppedafterreturningfromCalifornia,butoverthepasttwomonths,he thought he had succeeded in reassuring her. Kerry Chu was awomanhehad loved, ever sobriefly,whenhewasonly eighteen.Hewas a boy. It was a lifetime ago. When he brought up the idea ofinviting Rachel to visit, thinking it would actually help her see thateverything would be fine, Shaoyen raised no objections. He shouldhaveknownitwouldn’tbethateasy.

“I know how difficult thismust be for you,” Gaoliang ventured tosay.

“Doyou?I’mnotsocertainyoudo,”Shaoyensaid,spritzingherneckwithLumièreNoire.

“Surely you can imagine that this isn’t easy for Rachel either…”Gaoliangbegan.

Shaoyen glared into her husband’s eyes in the mirror for a fewseconds, and then she smashed theperfumebottle against the table.Gaoliangjumpedoutofhisseatinshock.

“Rachel,Rachel,allyou’vetalkedaboutforweeksisRachel!Butyouhaven’t really listenedtoawordI’vesaid!Youhaven’t thoughtaboutmyfeelings,”Shaoyenscreamed.

“All Ihavebeen trying todo isbeconsiderateofyour feelings,”hesaid,tryingtoremaincalm.

Shaoyen glowered at her husband. “Huh! If you were truly beingconsiderate, you wouldn’t expect me to sit there and smile throughdinnerwhileyouparadeyourbastarddaughteraroundtoaroomfullofourfamilyandfriends.Yougivemenoface!”

Gaoliangwincedatherwords,buthe tried todefendhimself. “I’veonly invited our closest relatives—people who need to know abouther.”

“Still, for her to meet our family—your parents, Uncle Koo, yoursisterandherhusbandandhisbigmouth—thewordwillgetoutinnotimeandyouwillhavenomorefaceinBeijing.Youcankissanyhopeofbecomingthevice-premiergoodbye.”

“It’spreciselytoavoidanyscandalthatIwantedtobeopenaboutallthisfromtheverybeginning.Ididn’twanttohaveanysecrets.You’re

theonewho’sstoppedmefromtellinganyone.Don’tyouthinkpeoplewillseethatI’monlydoingtherightthing,thehonorablething,formydaughter?”

“If you think that’swhat peoplewill see, you’remore naïve than Ithought.Enjoy your dinner. I’m going toHongKong, andCarlton iscomingwithme.”

“What?ButCarlton’sbeenlookingforwardtomeetinghissister!”

“He’sonlybeensayingthattokeepyouhappy.Youhavenoideathehellhe’sbeengoingthrough—hismoodswings,hisdespair.Youonlyseewhatyouwanttosee.”

“Iseeagreatdealmorethanyouthink!”Gaoliangsaid,raisinghisvoiceforthefirsttime.“Carlton’sdepressionhasmoretodowithhisreckless ways that led to almost being killed in a car wreck. Pleasedon’tdraghimintothemiddleofyourissueswithRachel.”

“Don’tyousee?Heisintheverymiddleofthiswhetheryoulikeitornot! By accepting your illegitimate daughter, you bring nothing butshameuponhim!Youdowhatyouwanttoruinyourownfuture,butI’mnotgoingtoletyouruinourson’s!”

“YourealizethatRachelandNickaregoingtobestayingwithusfortwo months? I don’t know what you think you’ll accomplish byavoidingthemnow.”

Shaoyensaidthroughgrittedteeth,“I’vedecidedthatIcannot—willnot—sleepunderthesameroofasRachelChuorNicholasYoung.”

“NowwhatcouldyoupossiblyhaveagainstNicholasYoung?”

“Heisthesonofthattwo-facedschemerwhowormedherwayintoourlives.”

“Comeon,EleanorYoungwassuchagreathelptouswhenCarltonwasinthehospital.”

“That’sonlybecausesheknewwhohewasfromtheverybeginning.”

Gaoliang shookhis head in frustration. “I’mnot going to continuearguingwithyouwhenyouarebeingthisunreasonable.”

“I’mdonearguingtoo.Ihaveaplanetocatch.Butmarkmywords:IwillnotallowRachelorNicholasintothishouse,oranyofmyhouses.”

“Stop being unreasonable!” Gaoliang exploded. “Where are they

supposedtostay?”

“Thereareathousandhotelsinthiscity.”

“You’reinsane.Theyarelandinginafewhours!HowcanIsuddenlytellmydaughtershe isn’twelcome inmyhouseaftershe’s justspenttwentyhoursonaplane?”

“You figure itout.But this ismyhouse too, andeitheryouchoosethem,oryouchooseyourwifeandson!”Shaoyenstormedout,leavingherhusbandaloneinaroomthatreekedofspicedroseandnarcissus.

3

ASTRID

VENICE,ITALY

“Ludivine,I’mnotsureifyoucanhearme,butyou’rebreakingup.I’monagondolainthemiddleofacanalrightnow,andtheconnectionisveryweak.PleasetextmeandI’llcallyoubackassoonasIgetoffthisboat.” Astrid put her phone away and smiled apologetically at herfriend,ContessaDomiellaFinzi-Contini.ShewastherefortheVeniceBiennale, and theywere being rowed to thePalazzoBrandolini for adinnerpartyhonoringAnishKapoor.

“ThisisVenezia—thereisneverasignalanywhere,muchlessinthemiddle of Canal Grande.” Domiella laughed as she tried to stop herpashmina from flapping away in the evening breeze. “Now, finishtellingmethestoryofyouramazingfind.”

“Well,IalwaysthoughtFortunyonlyworkedwithheaviersilksandvelvets, sowhen I cameacross this voiledress inanantique shop inJakarta,ofallplaces,Ididn’tknowwhattothink.Ithoughtatfirstitwas some kind of Peranakanwedding gown from the 1920s, but thedistinctivepleatingcaughtmyeye.Andthepattern—”

“It’shisclassicDelphospattern,ofcourse,butthisfabric—myGod,so light!” Domiella said as she fondled the hem of Astrid’s longdiaphanousskirt. “And thecolor—I’veneverseen this shadeofvioletbefore. Obviously hand-painted, probably by Fortuny himself or hiswife,Henriette.Howisitthatyouarealwaysfindingtheseremarkabletreasures?”

“Domiella, I swear to God, they just find me. I paid about threehundred thousand rupiahs for it—that’s about twenty-five U.S.dollars.”

“Cazzo! I am going to vomit with jealousy! I’m sure anymuseumwouldlovetohaveit.Becareful,Dodiewillprobablywanttobuyitoffyourbodytheminutesheseesyoutonight!”

ThegrandentranceofthePalazzoBrandoliniwasjammedoartooarwith guests arriving in gondolas, launches, and vaporettos, allowingAstrid to checkherphoneagain.This time, therewasane-mail thatread:

Madame,IwritetoyouwithgraveconcernsaboutrecentactionstakeninregardstoCassianwhileyouareaway.IarrivedhomeaftermydayoffandfoundthatCassianwaslockedupintheupstairshallcloset,andPadmawassittingonastooloutsidelookingatheriPad.Iaskedherwhatwashappening,andshesaid,“SirtoldmenottoletCassianout.”IaskedherhowlongCassianhadbeeninsidetheclosetandshesaidfourhours.Yourhusbandwasoutatabusinessdinner.WhenIletCassianout,theboywasverydistressed.ApparentlyMichaelwaspunishingCassianforhislatest

infraction—theboywasplayingwithhislightsaberthisafternoonandaccidentallymadeasmallscratchonthedoorofthevintagePorsche550Spyderinthegreathall.Twonightsago,MichaelsentCassiantobedwithoutanysupperbecausetheboyusedaChineseswearterm.ApparentlyitisthebadwordoftheweekatFarEasternKindergarten,andeveryboyhasbeenusingit,eventhoughtheyhavenoideawhattheyaresaying.AhLianexplainedtomewhatitmeant.Iassureyouafive-year-oldcannotevenbegintocomprehendsuchanactbetweenafatherandadaughter.Inmyview,suchdisciplinarymeasurestowardCassianare

counterproductive.Theydonotaddresstheunderlyingissuesandwillonlycausehimtodevelopnewphobiasandresentmenttowardhisfather.Itispast1:00a.m.nowandCassianstillcannotsleep.Forthefirsttimesincehewasthree,heisafraidofthedarkagain.LudivineAstridreadthee-mailwith increasing frustrationandsadness.She

sentaquicktextmessagetoherhusband,andthenallowedherselftobehelpedoutofthegondolaafterthecontessa.Theyenteredthefronthall of the palazzo, which was dominated by an enormousmetallic-goldconcavesculpturesuspendedfromtheceiling.

“Bellissima! I wonder, is it one of Anish’s new installations?”DomiellaturnedtogaugeAstrid’sreaction,andfoundthatshehadn’tevennoticedthesculpturehoveringaboveher.“Iseverythingokay?”

Astrid sighed. “Every time I go away, there seems to be a newproblemwithCassian.”

“Hemisseshismama.”

“No,that’snotit.Imean,I’msurehemissesme,butIintentionallymaketheseshorttripssothatCassianmightbondwithhisfather.He’stoomuchofamama’sboy,andI’mtryingtochangethat—Iseewhatthat’sdone tomybrother.Butevery timeIgoaway, there’salwaysaproblem.Michaelandhejustseemtoalwaysbeatloggerheads.”

“Whatisloggerheads?”

“They fight.Michael doesn’t have any tolerance for anything otherthanperfectbehaviorfromhisson.Hetreatshimasifhewereinthemilitary.Tellme,whenLuchinoandPierPaolowereCassian’sage, iftheybrokesomethingvaluable,whatwouldyoudotothem?”

“MyGod,mysonstoreupeverythinginthehouse!Furniture,rugs,everything!TheyputanelbowthroughaBronzinoonedaywhentheywere fightingwith each other. Thankfully, itwas a portrait of a veryuglywoman.Someinbredancestorofmyhusband’s.”

“Andwhatdidyoudo?Didyoupunishthem?”

“Forwhat?Theyareboys.”

“Exactly!”Astridsighed.

“Ohdear,herecomesthatodiousartdealerwhokeepstryingtosellmeaGursky.IkeeptellinghimthatifIhadtolookatahugephotoofAmsterdam’s Schiphol Airport all day, I’d hang myself. Let’s goupstairs.”

Despitetheirbestefforts,thedealercaughtuptothemintheGrandBallroom on the second floor. “Contessa—how good to see you,” hesaidinanextremelyaffectedaccent,attemptingtogiveheradouble-cheekkiss.Sheonlyallowedonecheek. “Howareyourparents thesedays?”

“Stillalive,”Domiellasaidwistfully.

Themanpausedforasplitsecond,beforelettingoutaguffaw.“Oh,harhar!”

“ThisismyfriendAstridLeongTeo.”

“Howdoyoudo,” he said, pushing up his obnoxiously thickhornrimmed spectacles. He had memorized dossiers on every high-net-worthAsiancollectorwhomightattendtheBiennalethisyear,butashedidnotrecognizeAstrid,hecontinuedtozeroinonthecontessa.“Contessa,IdohopeyouwillgivemeachancetowalkyouthroughtheGermanPavilionsometime.”

“Excuseme, Ihave tomakeabriefphonecall,”Astrid said,as shemovedtowardtheoutdoorbalcony.

Domiellalookedattheartdealerandshookherheadpitifully.“Youjustmissedthechanceofalifetime.Doyouknowwhomyfriendwas?Her familyare theMedicisofAsia,andshe’sonabuyingbinge foramuseuminSingapore.”

“Iassumedshewasjustsomemodel,”thedealersputtered.

“Ohlook—Larry’stalkingtoher.He’sobviouslydonehishomework.Toolateforyounow,”Domiellatut-tutted.

•••

AfterassuringtheartdealerwhocorneredherontheterracethatshetrulyhadnointerestinseeinghisbigshinyKoons,Astridplacedacalltoherhusband.

Michaelpickeduphis cellphoneafter four rings, soundingsleepy.“Hey.Iseverythingokay?”

“Yes.”

“Youknowit’sonethirtyinthemorninghere,right?”

“I do. But I think you’re the only one in the house who’s able tosleep.LudivinejusttextedmethatCassianisstillup.He’sterrifiedofthedarknow.Lockinghiminthecloset…really?”

Michael let out a sigh of frustration. “You don’t understand. He’sbeenalittlepestallweek.WheneverIcomehome,hegoesberserk.”

“He’sactingouttogetyourattention.Hewantstoplay.”

“The greathall is not a playroom.My cars arenot toys.Hehas tolearntocontrolhimself—athisage,Iwasnotjumpingaroundlikeanorangutanallday.”

“Heisanactive,high-spiritedkid.Likehisfatherwas.”

“Hnnh!”Michael snorted. “If Ihadacted thewayhedoes, Iwouldhavebeenwhippedbymypa.Tenstrokesonmyasswithhisrotan.”*

“Well,thankGodyou’renotyourfatherthen.”

“Cassian isawildchild,and this is the time forhimto learnsomediscipline.”

“He is disciplined.Do you see howmuch calmer he is when I amthere?Ithinkyouwouldgetmuchfartherifyouwouldgivehimmoreofyourattention.AndIdon’tmeansittingbythepoolwithyourlaptopwhileheplays.Takehimtothezoo,takehimtoGardensbytheBay.Hejustwantstobewithhisfather.”

“Sonowyou’retryingtomakemefeelguilty.”

“Darling, I’m not trying tomake you feel anything. But don’t yousee?My being away is a special opportunity for you to spendmorequalitytimewithhim.He’llbeinPrimaryOnenextyear,andthenthewholeacademicracebegins.He’sgrowingupsofast—thisisatimeinhislifeyou’llnevergetback.”

“Okay,lah,okaylah,youwin.I’mabadfather.”

Astridballedupsomeofthefabricofherskirtinfrustration.“Thisisnot about winning, and you’re not a bad father. It’s just—” Astridbegan,beforeMichaelinterruptedher.

“I’ll try to do better tomorrow while you’re having fun in Venice.HaveaBellinionme.”

“You’renotbeingfair.YouknowIpromisedtotakethistripforthemuseum.Weare trying tomake some important thingshappenherefor the good of Singapore. I spend most of my waking hours withCassianallyearandyouaretheonewhotravelseightypercentoftheyear.”

“Excusemeforworkingmyassofftoensureafutureformyfamily.Whileyou’reworking‘forthegoodofSingapore,’everythingI’mdoingisforCassianandyou!”

“Michael,we’renotgoingtogohungryanytimesoon,andyouknowthat.”

Michael was silent for a long moment. “You know what the realproblem is, Astrid? The problem is that you’ve never had to worryaboutmoneyasingledayinyourlife.Youdon’trealizehowharditis

to makemoney—you blow your nose andmoney comes out! You’venever understood the fear that normal people have. Well, I wasmotivatedbythatfear.AndIbuiltmyownfortuneoutofit.Iwanttoinstill inmysonthatsamefear.Heisgoingto inheritagreatdealofmoneyoneday,andheneedstoknowthathehastoearnit.Hehastohave boundaries. Otherwise—he’s just going to end up like yourbrother Henry, or anyone of your pompous, entitled cousins whohaven’tworkedadayintheirlivesbutfeelliketheyowntheworld.”

“Now you’re just beingmean,Michael. That’s an extremely unfairgeneralization.”

“YouknowIspeakthetruth.Attheendoftheday,yoursonmadeadecision todamagemy car.Your sonmade thedecision touse filthylanguage.Andyoujustcontinuemakingexcusesforhim.”

“He’sonlyFIVE!”Astridsaid,raisinghervoice.

“ANDTHAT’SMYPOINT,HONEY!Ifwedon’tcorrecthisproblemsnow,we’renevergoingto.”

Astridsigheddeeply. “Michael, I reallydon’twant toget intoabigfightwithyouoverthisrightnow.”

“Idon’teither.Iwanttogetsomesleep.Someofushavetoworkinthemorning.”

Withthat,Michaelhunguponher.Astridputherphonebackintoher purse and leaned against the balustrade, feeling frustrated. Thebluehourwasupon the city, and thewaterbegan to shimmer in thereflectionofthelightscomingoninallthepalazzosacrosstheGrandCanal.This is ridiculous. I’ve just been standing at one of themostbeautiful spotson theplanet,getting intoa long-distanceargumentovermyson.

Domiella led a group of people out onto the terrace, and AstridrecognizedherfriendGrégoireL’Herme-Pierreamongthem.

“Astrid! I couldn’tbelieve itwhenDomiella toldmeyouwereheretoo!Whatareyoudoing inVenice? Ididn’tknowthisart crowdwasyourthing,”Grégoiresaid,givingAstridhisusualParisianquadruplekiss.

“I’mjustsoakinginthesights,”Astridsaiddistractedly,stilltryingtocollectherselfafterthecall.

“Ofcourse.Now,surelyyouknowmyfriendshere—PascalPangandIsabelWuofHongKong?”

Astridgreetedthechiccouple.Pascalworeanimmaculatelytailoredsuit thathadaslight iridescence,whileIsabelwaselegantlyclad inastrapless black Christian Dior dress with a flared, knee-length skirt.Herhairwas sweptup into aGrecian chignon, andaroundherneckwasastrikingMicheleOkaDonergoldnecklaceintheshapeofpalmfronds.SuddenlyAstridhadarealizationthatthetwoofthemweren’ta couple.Could this IsabelWu standing in front of her be Charlie’swife?

The lady caught Astrid’s flash of recognition, and said simply, “Iknowwhoyouare.”

Grégoirechuckled.“See,it’salwayssuchasmallworldwhenyou’rearound!”

“It’s a pleasure tomeet you at last,” Astrid said to Isabel, adding,“Charlietoldmeallaboutyourfund-raisingeffortsforM+museum.Ithink it’s terrific what you’re doing. It’s high timeHongKong has aworld-classcontemporaryartspace.”

“Thank you. Yes, I believe you saw Charlie recently, didn’t you?”Isabelasked.

“Yes. Iamsorryyouweren’table to joinusonourCalifornia roadtrip.”

Isabelpaused, takenaback.California?Sheknew thatCharliehadbumpedintoAstridatthePinnacleBall,butsheknewnothingaboutaroadtrip.“So,youhadanicetimethen?”

“Oh yes. We were planning on going to Sausalito, but then wedecided on the spur of the moment to drive down the coast toMontereyandBigSur.”

“Letmeguess…didhetakeyoutoPostRanchInnfordinner?”shecontinuedbreezily.

“Wewentforlunch,actually.Heavenlythere,isn’tit?”

“Yes,youcouldsaythat.Well,itwasgoodtomeetyouatlast,AstridLeong.”IsabelturnedtoreentertheballroomwithPascal,whileAstridremained on the balcony with Domiella and Grégoire. The summerheat still lingered in the soft eveningbreeze,and in thedistance, the

bellsoftheBasilicadiSanMarcobegantopeal.

Pascal suddenly reappeared on the balcony and said hurriedly toGrégoire, “Isabel needs to leave this instant. Are you staying orcoming?”

“Iseverythingokay?”Astridasked.

PascalgaveAstridaglacialstare.“SoniceofyoutorubitinIsabel’sfacelikethat.”

“I’msorry?”Astridsaid,confused.

Pascalinhaleddeeply,tryingtocontainhisrage.“Idon’tknowwhoyouthinkyouare,butI’veneverseenanyoneasbrazenasyou.Didyouhave to make it so apparent to Isabel that you’ve been fucking herhusbandupanddowntheCaliforniacoast?”

DomiellagaspedandgrippedAstrid’sshoulder.

Astrid shook her head wildly. “No, no, there’s been a bigmisunderstanding.CharlieandIarejustoldfriends—”

“Old friends?Ha! Until tonight, Isabel wasn’t even sure you werestillalive.”

*ArattancanepopularlyusedbygenerationsofSingaporeanfathers,schoolprincipals,andafter-schoolChinesetutorsforcorporalpunishment.(Mrs.Chan,Istillhateyou.)

4

THEBAOS

THREEONTHEBUND,SHANGHAI

Thehotel’sBrewstergreenRolls-Roycewaswaitinginthedrivewaytoferry Nick and Rachel to dinner, but with their destination just sixblocksaway,theydecidedtowalk.Itwasanunseasonablycooleveningfor early June, and as they strolled along the legendary riverfrontboulevardknownastheBund,NickcouldstillrememberamorninginHongKongwhenhewasaroundsixyearsold.

His parents took him on a drive far out into the countryside ofKowloon’sNewTerritories,upawindingmountainroad.Atthetopofthe mountain was a lookout point crowded with tourists, snappingawayat theviewand liningup touse the swivelingmetalbinocularsthat had beenmounted on a rustymetal railing. Nick’s father liftedhimupso thathecouldsee through theviewfinder. “Canyousee it?That’stheborderofChina.That’swhereyourgreat-great-grandparentscamefrom,”PhilipYoungtoldhisson.“Takeagoodlook,becausewearen’tabletogopastthatborder.”

“Whynot?”Nickhadasked.

“It’s a Communist country, and our Singapore passports arestamped ‘NoEntry intothePeople’sRepublicofChina.’Butoneday,hopefully,youwillbeabletogo.”

Nick squinted at the almost barren, muddy brown landscape. Hecould discern some roughly plowed fields and irrigation ditches, butnotmuch else.Wherewas the border?Hewas trying to find a greatwall,amoat,oranysortofproperdemarcationtoindicatewheretheBritishCrownColonyofHongKongendedandthePeople’sRepublicof China began, but there was nothing. The viewfinder lenses weregrimy,andhisarmpitshurt fromthegripofhis father’s largehands.Nick asked to be put down and made a beeline for the lady sellingsnacksintheconcretehutnearby.ACornettoice-creamconewasfarmoreinterestingthantheviewofChina.Chinawasboring.

But the China of Nick’s childhood bore no resemblance to theincredible sights that surrounded him in every direction now.Shanghai was a vast, sprawling megalopolis on the banks of theHuangpu River, the “Paris of the East,” where hyperbole-defyingskyscrapers vied for attention with stately early-twentieth-centuryEuropeanfaçades.

Nick began pointing out some of his favorite buildings to Rachel.“That’stheBroadwayMansionsHotelrightacrossthebridge.Iloveitshulking,Gothicsilhouette—soclassicartdeco.DidyouknowShanghaihasthelargestconcentrationofartdecoarchitectureintheworld?”

“Ihadnoidea!Allthebuildingsaroundusarejustjaw-dropping—Imean, look at that crazy skyline!” Rachel gestured excitedly to theintimidatingexpanseofskyscrapersontheothersideoftheriver.

“Andthat’sjustPudong—itwasallprettymuchfarmland,andnoneof those buildings even existed ten years ago. Now it’s a financialdistrictthatmakesWallStreetlooklikeafishingvillage.Thatstructurewith the two huge round orbs is the Oriental Pearl Radio and TVTower.Doesn’t it look likesomethingoutofBuckRogers inthe25thCentury?”Nickremarked.

“BuckRogers?”Rachelgavehimablanklook.

“It was a 1980s TV show set in the future, and all the buildingslooked like some ten-year-old’s fantasy of another galaxy. Youprobably didn’t watch any of the bad eighties shows that came toSingaporeyearsaftertheybombedintheU.S.LikeManimal.Doyouremember that one? It was about this guy who could change intodifferenttypesofanimals.Likeaneagle,asnake,orajaguar.”

“Andwhatwasthepointofthat?”

“He was fighting the bad guys, of course. What else would he bedoing?”

Rachelsmiled,butNickcouldtellthatunderneaththeirbanter,shewas getting more and more nervous as they got closer to theirdestination.Nickstaredupatthemoonforamomentandmadeawishtotheuniverse.Hewishedforthedinnertogosmoothly.Rachelhadwaitedalltheseyearsandcomeallthiswaytomeetherfamily,andhehopedherdreamswouldbefulfilledtonight.

TheysoonreachedThreeontheBund,anelegantpost-Renaissance-

stylebuildingcrownedbyamajesticcupola.NickandRacheltooktheelevator up to the fifth floor and found themselves in a dramaticcrimson-walled foyer.Ahostess stood in frontof a gold inlaid frescothat depicted a beautiful maiden in flowing robes flanked by twogiganticprostratingwarriors.

“WelcometotheWhampoaClub,”thewomansaidinEnglish.

“Thankyou.WeareherefortheBaoparty,”Nicksaid.

“Ofcourse.Pleasefollowme.”Thehostess,dressedinanimpossiblytight yellow cheongsam, walked them past the main dining roompackedwith chic Shanghai families enjoying theirmeals anddownahallway linedwithartdeco club chairs andgreenglass lamps.Alongonesideofthehallwaywasanothergold-and-silvercarvedfresco,andthe hostess pushed open one of the wall panels to reveal a privatediningroom.

“Please make yourselves comfortable. You are the first ones toarrive,”shesaid.

“Oh,okay,”Rachelsaid.Nickwasn’tsurewhethershesoundedmoresurprisedorrelieved.Theprivateroomwasluxuriouslyappointedwithagroupingofarmchairsupholsteredinrawsilkononeendandalargeround table with lacquered rosewood chairs by the window. Rachelnotedthatthetablewassetfortwelve.Shewonderedwhomshewouldbemeetingtonight.Asidefromherfather,hiswife,Shaoyen,andherhalfbrother,Carlton,whatotherrelativeswouldbejoiningthem?

“Isn’titinterestingthatsincewe’vearrived,practicallyeveryonehasaddressedusinEnglishinsteadofMandarin?”Rachelcommented.

“Notreally.Theycantellfromtheminutewewalkinthatwe’renotnative Chinese. You’re an Amazon compared to most of the womenhere,andeverythingelseaboutusisdifferent—wedon’tdresslikethelocals,andwecarryourselvesinacompletelydifferentway.”

“When Iwas teaching in Chengdu nine years ago,my students allknewIwasanAmerican,buttheystillspoketomeinMandarin.”

“That was Chengdu. Shanghai has always been a sophisticated,international city, so they are much more used to seeing pseudo-Chineselikeushere.”

“Well,we’re certainly not as dressed up asmany of the locals I’veseentoday.”

“Yeah,thesedayswe’rethebumpkins,”Nickjoked.

Astheminutestickedby,Rachelsatononeofthesofasandbegantoflipthroughtheteamenu.“Itsaysheretheyhaveoverfiftypremiumteas from across China, served in traditional ceremonies in theirprivatetearooms.”

“Maybewe’llgettosamplesometonight,”Nickrepliedashepacedaroundtheroom,pretendingtoadmirethecontemporaryChineseart.

“Can you just sit down and chill? Your pacing is making menervous.”

“Sorry,” Nick said. He took a seat across from her and startedflippingthroughtheteamenutoo.

Theysatinsilenceforanothertenminutes,untilRachelcouldtakeitno more. “Something’s gone wrong. Do you think we’ve been stoodup?”

“I’m sure they’re just stuck in traffic.” Nick tried to sound calm,althoughhewassecretlyfrettingaswell.

“I don’t know…Ihave a strange feeling about this.Whywouldmyfatherbookaroomsoearlywhennoone’sshowedup formore thanhalfanhour?”

“In Hong Kong, people are notoriously late to everything. I’mthinking Shanghai must be the same. It’s a matter of face—no onewantstobethefirsttoshowup,incasetheylooktooeager,sotheytrytooutdooneanotherinlateness.Thelastonetoarriveisdeemedthemostimportant.”

“That’stotallyridiculous!”Rachelsnorted.

“Youthink?I feelasimilarthinghappens inNewYork, thoughit’snotquiteasovert.Atyourdepartmentmeetings,isn’tthedeanorsomestarprofessoralwaysthelasttoshowup?Orthechancellorjust‘dropsin’atthetailend,becausehe’stooimportanttositthroughthewholemeeting?”

“That’snotthesame.”

“Itisn’t?Posturingisposturing.HongKongershavejustelevatedittoanartform,”Nickopined.

“Well, I can see that happening for a business lunch, but this is afamilydinner.Theyarereallyquitelate.”

“IwasonceatadinnerinHongKongwithmyrelatives,andIendedupwaitingoveranhourbeforeeveryoneelsegotthere.Eddiewasthelast to arrive, of course. I think you’re getting paranoid a little tooquickly.Don’tworry—they’llbehere.”

A fewminutes later, thedoor slidopen,andaman inadarknavysuitenteredtheroom.“Mr.andMrs.Young?I’mthemanager.IhaveamessageforyoufromMr.Bao.”

Nick’sheartsank.Whatnow?

Rachellookedatthemanageranxiously,butbeforehehadachancetosayanything, theyweredistractedbyacommotion in thehallway.They poked their heads out of the doorway and saw someonesurroundedbyacrowdofgawkers.Itwasagirlinherearlytwenties,strikingly attired in a figure-hugging strapless white dress with anornatelysequinedredmatadorcapeflungcasuallyoverhermilk-whiteshoulders.Twoburlysecurityguardsandawomanwitha faux-hawkhairstylewearing a pinstriped suit attempted to clear theway,whileproper teenage girls who had minutes before been enjoying polite,posh dinners with their families had suddenly transformed intoshriekingfanstakingpictureswiththeircameraphones.

“Issheamoviestar?”Nickaskedthemanager,staringatthegirlasshe posed glamorously with her fans. With long, voluminous ravenhairpiledupintoaloosebeehive,aperfectlysculptedski-jumpnose,and bee-stung lips, she seemed larger than life—like a Chinese AvaGardner.

“No,that’sColetteBing.Sheisfamousforherclothes,”themanagerexplained.

Colette finished autographing some dinner napkins and headedstraighttowardthem.“Ah,I’mgladIfoundyou!”shesaidtoRachelasifshewasgreetinganoldfriend.

“Areyoutalkingtome?”Rachelstaredather,utterlystunned.

“Ofcourse!Comeon,let’sgetoutofhere.”

“Um, I think you’vemistakenme for someoneelse.We’remeetingsomepeoplefordinnerhere—”Rachelbegan.

“You’reRachel, right?TheBaos sentme—the plans have changed.Come with me and I’ll explain everything,” Colette said. She tookRachelbythearmandbeganwalkingheroutoftheroom.Thegirlsin

thehallwaystartedsquealingagainandtakingmorepictures.

“Where is your service elevator?” the woman with the faux-hawkdemandedofthemanager.Nickfollowedalong,baffledbyeverythingthat was happening. They were shuffled into an elevator and thendownanotherservicecorridoronthegroundfloor.Butassoonasthedoors opened ontoGuangdongRoad, theyweremet by the blindingflashbulbsfromapackofpaparazzi.

Colette’ssecurityguardstriedtoclearapaththroughthephalanxofphotographers.“Backoff!Backthefuckoff!”theyyelledatthejostlingpack.

“This is nuts!” Nick said, almost colliding with an overzealousphotographerwhohadjumpedrightinfrontofhim.

Thewomaninthefaux-hawkturnedtohimandsaid,“YoumustbeNick.I’mRoxanneMa—Colette’spersonalassistant.”

“Hi,Roxanne.DoesthishappeneverywhereColettegoes?”

“Yes. But this is nothing—these were only photographers. YoushouldseewhathappenswhenshewalksdownNanjingWestRoad.”

“Whyisshesofamous?”

“Colette is one of China’s foremost fashion icons. BetweenWeiboandWeChat,shehasmorethanthirty-fivemillionfollowers.”

“Didyousaythirty-fivemillion?”Nickwasincredulous.

“Yes. I’m afraid your picture is going to be everywhere tomorrow.Justlookstraightaheadandkeepsmiling.”

TwolargeAudiSUVssuddenlypulledup,almostrunningintooneofthe photographers. The bodyguards quickly hustled Colette, Rachel,andNick toward the first car, shutting the door firmly behind thembeforetheswarmingphotographerscouldtakeanymoreshots.

“Areyouokay?”Coletteasked.

“Besidesmybarbecuedretinas,IthinkI’mfine,”Nicksaidfromthefrontpassengerseat.

“Thatwasintense!”Rachelsaid,tryingtocatchherbreath.

“Thingshavereallygottenoutofcontrol inShanghai. Itall startedaftermyElleChinacover,”ColetteexplainedinacarefullymodulatedBritish accent tinged with the staccato tones of a native Mandarin

speaker.

Stillonhighalert,Nickasked,“Whereareyoutakingus?”

Before Colette could answer, the car came to a sudden halt a fewblocks away from the restaurant. The car door opened and a youngmanjumpedinbesideRachel.Sheletoutaquickgasp.

“Sorry—didn’tmean to scare you,” theman said in an accent thatsoundedjustlikeNick’s,beforegivingheradisarmingsmile.“Hi—I’mCarlton.”

“Oh,hi.”ItwasallRachelcouldsayastheygazedateachother,bothmomentarilytransfixed.Rachelstudiedherbrotherforthefirst time.Carltonhadthesameperpetualnut-browntanthatshedid,andhaircropped closely on the sides but thicker and fashionablymussed ontop.Nattilydressedintancorduroys,afadedorangepoloshirt,andaHarrisTweedblazerwithelbowpatches,helookedlikehehadjumpedrightoutofafashionshootforTheRake.

“MyGod,thetwoofyoulooksomuchalike!”Nickexclaimed.

“Iknow!TheminuteIsawRachelIthoughtIwasmeetingCarlton’slong-losttwin!”Colettesaidbreathlessly.

Rachel found herself at a loss for words, but it had nothing to dowith her brother’s resemblance to her. She felt an instant, innateconnection with him—something that she hadn’t even experiencedwhen she first met her father. She closed her eyes for a moment,overcomewithemotion.

“Areyouokay?”Nickasked.

“Yes.Neverbeenbetter, actually,”Rachel said in a slightly chokedvoice.

ColetteplacedahandonRachel’sarm.“I’msorryforthismadness—it’s all my fault. When we arrived at Three on the Bund, I gotrecognized immediately and a mob started to follow us up to therestaurant. It was so annoying! And things only got worse at theWhampoaClub,asyoucouldsee.Carltondidn’twanttomeetyouforthefirsttimeinfrontofthreemillionpeople,soItoldhimtowaitforusafewblocksaway.”

“It’stotallyfine.Butwhereiseveryoneelse?”Rachelasked.

Carlton began to explain. “My father sends his profuse apologies.

ThefamilydinnerhadtobecalledoffbecausemyparentshadtoflytoHongKongtodealwithanemergency.Dadthoughthecouldmakeitback in time for dinner, but hemiscalculated. So I flew back onmyown.”

“Wait a minute, you just came from Hong Kong?” Rachel wasconfused.

“Yes.That’swhywewerelate.”

Colette jumped in. “When everythingwentwonkywith the dinnerplans,IsuggestedthatCarltonandIflyuptomeetyou.”

“We couldn’t possibly leave you two alone on your first night inShanghai,couldwe?”Colettesaid.

“That’ssoniceofyou.ButCarlton,areyourparentsokay?”Rachelinquired.

“Yes, yes. It was just a business emergency…at their factories inHongKong.My father shouldbeback in a fewdays,”Carlton said alittlehaltingly.

“I’mgladtohearit’snothingtooserious,”Rachelsaid.“Anyway,I’msothrilledthatyouandyourgirlfriendcouldbehere.”

Colette burst out laughing. “Oh how cute! Am I your girlfriend,Carlton?”

“Er,Colette’sjustagoodfriend.”Carltonsmiledinembarrassment.

“Sorry,Ishouldn’thaveassumed—”Rachelbegan.

“That’squiteallright.You’renotthefirsttomakethatassumption.I’mtwenty-three,andunlikemostgirlsmyage,Idon’tbelieveintyingmyselfdown toanyone rightnow.Carlton’soneofmanysuitorsandperhaps someday—if he behaves himself—he will receive the finalrose.”

RachelcaughtNick’seyeintherearviewmirror.Heshotheralookthat said,DidsheREALLY just say that?Rachel bit intoher lip andlookedaway,knowingthat if shesawhisexpressionagainshewouldburstintolaughter.Afteranawkwardpause,shesaid,“Yes,whenIwasyourage,gettingmarriedwasn’treallyapriorityofmineeither.”

Carlton looked over at Colette. “So, Miss Bachelorette, what’s theplannow?”

“Well,wecangoanywhere.Doyouwanttogotoaclub,alounge,arestaurant? Do you want to go to a deserted beach off the coast ofThailand?”Coletteoffered.

“Youshouldknowshe’sbeingtotallyserious,”Carltonadded.

“Er,beachlater.Ithinksomedinnermightbenice,”Nicksaid.

“Whatdoyoufeellikeeating?”Coletteasked.

Rachel was still too frazzled to make any decision. “I’m up foranything.Howaboutyou,Nick?”

“Well, we’re in Shanghai—where can we find the best xiao longbao?”

Carlton and Colette glanced at each other for less than a secondbeforechantinginunison,“DinTaiFung!”

“Waitaminute,isitthesameastheDinTaiFunginLAandTaipei?”Nickasked.

“Yes,it’sthesameTaiwanesechain.Butbelieveitornot,it’sbetterhere. Ever since they opened, it’s become wildly popular even withlocals. There’s always quite a queue, but thankfully, we’re in specialcompanytonight,”Carltonsaid,winkingatColette.

“Letme text Roxanne—she’ll arrange for us to get in through thebackdoor.I’mdonemeetingmypublicfortoday,”Colettedeclared.

•••

Fifteenminutes later,RachelandNickfoundthemselvescomfortablyensconced in a private dining room with windows overlooking theskyline.

“Does everyone always dine in private rooms in China?” Rachelaskedas she staredout at thenighttimeview.Almost everybuildingseemedtobeputtingonsomekindoflightshow.AfewtowerslookedliketheywereedgedinDay-Glo,whileotherspulsatedneonlightslikegiantboomboxes.

“Isthereanyotherway?Ican’timaginediningwiththemasses—allthosepeoplestaringatyouandtakingpictureswhileyoueat,”Colettesaid,givingRachelalookofhorror.

SoonstacksofbamboosteamerscontainingShanghai’smostfamousdelicacywereparaded into theroom.Therewere juicyxiao longbao

dumplingsofeveryimaginablevarietyalongwithothercrowd-pleasingdishes—hand-pulled noodles with minced pork, chicken and goldenegg fried rice, sautéed string beans with garlic, vegetable and porkwontons inaspicysauce,Shanghairicecakewithshrimp,sweet tarobuns. Before they began to eat, Roxanne rushed into the room andtookafewpicturesofColettesmilingoverthefood.

“Sorrytokeepeveryonefromeating—Ijusthavetothrowmyfansaboneeveryhour!”Coletteexplained.Shequicklyperusedtheselectionof images with Roxanne and instructed, “Just tweet the one of theblacktruffledumplings.”

Nicktriednottolaugh.ThisColettewasatrip.Herealizedthatshewasn’tintentionallytryingtosoundpretentious—shewasjustperfectlyblunt. Like someonewhowas born famous or royal, Colette seemedgenuinelyoblivioustohowtherestoftheworldlived.Carlton,ontheother hand, was down-to-earth compared to Colette. Nick had beenforewarnedbyhismother thatCarltonwas “terribly spoiled,” but hewasnothingifnotimpressedbyhisimpeccablemanners.Heexpertlypicked out all the dishes, ordered a round of beers, and made sureeveryone—especially the ladies—had plenty of food on their platesbeforeplacinganyonhisown.

“Youmusthavethefirstporkandcrabmeatdumpling,”CarltonsaidashedeftlyplacedoneontoRachel’sporcelainspoon.Rachelnibbledcarefully on the side of her dumpling, slurpingmost of the flavorfulbrothinsidebeforedowningtherestofthesucculentmeat.

“Did you see that? Rachel eats her soup dumplings exactly likeCarltondoes!”Colettesaidexcitedly.

“Score one for genetics!” Nick quipped. “Well, Rachel, what’s theverdict?”

“OhmyGod,that’sthebestxiaolongbaoI’veeverhad!Thebrothissolightandyetsointense.Icanprobablyeataboutadozenofthese—they’relikecrackcocaine,”Rachelsaid.

“Youmustbefamished,”Colettesaid.

“Actually we snacked a little earlier—which reminds me, Carlton,thankyousomuchforallthegifts!”

“Gifts?NotsureIknowwhatyoumean,”Carltonsaid.

“TheboxesoffoodfromDaylesfordOrganic?”

“Oh,thatwasfromme!”Coletteinterjected.

“Really?Wow,thankyou!”Rachelrepliedinsurprise.

“Yes—when I heard that Carlton’s father had arranged for you tostayatahotelattheverylastminute,Ithought, ‘Poorthings!They’llstarveatthePeninsula!Theyaregoingtoneedprovisions.’ ”

“Sothehotelwasalast-minutething?”Nickinquired.

Colettepursedherlips,realizingshehadmadeaslipup.

Carltonquicklycametotherescue.“Er…no…Imean,myfatherlikesto plan things very far in advance, so thiswas rather last-minute bycomparison.Hewanted the twoof you tohave a specialhoneymoontreat.”

“SodidyoulikethegoodiesIsentup?”Coletteasked.

“Oh, very much. I especially love Daylesford’s marmalade,” Nicksaid.

“Me too—I’ve been addicted ever since my days at Heathfield,”Colettesaid.

“YouwereatHeathfield?IwasatStowe,”Nicksaid.

“Phwoar!I’manOldStoictoo!”Carltonpoundedthetableexcitedly.

“I guessed asmuch. Your blazer was a dead giveaway,” Nick saidwithalaugh.

“Whichhousewereyouin?”Carltonasked.

“Grenville.”

“Thisistoomuchofacoincidence!Whowasthehousemaster?WasitFletcher?”

“Chitty.Youcanimagineournicknameforhim.”

“Haha—brilliant!Didyouplayrugbyorcricket?”

ColetterolledhereyesatRachel.“Ithinkwe’velosttheboysfortherestofthenight.”

“Clearly.Nick’s like thiswhen he gets togetherwith his Singaporeclassmates too.A fewmoredrinksand they’ll start singing that songaboutOldManwhatshisname.”*1

Carlton shifted his attention back to Rachel. “I’m being a terrible

bore,aren’tI?ItakeityouwenttoschoolintheStates?”

“MontaVistaHighinCupertino.”

“You’re so lucky!” Colette said. “I was shipped away to school inEnglandbymyparents,butIalwaysdreamedofgoingtohighschoolinAmerica.IwantedtobejustlikeMarissaCooper.”

“Minusthecarwreck,ofcourse,”Carltonchimedin.*2

“Speaking of which, I’m glad to see how well you are after youraccident,”Nicksaid.

Carlton’sfacecloudedoverforasplitsecond.“Thanks.Youknow,ImusttellyouhowgratefulIamtoyourmother.Idon’tthinkIwouldhave made such a quick recovery if I hadn’t done my rehab inSingapore, andof course, if ithadn’tbeen foryourmum,noneofuswouldhaveevermet.”

“Thingshaveastrangewayofworkingout,don’tthey?”Nicksaid.

As if on cue, Colette’s personal assistant entered the room andannounced,“Baptisteishere.”

“Atlast!Sendhimin,”Colettesaidexcitedly.

“Baptisteisoneofthetopsommeliersintheworld—heusedtoworkattheCrilloninParis,”CarltonwhisperedtoRachel,asamanwithahandlebarmustache entered the dining room bearing awine satchelwithsuchceremony,onemighthave thoughthewascarryingaroyalbabytoitsbaptismalfont.

“Baptiste!Didyoufindtherightbottle?”Coletteasked.

“Yes,ChâteauLafiteRothschildfromtheShanghaiprivatereserve,”Baptistereplied,presentingthebottletoColetteforinspection.

“IusuallyprefertheevenyearsforBordeaux,butyou’llnoticethatIchose a very special year—1981. Isn’t that the year you were born,Rachel?”

“Itsureis,”Rachelsaid,touchedbyColette’sthoughtfulness.

“Allowme tomake the first toast,” Colette said, raising her glass.“HereinChina,it’ssorareforkidsofourgenerationtohavesiblings.Ihavealwaysdreamedofhavingasibling,butI’veneverbeensolucky.I’veknownCarltonforseveralyearsnow,butI’veneverseenhimmoreexcitedthanthedayhediscoveredhehadasister.Sohere’stotheboth

ofyou—CarltonandRachel.Brotherandsister!”

“Here,here!”Nickcheered.

Carltonstoodupnextanddeclared,“First,IwanttomakeatoasttoRachel.I’mgladyoumadeitheresafely,andIlookforwardtogettingto know you and catching up on all the lost years. And to Colette—thankyouformakingthiswonderfuleveningpossible.I’msogladyoukickedmy arse in gear andmademedo this. Tonight I feel like I’vegainednotjustasisterbutabrothertoo.Sohere’stoRachelandNick!WelcometoChina!We’regoingtohaveabrilliantsummer,aren’twe?”

NickwonderedwhatCarltonhadmeantbyColette“kickinghisarseingear,”buthesaidnothingforthemoment.Helookedovertenderlyat Rachel, whose eyes brimmedwith tears. This evening had turnedoutfarbetterthanheeverdaredtodream.

*1ACSOldBoys,alltogethernow:“Indaysofyorefromwesternshores,Oldhamdauntlessherocame…”

*2SeeTheO.C.,seasonthree.Ifyouaskme,theshowjumpedthesharkafteritsheroine,MarissaCooper,playedbytheincomparableMischaBarton,was(spoileralert!)misguidedlykilledoffinacaraccident.

5

CHARLIE

WUTHERINGTOWERS,HONGKONG

“Mr. Wu? It’s 9:00 a.m. in Italy now,” Charlie’s executive assistantsaid,pokingherheadintohisoffice.

“Thanks,Alice.”Charliereachedforhisultra-privatephonelineandcalledAstrid’scellphone.Shepickedupafterthreerings.

“Charlie!OhmyGod—thanksforcallingmeback.”

“AmIcallingtooearly?”

“No,I’vebeenupforhours.Iguessyouheardaboutlastnight?”

“Yes—Iamsosorry—”Charliebegan.

“No,I’msorry.Ishouldn’thavesaidathingtoIsabel.”

“Nonsense—I’m the one who screwed up. I should havecommunicatedbetterwithmywife.”

“Soyou talked toher?Didyouexplain thatmycousinAlistairwaswithusthewholetimeinCalifornia?”

Charlie paused for a few seconds. “I did. Don’t worry about itanymore.”

“Areyousure?Icouldn’tsleepatalllastnight—IkeptimaginingthatI had gotten you into trouble and that Isabel thought I was somephilandering homewrecker. Iwas trying to findways to contact hermyself.”

“Everything’sfine.OnceIexplainedhowourCaliforniaroadtripwaslast-minute—thatweall justhappenedtobethereatthesametime—shewasfine.”Hewonderedhowconvincinghesounded.

“Ihopeyoutoldherthatthemostromanticthingthathappenedwaswatching Alistair projectile vomit out the car window after stuffingdowntoomanyIn-N-Outburgers.”

“I left that part out, but don’t worry—it’s all good,” Charlie said,tryingtoaddalittlelaugh.

Astridletoutadeepsighofrelief.“I’msoglad.Youknow,Ishouldhavebeenmorecircumspect.Afterall,shewasmeetingmeforthefirsttime,andIamthewomanwho—”Shepaused,suddenlyunsureofhowtoputit.

“You’rethewomanwhodumpedherhusband,”Charliesaidmatter-of-factly.

“Yes, that’s right. Ihope sheknows thatwe’remuchbetter friendsnowthanweevercouldhavebeenbefore.MyGod,wewereaterriblecouple,”Astridsaidwithalaugh.

“I think she realizes that now,” Charlie said cautiously. Hedesperatelywantedtochangethesubject.“Sohow’sVenice?Whereareyoustaying?”

“I’m stayingwithDomiella Finzi-Contini.Her family has themostspectacularpalazzonearSantaCroce—Iwalkedontomybalcony thismorning and thought I had stepped into a Caravaggio. Do yourememberDomiellafromourLondondays?ShewasatLSE,butpartofthatwholecrazysetthatranaroundwithFreddieandXan.”

“Ahyes—messyblondhair,right?”

“Itwasplatinumblondthen,butshe’sbacktohernaturalchestnutnow.Anyway,wewerehavingthemostmarveloustimetogetheruntillastnight.”

Charliegroanedaudibly.“I’msorryagain.”

“No, no, it’s nothing to do with Isabel. There’s another dramabrewing back home—I have two stubborn boys who are refusing tobehave.”

“TheyprobablymissMommy.”

“Now, don’t you start on me too! I feel bad enough as it is thatCassian’sgettinglockedupinacloset.”

“Wholockedhiminacloset?”

“Hisfather.”

“What?”Charliesaidincredulously.

“Forfourhoursyesterday,apparently.Andhe’sonlyfive.”

“Astrid,Iwouldneverlockmychildinacloset,nomatterwhatage.”

“Thankyou.Myfeelingsexactly.IthinkIneedtocutthistripshort.”

“Um,suresoundslikeit!”

Astridsighed.“WhenisIsabelcominghome?”

“Friday,Ithink.”

“She’s incredibly beautiful. She looked so elegant last night—Iadoredthenecklaceshewaswearing.AndshewasperfectlyciviltomeevenafterImusthavegivenherquiteashock.I’msogladeverything’sokaynow.”

“I am too,” Charlie said, forcing himself to smile. He heardsomewherethatpeoplecouldsensethesmileinyourvoice,evenoverthephone.

Astrid paused. She felt she needed to make one more gesture tomakeup forher fauxpas. “Thenext timeMichaeland Iare inHongKong, we should go on a double date. I want to get to know Isabelunderbettercircumstances.”

“Yes,weshoulddothat.Adoubledate.”

Charlieendedtheconversationandgotuplaboriouslyfromhisdesk.Hewaslight-headed,andhisstomachsuddenlyfeltlikesomeonehadpouredagallonofbacongreaseintoit.

“Alice,I’mjustgoingtopopdownstairsforsomefreshair,”Charliesaid into the intercom. He took his private express elevator to thelowerstreetlevelandwalkedthroughtheparkinggaragetowardasideexitdoor.Themomenthewasoutside,heleanedagainsttheconcretewallandbeganinhalingandexhalingdeeply.Aftera fewminutes,helumberedtowardhisfavoritespot.

Sandwiched between Wuthering Towers and its neighboringskyscraperonChaterRoadwasapedestrianalleywaywheretherewasa smallmakeshift drink stand. A blue-and-white-striped plastic tarpstretchedoverthestall,anchoredbytworefrigeratorunits filledwithsoft drinks, packet juices, and fresh fruit. Under the single tube offluorescent lightingwas theowner, amiddle-agedwomanwho stoodalldaypreparingfreshsoybeanmilkandjuicingoranges,pineapples,andwatermelons.Therewasalwaysaqueueduringlunchtimeandintheeveningswhenpeopleleftwork,butinmidafternoon,itwasquiet.

“Playing hooky again?” the woman asked, teasing Charlie inCantonese.Sheknewhimastheofficeworkerwhoalwayscamedownfromoneofthebuildingsforadrinkatoddhours.

“EverychanceIget,auntie.”

“Iworryforyou,son—youtaketoomanybreaks.Onedayyourbossisgoingtofindyouhereandfireyourass.”

Charliecrackedasmile.Shewastheonepersoninthevicinitythathad no ideawho hewas, let alone that he owned the fifty-five-storytower that shaded her all day long. “Can I get a cold soybeanmilk,please?”

“Yourcolor isnogoodtoday.Whyareyouaspaleasaghost?Youshouldn’tbedrinkinganythingcold—youneedsomethinghottohelpawakenyourchi.”

“I get like this sometimes, when I’m feeling a bit overworked,”Charlieexplainedratherunconvincingly.

“You spend all day in air-conditioning.Bad recycled air. That’s nogoodforyoutoo,”thewomancontinued.Hercellphonerang,andshebeganjabberingforafewminutes.Whileshespoke,shepouredsomehotwaterintoaFIFAWorldCupmugandfilleditwithafewslicesofginsengroot.Thenshestirredafewspoonfulsofgrassjellyandsugarsyrupintotheconcoction.“Drinkthis!”sheordered.

“Thanks,auntie,”Charliesaid,sittingontheplasticmilkcratebyalittlefoldingFormicatable.Hetookafewmeasuredsips,toopolitetotellherhedidn’tcaremuchforgrassjelly.

The woman finished her call and said excitedly, “That was mystockbroker.Here, letmegiveyouahot tip.Youmust start shortingTTLHoldings.YouknowTTL?OwnedbyTaiTohLui,thatfellowwhodroppeddeadofaheartattacktwoyearsagoinabrothel inSuzhou?My stockbroker knows for a fact that his good-for-nothing son whoinheritedtheempirehasbeenkidnappedbytheElevenFingerTriad.Once everyone finds out, the shares will collapse. You should startshortingitnow.”

“Youshouldletmecheckonthatrumorbeforeyoustartshorting,”Charlieadvised.

“Hiyah,Ialreadytoldmybrokertostartshorting.IfIdon’tjumponit,Iwon’tmakeanymoney.”

Charlietookouthiscellphoneandcalledhischieffinancialofficer,AaronShek.“Hey,Aaron—Iknowyou’regolfingbuddieswiththeCEOof TTL. There’s some rumor going around that Bernard has beenkidnappedby theElevenFingerTriad.Canyouplease checkon thatfor me? What do you mean there’s no need?” Charlie paused for amoment to listen to Aaron, and then burst into laughter. “Are yousure?Man,that’swaybetterthanthekidnappingrumor,butifthat’swhatyou’retellingme,Ibelieveyou.”

He ended the call and looked at the woman. “I just spoke to myfriend who knows Tai Toh Lui’s son very well. He has not beenkidnapped.Heisverymuchaliveandfree.”

“Really?”thewomansaidindisbelief.

“Coveryourshortsbeforetheendofthedayandyou’llmakeagoodprofit. It’s just a vicious rumor, I promise. You may trust yourstockbroker,butI’msureyouknowthereareothersouttherewhoarenotsohonest.Theyspreadrumorsjusttomovethepriceoftheshareafewpointstomakeaquickprofit.”

“Hiyah, all thesepeopleand their rumors! I tell you, this iswhat’swrongwiththeworld.Peoplelyingabouteverything.”

Charlie nodded. Suddenly his father’swords from a long time agoechoed inhishead. Itwasoneof themanyoccasionswhenWuHaoLianwas inthehospitalandthoughthistimewasalmostup.Charliewould stand at the foot of the bed while his father issued his finaldictums, which went on for hours. Among the various exhortationsaboutmakingsurehismotherneverhadtomoveoutofthebighouseinSingaporeandthatallhisyoungerbrother’sThailadyboysneededtobe paid off was this constant refrain: I worry that when you’re incharge,you’llruneverythingI’vebuiltoverthelastthirtyyearsintotheground.Sticktotheinnovationside,becauseyou’renevergoingtomanageon the finance side.Youneed tomake suremanagement isalways stocked with the biggest motherfucking assholes—only hireHarvard orWhartonMBAs—and then get out of theway. Becauseyou’retoodamnhonest—you’rejustnotagoodenoughliar.

Charlie had proved his father wrongwhen it came to running thebusiness,butwhathe’dsaidwastrue.Hehatedbeingdishonest,andhisstomachwouldfeel like itwasbeingput throughavisewheneverhe was forced to tell an untruth. He knew he was still feeling sick

becauseofthelieshehadtoldAstrid.

“Finishyourdrink—it’sexpensiveginsengIgaveyou,youknow!”thewomanadmonished.

“Yes,auntie.”

After braving the rest of his medicinal drink and paying the stallowner,Charlie returned tohis office and satdown to compose an e-mail:

From:CharlieWu<charles.wu@wumicrosystems.com>Date:June10,2013at5:26PMTo:AstridTeo<astridleongteo@gmail.com>Subject:confessionHiAstrid,

Idon’tquiteknowhowtobeginthis,soI’lljustgoforit.Ihaven’tbeencompletelyhonestwithyou.Isabelisfuriousatme.Shecalledmeupinthemiddleofthenightscreamingbloodymurder,andthenshehadourdaughterstakenovertoherparents’house.Sherefusedtolistentomyexplanations,andnowshewon’treturnmycalls.Grégoiretoldmethatshe’sconvenientlysailedawayonPascalPang’syachtthismorning.IthinktheyareheadingforSicily.

Thetruthis,IsabelandIwerenotabletopatchthingsupevenafterthatMaldivessecondhoneymoon.Thingsbetweenushavebeenworsethanever,andI’vebeenbackatmyMid-Levelsflatforawhilenow.Theonlyagreementwe’vehadisthatInotdoanythingthatwouldpubliclyembarrassher,anythingthatwouldgiveheralossofface.Unfortunately,thathappenedlastnight.HerimageofbeinghappilymarriedwasshatteredinfrontofPascalPang,andyouknowwhateverheknowstherestofHongKongwillsoonknow.I’mnotsureIevencareanymore.

Youhavetounderstandsomething,Astrid.MymarriagetoIsabelwasamistakeevenbeforeitbegan.EveryonethinksIwassenttoHongKongtotakeovermyfamily’soperationsthere,butthetruthisIfled.Iwasdevastatedafterourbreakupanddepressedformonths.Iwasacompletefailureatbusiness,andmyfatherendedupshovingmeintoaroleinourR&Ddepartment

justtogetmeoutoftheway,butthat’swhereIbegantothrive.IgotlostindevelopingnewproductlinesratherthanjustbeingacopycatcontractorthatstealsfromthebestSiliconValleytechfirms.Asaresult,ourbusinessgrewexponentially.Ihaveyoutothankforthat.

ImetIsabelatapartyonayachtthatwasthrown,coincidentally,byyourcousinEddieChengandhisbestfriendLeoMing.Eddiewasoneofthefewpeoplewhoactuallytookpityonme.Ihavetoconfess—IinitiallystayedfarawayfromIsabelbecausesheremindedmeofyou.Likeyou,shewasconstantlybeingunderestimatedbecauseofherlooks.Turnsoutshewasanintenselysmartlawyer,UniversityofBirminghamLawSchoolgrad,andfastbecomingoneofHongKong’stoplitigators.Andshehadasenseofstyleandbreedingthatsetherapart.HerfatherwasJeremyLai,thedistinguishedbarrister.TheLaisareanold-moneyfamilyfromKowloonTong,andhermotherisfromarichIndonesianChinesefamily.Ididnotwanttofallforanotherunattainableprincesswhowaschainedtotherulesofherfamily.

ButthenasIgottoknowher,Ifoundthatshewasnothinglikeyou.Nooffense,butshewasyourpolaropposite—wildanduninhibited,completelycarefree.Ifounditexhilarating.Shedidn’tgiveadamnwhatherfamilythought,andasitturnsout,theythoughtthesunandmoonorbitedaroundherandshecoulddonowrong.Andtotopitoff,herparentslikedme.(IthinkitwaspartlybecauseherlastthreeboyfriendshadbeenScottish,Aussie,andAfricanAmerican,respectively,andtheywerejustsorelievedwhenshebroughthomeaChineseboy.)Theywelcomedmeintothefamilyevenduringtheearlydaysofourdating,anditwassucharefreshingchangetobeacceptedandevenlikedbymygirlfriend’sfamily.Aftersixmonthsofourwhirlwindromance,wegotmarried,andyouknowtherest.

Butactually,youdon’t.

EveryonethinksthatwegotmarriedsofastbecauseIgotherpregnant.Yes,shewaspregnant,butitwasn’twithmychild.ThethingIinitiallylovedaboutIsabel—herunpredictability—wasalsohercurse.Threemonthsafterwestarteddating,shesuddenlydisappeared.Thingshadbeengoingsowell,Iwasactuallybeginningtohealfromourbreakup.ThenonedayIsabelwas

gone.TurnsoutshehadmetupwithoneofherIndonesiancousinsforadrinkatFlorida(yourememberthatghastlybarinLanKwaiFong),andhehadanotherfriendtaggingalong.SomeIndonesianchapwhowasamodel.Beforehercousinevenknewwhatwashappening,Isabelhaddisappearedwiththeguy.Afterafewdays,IfoundouttheyhadgonetoMauiandwereholedupinsomeprivatevillahavingatorridromance.Shewouldn’tcomebacktoHongKong,andshebrokeoffcontactwithallofus.Icouldn’tunderstandwhatwashappening.Iwasdistraught,aswereherparents.

Thenitcameoutthatsomethinglikethishadhappenedbefore.Notonce,butseveraltimes.Theyearbefore,shehadmetthisAfricanAmericanguyonaplaneonthewaytoLondon,andsuddenlyshequitherjobandmovedtoNewOrleanswithhim.Twoyearsbeforethat,itwastheAussiesurferandacondoontheGoldCoast.Isoonrealizedthattheproblemwasbiggerthananyofuscouldhavefathomed—mysisterwasstudyingpsychopharmacologyatthetime,andshethoughtIsabelmighthaveborderlinepersonalitydisorder.Itriedtotalktoherparentsaboutit,buttheyseemedtobeindenial.Theycouldnotfaceuptothefactthattheirdarlingdaughtermighthaveanysortofmentalillness—albeitonethatcanbemanagedwithpropertreatment.Throughallherepisodes,theynevermadeherseeapsychologistorgetaproperevaluation.Theyjustputupwithher“dragonphases,”astheycalledit.Shewasbornintheyearofthedragon,andthatwasalwaystheexcusetheyhadforherbehavior.TheyimploredmetogotoHawaiiand“rescueher.”

SoIwent.IflewtoMaui,anditturnsoutthemalemodelwaslonggonebutIsabelwasnowlivinginsomesortofcommunewithabunchofRadicalFaeries.Andshewaspregnant.Fourmonthspregnant,nolongermanic,buttooembarrassedtocomehome.Itwastoolatetohaveanabortion,shedidn’twanttogiveupherchild,butshecouldn’tgobacktoHongKonglikethat.ShetoldmenooneeverlovedherlikeIdid,andshebeggedmetomarryher.HerparentsbeggedmetomarryherquicklyinHawaii.AndsoIdid.Wehadoneofthose“intimateweddingswithonlyclosefamily”attheHalekulaniinWaikiki.

IwantyoutoknowthatIwentintothismarriagewithmyeyeswideopen.IsawthegoodinIsabelunderneathherillness,andI

desperatelywantedtohelpher.Whenthingsweregreat,andwhenthefullsunlightofherbeingshinedonyou,therewasnothinglikeit.Shewasamagnetic,beautifulsoul,andIwasinlovewiththatpartofher.Oratleastthat’swhatItoldmyself.Ithoughtthatifshehadastablehusbandbyherside,ahusbandwhocouldhelpherproperlymanagehermentalhealthissues,everythingwouldbeokay.

Butthingswerenotokay.AfterChloewasborn,thehormonesreallymessedwithIsabel,andshestruggledwithhorrendouspostpartumdepression.Shestartedhatingmeandblamingmeforallherproblems,andwestoppedsleepingtogether.(Imeaninthesamebedroom,becausewehadn’tbeenphysicallyintimatesincebeforeshetookoffforMaui.)Sheonlywantedthebabyinthebedroomwithher.Andthenanny.Itwasanunusualarrangement,tosaytheleast.

Onedayshewokeupanditwasasifnothinghadhappened.Imovedbackintothebedroom,thenannyandChloewentintotheirownroom.Isabelwasalovingwifeforthefirsttimeinoverayear.Shewentbacktowork,andwewentbacktobeingthesocialcoupleabouttown.Icouldfocusalittlemoreonmyworkagain,andWuMicrosystemswentthroughanotherterrificgrowthphase.IsabelbecamepregnantwithDelphine,andIthoughttheworstwasbehindus.

Thensuddenly,thingsturnedonadimeagain.Thistimeitwaslessdramatic—therewasnosuddenwhirlwindromancewithamysteriousstranger,nofleeingtoIstanbulortheIsleofSkye.Instead,Isabel’snewbehaviorturnedouttobemoreinsidiousanddestructive.Sheclaimedshewashavingsecretaffairswithmarriedmen.Threeofthematherlawfirm—asyoucanimagineitmadeforinsaneofficepolitics.Shewasalsoinvolvedwithahigh-profilejudge,whosewifefoundoutabouttheaffairandthreatenedtogopublicwitheverything.Iwillspareyoutherestofthisstory,butbythispoint,IsabelandIwereforallintentsandpurposeslivingtotallyseparatelives.IwasattheflatintheMid-Levels,andshewasatthehouseonThePeakwithourdaughters.

Whenyoucamebackintomylife,Irealizedtwothings:First,thatIneverstoppedlovingyou.Youweremyfirstlove,andIhavelovedyousincethedayImetyouatFortCanningChurchwhen

wewerefifteen.Andsecond,Ialsorealizedthat,unlikeme,youhadmovedon.IsawhowmuchyoulovedMichael,andhowyouwouldn’tgiveuponyourmarriage.IknewthatIhadbeenunfairtoIsabelfromthestart—sinceIwasn’ttrulyoveryou,Ihadnevergivenallofmyselftoher.ButIwasdeterminedtochangethings.Iwasreadytoletgoofyouatlast,andthatwouldbethekeytosavingmymarriage,tosavingIsabel.Iwantedtobeabletoloveherfreeandclear,andtolovemydaughtersasmuchasyouloveCassian.

AndsoIredoubledmyefforts,andyoubecamemydefactomarriagecounselor.Allthosee-mailswe’veexchangedoverthepasttwoyearswereabeaconinthenightformeasItriedtorebuildmymarriage.Butasyoucanclearlysee,nothinghasworked.Themistakesareallmine.IsabelandImightfinallybeheadingtothebottomoftheoceanonceandforall,butithasbeenalongtimecoming.

ThisismyramblingwayoftryingtoexplaintoyouthatyoushouldnotfeelasingleounceofregretaboutwhathappenedbetweenyouandIsabelinVenice.Andmoreimportant,Iwantyoutoknowtherealstory,becauseIcannolongerlivewithanydishonestybetweenus.Ihopethatyou’llbeabletoforgivemefornotbeingtruthfulwithyoufromthestart.Youareoneofthefewbrightspotsinmyotherwisefucked-uplife,andnowmorethanever,Icountonourfriendship.

Withallmyheart,

Charlie

Charlie sat in front of his computer, reading over his e-mail againand again. It was almost 7:00 p.m. inHongKong. It would be highnooninVenice.AstridwouldprobablybehavinglunchpoolsideattheCipriani.Hetookadeepbreath,andthenhehitthedeletebutton.

6

CARLTONANDCOLETTE

SHANGHAI,CHINA

“Youhavebrokenmyheart.AndIdon’tknowhow itwill everheal,”shesaidinapainedvoice.

“Idon’tunderstandwhyyouarebeinglikethis,”CarltongroanedinMandarin.

“Youdon’tunderstand?Youdon’t realizehowmuchyouhavehurtme?Howcanyoubesocruel?”

“ExplainexactlyhowIambeingcruel.BecauseIreallydon’tgetit.I’mjusttryingtodotherightthing.”

“Youhavebetrayedme.Youhavetakenhisside.Andbydoingthisyouhavedestroyedme.”

“OhMother,don’tbesodramatic!”Carltonhuffedintohisphone.

“I tookyou toHongKong toprotect you.Don’t you see that?Andyou did the worst thing ever—you defied me and went back toShanghaitomeetthatgirl!Thatbastardgirl!”

Lyingonhisking-sizebedinShanghai,CarltoncouldpracticallyfeelthevolcanicseethingofhismotherattheotherendofthelineinHongKong.Hetriedshiftingtoacalmertone.“HernameisRachel,andyouarereallyoverreacting.Iactuallythinkyou’dlikeheralot.AndI’mnotjust saying that. She’s intelligent—far more intelligent thanme—butshedoesn’tputonanyairs.She’sonehundredpercentauthentic.”

Shaoyensnortedinderision.“Youstupid,stupidboy.HowdidIeverraiseasonwhoisthatstupid?Don’tyouseethatthemoreyouaccepther,themoreyoustandtolose?”

“JustwhatamIlosing,Mother?”

“DoIreallyhavetospellitoutforyou?Theveryexistenceofthisgirlbringsshametoourfamily.Ittarnishesourname.Yourname.Don’t

yourealizehowpeoplewillseeuswhentheydiscoverthatyourfatherhad an illegitimate daughter with some country girl who kidnappedherownbabyandtookit toAmerica?BaoGaoliang,thenewhopeoftheparty?Allhisenemiesarejustwaitingtotearhimdown.Don’tyouknow how hard I have worked all my life to get our family to thisposition?Aiyah,Godmustbepunishingme.IshouldneverhavesentyoutoEngland,whereyougotintosomuchtrouble.Thatcaraccidentknockedouteverybitofsensefromyourbrain!”

Colette, who until this moment had been lying quietly besideCarlton, started giggling when she saw his look of exasperation.Carltonquicklyputapillowoverherface.

“Ipromiseyou,Mother,Rachel isnotgoing tobringanyshametoour…ouch…family.” He coughed, as Colette began jabbing himplayfullyintheribs.

“She already is! You are destroying your reputation by paradingaroundShanghaiwiththatgirl!”

“Iassureyou,Mother,Ihaven’tdoneanyparading,”CarltonsaidashetickledColette.

“FangAiLan’ssonsawyouattheKeeClublastnight.Howfoolishofyoutobeseenwithheratsuchavisibleplace!”

“AlltypesofpeoplegototheKeeClub!That’swhywewentthere—shecouldbeanyonethere.Don’tworry,I’mtellingeveryoneshe’sthewife of my friend Nick. Nick went to Stowe too, so it’s a veryconvenientstory.”

Shaoyenwouldn’tletitgo.“FangAiLantoldmesheheardfromhersonthatyouweremakingafoolofyourselfwithawomanoneacharm—Colette Bing and some girl he didn’t recognize. I didn’t dare say athing!”

“RyanFangisjealousbecauseIwasinthecompanyoftwobeautifulwomen. He’s just bitter because his parents forced him to marryBonnieHui,whoonagooddayresemblesanakedmolerat.”

“RyanFang isagoodson.He listened tohisparentsanddidwhatwas best for his family. And nowhe’s going to become the youngestpartysecretaryin—”

“Idon’treallycareifhe’stheyoungestmantoruleWesterosandsitontheIronThrone,”*1Carltonsaid,cuttingheroff.

“That Colette put you up to this, didn’t she? She’s the instigator!ColetteknewIdidn’twantyouanywherenearShanghaithisweek.”

“PleaseleaveColetteoutofthis.Thishasnothingtodowithher.”

Hearinghername,ColetteclimbedontoCarlton,straddledhim,andpeeledhertopoff.Carltoneyedherhungrily.God,henevertiredofhermiraculouslysculptedbreasts.

“Ride ’em, cowboy!” shewhispered. Carlton put his hand over hermouth,andshebeganbitingintothefleshofhispalm.

“I know Colette has been influencing you. Ever since she becameyourgirlfriend,you’vebeennothingbutheartachetome.”

“How many times do I have to tell you: She’s not my girlfriend.We’re just friends,”CarltondronedasColettebegangrindingherselfslowlyagainsthim.

“That’swhatyousay.Sowheredidyouspendthenight lastnight?Ai-Meitoldmeyouhaven’tbeenhomeindays.”

“I have been spending timewithmy sister, and since youwill notallowhertosetfootinyourhouse,I’vehadnochoicebuttostaywiththem at their hotel.” Carltonwas actually holed up in the enormousPresidential suite at the Portman Ritz-Carlton, where he knew hismother’sspieswouldneverlookforhim.

“OhmyGod,youarecallingheryoursisternow!”

“Mother,whetheryoulikeitornot,sheismysister.”

“Youarekillingmeslowly, son.Youarekillingme fromthe insideout.”

“Yes,Mother, I know. I’ve heard itmany times before: I’m such adisappointment,Ihavebetrayedallmyancestors,youdon’tknowwhyyoueverborethepainofgivingbirthtome,”Carltonsaid,hangingupthephone.

“MyGod,yourmotherreally laid itonthickthis time,didn’tshe?”ColettesaidinEnglish.(Ofallherboyfriends,CarltonwastheonlyonewithaperfectposhBritishaccent,andshefounditsoalluringtohearhimuseit.)

Carltongroaned.“Shehadahugerowwithmyfatherlastnightandkicked him out of the flat—he ended up checking in to the UpperHouseattwointhemorning.Iguessshewantedtomakemefeeljust

asbad.”

“Whyshouldyoufeelbad?It’snotlikeyou’reresponsibleforanyofthis.”

“Precisely—mymother’s completely lost the plot! She’s soworriedthatRachelissomehowgoingtoruinourfamily’sreputation,butherstrangebehaviorisruiningherownreputation.”

“Shehas beenacting rather strange lately,hasn’t she?Sheused tolikeme.”

“Shestilllikesyou,”Carltonsaidratherunconvincingly.

“Uh-huh.I’mreallybuyingthat.”

“Trustme,theonlypersonshe’smadatrightnowismyfather.Sherefused to leave Hong Kong, so when he said he was going back toShanghai onhis own, she told him that shewould divorce him if hetriedtoseeRachel.She’safraidthey’llbeseentogetherinpublicandsomescandalwillerupt.”

“Wow.It’sgottenthatbad?”

“It’sanemptythreat.She’sjustcaughtupinheranger.”

“Whydon’tIarrangeadinnerforRacheltosecretlymeetyourfatheratmyhouse?That’snotapublicplace.”

“Youjustlikecausingtrouble,don’tyou?”

“Am I the one causing trouble? I’m just being hospitable to yoursister.It’sratherridiculousthatshe’sbeeninShanghaiforoveraweeknowandyourfatherstillhasn’tseenher.Hewastheonewhoinvitedherinthefirstplace!”

Carlton considered it for a moment. “We could try to arrangesomething. I’m not suremy father will come, though. He kicks andscreams but he always ends up obeying every command of mymother’s.”

“Leave it tome. I’ll call your father and tell him it’s an invitationfrommy dad. That way he won’t refuse, and he won’t be expectingRacheltobethere.”

“You’rebeingawfullynicetoRachelandNick.”

“Whywouldn’t Ibe?She’s your sister, and I’menjoying themverymuch. They are such a different species. Rachel is cool, there’s no

bullshitwithher.Andshe’satotalbanana,*2isn’tshe?Justlookathowshedressesinthoseno-namebrands,herpainfullackofjewelry—she’snot like anyChinese girl I’ve evermet.Nick I’m still trying to figureout.Didn’tyousayhisparentswererich?”

“I think theydookay, but I don’t get the impression they are thatrich. The father used to be an engineer, and now he’s a sportsfisherman.AndMrs.Youngdoesday-trading,Ithink.”

“Well, he’s been very well brought up.He has this very particularsort of relaxed charisma, andhismanners are impeccable.Have younoticedthatwheneverwe’vebeeninanelevator,healwaysletsallthewomenexitfirst?”

“So?”

“That’sthemarkofatruegentleman.AndIknowhedidn’tgetthatfromStowe,sinceyourmannersarebarbaric!”

“Fuck you! You just like him because you think he looks like thatKoreanheartthrobyoulike.”

“How cute—are you jealous? Don’t worry, I have no interest instealingNickfromyoursister.Whatishe,auniversityprofessor?”

“Heteacheshistory.”

Colette giggled. “A history professor and an economics professor.Can you imagine what their childrenwill be like? I don’t knowwhyyourmotherwouldeverfeelthreatenedbythesepeople.”

Carlton sighed. Deep down, he knew exactly why his mother wasbehavingthewayshewas.ItreallyhadnothingtodowithRachelandeverythingtodowithhisaccident.Shehadneverspokentohimaboutwhat he had done, but he knew that the stress of that tragedy hadchanged his mother irretrievably. She had always been short-tempered,buteversinceLondon,shehadbecomemoreirrationalthanhehadeverknownher tobe. Ifhe could just turnback the clockonthatnight.That fuckingnight thathadruinedhis life.Herolledoverontohisside,facingawayfromColette.

Colette could see that the black cloudhaddescended overCarltonagain.Itwashappeningsoquicklythesedays.Oneminutetheywouldbe having the most brilliant time, and then suddenly he would justdisappearintoapitofdespair.Tryingtosnaphimoutofhisfunk,sheunbuttonedthelastfewbuttonsofhisshirtandbegantotracecircles

aroundhisnavel.“Iloveitwhenyougetallpoutyandsmolderingonme,”shewhisperedinhisear.

“Idon’tknowwhatyou’retalkingabout.”

“Yesyoudo.”Colettepositionedher feetonbothsidesofCarlton’storsoandstoodupoverhim. “Now,doyou really think it’s true thatPresidentObamawasthelastpersontosleepinthisbed?”

“This place is built like a fortress—all the presidents stay here,”Carltonsaidflatly.

“IbetMr.Obamaneverhadthisview,”Colettesaid,slidingoffherKikideMontparnassepantiesinoneslow,seductivemotion.

Carltonstaredupather.“No,Idon’tbelieveso.”

*1Actually,everyoneknowsthatTommenBaratheon,ageseven,istheyoungestmantositontheIronThrone.(SeeGeorgeR.R.Martin’sAStormofSwords.)

*2Yellowontheoutside,whiteontheinside.

7

NICKANDRACHEL

SHANGHAI,CHINA

NickawoketothevisionofRachelluxuriatinginapatchofsunlightbythewindow,sippinghercoffee.“Whattimeisit?”heasked.

“It’saboutaquartertoone.”

Nickboltedupreflexivelyas ifanalarmbellhadgoneoff. “Bloodyhell!Whydidn’tyouwakeme?”

“Youweresleepingsosweetly,andwe’reonvacation,remember?”

Nick stretched his arms and let out a groan. “Ugh. It doesn’t feelmuchlikeavacation.”

“Youjustneedsomecoffee.”

“Andaspirin.Lotsofit.”

Rachel laughed. Since their arrival lastweek, the two of themhadbeensweptupinthetornadothatwasCarlton’ssociallife.Actually,itwas more like Colette’s social life, since they had attended a mind-blowingnumberof fashionboutiqueparties, twelve-coursebanquets,art openings, restaurant soft openings, a recital at the FrenchConsulate, VIP after-parties (followed by several VVIP after-after-parties), and something billed as a “site-specific transmediaperformance piece”—all at Colette’s invitation. And this was beforehittingtheclubseverynighttilldawn.

“Whoknew thatShanghai’snightlife scenewouldputNewYork toshame?I’mreadyforaquietnightin.Doyouthinkyourbrotherwillbeoffended?”Nickasked.

“We’ll just tell Carlton we’re too old for his crowd,” Rachel said,blowingonhercoffee.

“Says the girl who was hit on about a dozen times last night! IthoughtIwasreallygoingtohavetobustoutsomeofmyninjamoves

togetthoseFrenchguystoleaveyoualoneatM1NT.”*1

Rachellaughed.“You’resuchadork!”

“I’m thedork? I’mnot the tech geek.Was it justme, or has everyEuropean fellow in Shanghai invented some app that’s going torevolutionize the world? And do they all need to have that muchstubble?Ican’timaginewhatitwouldbelikekissingthem.”

“Actually, that would be kinda hot—watching you and that cutePolytechnique grad make out! What was his name? Loïc?” Rachelcracked.

“Thanks, but I’d prefer Claryssa or Chlamydia or whatever thatfriendofColette’snamewas.”

“Haha—Chlamydia is exactlywhatyou’ll get if youkissher!You’retalking about that girl with the fake eyelasheswho asked you point-blankifyouhadanAmericanpassport?”

“Hereyelasheswerefake?”

“Honey,everythingonherwas fake!Didyouseehowcrushedshelooked when Colette broke it to her that we were married? I don’tunderstand how all these people missed the wedding bands on ourfingers.”

“Youthinkalittlepieceofgoldisgoingtostopthem?Womenherejust don’t understand your social cues. You confuse them—you lookChinese,buttheydon’tgetyourbodylanguage.Youdon’tbehavelikeatypicalwife,sotheydon’tevenrealizewe’retogether.”

“Okay, fromnowonI’llbesure todrapemyselfoveryouandgazeadoringly into your face at all times. You’re my one and onlygaofushuai,”*2Rachelcooed,flutteringhereyelashesfacetiously.

“That’sthespirit!Nowwhere’smycoffee?”

“It’s in thecoffeemakerat thebar,andyoucanrefreshmycuptoowhileyou’reatit!”

“What happened to my subservient little wife?” Nick paddedlanguidlytothebarasRachelcalledoutfromtheotherroom,“Oh,myfathercalledthismorning.”

“Whatdidhehavetosay?”Nickasked,groggilytryingtofigureoutwhich button to push on the unnecessarily high-tech espresso

machine.

“Heapologizedagainfornotbeinghere.”

“StillsortingoutproblemsinHongKong?”

“WelltodayhehadtorushtoBeijing.Somegovernmentemergencythistime.”

“Hmmm,” Nick said as he scooped some coffee into the Frenchpress.Hewonderedwhat was really behind BaoGaoliang’sHoudiniact.HewasabouttobringitupwhenRachelcontinued,“HewantedustomeethiminBeijingthisweekend,butapparentlythesmogisgoingtobeterribleoverthenextfewdays.SohesuggestedweflytoBeijingnextweekifthingsclearup.”

Nick returned to thebedroomandhandedRachelher refilled cup.Shelookedhimintheeyeandsaid,“Idon’tknowaboutyou,butI’mgettingastrangefeelingaboutallthis.”

“You’re not the only one,” Nick said, sitting down on the flooragainst the window. The sunlight pouring onto his back felt moreinvigoratingthanthesmellofthecoffee.

“I’msogladtohearyousaythat!I’mnotbeingtotallyparanoid,amI? Imean, his excuses are beginning to sound pretty lame. Smog inBeijing? Isn’t it always smoggy there? I flew three thousandmiles togettoknowhim—I’mnotgoingtoletsomepollutiongetintheway.IkindathoughtI’dbeseeinga lotmoreofmydad,andI feel likehe’savoidingus.”

“I’mnotdisagreeingwithyou.”

“DoyouthinkShaoyenhassomethingtodowithallthis?Imean,wehaven’theardapeepfromher.”

“It’spossible.HasCarltonsaidanythingtoyou?”

“Carltondoesn’tsayathing!Youknow,we’veseenhimeverynightsincewegothere,butIdon’tfeellikeI’vereallygotareadonhimyet.Imean,he’sverysweet,andagreatconversationalistlikeallyouBritish-public-school-educated boys, but he doesn’t reveal much abouthimself.Andhecanberathermoodysometimes,don’tyouthink?”

“Yeah,I’vedefinitelynoticedthat.Therearemomentswhenhejustseemstocheckout, like theothernightwhenwewereat thatbarontop of theRitz Pudong, having drinkswith thatwomanwith the big

hair.”

“ChineseAfrogirl?Yeah,whatwashernameagain?”

“No idea, but she was giving off strange vibes, and for a whileCarltonwent absolutely quiet and just stared at the view. I thoughtmaybehedidn’t likeherorsomething,but thenhesnappedoutof itandwasbacktohisnormalselfagain.”

RachelgaveNickaworriedlook.“Youthinkmaybeit’shisdrinking?Imean, thewayhe’sbeenputting itaway thisweekalonemakesmyliverache.”

“Well, it seems like everyone here takes drinking to awhole otherlevel!But let’snot forgethisaccidentnot too longago—hedidsuffermajorheadtrauma.”

“You know, he seems so fit, I keep forgetting he even had thataccident.”

RachelgotupfromherarmchairandsatdownnexttoNickonthefloor. She stared out the window at the twisting skeletal form ofShanghai Tower, a new skyscraper being built across the river thatwouldonedaybethetalleststructure intheworld.“It’ssostrange.Ihad this idea thatwe’d be spending all our time getting to knowmydad,meetingotherrelativesovermeals,thatsortofthing,butitfeelslike all we’ve been doing day after day is partying with Shanghai’sGossipGirlcrowd.”

Nick nodded in agreement, but he didn’t want to sounddiscouraging.“Atsomepoint,yourdadhastoshowup.Andyouknow,it’sentirelypossiblewearebeingparanoid,andthingshaven’tworkedout because they haven’t. Your father is a very important man andthere’s a lot cooking on the political front with the changeover inleadership that just happened. Maybe there’s some other dramaplayingoutthathasnothingtodowithyou.”

Rachelgavehimadubiouslook.“DoyouthinkIshouldtrytobringitupcasuallywithCarlton?”

“Iftherereallyissomethinggoingonwiththefamily,thatmightputhiminanawkwardposition.Technicallyspeaking,wehavebeenverywelllookedafterbytheBaos,haven’twe?Imean,we’vebeenenjoyingthisfabuloussuite,andCarlton’sbeenentertaininguseveryday.Let’sseehowitplaysout.Inthemeantime,Ithinkitmayfinallybetimefor

metotrythatjuicecleanse.”

“Beforeyoudo—wehavedinnertonightwithColette’sparents.”

“Oh—I’d forgottenabout that.Doyouknowwhere?Iwonder if it’sgoingtobeyetanotherbacchanaliantwenty-coursefeast.”

“Carltonsaidsomethingaboutgoingtoaresort.”

“Maybethey’llhavecheeseburgers.Iwouldkillforaburgerandfriestonight.”

“Me too! But I don’t think that’s in the cards. Something tellsmeColette’snotaburger-and-frieskindofgal.”

“What gave that away? I bet you anything her monthly clothingbudgetexceedsourcombinedannualincomes.”

“Monthly?Herweekly clothing budget is probablymore accurate.Did you see those carved-dragon-heel shoes she was wearing lastnight?IsweartoGodIthinktheyweremadeofivory.She’sbasicallyAraminta2.0.”

Nickchortled.“ColetteisnotAraminta2.0.AramintaisessentiallyaSingaporegirl—shecanglamitupwhenshewantsto,butshe’sequallycomfortable hanging out in yoga sweats and eating fresh coconut onthebeach.Colette’sawholeotheradvancedspeciesyettobeclassified.Ithinkshe’lleitherberunningChinaorHollywoodinafewyears.”

“And yet she’s grownonme. She’s been thenicest surprise so far,hasn’t she?When I firstmet her, Iwas like,This girl cannot be forreal.But she’s so sweet and sogenerous—shehasn’t letuspickupasingletabsincewegothere.”

“Ihatetoburstyourbubble,butIthinkwe’vebeencompedateveryrestaurant or club we’ve been to. Do you notice how Colette getsRoxannetotakepicturesofhereverywherewego?Shejusttweetsorblogs about every place, and the rest of us eat for free. It’s quite aracket.”

“Still,Ithinkshe’sgoodforCarlton.”

“Yeah,butdon’tyouthinkshe’stoyingwithhim?She’sclearly intohim,andyetshe’sstillchantingthis‘He’sjustoneofmymanysuitors’BS.”

Rachel gave Nick a teasing look. “You just don’t like it when thetablesareturned!Colette’sgotherowncareerandherowngoalsand

she’sinnorushtogetmarried.Ithinkit’ssorefreshing.MostChinesegirlsareundersuchenormouspressuretogetmarriedandhavekidsbytheirearlytwenties.Imean,howmanyChinesegirlsdowegeteverysemesterthatarereallyjustatNYUtofindtheperfecthusband?”

Nick cocked his head and thought about it for amoment. “I can’tthinkofanybesidesyou.”

“Oh, har har. Jerk!” Rachel said, smacking him with a tasseledpillow.

•••

At five that afternoon, as Nick and Rachel stood outside their hotelwaitingforCarltontopickthemup,athunderousroarcouldbeheardcomingfromtheBund.Nickwasdressedcasuallyinjeans,alightblueoxford shirt, and his fawn-colored Huntsman summer blazer, whileRacheloptedforanEricaTanovsummerlinensmockdress.Momentslater, a burned-apricot McLaren F1 pulled into the driveway of thePeninsula,itsenginesmakingalow,deliriouslyexpensiverumblethatsent thevalet attendants scurryingaroundexcitedly, eachhoping forthe chance to park this exotic driving machine. Their hopes weredashed when Carlton poked his head out the window and beckonedNickandRacheltogetin.

“Youtakethefrontseat,”Nickgallantlyofferedhiswife.

“Don’tberidiculous—mylegsaremuchshorterthanyours,”Rachelsaid.Theirargumentendedupbeingcompletelymoot,becauseasthewingdoorsrose,theysawthatthedriver’sseatwasinthecenterofthecar,withapassengerseatflankingeitherside.

“Howcool!I’veneverseenanythinglikethis!”Rachelsaid.

Nick peered in. “This is one sexy car you have here—is it streetlegal?”

“HellifIknow,”Carltonsaidwithasmirk.

“AndhereIthoughtyoupeoplewentaroundinnothingbutAudis,”Rachelsaidassheclimbedinontherightside.

“Oh, theAudis belong toColette’s family.Youknowwhy everyonedrivesAudis,don’tyou?It’sthecarmosthigh-levelpoliticiansdrive,somany people drive them because they think that other carswill givewayandthepolicearemorelikelytoleavethemalone.”

“How interesting,” Rachel said as she settled into her surprisinglycomfortablebucketseat.“Ilovethisnew-carsmell.”

“Actually,thiscarisn’tnewatall—it’sfrom1998,”Carltonsaid.

“Really?”Rachelsaidinsurprise.

“It’s considered a classic—I only drive it on sunny, cloudless daysliketoday.You’resmellingthehand-stitchedConnollyleatherhides—madefromcowsevenmorepamperedthantheonesinKobe.”

“Looks like we’ve discovered another of Carlton’s passions,” Nickcommented.

“Ohyeah!I’vebeenimportingcarsforseveralyearsnowandsellingthemtofriends.IstartedduringmyCambridgedays,wheneverIcameuptoLondononweekends,”CarltonexplainedashespedontoYan’anElevatedRoad.

“You must have witnessed the Arab sports-car parade aroundKnightsbridgeeveryyear,”Nicksaid.

“Youbet!My friendsandIwouldgraba tableoutside theLaduréeandwatchthemrollby!”

“Whatareyouguystalkingabout?”Rachelasked.

Nick proceeded to explain. “Every June, all these young Arabsquillionaires descend on London, bringing with them the moststupendous sports cars in the world. And they race them aroundKnightsbridgeasifthestreetsaretheirprivateFormulaOnetrack.OnSaturdayafternoons,thecarsconvergebehindHarrodsatthecornerofBasilStreetlikesomeswapmeet.Allthesekids—somenotmorethaneighteen, dressed in expensive tattered denim, and their girlfriends,coveredupintheirhijabsbutwearingblinged-outsunglassessittinginthesemillion-dollarautomobiles.It’sanincrediblesight.”

Carltonnodded,hiseyesflashingwithexcitement.“Thesamethingishappeninghere!Thisisnowthenumber-onemarketforluxurycarsin the world—especially exotic sports cars. The demand isunquenchable, and all my friends know I’m the best at finding therarestoftherare.ThisMcLarenwe’resittingin—onlysixty-fourwereeverbuilt.SobeforeacarevenarrivesonthedockinShanghai,Ihaveawaitinglistofbuyers.”

“Soundslikeafunwaytomakealiving,”Nickcommented.

“Tellthattomyparentswhenyouseethem.TheythinkI’mwastingmylife.”

“I’m sure they are just concerned for your safety,” Rachel said,holdingherbreathasCarltonsuddenlycutacrossthreelanesatninetymilesperhour.

“Sorry, I just need to get around those trucks.Don’tworry—I’m averysafedriver.”

NickandRachelexchangeddubiouslooks,knowingCarlton’srecenthistory. Rachel checked that her seat belt was securely fastened andtriednottolookatthezigzaggingcarsinfrontofthem.

“Everyone on the highway seems totally schizo—they’re changinglanesconstantly,”Nickquipped.

“Listen,ifyoutrytodriveinanorderlyfashionhereandstayinyourlaneallthetime,you’lljustgetkilled,”Carltonsaid,acceleratingagainto overtake a truck full of pigs. “The rational rules of driving do notapply in this country. I learned todrive in theUK,andwhen I cameback to Shanghai the first time after gettingmy license, I got pulledoveronmy firstdaydriving.Thepoliceofficer screamedatme, ‘Youbloodyfool!Whydidyoustopatthatredlight?’ ”

“Ohyeah,RachelandIhavealmostgottenkilledtryingtocrosstheroadseveraltimes.TrafficsignalsmeannothingtoShanghaidrivers,”Nicksaid.

“Theyaremerely suggestions,”Carltonagreed, suddenly slammingonthebrakesandveeringsharplytotheright,narrowlyavoidingavaninthefarleftlane.

“SWEET JESUS! WAS THAT VAN ACTUALLY BACKING UP INTHEFASTLANE?”Rachelscreamed.

“WelcometoChina,”Carltonsaidnonchalantly.

TwentyminutesoutsideofdowntownShanghai, they finally exitedthehighway,muchtoRachel’srelief,andturnedontowhatappearedtobearecentlypavedboulevard.

“Wherearewe?”Rachelasked.

“This is a new development called Porto Fino Elite,” Carltonexplained. “It’smodeledafter those fancyneighborhoods inNewportBeach.”

“Clearly,” Nick commented as they passed a Mediterranean-stylestripmallpaintedinshadesofochre,completewithaStarbucks.Theyturnedoff themain street anddrovedowna long avenue flankedbyhigh stucco walls, at the end of which stood a cascading sculpturalwaterfallnext toagatehouse.Carltonpulledup in frontofamassivegate with decorative steelwork panels, and three uniformed guardsemergedfromthegatehouse.Oneoftheguardswalkedaroundthecarwarily,as ifhewaslookingforhiddenexplosives,whileanotherusedan inspection mirror to peer under the car. The guard in chargerecognizedCarltonandcheckedhimoffalist.HegaveNickandRachelacarefulonce-over,beforenoddingandwavingthecarthrough.

“That’sprettyserioussecurity,”Nickcommented.

“Yep—it’sveryprivatehere,”Carltonsaid.

The heavy gates clanked open, and the McLaren sped down apristine white gravel road lined with Italian cypresses. Between thetrees, Rachel and Nick couldmake out several small artificial lakes,from the middle of which sprouted fountains; sleek glass and steelbuildingshereandthere;andtheundulatingmoundsofagolfcourse.Finally, as theypassedapair ofweatheredobelisks, they cameuponthemainreceptionbuilding—amajesticyetminimaliststone-and-glassstructuresurroundedbyartfullyplantedpagodatrees.

“I had no idea they were building resorts like this in the suburbsoutsideShanghai.What’sthisplacecalled?”NickaskedCarlton.

“Thisisn’tactuallyaresort.ThisisColette’sweekendretreat.”

“Excuseme?Thiswholepropertyishers?”Rachelsputtered.

“Yes,allthirtyacresofit.Herparentsbuiltitforher.”

“Andwheredotheylive?”

“Theyhavehouses inmanycities—HongKong,Shanghai,Beijing—but they spend most of their time in Hawaii these days,” Carltonexplained.

“Theymusthavedoneratherwell,”Rachelcommented.

Carltongaveheralookofamusement.“IguessInevermentioned—Colette’sfatherisoneofthefiverichestmeninChina.”

*1Amongthe220,000-plusforeignerslivingandworkinginShanghai,therearenowmorethan20,000Frenchnationals,analarmingnumberofthemINSEADorÉcolePolytechniquegraduates.WithEuropestillstuckinaneconomiccoma,graduatesfromEurope’stopuniversitieshavebeenmovingtoShanghaiindroves.NoneofthemspeakawordofMandarin,butwhoneedstowhenthebartendersatM1NT,Mr.&Mrs.Bund,orBarRougedon’teither?

*2Mandarinfor“tall,rich,andhandsome,”theminimumrequirementseveryMainlandChinesegirllooksforinahusband.

8

COLETTE

SHANGHAI,CHINA

Carlton’s car pulled up to the front entrance of the house, and twoattendants in matching James Perse black T-shirts and trousersappearedfromoutofnowhere.OneofthemhelpedRacheloutofthecar,whiletheotherinformedCarlton,“Sorry,youcan’tleaveyourcarherelikeyounormallydo.WeareexpectingMr.Bing’sarrival.Youcaneithermoveitaroundintothecarporch,orIcanparkitforyou.”

“I’llmoveit—thanks,”Carltonreplied.HezoomedoffandreturnedshortlytojoinRachelandNickattheentrance.Theimposingoxidizedmaple-wood doors opened, and they found themselves in a sereneinnercourtyardalmostentirelycomposedofadark,shallowreflectingpool.Atravertinewalkwayrandownthemiddleofthepooltowardtalllacquereddoorsthecolorofespresso,andbambooblockplantingsranalongthewallsofthecourtyard.Thelacquereddoorspartedsilentlyasthethreeofthemapproached,revealingtheinnersanctum.

Before them was an immense, eighty-foot-long living roomdecoratedentirelyintonesofblackandwhite.Maidsinlong,blacksilkqipaos*1stoodinasilentlinebygrayshikumenbrickpillarshungwithblack-inkcalligraphyscrolls,whilepolishedblack-tile floorsand low-slung white sofas suffused the space with a tranquil, seductive vibe.Theglasswallattheendoftheroomrevealedanoutdoorloungefilledwithsleeksofasanddark-woodcoffeetables,beyondwhichonecouldseemorereflectingpoolsandpavilions.

EvenNick,whohadgrownupamongthesplendorsofTyersallPark,was momentarily taken aback. “Wow—is this a house or a FourSeasonsresort?”

Carltonlaughed.“Actually,ColettefellinlovewiththePuliHotelinShanghai and tried to get her father to buy it. When they found itwasn’t for salenomatter theprice,he commissionedhisarchitect to

buildherthisplace.ThisgrandsalonisinspiredbythePuli’slobby.”

An Englishman in a dapper black suit approached them. “Goodafternoon, I’m Wolseley, the butler. May I offer you something todrink?”

Before anyone could respond, Colette made her entrance throughanother door in an oleander pink tea-length dress. “Rachel,Nick, sogladyoucouldmake it!”Withherhairsweptup intoahighbunandherruffledgazarskirtbillowingaboutherasshewalkedintotheroom,Colettelookedlikeshehadjuststeppedoffthecoverofa1960sissueofVogue.

Rachelgreetedherwithahug.“Colette,youlooklikeyoushouldbehavingbreakfastatTiffany’sorsomething!AndmyGod,yourhouseisjustincredible!”

Colettegaveamodestgiggle. “Here, letmegiveyouaproper tour.But first, drinks! What libation can we tempt you with? I’m sureCarltonwill have his usual tumbler of vodka, and I think I’ll have aCampari and soda to match my dress. Rachel, do you feel like aBellini?”

“Um,sure,onlyifit’snottoomuchtrouble,”Rachelsaid.

“Not at all! We always have fresh white peaches for our Bellinis,don’twe,Wolseley?Nick,whatwillitbe?”

“I’llhaveaginandtonic.”

“Ugh, the boys are so boring.” Colette rolled her eyes atWolseley.“Come, followme.Did Carlton explain to youmywhole concept forthishouse?”

“WeheardthatyoulikedsomehotelinShanghai—”Rachelbegan.

“Yes, the Puli—but I’vemade this house evenmore luxurious.Weusedpreciousmaterialsthatyoujustwouldn’twanttouseinapublicspace like a hotel. I know many people have this impression thateveryoneinChinalivesintackyLouisXIVmansionswhereeverythingisdippedingoldanditlookslikeatasselfactoryexploded,soIwantedthis house to be a showplace for the best of contemporary China.Every piece of furniture you see in this grand salon was custom-designed and handcrafted here by our finest designers, in the rarestmaterials. And of course, all the antiques are museum quality. ThescrollsonthewallsarebyWuBoli, fromthe fourteenthcentury,and

thatMingdynastywine cup over there? I bought it froma dealer inXi’antwoyearsagoforsixhundredthousand—thecuratorfromtheSt.LouisMuseumjustofferedmefifteenmillionforit.AsifIwouldeversell!”Rachelstaredatthesmallporcelainbowlpaintedwithchickens,tryingtobelieveitwasworthahundredtimesherannualsalary.

The group stepped out into the back courtyard, which wasdominated by another vast reflecting pool. Colette led them along acoveredwalkwayasahauntingNewAgeysongplayedsoftlyonhiddenoutdoorspeakers.“Theprideofthisestateismygreenhouse—themostimportant thing you should know is that this whole property is onehundredpercentcertifiedgreen—alltheroofshavesolarpaneling,andallthereflectingpoolsactuallyflowintoastate-of-the-artaquaponicssystem.”

Thefourofthementeredafuturisticglass-roofedstructurethatwasblindingly lit and lined with alternating rows of fish tanks andvegetablepatches.“Allthewatergetschanneledintothetanks,wherewefarmfishforeating,andthenthenutrient-richwaterfertilizestheorganic vegetables grown here. See, I’m not just green—I’m emeraldgreen!”Coletteproudlyinformedthem.

“Okay,I’mofficiallyimpressed!”Nicksaid.

Crossing the central courtyard again, Colette continued to explain.“Even though the buildings are modern in style, there are eightinterconnectedpavilionsarranged inanEmperor’sThrone formationtoensureproperfengshui.EverybodySTOP!”

Theystoppeddeadintheirtracks.

“Now breathe in the air. Can’t you just feel the good chi flowingeverywhere?”

Nickcouldonlydetecta faint scent that remindedhimofFebreze,buthenoddedalongwithRachelandCarlton.

Coletteputherhandsinthenamaskarapositionandbeamed.“Herewe come to the entertainment pavilion. Thewine cellar takes up theentire lower level—it was specially designed for us by the Taittingerpeople,andthis is thescreeningroom.”RachelandNickpokedtheirheads into a cinema where there were fifty ergonomic Swedishreclinersarrangedinstadium-styleseating.

“Doyouseewhat’shidingattheback?”Carltonasked.

Rachel and Nick stepped into the room and discovered that theentire back area of the screening room under the projector boothcontained a slick sushi bar that looked like it had been transplantedstraightfromTokyo’sRoppongidistrict.Asushichefinablackkimonobowed at them while his young apprentice sat at the bar carvingradishesintocutelittlekittenfaces.

“Get.Out.Of.Town!”Rachelexclaimed.

“Andwe thoughtwewerebeingextravagantordering in fromBlueRibbonSushionSurvivorWednesdays,”Nickquipped.

“Didyouseethedocumentaryaboutthegreatestsushimasterintheworld—JiroDreamsofSushi?”Coletteasked.

“OhmyGod—don’ttellmethatguyisoneofhissons!”Rachelgapedin awe at the sushi chef as he stood behind the blond-wood countermassaginganoctopus.

“No,that’sJiro’ssecondcousin!”Colettesaidexcitedly.

From there, the tour continued to the guest wing, where Coletteshowed off bedroom suitesmore sumptuous than any five-star hotel(“We only allow our guests to sleep onHästens*2mattresses stuffedwith the finest Swedish horsehair”), and then into her bedroompavilion,whichhadwraparoundglasswallsandasunkencircularlotuspondatoneendoftheroom.Theonlyotherobjectsinthelusciouslyminimalistspacewereacloud-likeking-sizebed in themiddleof theroomandbeeswaxpillarcandlesflankingonewall(“Ilikemybedroomto be very Zen. When I sleep, I detach from all my worldlypossessions”). Adjoining the bedroom pavilion was a structure fourtimesitssize—Colette’sbathroomandcloset.

Rachelsteppedintothebathroom,whichwasasprawlingdaylight-flooded space entirely clad in glacier-white Calacatta marble.Indentationswerecarved into thegiant slabofunpolishedmarble tocreate organic-shaped sinks that looked like watering holes for chichobbits,andbeyondwasaprivatecircularcourtyardwithadarkbluemalachitereflectingpool.Growingoutofthecenterofthepoolwasaperfectly manicured willow tree, and nestled under it was an egg-shaped bathtub that appeared to have been sculpted from a singlepieceofwhiteonyx.Roundsteppingstonesledacrossthewatertothetub.

“OhmyGod,Colette—I’mjustgoingtocomerightoutandsayit:I

aminsanelyjealous!Thisbathroomisjustbeyond—it’sstraightoutofmydreams!”Rachelexclaimed.

“Thank you for appreciating my vision,” Colette said, her eyesgettingalittlemoist.

Nick looked at Carlton. “Why are women so obsessed with theirbathrooms?Rachelwasobsessedwiththebathroominourhotel, thebathroom at the Annabel Lee Boutique, and now it looks like she’sfoundbathroomnirvana.”

Colette stared at Nick with contempt. “Rachel, this man doesn’tunderstandwomenATALL.Youshouldgetridofhim!”

“Trustme,I’mbeginningtothinkaboutit,”Rachelsaid,stickinghertongueoutatNick.

“All right, all right—when we get back to New York I’ll call thecontractor and you can retile the bathroom like you wanted.” Nicksighed.

“I don’t want it retiled, Nick, I want this!” Rachel declared,stretchingherarmsoutandcaressingthelipoftheonyxtubasifitwasababy’sbottom.

Colettegrinned.“Okay,webetterskipthetourofmyclosets—Idon’tactuallywanttobeblamedforyourbreakup.Whydon’tIshowyouthespa?”Thepartywalkedthroughadeepcrimsonpassagewayandwereshown dimly lit treatment rooms decorated with Balinese furniture,andthentheycametoastunningundergroundspacewithpillarslikeaTurkish seraglio surrounding a massive indoor saltwater pool thatglowed an arresting shade of cerulean blue. “The entire floor of thepoolisinlaidwithturquoise,”Coletteannounced.

“You’ve got your own private spa right here!” Rachel said indisbelief.

“Rachel,we’regoodfriendsnow—Ihaveaconfessiontomake.Iusedto have a terrible addiction…I was addicted to spa resorts. Before Ifound myself, I used to spend the whole year aimlessly flying fromresort to resort. But I was never satisfied, because something wasneverquiterighteverywhereIwent.Iwouldfindadirtymopleftinthecornerof the steamroomat theAmanjena inMarrakech,or Iwouldhave to put up with some creepy potbellied guy staring at mesunbathing in the infinity pool at One and Only Reethi Rah. So I

decidedIcouldonlybehappyifIcouldcreatemypersonalsparesortrighthere.”

“Well,you’reveryfortunatethatyouhavetheresourcestomakethishappen,”Rachelsaid.

“Yes,butI’malsosavingsomuchmoneybydoingthis!Thiswholedevelopment used to be farmland, and now that there are no morefarms,I employ all the displaced locals towork on the estate, so it’sreally been good for the economy.And think of all the carbon offsetpoints I’m racking up by not having to fly all over the world everyweekendtryingoutnewspas,”Colettesaidearnestly.

NickandRachelnoddedtheirheadsdiplomatically.

“Ialsoholdmanycharitableeventshere.Nextweek,I’mplanningasummergardenpartywiththeactressPanTingTing.It’sgoingtobeanultra-exclusive fashion show with the latest collections from Paris—Rachel,tellmeyou’llcome.”

“OfcourseIwill,”Rachelpolitelyreplied,beforewonderingwhyshehadagreedsoquickly.Thewords“ultra-exclusivefashionshow”filledher with dread, and she suddenly got flashbacks to Araminta’sprivateislandbacheloretteparty.

Justthen,a fewthinbarkscouldbeheardcomingdownthestairs.“My babies are back!” Colette shrieked. The group turned to seeColette’s personal assistant, Roxanne, entering with two Italiangreyhoundsstrainingexcitedlyagainsttheirostrich-leatherleashes.

“Kate, Pippa, I’vemissed you somuch. Poor little things—are youjet-lagged?” Colette cooed as she bent down and cuddled heremaciateddogs.

“Did she really name her dogs…” Rachel began to whisper inCarlton’sear.

“Yes, she did. Colette adores the royals—at her parents’ house inNingbo, she has a pair of Tibetanmastiffs namedWills andHarry,”Carltonexplained.

“How were my darlings? Did everything go okay?” Colette askedRoxannewithaworriedexpression.

“RoxannejustflewKateandPippaonColette’splanetoseeafamousdogpsychicinCalifornia,”CarltoninformedRachelandNick.

“Theywereverygood.Youknow,atfirstIhadmydoubtsaboutthatpet psychic in Ojai, but wait till you read her report. Pippa is stilltraumatized by the time she almost got blown out of the Bentleyconvertible. That’s why she tries to burrow under the backseat andpoo-pooseverytimesheridesinit.Itoldthewomannothing—howdidsheknowyouhadthatkindofcar?Iamatotalbelieverinpetpsychicsnow,”Roxannereportedearnestly.

Colettepettedherdogwithtearsinhereyes.“Iamsosorry,Pippa.I’llmakeituptoyou.Roxanne,pleasetakeapictureofusandpostonWeChat: ‘Reunited with my girls.’ ” Colette posed expertly for thepictureand stoodup, smoothingaway thewrinklesonher skirt. ShethensaidtoRoxanneinablood-chillingtone,“IneverwanttoseethatBentleyagain.”

Thegroupapproached the finalpavilion, the largestbuildingofallandtheonlyonethatdidnothaveanyexteriorwindows.“Roxanne—code!” Colette ordered, and her headset-wearing assistant dutifullypunched in an eight-digit code that unlocked the door. “Welcome tomyfamily’sprivatemuseum,”Colettesaid.

They stepped into a gallery the size of a basketball arena, and thefirst thing that caught Rachel’s eye was a large silkscreen canvas ofChairmanMao.“IsthataWarhol?”sheasked.

“Yes. Do you like my Mao? My father gave that to me for mysixteenthbirthday.”

“Whatacoolbirthdaypresent,”Rachelremarked.

“Yes,itwasthefavoriteoutofallmypresentsthatyear.IwishIhada timemachine so I could go back andAndy could domy portrait.”Colette sighed. Nick stood in front of the painting, staring withamusement at the Communist leader’s receding hairline, alternatelywonderingwhatthedictatorortheartistmighthavemadeofagirllikeColetteBing.

Nick andRachel beganheading toward the right, butColette said,“Oh,youcanskipthatgalleryoverthere,that’sjustfilledwithboringjunkmyfatherhadtohavewhenhefirststartedcollecting—Picassos,Gauguins, that sortof thing.Comeseewhat I’vebeenbuying lately.”They were steered into a gallery where the walls were a veritablechecklist of the artists du jour from all the international art fairs—amouthwatering Vik Muniz chocolate syrup painting, Bridget Riley’s

migraine-inducingcanvasofoverlappingtinysquares,aheroin-fueledscrawl by Jean-Michel Basquiat, and, of course, an immense MonaKuhn image of two preposterously photogenic Nordic youths posingnudeonadewydoorstep.

Rounding the corner, they came into an even larger gallery thatcontained only one enormous piece of art—twenty-four scrolls thatwerehungtogethertoformavast,intricatelandscape.

Nick was taken aback. “Hey, isn’t that The Palace of EighteenPerfections?IthoughtKitty—”

At thatmoment,Roxanne gasped in alarm and put her hand overher earpiece. “Are you sure?” she said into her headset, beforegrabbing Colette’s arm. “Your parents just checked in at theguardhouse.”

Colette looked panic-stricken for a split second. “Already? They’remuch too early! Nothing’s ready!” Turning to Rachel and Nick, shesaid,“I’msorrytoendthetournow,butmyparentshavearrived.”

Thegrouprushedbacktowardthegrandsalon,asColettebarkedoutorderstoRoxanne.“Alertallstaff!Where’s thatdamnWolseley?TellPing Gao to start cooking the parchment chicken now! And tellBaptiste to decant the whiskey! And why aren’t the bamboo grovesaroundthecentralpoollit?”

“Theyareonatimer.Theydon’tcomeonuntilseveno’clockalongwiththelights,”Roxanneresponded.

“Turneverythingonnow!Andturnoffthissillywhimperingman—youknowmyfatheronlylikeslisteningtoChinesefolksongs!AndgetKateandPippaintotheircages—youknowhowallergicmymotheris!”

Hearingtheirnames,thedogsstartedyappingexcitedly.

“Kill theBon Iver andputon thePengLiyuan!”*3Roxanne raspedinto her headset as she ran toward the service wing with the dogs,almosttrippingontheirleashes.

BythetimeCarlton,Colette,Nick,andRachelreachedthefrontdoorofthemainpavilion,theentirestaffwasalreadyassembledatthefootof the steps. Rachel attempted to count the number of people butstoppedatthirty.Themaidsstoodelegantlyintheirblacksilkqipaoson the left and themen in their black James Perse uniforms on theright,creatingtwodiagonallinesinVformationlikemigratinggeese.

Colette took her place at the apex of the V, as the rest of the groupwaitedatthetopofthesteps.

Colette turned around andmade a final inspection. “Who has thetowels?Thehottowels?”

One of the youngermaids stepped out of the line holding a smallsilverchest.

“Whatareyoudoing?Getbackinformation!”Roxannescreamed,astheconvoyofblackAudiSUVscamespeedingupthedriveway.

The doors on the lead SUV flung open, and several men in blacksuits and dark sunglasses emerged, one of them approaching themiddlecarandopeningthedoor.Judgingbyhowthickthedoorwas,Nick surmised itwas a reinforcedbombproofmodel.A short, stockymaninabespokethree-piecesuitwasthefirsttoemerge.

Roxanne, who was standing next to Nick, let out a barely audiblegasp.

Seeingthatthemanappearedtobenoolderthanhismid-twenties,Nickasked,“Itakeitthat’snotColette’sfather?”

“It’s not,” Roxanne said curtly, before stealing a quick glance atCarlton.

*1Abody-huggingone-pieceChinesedressforwomen,createdinthe1920sinShanghaiandperenniallyfashionablesinceSuzieWongfamouslyseducedRobertLomaxinone.InSingaporeandHongKong,itisknownbyitsCantonesename—thecheongsam.

*2MattressmakerstotheSwedishroyalfamilysince1852;thebasicHästensmattressstartsat$15,000,andtheirtop-of-the-line2000Twillsetyouback$120,000.Buthowmuchisitworthtoyoutosleeponamattressthataficionadosclaimcanactuallypreventcancer?

*3NotonlyissheChina’smostrenownedcontemporaryfolksinger,she’salsotheFirstLady,beingmarriedtoPresidentXiJinping.

9

MICHAELANDASTRID

SINGAPORE

“Isthatallyou’rewearing?”Michaelasked,lurkingbythedoorwayofAstrid’sdressingroom.

“Whatdoyoumean?AmItooscantilycladforyou?”Astridjokedasshestruggledtofastenthedelicateclasponhersandals.

“Youlooksocasual.”

“I’mnot that casual,” Astrid said, standing up. Shewaswearing ashortblacktunicdresswithcrochetpanelsandblackfringe.

“We’re going to one of the best restaurants in Singapore, and it’swiththeIBMpeople.”

“JustbecauseAndré is a top restaurantdoesn’tmean it’s formal. Ithought this was just a casual business dinner with a few of yourclients.”

“It is, but the bigwig is flying in and he’s bringing his wife, who’ssupposedlyverychic.”

Astrid shot Michael a look. Had aliens secretly abducted herhusbandandreplacedhimwithsomefinickyfashioneditor?Inthesixyears they had been married, Michael had never made a singlecommentaboutwhatshewore.Hehad,oncertainoccasions,gruntedthatsomethinglooked“sexy”or“pretty”onher,buthehadneverusedawordlike“chic.”Untiltoday,itwasn’tpartofhisvocabulary.

Astriddabbedalittleroseessentialoilontoherneckandsaid,“Ifthewife is as chicas you say, shewillprobablyappreciate thisAltuzarradress—it’s a runway look thatneverwent intoproduction,which I’mwearingwithTabithaSimmons silk stripe sandals,LineVautringoldearrings,andmyPeranakangoldbracelet.”

“Maybeit’sallthegold.Itlooksabitkanchia*1tome.Couldn’tyou

swapitoutfordiamondsorsomething?”

“There’snothingkanchiaaboutthisbracelet—it’sactuallypartofanheirloom suite thatmy great-auntMatilda Leong bequeathed tome,which is now on loan to the Asian Civilisations Museum. They aredyingformeto let themdisplaythispiecetoo,butIheldonto it forsentimentalreasons.”

“Sorry, Ididn’tmean tooffendyourauntie.And I’mnot a fashionguerrilla or whatever like you. This is one of the most importantbusiness deals I’ve ever been involved in, but please wear what youwant.I’llbedownstairswaiting,”Michaelsaidinapatronizingtone.

Astridsighed.Sheknewallthisfusshadsomethingtodowiththatsilly Hong Kong gossip columnist’s barb about Michael needing toupgrade his wife’s jewelry. Even though he denied it, the commentmust have gotten under his skin. She made her way to the vault,punched in the nine-digit code to open the door, and peered inside.Damn,theearringsshewasthinkingofwereatthebigvaultatOCBCBank.Theonlythingshehadofanysignificantsizeathomewasapairof gargantuan Wartski diamond-and-emerald pendant earrings thather grandmother had inexplicably handed her after mah-jongg atTyersallParktheotherday.Theemeraldsoneachsidewerealmostthesize ofwalnuts. Apparently the last time her grandmother hadwornthemwasatKingBhumibolofThailand’scoronationin1950.Well, ifMichaelreallywantsaBusbyBerkeleyshowstopper,that’swhathe’sgoingtoget.Butwhatoutfitcouldpossiblygowiththeseearrings?

AstridscannedherclosetandpulledoutablackYvesSaintLaurentjumpsuitwithadrawstringwaistandjetbeadedsleeves.Thiswasjustdressy and yet simple enough to complement a pair of outrageouslyblingearrings.ShewouldwearthemwithapairofAlaïaanklebootstogivethewholelookanextraedge.Astridfeltalittlelumpinherthroatas she put the jumpsuit on—shehadneverworn it before because itwastooprecioustoher.ItwasfromYves’s finalcouturecollectionin2002,andthoughshewasonlytwenty-threewhenshehadherfittingfor this, it still draped against her body more perfectly than almostanythingelsesheowned.God,ImissYves.

Astridheadeddownstairs to thenursery,where she foundMichaelkeepingCassiancompanyatthechildren’sdiningtablewhileheatehisspaghettiwithmeatballs.

“Wow,vousêtestop,madame!”Cassian’snannyexclaimedasAstridentered.

“Merci,Ludivine.”

“SaintLaurent?”

“Quid’autre?”

Ludivineplacedherhandonherchestandshookherhead inawe.(She could not wait to try it on as soon as madame left the housetomorrow.)

AstridturnedtoMichael.“IsthisgoodenoughtoimpressyourIBMbigwig?”

“Where on earth did you get those earrings? Tzeen or keh?”*2

Michaelexclaimed.

“Tzeen! My grandmother just gave them to me,” Astrid replied,slightly annoyed thatMichael only noticed the earrings and failed toappreciatethesubtlegeniusofherjumpsuit.

“Wahlan!*3VanCleefandAhMastrikesagain.”

Astridwinced.MichaelhadpunishedCassianforusingcusswords,andyetherehewasswearinglikeasailorrightinfrontofhim.

“Look—doesn’t Mummy look pretty tonight?” Michael said toCassian, pinching a meatball from his bowl and popping it into hismouth.

“Yes.Mummyalwayslookspretty,”Cassiansaid.“Andstopstealingmymeatballs!”

Astridmeltedinstantly.HowcouldshebeannoyedatMichaelwhenhelookedsocutesittinginthelittlechairnexttoCassian?Thingshadgottenmuch better between father and son since she returned fromVenice.AfterkissingCassiangoodbye,thetwoofthemheadedoutsidetothefrontdriveway,wheretheirchauffeur,Youssef,wasdoingafinalpolish on the chrome work of Michael’s 1961 red Ferrari CaliforniaSpyder.

Jesus,he’sreallyouttoimpresstonight,Astridthought.

“Thanksforchanging,hon.Itreallymeansalottome,”Michaelsaidasheheldopenthecardoor.

Astrid nodded as she climbed in. “If you think it makes any

difference,I’mhappytohelp.”

Theydroveinsilenceatfirst,enjoyingthebalmybreezethroughtheopentop,butasheturnedontoHollandRoad,Michaelpickeduptheconversationagain.“Howmuchdoyouthinkyourearringsareworth?”

“Probablymorethanthiscar.”

“I paid $8.9 mil for this ’Rari. You really think your earrings areworthmore?Weshouldgetthemvalued.”

Astridfoundhislineofquestioningslightlytacky.SheneverthoughtofjewelryintermsofpricesandwonderedwhyMichaelevenbroughtitup.“I’mnevergoingtosellthem,sowhat’sthepoint?”

“Well,wedowanttoinsurethem,don’twe?”

“Itallgoesundermyfamily’sumbrellapolicy.I justaddit toa listthatMissSeongkeepsatthefamilyoffice.”

“I didn’t know about this. Can my vintage sports cars get on thepolicytoo?”

“I don’t think so. It’s just for Leongs,” Astrid blurted out, beforeregrettingherchoiceofwords.

Michael didn’t seem to notice and continued chattering away.“You’re really getting all of your AhMa’s biggest jewels, aren’t you?Yourcousinsmustbeenviousashell.”

“Oh,there’splentytogoaround.FionagottheGrandDuchessOlgasapphires, andmy cousinCecilia got some superb imperial jade.Mygrandmother is very discerning—she gives the right pieces towhomeversheknowswillappreciatethemthemost.”

“Doyouthinkshefeelsshe’sgoingtoconkoffsoon?”

“What a thing to say!” Astrid exclaimed, givingMichael a look ofhorror.

“Come on, lah, it must be going through her mind, which is whyshe’sbegundivestingallherstuff.Oldpeoplecansensewhentheyaregoingtodie,youknow.”

“Michael,mygrandmotherhasbeenaroundallmy life,andIcan’tevenbegintoimaginethedaywhenshewon’tbehere.”

“Sorry—Iwasjustmakingconversation.”

Theylapsedintosilenceagain,MichaelfocusingontheclientdinnerandAstridcontemplatingtheirdisagreeableconversation.Michaelhadalwaysshiedawayfromanythingtodowithmoneywhentheyfirstgotmarried,especiallyifitinvolvedherfamily,andwenttogreatpainstoshowthathehadabsolutelynointerestinherfinancialaffairs.Indeed,theirmarriagehadbeenrockedtoitscorebyhisinsecuritiesoverherfortuneandhisill-conceivedattempttosetherfree,butthankfullythatawfulperiodwaswellbehindthem.

Buteversincehisbusinesshadexplodedintoahugesuccess,hehadbecometheproverbialmousethatroared.ItdawnedonAstridthatatfamilygatheringsthesedays,herhusbandalwaysseemedtobeatthecenter of the financial debateswith themen.Michael relished beingthe go-to guy for advice about the tech industry and the newfoundrespecthewasforgingwithherfatherandbrothers,whohadforyearstreatedhimwithbarelyveiledcondescension.Hehadalsodiscoveredhis acquisitive side, andAstrid hadwatched inwide-eyedwonder ashistasteshadupgradedfasterthanyoucouldsay“DoyoutakeAmex?”

She glanced over at himnow, cutting such a dashing figure in hisdarkgrayCesareAttolinisuitandhisperfectlyknottedBorrellitie,theface of his Patek Philippe Nautilus Chronograph glinting under theflash of streetlamps as he shifted gears forcefully on his iconicautomobile,theonethateveryhot-bloodedmalefromJamesDeantoFerrisBuellerhadcoveted.Shewasproudofallhehadachieved,butpartofhermissedtheoldMichael,themanwhowashappiestloungingat home in his soccer kit enjoying his plate of tau you bahk*4 withwhitericeandhisTigerbeer.

As they drove along palm-tree-linedNeilRoad,Astrid gazed at allthecolorfulheritageshophouses.Thensherealizedtheyhadjustspedpasttherestaurant.“Hey,youmissedtheturn.ThatwasBukitPasohwejustpassed.”

“Don’tworry,Ididthatonpurpose.We’regoingtocircletheblockforawhile.”

“Why?Aren’twealreadylate?”

“I’ve decided to give them a littlemore time to cool their heels. Iinstructed themaîtred’ tomakesure theygetdrinksat thebar first,andthattheyareseatedrightbythewindowsothattheywillhavethebestviewofuspullingup.Iwantalltheguystoseemegetoutofthis

car,andthenIwantthemtoseeyougettingoutofthiscar.”

Astridalmostwantedtolaugh.Whowasthismannexttohertalkingthisway?

Michael continued, “We’replaying this gameof chicken rightnow,andIknowtheywanttoseewhoblinksfirst.Theyhaveraginghard-ons to acquire thisnewproprietary technology thatwe’vedeveloped,and it’s really important that I am able to convey the right image tothem.”

They finally pulled up outside the elegant white colonial-erashophouse that had been converted into one of the island’s mostacclaimedrestaurants.AsAstridgotoutofthecar,Michaellookedheroverandsaid,“Youknow,Ithinkyoumadeamistakechangingoutofthat firstcocktaildress. Itshowedoffyoursexy legs.Butat leastyouhave those earrings. That’s really going to make their jaws drop,especially the wife. It’ll be great—I want them to know that I’m notgoingtobeacheapdate.”

Staring at him in disbelief, Astrid stumbled for a moment on thepristinewoodendeckleadingtothefrontdoor.

Michaelgrimaced.“Shit,Ihopetheydidn’tseeyoudothat.Whythehellareyouwearingthoseridiculousbootsanyway?”

Astridbreathedindeeply.“What’sthewife’snameagain?”

“Wendy.AndtheyhaveadognamedGizmo.Youcantalkaboutthedogwithher.”

Awaveofnauseachurnedlikeacidatthebaseofherthroat.Forthefirst time in her life, she had a true appreciation of how it felt to betreatedlikeacheapdate.

*1Theliteraltranslationis“pullvehicle,”butthisHokkientermreferstorickshawpullersoranythingthatisdeemedlowclass.(Ofcourse,MichaelhasneverbeentoManhattan,wherepedicabdriverstendtobeout-of-workmalemodelswhochargemorethanUberBlackCars.)

*2“Realorfake?”inHokkien.

*3Literally“Mycock!,”thisHokkiensweariscomparabletotheAmerican“Fuckinghell!”

*4Porkbellycookedinsoysauce,asimpleHokkiendish.

10

THEBINGS

SHANGHAI

Nick,Rachel,Carlton,andRoxannestoodon thewide stone stepsoftheBingestate,watchingColettegiveawarmhugtothemanthathadjuststeppedoutoftheconvoyofSUVs.

“Who’sthat?”NickaskedRoxanne.

“RichieYang,”Roxannereplied,beforeaddinginawhisper,“oneofColette’ssuitors,who’sbasedinBeijing.”

“He’sratherdressedupfortonight.”

“Oh, he is always very fashionable.NoblestMagazine ranked himthe best-dressed man in China, and his father is ranked the fourthrichestmaninChinabyTheHeronWealthReport,withanetworthofUS$15.3billion.”

A short, slightman in his early fifties emerged from the armoredSUV.Hisfacehadaslightlypunched-inlook,somethingthathisneatlytrimmed Errol Flynn mustache only served to accentuate. “Is thatColette’sfather?”Nickasked.

“Yes,thatisMr.Bing.”

“What’sheranked?”Nickaskedinjest.Hefoundtheserankingstoberatherridiculousandmoreoftenthannotwildlyinaccurate.

“Mr.Bingisrankedfifthrichest,butTheHeroniswrong.Atcurrentshare prices,Mr. Bing should be ranked higher thanRichie’s father.Fortune Asia has it correct—it ranks Mr. Bing at number three,”Roxannesaidearnestly.

“What an outrage. I should write a letter to The Heron WealthReporttoprotesttheerror,”Nickjoked.

“Ohnoneed,sir,wealreadyhave,”Roxannereplied.

Mr.Binghelpedawomanwithshoulder-lengthbouffanthair,dark-

tintedsunglasses,andabluesurgicalmaskoverherfaceoutofthecar.

“That’sMrs.Bing,”Roxannewhispered.

“Ifigured.Issheill?”

“No, she is just an extreme germaphobe. This is why she spendsmostofhertimeontheBigIslandofHawaii,whereshethinkstheairis freshest, and why this estate has a state-of-the-art air-purifyingsystem.”

EveryonewatchedasColettegaveherparentspolitehalfhugs,afterwhich themaid bearing the chest of hot towels prostrated herself infront of them as if she were offering gold, frankincense, andmyrrh.Colette’s parents, who wore matching navy blue cashmere Hermèstracksuits,tookthesteamingtowelsandbeganwipingtheirhandsandfaces methodically. Mrs. Bing then stretched out her hands, andanothermaid rushed up and squirted hand sanitizer onto her eagerpalms. After they had finished, Wolseley offered his greetings, andthenColettegesturedforthegrouptoapproach.

“Papa,Mama,meetmyfriends.YouknowCarlton,ofcourse.Thisishissister,Rachel,andherhusband,NicholasYoung.TheyliveinNewYork,butNicholasisfromSingapore.”

“CarltonBao!Howisyourfatherdoingthesedays?”Colette’sfathersaidasheclappedhimontheback,beforeturningtoNickandRachel.“JackBing,”he said, shaking theirhandsvigorously.HeeyedRachelwithmuch interest, saying inMandarin, “You lookunmistakably likeyourbrother.”Colette’smother,bycontrast,didnotextendherhandsbut nodded quickly as she peered at them from behind her surgicalmaskandFendisunglasses.

“Richie’splanewasparkednexttoourswhenwelanded,”JackBingsaidtohisdaughter.

“IjustflewinfromChile,”Richieexplained.

“Iinsistedhejoinusfordinner,”Colette’sfathersaid.

“Ofcourse,ofcourse,”Colettesaid.

“Andlookwho’shere—CarltonBao,themanwithninelives!”Richiecracked.

Rachel noticed Carlton’s jaw tense up the same way hers didwhenever she was annoyed, but he laughed politely at Richie’s

comment.

Everyonemadetheirwayintothegrandsalon.Uponentering,theywere met by a man who Rachel thought looked rather familiar. Hestoodbythedoorbearingatraythatheldasparklingdecanterandafreshlypouredglassofscotch.Itsuddenlydawnedonherthatshehadseen him at Din Tai Fung, where he had been introduced as thesommelier.She realizednow that theFrenchmandidn’twork for therestaurant—hewastheBings’personalmastersommelier.

“Would you care for the twelve-year-old sherry to welcome youhome,sir?”hesaidtoMr.Bing.

Nick had to bite his tongue to keep from cracking up—the mansounded like he was offering Colette’s father the services of a childprostitute.

“AhBaptiste,thankyou,”JackBingsaidinheavilyaccentedEnglishashegrabbedtheheavycut-glasstumblerfromthetray.

Mrs.Bing removedher surgicalmask,headed for thenearest sofa,andploppeddownwithasatisfiedsigh.

“No,Mother,let’snotsithere.Let’ssitonthesofabythewindows,”Colettesaid.

“Aiyah,I’vebeenflyingalldayandmyfeetaresoswollen.Whycan’tyoujustletmesithere?”

“Mother,Ihadthemaidsspeciallyfluffthelotussilkpillowsonthatsofa for you, and themagnolia trees are in full bloom thisweek.Wemustsitbythewindowssoyoucanenjoythem,”Colettesaidsharply.

Rachel jumped at Colette’s tone.Mrs. Bing got up reluctantly andthewholegroupmadetheirwaytothewallofglassat theendof thegrandsalon.

“Now,Mother, sit here so you can face the topiaries. Dad, you sithere.MeiChingwillbringlittlestoolsforyourfeet.MeiChing,whereare the pillow-top stools?” Colette demanded. Colette made herselfcomfortableonthechaise loungefacinginfromthewindows,butforeveryoneelsesittinginthatspot,thesettingsuncastablindingglare.It began to dawn on Rachel and Nick that the elaborate welcomingritualtheyhadwitnessedoutsidewasn’tsomethingthatColettedidoutof fear or filial respect for her parents. Rather, Colette was just anabsolutecontrolfreakandlikedeverythingdonepreciselyherway.

Aseveryoneleanedatawkwardanglestoavoidtheglare,JackBinggave Nick a discerning look. Who is this man married to BaoGaoliang’slovechild?Hehasajawsochiseleditcouldslicesushi,andhecarrieshimself likeaduke.HenoddedatNickandsaid, “So, youare from Singapore. Very interesting country.What line of work areyouin?”

“I’mahistoryprofessor,”Nickreplied.

“NickstudiedlawatOxford,butheteachesatNewYorkUniversity,”Coletteadded.

“Youwent to all the trouble of getting a lawdegree atOxford, butyoudon’tpractice?”Jackasked.Mustbeafailedlawyer.

“I’veneverpracticed.Historywasalwaysmyfirstpassion.”Nexthe’sgoingtoaskmehowmuchmoneyImakeorwhatmyparentsdo.

“Hmmm,” Jack said. Only these crazy Singaporeans can wastemoneysendingtheirchildrentoOxfordfornothing.MaybehecomesfromoneofthoserichIndonesianChinesefamilies.“Whatdoesyourfatherdo?”

Andthereitis.NickhadmetinnumerableJackBingsovertheyears.Successful, ambitious men who were always looking to makeconnections with people they deemed worthy. Nick knew that bysimply dropping a few of the right names, he could easily impresssomeone like Jack Bing. Since he had no interest in doing that, heansweredpolitely,“Myfatherwasanengineer,buthe’sretirednow.”

“I see,” Jack said.What a waste of a man. With his height andlooks,hecouldhavebeenatopbankerorapolitician.

Nowhe’seithergoingtodigfurtheraboutmyfamily,ormoveontoRachel’sinquisition.Nickaskedoutofcourtesy,“Andwhatdoyoudo,Mr.Bing?”

Jack ignored Nick’s question and turned his attention to RichieYang. “SoRichie, tellmewhatyouweredoing inChile,of allplaces.Scoutingformoreminingcompaniesthatyourfathercanacquire?”

Ohverynice—I’vebeendeemed inconsequential,andheobviouslycouldn’tgiveadamnwhatRacheldoes.Nickchuckledtohimself.

Richie,whowasstaringintentlyathistitaniumVertuphone,scoffedatJack’swords.“GoodGodno!I’mtrainingfortheDakarRally.You

know,thatoff-roadvehicleendurancerace?It’sheldinSouthAmericanow—thecoursestartsinArgentinaandendsinPeru.”

“You’restillracing?”Carltonpipedin.

“Ofcourse!”

“Unbelievable!”Carltonshookhishead,hisvoicelacedwithanger.

“What?YouthinkIgorunninghometoMommyafterjustonelittlewreck?”

Carltonwentredintheface,andhelookedlikehewasabouttoleapoutofhischairandlungeatRichie.Coletteplacedherhandonhisarmandsaidinacheeryvoice,“I’vealwayswantedtovisitMachuPicchu,butyouknowIgetterriblealtitudesickness.IwenttoSt.Moritz lastyearandgotsoill,Icouldhardlydoanyshopping.”

“You never told me that! See how you constantly put your life indanger by going to dangerous places like Switzerland?” Mrs. Bingadmonishedherdaughter.

Colette turned tohermother and said in an irritated tone, “Itwasfine,Mother.Now,whodiedandmadeyouJackieOnassis?Whyareyouwearingthosesunglassesinthehouse?”

Mrs. Bing sighed dramatically. “Hiyah, you don’t know my latestsuffering.” She took off her sunglasses and revealed puffy, swolleneyes.“Ican’topenmyeyesproperlyanymore.See,see?IthinkIhavethisveryrarediseasecalledmayo…mayonnaisegravies.”

“Oh,youmeanmyastheniagravis,”Racheloffered.

“Yes, yes! You know it!” Mrs. Bing said excitedly. “It affects themusclesaroundyoureyes.”

Rachel nodded sympathetically. “I’ve heard it can be verydebilitating,Mrs.Bing.”

“Please, call me Lai Di,” Colette’s mother said, warming up toRachel.

“Youdonothavemayonnaisegravy,orwhateveryoucallit,Mother.Youreyesareall swollenbecauseyousleep toomuch.Anyonewouldlook like that if they slept fourteen hours a day,” Colette saiddisdainfully.

“Ihavetosleepfourteenhoursadaybecauseofmychronicfatigue

syndrome.”

“Another disease you do not have, Mother. Chronic fatiguesyndromedoesnotmakeyousleepy,”Colettesaid.

“Well, I’m going to see a specialist formayonnaise-athena graviesnextweekinSingapore.”

Colette rolled her eyes and explained to Rachel and Nick, “MymotherkeepsninetypercentofallthedoctorsinAsiaemployed.”

“Well, she’s probably seen quite a few ofmy relatives, then,”Nickquipped.

Mrs.Bingperkedup.“Whoareyourdoctorrelatives?”

“Let’s see…the one you might know is my uncle Dickie—RichardT’sien,he’s aGPwhohasmany society clients.No?Then there’shisbrotherMarkT’sien,anophthalmologist;mycousinCharlesShang,ahematologist;myothercousinPeterLeong,aneurologist.”

Mrs.Binggasped.“Dr.Leong?Whosharesaclinic inK.L.withhiswife,Gladys?”

“Yes,that’shim.”

“Aiyah!Smallworld—IwenttoseehimwhenIthoughtIhadabraintumor.AndthenIwenttoseeGladysforasecondopinion.”

Mrs.BingbeganrattlingawayexcitedlytoherhusbandinaChinesedialect thatNick couldn’t recognize. Jack,who had been listening toRichie describe the special off-road vehicle he was designing withFerrari,immediatelycircledbacktoNick.“PeterLeongisyourcousin.SoHarryLeongmustbeyouruncle?”

“Yes, he is.” Now he thinks I’m a Leong. My market value isreboundingagain.

JackeyedNickwithrenewedinterest.MyGod,thisboyisoneoftheLeongPalmOilpeople!Rankednumber threeonTheHeronWealthReport’slistofrichestfamiliesinAsia!Nowonderhecanaffordtobeateacher!“IsyourmotheraLeong?”Jackaskedexcitedly.

“No,she’snot.HarryLeongmarriedmyfather’ssister.”

“Isee,”Jacksaid.Hmm.FamilynameYoung.Neverheardofthem.Thiskidmustcomefromthepoorsideofthefamily.

Mrs. Bing leaned toward Nick. “What other doctors are in your

family?”

“Er…doyouknowDr.MalcolmCheng,theHongKongcardiologist?”

“OhmyGod!Anotheroneofmydoctors!”Mrs.Bingsaidexcitedly.“Iwent toseehimformy irregularheartbeat. I thoughtmaybeIhadmicro-valve relapse, but it turned out I just needed to drink lessStarbucks.”

Richie, who was getting increasingly bored of all the doctor talk,turnedtoColette.“When’sdinner?”

“It’s almost ready. My Cantonese chef is making her famousparchmentchickenwithwhitetruffles.”*1

“Yum!”

“Andasaspecialtreat,I’vealsoaskedmyFrenchcheftomakeyourfavoriteGrandMarniersouffléfordessert,”Coletteadded.

“Yousureknowthewaytoaman’sheart,don’tyou?”

“Onlycertainmen,”Colettesaid,liftingoneeyebrow.

Rachel glanced at Carlton to see how he was reacting to thisexchange,butheseemedtobestaringintentlyathisiPhone.HethenlookedupandnoddedquicklyatColette,whocaughthisgesturebutsaid nothing. Rachel couldn’t decipher what was going on betweenthem.

Wolseley soon announced that dinner was ready, and the partyadjourned to the dining room, which was a glassed-in terrace up ashort flight of steps overlooking the big reflecting pool. “It’s just acasualfamilydinnertonight,soIthoughtwecoulddineinformallyonourlittleair-conditionedterrace,”Coletteexplained.

Of course, the terrace was neither little nor informal. Lining theperimeter of the tennis-court-size space were tall silver hurricanevotive lamps filledwith flickering candles, and the roundzitan-wooddining table that seated eight was elaborately set with “casual”Nymphenburg china. Maids stood at attention behind every chair,waiting as if their life depended on it to help ensure that each guestcouldproperlymanagethefeatofsittingdown.

“Now, beforewe start dinner, I have a special treat for everyone,”Colette announced. She glanced atWolseley and nodded. The lightswere dimmed, and the first strains of the classic Chinese folk song

“JasmineFlower”begantoboomfromtheoutdoorloudspeakers.Thetrees around the great reflecting pool outside suddenly lit up inbrilliant shades of emerald, and the waters of the pool, lit in deeppurple, started to churn. Then, as the operatic singing began,thousandsofwater jets shotup into thenight sky, choreographed tothemusicandmorphingintoelaborateformationsandarainbowriotofcolors.

“My goodness, it’s just like the Bellagio dancing fountain in LasVegas!”Mrs.Bingsquealedindelight.

“Whendidyouhavethisputin?”Jackaskedhisdaughter.

“They’vebeenworkingon it insecret formonths.Iwanted it tobereadyintimeformysummergardenpartywithPanTingTing,”Coletteproudlyexplained.

“AllthisjusttoimpressPanTingTing!”

“Nonsense—IdidthisforMother!”

“Andhowmuchisthiscostingme?”

“Oh—it wasmuch less than youmight think. Only around twentybucks.”

Colette’sfathersighed,shakinghisheadinresignation.

Nick and Rachel exchanged looks. They knew that among thewealthyChinese,“bucks”meant“millions.”

ColetteturnedtoRachel.“Doyoulikeit?”

“It’s spectacular. And whoever is singing sounds a lot like CelineDion,”Rachelsaid.

“It is Celine. It’s her famousduet inMandarinwith SongZuying,”Colettesaid.

As the water spectacle ended, a line of maids entered the diningterrace, eachbearinganantiqueMeissenplatter.The lights cameonagain,and inperfectunison themaidsplacedaplatterofparchmentchicken in front of eachdinner guest.Everyonebeganundoing theirparchments,whichhadbeenadorablyknottedinbutcher’stwine,andtantalizing aromas came seeping out of the golden-brown paper. AsNickwasabouttotakehisfirstbiteintothesucculent-lookingchickenthigh, he spied the trusty Roxanne creep up to Colette and whispersomething into her ear. Colette grinned broadly and nodded. She

lookedacross the tableatRachelandsaid, “Ihaveone final surpriseforyou.”

Rachel sawBaoGaoliangcomingup the stairs to thedining room.Everyoneat the table rose indeference to thehigh-rankingminister.Gaspingindelight,Rachelgotupfromherseattogreetherfather.BaoGaoliang looked just as surprised to see Rachel. He hugged herwarmly,muchtoCarlton’sastonishment.Hehadneverseenhisfatherdisplay physical affection for anyone like that before, not even hismother.

“Iamsosorrytointerruptyourdinner.IwasinBeijingafewhoursago, and I suddenly got strong-armedby these two conspirators andputontoaplane,”Gaoliangsaid,gesturingtowardCarltonandColette.

“Nointerruptionatall.Itisanhonortohaveyouherewithus,BaoBuzhang,”*2 Jack Bing said, getting up and patting Gaoliang on theback. “This calls for a celebration.Where’s Baptiste?We need someveryspecialTigerBonewine.”

“Yes,tigerpowerforeveryone!”Richiecheered,gettinguptoshakeBaoGaoliang’shand.“Thatwasaveryinsightfulspeechyougavelastweekaboutthedangersofmonetaryinflation,Lingdao.”*3

“Oh,wereyouthere?”BaoGaoliangasked.

“No,IwatcheditonCCTV.I’mapoliticsjunkie.”

“Well,I’mgladsomeofyouyoungergenerationpayattentiontothiscountry’saffairs,”Gaoliangsaid,castingasidewaysglanceatCarlton.

“I only pay attentionwhen I feel like our leaders are being on thelevelwithme. I don’twatch any of the speeches that are all hype orrhetoric.”

Carltonhadtoresistrollinghiseyes.

AplacesettingnexttoRachelwasswiftlyarrangedforGaoliang,andColettegraciouslygestured,“BaoBuzhang,pleasedositdown.”

“I’msorrytoseethatMrs.Baocouldn’tjoinus.IsshestillheldupinHongKong?”Rachelasked.

“Yes, unfortunately. But she sends her regards,” Gaoliang saidquickly.

Carlton let out a snort. Everyone at the table looked at him

momentarily.Carlton looked likehewasabout tosaysomething,butthenhe changedhismindand chuggeda full glass ofMontrachet inseveralquickgulps.

Asthemealresumed,RachelfilledherfatherinoneverythingtheyhaddonesincearrivinginShanghai,whileNickchattedamiablywiththeBings andRichieYang.Nickwas relieved thatBaoGaolianghadfinally shownup, andhe could seehowexcitedRachelwas to spendtime with him. But he couldn’t help noticing that a few seats away,Carlton sat stone-facedwhileColette seemed to be gettingmore andmore agitated as each course was served.What’s the deal? Both ofthemlookliketheycouldspontaneouslycombustatanymoment.

Suddenly,whileeveryonewasinthemidstofsavoringtheLanzhou-stylehand-pullednoodleswithlobsterandabalone,Coletteputdownher chopsticks andwhispered into her father’s ear. The two of themabruptlygotup.“Pleaseexcuseusforamoment,”Colettesaidwithaforcedsmile.

Colettemarchedherfatherdownstairsandassoonastheywereoutofearshot,shebegantoscream:“Whatisthepointofhiringthebestbutler inEngland to teachyoupropermanners,whenyou justwon’tlearn? You were slurping your noodles so loudly, it made my teethache! And the way you spit out your bones onto the table,my God,Christian Liaigre would have a heart attack if he knew what washappeningonhisbeautifultable!AndhowmanytimeshaveItoldyounottokickyourshoesoffwhenwearediningwithcompany?Don’tlietome—Icouldsmellsomethingfromamileaway,andIknowitwasn’tthesnow-peashootssimmeredinstinkytofu!”

Jack laughed at his daughter’s tantrum. “I am the son of afisherman.Ikeeptellingyou,youcannotchangeme.Butdon’tworry,itdoesn’tmatterhowgoodmymannersare.As longas this remainsfat,” he patted the wallet in his back pocket, “even in China’s bestdiningrooms,noonewillcareifIspitonthetable.”

“Rubbish! Everyone can change! Look howwellMother is doing—shehardly chewswithhermouthopen anymore, and shewieldsherchopstickslikeanelegantShanghaineselady.”

Colette’s fathershookhishead inamusement. “Hiyah, I reallypitythatidiotRichieYang.Hedoesn’tknowwhathe’sgettinghimselfinto.”

“Whatonearthdoyoumean?”

“Don’ttrytodeceiveyourownfather.YourplanofdanglingCarltonBao in frontofRichiehaspaidoff likeacharm. Ihavea feelinghe’splanningtoproposetoyouanydaynow.”

“That’sridiculous,”Colettesaid,stillfumingatherfather’snegligentetiquette.

“Really? Then why did he beg his way onto my plane to ask mypermissionforyourhandinmarriage?”

“Howsillyofhim.Ihopeyoutoldhimexactlywherehecouldstuffthatproposal.”

“Actually, I gave Richie my blessing. I think it will be a brilliantmatch,not tomention that Iwill finallybeable tostop fightingovercompanieswithhisfather.”Jackgrinned,flashingthecrookedincisorthatColettewasconstantlybegginghimtogetfixed.

“Don’tstartgettinganyfantasiesofmergers,Dad,becauseIhavenointerestinmarryingRichieYang.”

Jacklaughed,andthenhesaidinalowwhisper,“Sillygirl,Ineveraskedifyouwereinterestedinmarryinghim.Yourinterest isnotmyconcern.”

Thenheturnedandheadedbackupstairs.

*1Adelicacywherechickenpiecesaremixedwithahoisinsauceandfive-spicegarnish,wrappedenvelope-styleintosquarepacketsofparchmentpaper,andlefttomarinateovernight(whitetruffles,aningredientnotnormallyfoundinclassicalCantonesecuisine,areanextratouchofdecadenceaddedbytheBings’wildlyambitiouschef).Thepacketsarethendeep-fried,allowingthedeliciousmarinadetocaramelizeontothechicken.Fingerlickin’good!

*2Mandarinfor“minister,”thecorrectformofaddressforahigh-rankingofficial.

*3Mandarinfor“boss,”thecorrectformofaddressforreallysuckinguptoahigh-rankingofficial.

11

CORINNAANDKITTY

HONGKONG

She’slateagain.CorinnastoodfumingbytherevolvingdoorsoutsideGloryTower.ShehadspecificallytoldKittytoarrivenolaterthantenthirty,butitwasnowalmosteleven.I’mgoingtohavetogivehermypunctuality lecture—theoneIhaven’thadtousesinceworkingwiththatBurmesefamilyin2002,Corinnathoughtasshenoddedpolitelyatallthenicelydressedpeoplerushingpastherintothebuilding.

A few minutes later, Kitty’s modest new pearl white Mercedes S-Class sedan pulled up at the curb, and Kitty emerged from the car.Corinna jabbedatherwatchanxiously,andKittyquickenedherpaceacrosstheplaza.AtleastKittyhaddiligentlyfollowedheradviceintheappearance department and gone were the complicated up-do, theoverlywhitenedface,andtheburlesque-redlipstick.

In their place, the immaculately transformed Kitty only had adustingofblushonhercheeks,alightapricotglossonherlips,andarelaxedmaneofchestnut-highlightedhaircutfourinchesshorter.Sheworeababy-chicken-yellowCarolinaHerreradresswithsilkfaillepuffsleeves,low-heeledbeigepumpsofindeterminatebrand,andasimpleGivenchygreencrocodileclutch,withheronlyjewelrybeingapairofpearl studearringsandadaintydiamondsidewayscrossnecklacebyIleanaMakri.Theoveralleffectrenderedhervirtuallyunrecognizable.

“You’reverylate!Nowwewillbenoticedwhenweenter,asopposedtoblendinginwiththecrowd,”Corinnascolded.

“I’m sorry—this whole church thing has got me so nervous, Ichangedsix times.Does this lookokay?”Kittyasked, readjusting thepleatsonherskirt.

Corinna scrutinized her for a moment. “The cross might beoverdoingitabitforyourfirstvisit,butIwillletitpass.Otherwise,itlooks quite appropriate—you no longer remind me of Daphne

Guinness.”

“The church is inside this office building?” Kitty asked, a littleconfusedastheyenteredthepeach-marble-cladlobbyofGloryTower.

“I told you, this is a very special church,” Corinna replied as theywentupanescalatortothemainreceptionhall.There,agreetingtabledraped with ruffled blue bunting was manned by a trio of teenagegreetersandseveralsecurityguards.AnAmericangirlwithaheadsetandaniPadcameboundingtowardthemwithabigtoothygrin.“Goodmorning! Are you joining us for the main service or the Seekers’Class?”

“Themainservice,”Corinnaanswered.

“Yournames,please?”

“Corinna Ko-Tung and Kitty—I mean—Katherine Tai,” Corinnareplied,usingthenameKittyhadusedbeforeshebecameasoap-operastar.

Thegirl scrolled throughher iPadand said, “I’m sorry, Idon’t seeyouonthelistforSundayservices.”

“Oh,Iforgottomention—we’reguestsofHelenMok-Asprey.”

“Okay,yes,Iseeyouhere.HelenMok-Aspreyplustwo.”

A female security guard approached and presented each of themwith lanyards with freshly printed name badges attached in plasticsleeves.Printedinavibrantpurplefontwerethewords“StratosphereChurch Sunday Worship—Guest of Helen Mok-Asprey,” followed bythe church’s motto in italics: Communing with Christ at a HigherLevel.

“Puttheseonandtakethefirstelevatoruptotheforty-fifthfloor,”theguardinstructed.

When Kitty and Corinna reached the forty-fifth floor, anothergreeterwithaheadsetstoodwaitingtoescortthemtoanelevatorbankacrossthehall,thisonetakingthemuptotheseventy-ninthfloor.

“We’realmostthere—justonemoresetofelevators,”CorinnasaidasshestraightenedthecollaronKitty’sdress.

“Arewegoingallthewaytothetop?”

“Theverytop.See—Itoldyoutobeearlypreciselybecause it takes

fifteenminutesjusttogetupthere.”

“Allthistroubleforachurch!”Kittygrumbled.

“Kitty, you are about to enter the most exclusive church in HongKong—Stratosphere was started by the billionaire Pentecostal Siewsisters,anditisstrictlybyinvitation.Notonlyisitthehighestchurchintheworld,atninety-ninestorysabovetheearth,butitboastsmoremembersontheSouthChinaMorningPost’s rich list thananyotherprivateclubontheisland.”

With that introduction, theelevatordoorsopenedonto theninety-ninthfloor,andKittywasmomentarilyblindedbythelight.Shefoundherself standing in the apex of the tower under a soaring atrium, itscathedral-likeceilingsconstructedalmostentirelyofglassfloodingthespacewithintensesunlight.Kittywantedtoputonhersunglasses,butshesuspectedthiswouldelicitanotherscoldingfromCorinna.

Thenextthingtoassaulthersenseswastheblaringrockmusic.Asthey took a seat in one of the back rows, Kitty saw hundreds ofworshipperswiththeirhandsraisedandwavinginunisonastheysangalongtotheChristianrockband.ThebandwasmadeupofastrappingblondleadsingerwhocouldhavepassedforaHemsworthbrother,aChinese femaledrummerwithabuzz cut, anotherwhiteguyonbassguitar, three college-ageChinesegirls singingbackup, anda scrawnyteenageChineseboyinagreenIzodshirtthreesizestoobigpoundingawayfranticallyonaYamahakeyboard.

Everyonesang:“JesusChrist,comeintome!JesusChrist,comefillmeup!”

Kitty took in the whole spectacle with childlike awe—none of thiswasanythinglikewhatsheeverimaginedaChristianchurchservicetobe:thecelestiallight,thethumpingmusic,thehunkyrockgodonstage,andbestofall,theview.Fromherseat,shehadajaw-droppingbird’s-eyeviewofHongKongIsland,fromPacificPlacemallinAdmiraltyallthewaytoNorthPoint.Ifthiswasn’theavenonearth,whatwas?Shetookoutherphoneandbegansnappingafewcovertpictures.Shehadneverseenthetopof2IFCupclosebefore.

“Whatonearthdoyouthinkyou’redoing?Putthataway!You’reinthehouseofGod!”Corinnahissedintoherear.

Kittyputawayherphonered-faced,butwhisperedtoCorinna,“Youliedtome—lookhoweveryoneisdressedtotheninesexceptme!”Kitty

said,pointingtotheyoungwomaninthefrontrowinawhiteChanelsuit, the three enormous Bulgari gemstone rings on her fingerssparklingbrightlyasshewavedherarmsbackandforth.

“She’s the pastor’swife. She is entitled to dress like that, but as anewvisitor,youcan’t.”

Kitty was aggravated at first, but as she gazed at the giganticcumulus clouds in the crisp azure sky, with the roar of the catchychorusinherearsandeveryonearoundhersingingtheirgutsout,shebegantofeelstrangenewemotionsstirringwithin.Thedapperguyinthehounds-toothjacketandtightSaintLaurentjeansnexttoherwasscreechingoff-key,“EverythingIneedisrighthere,Jesus!EverythingIneeeeed,”tearsofjoystreamingdownhisface.Shefounditstrangelysexy to see this younghipster crying soopenly.Afterhalf anhourofsinging,theblondleadsinger—whoturnedouttobethepastor—saidto thecongregation inanAmericanaccent, “It fillsmewith somuchjoytoseeallyourbrighthappyfacestoday.Let’ssharethelove!Let’ssharethejoybypassingitalongtothepersonnexttoyou!Howaboutthat?”

BeforeKittyknewwhatwashappening,thecryinghipsterturnedtoherandgaveherabigbearhug.Thenthemiddle-agedtaitaiinfrontof her turned around and embraced her warmly. Kitty was stunned.HongKongers—huggingeachother!Howwasthispossible?Andnotjustoneor two friendswhokneweachother.Perfectstrangers werehugging each other and introducing themselves. This was amiracle.MyGod, if thiswaswhat itwas like tobeaChristian, shewanted inrightnow!

•••

When theservice finallyconcluded,Corinna turned toKitty. “At last,timeforcoffeeandcake.Followme.”

“Idon’twanttospoilmyappetite.Aren’twegoingtoCuisineCuisineforlunch?”

“Kitty, thewhole reason Ibrought youhere is so you can socializewiththesepeopleovercoffeeandcake.Thisisthemainevent.Manyofthe members are the younger generation of Hong Kong old-guardfamilies,andthisisthebestchanceyouhaveofgettingtoknowthem.Theywillbemuchmoreacceptingofyoubecausetheyareborn-againChristians.”

“Bornagain?Howcanyoubeborntwice?”

“Hiyah,I’llexplainlater.Buttheimportantthingyouneedtoknowaboutbeingaborn-againChristianisthatonceyourepentandacceptJesusintoyourheart,youareforgivenforallyoursinsnomatterwhattheyare.Whetheryoumurderedyourparents,sleptwithyourstepson,orembezzledmillionstofundyoursingingcareer—thesepeoplehavetoforgiveyou.NowwhatIhopetoaccomplishtodayistogetyouintooneoftheBibleStudyFellowships.ThegroupthateveryonewantstojoinisHelenMok-Asprey’s,butit’saveryclosedcircleofonlythetopladies. To begin with, I would aim for the group led by my nieceJustinaWei.It’sayoungercrowd,andtherearequiteafewgirlsfromgoodfamiliesinthatone.Justina’spaternalgrandfather,WeiRaMen,startedYummyCupNoodles,soeveryonecallshertheInstantNoodleHeiress.”

Kittywassteeredtowardamoon-facedwomaninherearlythirties.She couldn’t believe that this persondressed in a secretary-likenavypantsuitwasthenoodleheiressshehadheardsomuchabout.“Justina—hiyah,gumnoimohgin!*1MeetmyfriendKatherineTai.”

“Hello.AreyourelatedtoStephenTai?”Justinaasked,immediatelytryingtoplaceKittyonhersocialmap.

“Um,no.”

Justina, who was usually only comfortable talking to people sheknew from birth, was forced to resort to her default question. “So,whichschooldidyougoto?”

“I didn’t go to school in Hong Kong,” Kitty responded, a littleflustered. Justina’s long, frizzy, limp hair reminded her of instantnoodles.Shewonderedwhatwouldhappenifyoupouredboilingwateroverthemandletthemsitforthreeminutes.

“Katherinewenttoschoolabroad,”Corinnaquicklyinterjected.

“Oh—isthisyourfirsttimeworshippingwithus?”Justinacockedherhead.

“Yes.”

“Wellthen,welcometoStratosphere.Whichchurchdoyounormallyattend?”

Kittytriedtothinkofallthechurchesshepassedeverysingledayon

the way down from her apartment on The Peak, but her mindtemporarilywentblank. “Er, theChurchofVolturi,” sheblurtedout,picturingthechurch-likespacefromtheTwilightmovieswherethosescaryoldvampiressatonthrones.

“Oh,Idon’tknowthatone.IsitoveronKowloonside?”

“Yes it is,”Corinnasaid,comingtotherescueagain.“Ireallymustintroduce Kit—I mean Katherine to Helen Mok-Asprey. I see Helenalready grabbing the flowers from the church altar, so I know she’sabouttoleave.”

PullingKittyofftotheside,Corinnasaid,“MyGod,thatwasanutterdisaster! What is wrong with you today? Where is the girl whocharmedthesocksoffEvangelinedeAyala?”

“Sorry, sorry, I don’t knowwhat’s happening. I guess I’m just notusedtoallthis—mynewname,pretendingtobeaChristian,dressingthisway.Withoutmynormalmakeupor proper jewelry, I feel like Idon’thavemyarmoron.Peoplealwaysused toaskmeaboutwhat Iwaswearing,andnowIcan’teventalkaboutthat.”

Corinnashookherheadindismay.“You’reanactress!It’stimeyouputyourimprovskillstothetest.Justthinkofitasplayinganewrole.Remember, you are no longer the evil twin sister. You are the goodwifenow.Youspendallyourtimetakingcareofyourinvalidhusbandandyouryoungdaughter,andthisistheonlytimeallweekyougettosocializewithpeople.Soyoumustbeanimatedandgrateful.Nowlet’stryagainwithHelenMok-Asprey.HelenwasbornaMok,divorcedaQuek, and is nowmarried to SirHaroldAsprey. You should addressherasLadyAsprey.”

CorinnasteeredKitty toward thehospitality table,whereawomanwithanenormouscoiffedhelmetofhairwasfurtivelywrappingupsixenormous slices of Black Forest cake in paper napkins and stuffingthemintoherbigblackOrotonhandbag. “Helen, thankyousomuchforputtingusonyourlisttoday!”Corinnachirped.

Helenjumpedalittle.“Oh,hi,Corinna.I’mjusttakinghomealittlebitofcakeforHarold.Youknowwhatasweettoothhehas.”

“Yes,Harold’sjustlikeyouwhenitcomestosweets,isn’the?Beforeyou leave, I wanted to introducemy guest Katherine Tai. KatherineusedtobelongtotheVolturiChurchinKowloon,butshe’sthinkingofchanging.”

“Iloveyourchurch!Thankyousomuchforinvitingustoday,LadyAsprey,”Kittysaidsweetly.

HelenlookedKittyupanddown.“Whatalovelylittlecrossthatis,”shecomplimented,beforeturningtoCorinnaandsaying,sottovoce,“Ihadoneverysimilartothat,butIthinkoneofthenewmaidsstoleit.Those new girls from youknowwhere are just so untrustworthy.MyGod,ImissmyNormaandNatty.Youknow,Ipaidthemsowellthatnowthey’veabandonedmetostartabeachbarinCebu.”

Aladychiclyattiredinaceladon-coloredA-linedresscameuptothetablewithtwocarafesfreshlyrefilledwithcoffee.“Mygoodness,whathappened to all the cake? I guess I have to go down to the kitchenagain.”Shesighed.

“OhFi—beforeyourunoff,meetmyfriendKatherineTai.Katherine,thisismycousinFionaTung-Cheng,”Corinnasaid.

“Pleased tomeet you,Katherine,”Fiona said, before givingKitty amore discerning look. “You look so familiar. Are you by any chancerelatedtoStephenTai?”

“They’re distant cousins,” Corinna cut in, trying to stop her fromaskingmorequestions.

KittysmiledcalmlyatFionaandsaid,“YouknowI justadoreyourdress.NarcisoRodriguez,isn’tit?”

“Why yes, thank you,” Fiona beamed. It wasn’t often that anyonecomplimentedherclothes.

“I met him a few years ago,” Kitty continued, ignoring Corinna’sglare. She was going to talk about fashion at church even if it gaveCorinnaastroke.

“Really?YoumetNarciso?”Fionasaid.

“Yes, Iwent tohis fashion show inNewYork.Don’t you think it’swonderfulthataboyfromafamilyofCubanimmigrantscanbecomesuch a successful fashion designer? It’s like the message of today’ssermon—anyonewithawillingheartcanbebornagain.”

HelenMok-Asprey beamed in approval. “How true.My goodness,whydon’tyoujoinmyBiblestudygroup?Wecoulduseanotherfreshyoungperspectivelikeyours.”

Kitty’s face lit up, as Corinna looked on like a proudmother.My

God,Kitty hadhit paydirt onher very first try!MaybeCorinnahadmisjudged her capabilities. At this rate, Kitty was bound to win theladiesoveratBible studyandwouldbegetting invited toall sortsofotherold-guardeventsbythetimethefestiveseasonbegan.

Just then,EddieChengcamestrollingover tohiswife,Fiona.“Areyoudonewithyourcoffeedutiesyet?”TurningtoHelenandCorinna,hebragged,“WeareexpectedtolunchattheLadoories,anditwouldbeverybadformtobelate.”

“I’malmost finished.I justneedtomakeonemorekitchenrunforcake—it’s disappeared so fast today. Eddie, meet Corinna’s friendKatherine.”

EddiemadeanobligatorynodinKitty’sdirection.

“Help me with the cake and then we can get out of here faster,”Fiona said. Walking toward the kitchen with Eddie, she said, “ThatniceladyisgoingtojoinourBiblestudy.Iloveherdress.Ifonlyyouwouldletmewearabrightcolorlikethat.”

EddiestaredatKittyagain,suddenlynarrowinghiseyes.“Whatdidyousayhernamewasagain?”

“KatherineTai—she’sadistantcousinofStephen’s.”

Eddiesnorted. “MaybeonMars theymightberelated,buthereonearththeycertainlyaren’t.Takeagoodlookather,Fi.”

FionastaredsearchinglyatKitty’sface.Suddenlysheletoutagaspof recognitionanddropped the emptymetal cake trayonto the floorwith a loud clang. All eyes in the roomwere on them.Relishing theattention, Eddiemade a beeline to where Corinna, Kitty, andHelenwere standing and announced smugly, “Corinna, I know you havealwaystriedtotakeonthesecharitycases,butthistimeyou’vereallybeenhad.Thiswomanwho’stryingtopassherselfoffasStephenTai’scousin isan imposter.She’sactuallyKittyPong—thegolddiggerwhobroke my brother Alistair’s heart and eloped with Bernard Tai twoyearsago.Hello,Kitty.”

Kittyloweredhereyes.Stungwithhurt,shewasn’tquitesurehowtoreact.Why was she being called an imposter? None of this was herdoing—CorinnawastheonewhohadtoldFionashewasrelatedtothisStephenperson.SheturnedtoCorinna,hopingshewouldcometoherdefense,butthewomanjuststoodthere.

HelenMok-AspreyglaredatKittyandsaidinasharpvoice,“You’rethat Kitty Pong? Carol Tai is a good friend ofmine.What have youdone with her son? And why won’t you let Carol see her owngranddaughter?Gumhaksum!”*2

*1Cantonesefor“Longtimenosee.”

*2Cantonesefor“soblack-hearted.”

12

ASTRID

SINGAPORE

“Are you going for a run now?” Astrid asked Michael as he camedownstairsinnothingbutapairofblackPumarunningshorts.

“Yeah,Ineedtoblowoffsomesteam.”

“Don’tforgetwehaveFriday-nightdinnerinanhour.”

“I’lljoinyoulater.”

“We can’t be late tonight. My Thai cousins Adam and Piya arevisiting,andtheThaiambassadorhasarrangedaspecialperform—”

“Idon’tgiveafuckaboutyourThaicousins!”Michaelsnappedasheranoutthedoor.

He’sstillupset.Astridgotupfromthesofaandheadedupstairs toher study. She logged on to Gmail and saw Charlie’s name lit up.ThankGod.Sheimmediatelypingedhim:

ASTRIDLEONGTEO:Stillatwork?

CHARLIEWU:Yup.Neverleavemyofficethesedays,exceptforjuicebreaks.

ALT:Questionforyou…whenyouareinthemidstofnegotiatingmajordealswithpotentialclients,doyoualsoentertainthem?

CW:Whatdoyoumeanby“entertain”?

ALT:Doyoutakethemouttobusinessdinners?

CW:LOL!Ithoughtyoumeantgetthemlaid!Yes,therearealwaysbusinessdinners…morelunchesactually.Wesometimesdoacelebratorydinnerwhenadealcloses.Why?

ALT:I’mjusttryingtoeducatemyself.It’sfunny—I’vehadtodealwithallkindsofsocialeventswithintricateprotocolsmywholelife,butwhenitcomestothecorporatedinner,I’mtotallyignorant.

CW:Well,you’veneverhadtobeacorporatewife.

ALT:DoesIsabelusuallycometoyourworkdinners?

CW:Isabelataclientdinner?Ha!Hellwouldfreezeover.Cliententertainingrarelyinvolvesspouses.

ALT:EvenforinternationalclientswhoarevisitingAsia?

CW:WheninternationalclientscometoAsia,theygenerallydon’tbringtheirwives.Backinmydad’stimeinthe1980sand’90s,yes,maybesomewiveswantedtocometoHongKongorSingaporetoshop.Butnotsomuchanymore.Ontherareoccasionsthattheydo,wereallytrytorollouttheredcarpet,sothatclientscanconcentrateonworkandnotworrythattheirwivesaregettingrippedoffatStanleyMarket.

ALT:Soyoudon’tfeelthatacrucialcomponentofdeal-makinginvolvesa“dinnerwiththewives.”

CW:Notatall!Thesedays,mostofmyclientsaresingletwenty-two-year-oldmonosyllabicZuckerbergs.Andmanyofthemarewomen!What’sup?I’massumingMichaelistryingtoenlistyourhelpwithsomeclients?

ALT:Italreadyhappened.

CW:Sowhyareyouasking?

ALT:Well,itwasatotaldisaster,thedealfellthrough,andguesswhogottheblame?

CW:Huh?Whywouldyougettheblameforabotcheddeal?LasttimeIchecked,youweren’thisemployee.Didyouspillscaldinghotbakkutteh*1ontotheclient’slaporsomething?

ALT:It’salongstory.Prettyfunny,actually.I’lltellyouaboutitwhenIseeyouinHongKongnextmonth.

CW:C’mon,youcan’tleavemehanginglikethis!

Astridtookherhandsoffthekeyboard.Foramoment,shedebatedwhethertomakesomeexcuseandbegoffortocontinuewithherstory.Shedidn’twant to trashherhusband toCharlie,knowinghealreadyhad a colored impression of Michael, but her need to vent got thebetterofher.

ALT:Michaelhasapparentlybeencultivatingtheseclientsforawhile,andthebigwigandhiswholeteamflewintofinalizethedeal.Hebroughthiswife,soMichaelaskedmetoorganizeanicedinnersomeplacethatwouldimpressallofthem.Thecouplearereallyintofood,soIchoseAndré.

CW:Notbad.Forout-of-townersIalsolikeWakuGhin.

ALT:IloveTetsuya’scooking,butIfeltitwouldn’tberightforthiscrowd.Anyway,forthefirsttimeever,MichaelwasobsessingoverwhatIworetodinner.IhadonwhatIfelttobetheperfectoutfit,buthewantedmetochangeintosomethingmoreostentatious.

CW:Butthat’snotyourstyle!

ALT:Iwantedtobeateamplayer.SoIworethisirresponsiblylargepairofearrings—emeraldsanddiamondsthatreallyshouldnotbeseeninpublicunlessyou’regoingtoastatedinneratWindsorCastleoraweddinginJakarta.

CW:Soundsamazing.

ALT:Well,itendedupbeingthewrongchoice.Wegettotherestaurantlate,andMichaelinsistedondrivinghisnewvintageFerrariandparkingitrightoutside.Soeveryoneisalreadystaringatusaswewalkedin.ThenitturnsoutthebigwigisfromNorthernCalifornia.Lovely,low-keycouple—thewifewaschicbutinanunderstatedway.Shewaswearingabeautifultunicdress,strappysandals,andtheseartsyearringsthatsomekidhadmadeforher.Ilookedoutrageouslyoverdressedbycomparisonanditmadeeveryoneuncomfortable.Everythingwentsouthfromthere,andtodayMichaelcamehomeprettyupset.Theynixedthewholedeal.

CW:AndMichaelblamesYOU?

ALT:Heblameshimselfmore,butIdoseeitwaspartlymyfault.Ishouldhavefollowedmygutandstucktothefirstoutfit.Truthbetold,IwasalittlecheesedoffthatMichaelwassecond-guessingmychoice,soIreallyputmyfootontheacceleratortouptheblingquotientwiththesecondoutfit.Butitwaswaytoomuch,anditputofftheclient.

Astrid’sphonestartedtoring,andshepickeditupwhenshesawitwasCharlieontheline.

“Astrid Leong, that’s the most ridiculous thing I’ve ever heard!Clientsdon’t give a shithow thewivesof theirbusinesspartners aredressed,especiallyinthetechworld.I’msuretherearemanyreasonswhy this deal did not work out, but trust me, your accessories hadnothingtodowithit.Youseethat,don’tyou?”

“Igetwhatyou’resaying,andIagree…partly.Butitwasanunusualnight,andastrangeconfluenceofevents.Youjusthadtobethere.”

“Astrid, that’s total BS. I’m mad at Michael that he would try tomakeyoufeellikeyouwereinanywayresponsible!”

Astridsighed.“IknowIamnotultimatelyresponsible,butIdoseethat if I had done things a little differently, the outcomemight havebeenmorepositive.I’msorryit’supsetyou.Ididn’tmeantodothat—IguessIwasjustselfishlyventingafterMichaelandIgotintoafight.Ifeelbadforhim,Ireallydo.Iknowheworkedsohardtotrytogetthisdealofftheground.”

“Crymeariver!Michael’scompanyisstilldoingfantastic—hisstockhasn’tlostasinglepointoverthis.Buthe’ssomehowmanagedtomakeyou feelbadabout it, and that’swhatworriesme.You justdon’t seehow preposterous this whole line of reasoning is. You did nothingwrong,Astrid.NOTHING.”

“Thank you for saying that.Hey, I gotta run.Cassian is screamingaboutsomething.”Hangingup thephone,Astridclosedhereyesandlet the tears seep out. She didn’t dare tell CharliewhatMichael hadreally said when he came home that afternoon. He had come intoCassian’s bedroom, where Astrid was crouched under the desk withthree chairs barricading her in, and she was wearing the emerald

earrings, pretending to be a captured Guinevere to Cassian’s KingArthur.

“Those goddamn earrings again! You lost me the biggest dealbecauseofthoseearrings!”Michaelscoffed.

“What on earth are you talking about?” Astrid asked, peering outfromherhidingplace.

“Thedealfellthroughtoday.Theyweren’tanywherenearmyaskingprice.”

“I’msosorry,hon.”Astridemerged fromunderneath thedeskandtriedtogivehimahug,buthepulledawayafterasecond.Shefollowedhimdownthehallwaytotheirbedroom.

AsMichael began changing out of hiswork clothes, he continued:“We really screwedup that clientdinner. I don’t blameyou, I blameme. I was the fool who asked you to change. Apparently, your lookdidn’tgooversowellwitheveryone.”

Astridcouldn’tbelieveherears.“Idon’tunderstandwhyanyofthatwouldmatteranyway.WhoreallycareswhatIwaswearing?”

“Inthisbusiness,perceptioniseverything.Andacrucialcomponentofdeal-makingistheall-importantclientdinnerwiththewives.”

“Ithoughtwehadalovelytime.Wendywasravingabouteverydish,andweevenswappednumbers.”

Michael sat down on the bed and put his head in his hands for amoment.“Don’tyousee?Itdoesn’treallymatterwhatthewifethinks.Iwas trying toshowtheguys that I run the leading techcompany inSingapore.Thatwearetheblue-chipchoice,andwehavetheblue-chiplifestyletomatchit.Andtheyneededtopayuswhatwe’reworth.Butitallbackfired.”

“Maybeyou shouldn’thavedriven theFerrari.Maybe thatwas tooobvious,”Astridsaid.

“No, that’snot it.Everyone loved theFerrari.What theydidn’tgetwasyourstyle.”

“Mystyle?”Astridsaidincredulously.

“Allthisstrangevintagestuff,noonegetsit.Whycan’tyoujustwearChanel once in a while like everyone else? I’ve been doing a lot ofthinking,andIthinkweneedtomakesomebigchanges.Ireallyneed

to revamp my image completely. People don’t take me seriouslybecauseofhowwelive.Theythink,‘Ifhehasonethemostsuccessfultech companies in Asia,why doesn’t he live in a bigger house?Whyisn’theinthepressmore?WhydoeshiswifestilldriveanAcura,andwhydoesn’tshehavebetterjewels?’ ”

Astrid shookherhead indisbelief. “Every serious jewelry collectorknowsaboutmyfamily’scollection.”

“That’s part of the problem, hon—no one outside of a tiny inbredcircle has even heard of your family because they are so goddamnprivate!Atdinnermyclientcouldn’timaginethatthoserambutan-sizerocks you had on were real. So instead of making you look moreexpensive,itlookedlikeyouwerewearingcheapcostumejewelry.Doyouknowwhat their general counsel toldSilasTeohoverdrinks lastnight? He said that when we first walked into dinner, all the guysthoughtmydatewassomegirlfromOrchardTowers.”

“OrchardTowers?”Astridwasconfused.

“That’s where all the escorts work.With those boots and earringsyouwerewearingtheothernight—theguysthoughtyouwereahigh-classwhore!”

Astridstaredatherhusband,toostungtospeak.

“Weneedtogobigorgohome.IneedtohireanewPRconsultant,andyouneedanew look.AndI think tomorrowyoushouldcall thatMGS friend of yours who is a realtor, what’s her name again?Miranda?”

“YoumeanCarmen?”

“Yes, Carmen. Tell her we need to start looking at new houses. Iwant a place thatwillmake everyonewho comes over lao nua*2 themomenttheydriveup.”

*1Literallytranslatedas“meatbonetea,”thisisnotthenameofasummereventonFireIslandbutratherapopularSingaporeansoupthatconsistsofmelt-in-your-mouthporkribssimmeredformanyhoursinanintoxicatinglycomplexbrothofherbsandspices.

*2Literallytranslatesas“dribblesaliva”inHokkien.Inotherwords,todrooloversomethingwithenvy.

13

SAVETHESEAMSTRESSFASHIONSHOW

JUNE2013,PORTOFINOESTATES,SHANGHAI

NOBLESTMAGAZINE.COM.CN—

Society columnistHoneyChai live-blogs fromher front-row seatas two of China’s most influential fashion forces come togethertonightfortheworthiestofcauses.5:50p.m.I’ve just arrived at heiress and fashion blogger Colette Bing’sheavenly country estate, where she’s hosting a very special fallfashion preview with her best friend, superstar Pan TingTing.This is the coveted invitation that only three hundred ofChina’schicest have received. Prêt-à-Couture has flown in the mostdecadentlooksfromthetopfashionhousesinEurope.AsAsia’stop supermodels, including Du Juan and Liu Wen, strut therunway, the outfits will be auctioned off to benefit Save theSeamstress, a foundation started by Colette and TingTing thatfights to improve working conditions for garment workersthroughoutAsia.5:53p.m.Asguestswalkupthelongpebbledrivewaytothehouse,alineofFrench waiters in black Napoleon-collared jackets welcome uswith French Blonde cocktails*1 served in vintage Laliquestemware.Nowthat’sclass.6:09p.m.This place resembles the Puli Hotel, only much bigger.We arenowinsidetheBingFamilyMuseum,andeverywhereIlook,IseeWarhols,Picassos,andBacons,andstandinginfrontofthemaresomeofChina’smostfabulouslivingworksofart:LesterLiuandhiswife,Valerie, inava-va-voomvintageChristianLacroixpouf

dress;PerrineumWang sporting aStephen Jones fascinator ofglitterygoldsunrayswithaSacaishreddeddress;StephanieShirockin’itinroyalblueRochas;andTiffanyYapasaucourantaseverinCarven.LetoutShanghaiisheretonight!6:25p.m.I just met Virginie de Bassinet, the chic founder of Prêt-à-Couture, who promises that we will be swooning in our seatswhenthefashionshowstarts.CarltonBao justwalked inwithaprettygirlwholooksalotlikehim.Whocouldshebe,andwhoisthehottiewith them?OMG—ishethatactor fromthehitKoreanTVseriesMyLovefromtheStar?6:30p.m.It’snottheguyfromMyLovefromtheStar.Turnsouthe’ssomehistoryprofessor friendofCarlton’svisiting fromNewYork.Howdisappointing.6:35p.m.Lester andValerie Liu are standing in the gallery where somebeautifulantiquescrollshang,andValerie issobbingonLester’sshoulder.Whatevercouldbewrong?6:45p.m.In the garden now, where seats have been arranged along thesidesofanimmensereflectingpool.Couldthisgardenactuallybeair-conditioned?We’reinthemiddleofaJuneheatwave,andyetIfeelacolddraftblowinganddetectthescentofhoneysuckle.6:48p.m.ThereareiPadsoneveryseat,withaspecialappinstalledsowecan view close-ups of each outfit as it comes down the runwayandplaceourbids.Nowthisisusefultechnology!6:55p.m.EveryoneawaitsthearrivalofColetteandPanTingTing.Whatwilltheybewearing?7:03p.m.Colette justmadeherentrance,withRichieYang rushing up totakeherarmandescorthertoherseat.(Aretherumorsthatthey

are back together true?) This is what Colette has on: a DiorCouturedaffodilstraplessgownwithastrikingsee-throughpanelat the thigh, worn with ridiculously sexy red Sheme heels thatfeatureaheavilybeadedsnakewindingaroundherankles.You’rereadingaboutithereFIRST,beforeshehastimetoblogaboutitherself!7:05p.m.RoxanneWang,Colette’sfabulousassistant,whoisjustkillingitinaRickOwensDRKSHDWblackdenimsuit, just informedmethatthebeadingonthesnakeisactuallyrubies.IDIE!!!!7:22p.m.Still waiting for Pan TingTing, who is more than an hour late.We’re being told that her plane has just landed from London,where she has been filming some top-secret new movie withdirectorAlfonsoCuarón.7:45p.m.Pan TingTing is in da house! I repeat, Pan TingTing is in dahouse!She’ssportingahighponytailanddressedinawhitesilkcharmeusejumpsuitandknee-highridingbootsindistressedgrayleather.DesignernamestocomethemomentIfindout.Jewelry:colorful beaded African Maasai Mara tribal earrings. Not muchbling factor,butwhocares—she looksbeyondamazing, likeshejust came from a motorbike rally across the Gobi desert. Thecrowdisgoingcrazy!!!

•••

Observing the commotion on the other side of the reflecting pool,RachelsaidtoCarlton,“Sothat’stheJenniferLawrenceofChina?”

“Oh, she’s a much bigger star than Jennifer. She’s like JenniferLawrence, Gisele Bündchen, and Beyoncé put together,” Carltondeclared.

Rachel laughed at the analogy. “Until tonight, I’d never heard ofher.”

“Trustme,youwillsoon.EverydirectorinHollywoodistryingtogetherintheirfilms,becausetheyknowitwillmeanhundredsofmillionsinbox-officegoldoverhere.”

PanTingTingstoodattheentrancetothegardenasalleyeslockedonto her. Every guest wanted to study the translucent marblecomplexionthatShanghaiVoguehadlikenedtoMichelangelo’sPietà,those celebrated Bambi eyes, and her Sophia Loren–esque curves.TingTingputonthebeatificsmileshewassofamousforandscannedthe crowd quickly as the first camera flashes went off.No surprisestonight—it’s all the usual suspects. Why did I ever agree to leaveLondon for this event? Good exposure,my agent says. ConsideringthatIamalreadyonsixmagazinecoversthismonth,whydoIneedmore exposure? I could be enjoying that amazing butternut squashsalad at Ottolenghi right now and bicycling through Notting Hilltotally unrecognized (except for the Chinese tourists shopping onLedburyRoad),buthereIam,beingdissectedlikeaninsectunderamicroscope. Speaking of insects, what in Guanyin’s name isPerrineumWangwearingonherhead?Don’tmakeeyecontact.Ohlook,herecomesphotographerRussellWing.HowdoeshemanagetobeateverypartyinAsiaatthesametime?StephanieShijustleapedoutofherseatlikeanelectrocutedpoodle.Justwatch,she’sgoingtotrytostandonmyrightagainsothatwhenthephotographappearsanywhere, the captionwill read “Stephanie Shi andPanTingTing.”Shealwayswantshernametocomefirst.ThankGodhergrandfatherisn’tinpoweranymore.Ihearthatthesedaystheoldmanhastousea colostomy bag. And of course, right behind Stephanie come twoother Beijing princesses, Adele Deng and Wen Pi Fang. God helpthem,they’rebothwearingthoseBalmainbasket-weavedressesthatmakethemlooklikeapairofwalkingrattanchairs.

TheladiesgreetedTingTingwithcloyinghugsandinterlockedtheirarms around her as if they were the closest of friends while Russellsnappedhispictures.MyGod,inthephotoI’mgoingtolooklikethemeat in a Balmain sandwich. Would these guanerdai*2 girls haveevenspit inmydirection fiveyearsago?God, the thingsIdo in thenameofcharity!

Astheyreturnedtotheirseats,AdelewhisperedtoPiFang,“Itriedto look for the scars on her eyelids this time—I really don’t believethose huge raccoon eyes of hers can be real. The problem is she hasfakeeyelasheson,andsheusesverygoodconcealer. Inpictures, sheappearstohaveverylittlemakeupon,butinrealityshehasgobsoninalltherightplaces.”

Pi Fang nodded. “I looked at the nose. No one’s nostrils are that

perfect!IvanKoonswearsthatsheusedtobeaKTVhostessinSuzhouuntil some tycoon therepaid forher togo toSeoul toget everythingredone.Theplastic surgeonhad to issueheroneof thosecertificateswith ‘before’ and ‘after’ pics because she looked nothing like herpassportphotoafterallthebandagescameoff.”

“Pihua!”*3TiffanyYapshotback.“Can’tyoujustacceptthefactthatshewasbornwithnaturalbeauty?NoteveryonehasgonetoSeoultogettheirnosesbrokenonpurposelikethebothofyou.AndTingTingisn’t fromSuzhou—shecomes fromJinan.She’s veryopenabout thefact that beforeZhangYimoudiscoveredher, she soldmakeup at anSK-IIcounter.”

“Well,I’mpartlyrightthen.Thisishowshehasaccesstoallthebestconcealers,”Adeledeclared.

TingTingarrivedatherseatofhonor,betweenColetteandColette’smother. She shook Mrs. Bing’s hands respectfully before taking herseat, and Colette leaned in to give her a double-cheek kiss. Colettelooksfab,asalways.Peoplesaysheonlylooksgoodbecauseshecanafford anything on the planet, but I disagree. She’s got a style thatmoney can’t buy. It’s funny how the press labels us “best friends,”whenthisismaybethefifthtimeI’vemether.Still,she’soneofthefewoutofthisbunchthatIcanactuallystand.She’snotpredictable liketherestof them,and thewayshekeepsall theseguysrunning lapsaroundher likedesperategigolos—it’sprettydamn funny.Now I’mgoing to ignore the fact thatMrs. Bing just slathered on an entirebottleofhandsanitizerrightaftershakingmyhand.

Thelightsinthegardensuddenlywentblack.Afterabriefpause,thebamboogrovebehindthereflectingpoollitupinavibrantYvesKleinblue, while yellow-hued lights submerged deep in the water beganpulsating dramatically like an airport runway. SergeGainsbourg andBrigitte Bardot’s “Bonnie and Clyde” began blaring on the soundsystem,as the firstmodel inagoldengownwitha longchiffon trainglidedacrossthevastpool,appearingtomagicallywalkonwater.

The crowdbroke into rapturous applause, butColette satwithherarmscrossedandherheadtiltedappraisingly.Asmoremodelsdressedin fancily embellished outfits continued to prance down the catwalk,severaloftheladiesinthefrontrowstartedexchangingagitatedlooks.Valerie Liu shook her head disapprovingly, while Tiffany Yap raisedhereyebrowsatStephanieShiasamodel inabiker jacket festooned

withsilkpeoniesstompedpast.Whenatrioofgirlsinmermaidfishtailgownswithbejeweledbodicesappeared,PerrineumWangleanedoverandwhisperedloudlytoColette,“Isthisreallyafashionshow,orareweattheMissUniverseevening-wearcompetition?”

“I’masmystifiedasyouare,”Colettesaidagitatedly.Afewmomentslater, when a model took to the catwalk in a pearlescent satin coatembroideredwithascarletdragon,Colettehadseenenough.Shestoodup imperiously and stormed to the edge of the runway, where thefashion show’s producer, Oscar Huang, was frantically directing themodels.

“Stoptheshow!”Colettedemanded.

“What?”Oscarsaid,confused.

“Isaidstopthedamnshow!”Colettesaid.SheglancedatRoxanne,who had already sprinted over to the audio booth where the soundengineerstood.Themusicwasabruptlycut,thehouselightscameup,and themodels stood awkwardly in their places in inch-deep water,unsureofwhattodo.

ColettegrabbedOscar’sheadsetangrily,toreoffherruby-encrustedstilettos,andjumpedontothePlexiglascatwalkthathid justbeneaththe surface of the water. She strolled to themiddle of the pool andannounced, “I’m so sorry, everyone. This fashion show is over. Thiswas not the show I was expecting, and this was not what I hadpromisedyou.Pleaseacceptmysincereapologies.”

Virginie de Bassinet, the founder of Prêt-à-Couture, came rushingontotherunway.“Whatisthemeaningofthis?”shescreeched.

Colette turned to Virginie. “I should be asking you that question.YouassuredmethatyouwouldbesendingoverthehottestlooksfromLondon,Paris,andMilan.”

“Theseclothesarestraightofftherunway!”Virginieinsisted.

“Whichrunwaywouldthatbe?Ürümqiairport?Tellme,what’swithall thisdragonandphoenixrubbishandtheexcessivebeading?I feellike I’m looking at Russian ice-skater outfits! Would Hubert deGivenchy ever have embroidered pavé crystals on a cashmere cape?Thisisthesortoffashionthatpanderstoignorantfuerdai*4fromthewesternprovinces,anditisaninsulttomyguests!Iinvitedthemoststylish brand influencers and key opinion leaders in the country to

comeheretonight,andIthinkIcanspeakforallofthem:Thereisn’tasingledressI’veseensofarthatwewouldevenletourmaidsbecaughtdeadin!”

VirginiestaredatColette,utterlydumbstruck.

•••

Aftermostoftheguestshaddispersed,ColetteinvitedCarlton,Rachel,Nick,TingTing,andafewofherclosestfriendsbacktothehouseforalightsupper.

“Where’s Richie?” PerrineumWang asked Colette as they enteredthegrandsalon.

“I sent him packing after the stunt he pulled earlier. ImaginepresumingIwouldneedhimtoescortmetomyseat,as ifheownedmeorsomething!”Colettesaidinahuff.

“Bravo,Colette!”AdeleDengsaid.“Icouldn’tagreewithyoumore.Andyoualsodidtherightthingbyshuttingdownthatfashionshow.Itwouldhave ruined your reputationas a style icon to let it goonanylonger.”

Rachel gave Nick a look of bafflement, before venturing to ask,“Forgive my ignorance, but I still don’t really understand whathappened.What was wrong with the show? Frommy iPad guide, itseemedlikewewerelookingatclothesfromallthetopdesigners.”

“Theywere the topdesigners.Butwewere seeingonly the clothesthattheyspecificallydesignedtoappealtotheChinesemarket.Itwasextremely patronizing. This is part of a rather alarming trendwherebrands are sending all these China-centric pieces to Asia, but notgiving us access to the truly fashion-forward pieces that women inLondon,Paris,orNewYorkgettobuy,”Coletteexplained.

“Everyweek,allthetopdesignerssendmeracksandracksoftheseoutfits,hopingIwillwearthem,butmostofthemremindmeofwhatwejustsawcomingdownthatrunway,”TingTingsaid.

“Ihadnoideathiswashappening,”Rachelsaid.

“Where was the Gareth Pugh, I ask you?Where was the HusseinChalayan? If onemoreone-shouldered sequingowncamedown thatcatwalk, Iwasgoing toprojectile vomit!”Perrineumhuffed, thegoldantennaeonherheadwobblinginfury.

Sprawledoutononeofthesofas,TiffanyYapsighed.“Iwashopingto do allmy shopping for next season tonight, but this has been anutterfailure.”

“Youknow, I’ve completely givenup trying to shop inChina thesedays.IjustgostraighttoParis,”StephanieShisniffed.

“Weshouldallgo toParisoneof thesedays.That’dbea fun trip,”Adelesaid.

AsparkcameintoColette’seyes.“Whydon’twegonow?Let’stakemyplaneandgostraighttothesource!”

“Colette,areyouserious?”Stephaniesaidexcitedly.

“Whywouldn’t I be?” Turning to Roxanne, Colette asked, “What’sthejetschedulelike?IsTrentainusenextweek?”

RoxannebeganscrollingthroughheriPad.“YourfatherhasTrentaon Thursday, but I have you scheduled on Venti onMonday. You’resupposedtoflytoGuilinwithRachelandNick.”

“Oh I forgot about that,” Colette said, glancing at Rachel a littlesheepishly.

“Colette,youshouldabsolutelygotoParis.NickandIcanseeGuilinonourown,”Rachelinsisted.

“Nonsense.IpromisedtoshowyoumyfavoritemountainsinGuilin,andwe’lldefinitelygo.Butfirst,youandNickmustcometoPariswithus.”

Rachel shot Nick a glance he could tell translated as, Jesus, notanotherprivatejettrip!Heresponded,carefully,“Wereallywouldn’twanttoimpose.”

ColetteturnedtoCarlton.“Aiyah,tellNickandRacheltostopbeingsopolitewithme!”

“Ofcoursethey’recomingwithustoParis,”Carltonsaidmatter-of-factly,asifitwasaforegoneconclusion.

“Howaboutyou,TingTing?Canyoucome?”Coletteasked.

Forasplitsecond,TingTinglookedlikeadeercaughtinheadlights.I’drathergetascorchingcaseofherpesthanbetrappedonaplanewiththesegirlsfortwelvehours.“Wow—IwishIcouldcometoParis,butI’mduebackonthesetinLondonfirstthingnextweek,”saidthe

actress,givingeveryoneamournfullook.

“That’stoobad,”Colettesaid.

Roxanneclearedher throat loudly. “Ahem, there’sone little snag…yourmotherisusingTrentatomorrow.”

“Whatfor?Where’sshegoing?”Colettedemanded.

“Toronto.”

“Mother!”Coletteshoutedatthetopofherlungs.

Mrs.Bingcamewaddlingintothegrandsalonholdingabowloffishcongee.

“WhydoyouneedtogotoToronto,ofallplaces?”Coletteasked.

“There’safootdoctortherethatMaryXierecommended.”

“What’swrongwithyourfoot?”

“Aiyah,it’snotjustmyfeet.It’smycalvesandmythighs.Theyburnlike fire every time Iwalk formore than tenminutes. I think I havespinalphimosis.”

“Well, if you really have foot problems, you shouldn’t be going toToronto—youshouldgotoParis.”

“Paris,France?”Mrs.Bingsaiddubiouslyasshecontinuedtoeathercongee.

“Yes,don’tyouknowthebestfootdoctorsintheworldareinParis?Theyhavetodealwithallthosewomenkillingtheirfeettryingtowalkoncobblestonestreets in theirRogerViviers.Wewant togo toParistonight.YoushouldcomewithusandI’llgetyoutothetopspecialistthere.”

Mrs. Bing stared at her daughter with a mixture of shock anddelight.ThiswasthefirsttimeColettehadtakenaninterestinanyofherailments.“CanNainai*5andAuntiePanDicometoo?She’salwayswanted to visit Paris, andNainai needs to do something about herbunions.”

“Ofcourse.Wehaveplentyofroom!Inviteanyoneyouwant.”

Mrs.BinggaveStephaniea thoughtful look. “Whydon’t you inviteyourmothertoo?Iknowshe’sbeensosadeversinceyourbrothergotkickedoutofYale.”

“Whatafantasticidea,Mrs.Bing!I’msureshe’dlovetocomealong,especiallyifyou’regoing,”Stephaniereplied.

ColetteturnedtoRoxanneassoonashermotherhadlefttheroom.“Youneedtogoogle‘footdoctorParis.’ ”

“Already done,” Roxanne replied. “And Trenta can be fully staffedandreadyinthreehours.”

Colette turned toher friends. “Whydon’tweallmeet atHongqiaoAirportatmidnight?”

“EverybodygetoutyourGoyards!We’regoingtoParis!”Perrineumcheered.

*1St.Germainelderflowerliqueur,gin,andwhiteLilletmixedwithgrapefruitjuicecreatethisclassiceffervescentaperitif.Chin-chin!

*2AMandarintermforthechildrenoftopgovernmentofficials.

*3Mandarinfor“bullshit!”

*4AMandarintermthatmeans“secondgenerationoftherich.”GenerallyaderogatorytermforthesonsanddaughtersoftheChinesenouveauxricheswhoprofitedfromtheearlyyearsofChina’sreform-eraboom.

*5Mandarinfor“Grandmother.”

14

TRENTA

SHANGHAITOPARISONTHEBINGS’PRIVATEJET*1

The security guard at the Hongqiao International Airport PrivateAviation entrance handed Carlton, Rachel, and Nick their passportsandwavedthemthrough.AsCarlton’sSUVapproachedaGulfstreamVIsurroundedbyarrivingcars,Rachelcommented,“Ihaveabitofaphobia of private jets, but I gotta admit, Colette’s got a beautifulplane.”

“That’saniceplane,butit’snotColette’s.Thatoneis,”Carltonsaid,steeringthecartotheright.Parkedinthedistanceonthetarmacwasan alpine white Boeing 747 jumbo jet with one undulating scarletstripe painted along its fuselage like a giant calligraphy brushstroke.“ThisBoeing747-81VIPwasa fortieth-birthdaypresent forColette’smother.”

“You’ve got to be kidding me!” Rachel said, staring at thehumongousplaneglisteningunderfloodlights.

Nickchuckled.“Rachel,Idon’tknowhowyoucanstillbesurprised.BiggerisalwaysbetterfortheBings,isn’tit?”

“Theyspendsomuchtimecrisscrossingtheglobe,itmakessenseforthem.Andespecially forbusinessmen likeJackBing, time ismoney.WiththelongdelaysattheairportsinShanghaiandBeijingthesedays,it’sanadvantagetohaveyourownplane—youcanjustpaytojumptherunwayqueue,”Carltonexplained.

“Isn’t that precisely what’s causing the flight delays at Chineseairports? All the private jets getting to skip ahead of commercialairliners?”Nickasked.

“Nocomment,”Carltonsaidwithawinkashepulleduptotheredcarpetthatextendedfromtheairplane’sstaircaseontothetarmac.Thegroundcrew immediatelybustledaround the car, openingdoorsand

removing the luggage while Carlton handed off his car to the valet.Along the length of the carpet, fifteen flight crewmembers stood atattention like troops ready for inspection, attired in the same crispblackJamesPerseuniformsseenatColette’shouse.

“I feel likeMichelleObamaabout toboardAirForceOne,”RachelwhisperedtoNickastheywalkedalongtheplushredcarpet.

Overhearingthem,Carltonquipped,“Waittillyougetonboard.ThisplanemakesAirForceOnelooklikeasardinetin.”

At the top of the steps, they entered the cabin door and wereimmediately greetedby the chiefpurser. “Welcomeaboard,Mr.Bao.Goodtoseeyouagain.”

“Hi,Fernando.”

NexttoFernandostoodaflightattendantwhoboweddeeplybeforeaskingRachelandNick,“Yourshoesizes,please?”

“Er…I’masizesix,andhe’satenandahalf,”Rachelsaid,wonderingwhysheasked.

Momentslater,theflightattendantreturnedwithvelvetdrawstringbags for everyone. “A gift from Mrs. Bing,” she announced. RachellookedinsideandsawapairofBottegaVenetaleatherslippers.

“Colette’smumprefersforeveryonetoweartheseonboard,”Carltonexplained,slippingoffhisloafers.“Come,letmegiveyouaquicktourbeforeeveryoneelsegetshere.”Heledthemdownahallwaypaneledin a lacquered gray maple wood and tried to open a set of doubledoors. “Bugger, I guess it’s locked. This is a staircase that leadsdownstairs to the clinic.There’s anoperating theaterwith a full life-supportsystem,andthere’salwaysadoctoronboard.”

“Letmeguess…Mrs.Bing’sidea?”Nickasked.

“Yes,she’salwaysworryingthatshe’llfallillontheplaneonthewaytovisitherdoctors.Let’strygoingthisway.”

TheyfollowedCarltonalonganotherpassageanddownawidersetofsteps.“Here’sthemaincabin,ortheGrandLounge,astheycallit.”

Rachel’s jaw dropped. She knew, on an intellectual level, that shewasstillonanairplane.Butwhatshewasseeingwassomethingthatcouldn’t possibly exist on a plane. They were standing in a vast,semicircular room filledwith sleekBalinese teak sofas, consoles that

looked likeantiquesilverchests,andsilk-covered lamps intheshapeof lotus blossoms. But the focal point of the spacewas a three-storyrock wall carved with ancient-looking Buddhas. Growing out of thewallwerelivefernsandotherexoticbotanicals,whileofftotheside,aspiralglass-and-stonestaircasewounditswaytoanupperfloor.

“Mrs.BingwantedtheGrandLoungetofeellikeanancientJavanesetemple,”Carltonexplained.

“It’s just like Borobudur,” Nick said in a hushed whisper as hetouchedthemoss-coveredstone.

“Yougotit.Ithinkshefellinlovewithsomeresorttheremanyyearsagoandwanteditreplicatedonherplane.Thewallisanactualtemplefaçade from an archaeological dig. They had to smuggle it out ofIndonesia,fromwhatI’mtold.”

“Iguessyoucandowhateveryouwantwitha747ifyoudon’tneedtofitfourhundredseats,”Nicksurmised.

“Yeah, and having five thousand square feet of space to play withalso helps. These sofas, by the way, are upholstered in Russianreindeer leather. And up those stairs, there’s a karaoke lounge, ascreeningroom,agym,andtenbedroomsuites.”

“Sweet Jesus! Nick, come over here right now!” Rachel said in apanickedvoicefromacrosstheroom.

Nickrushedovertoher.“Areyouokay?”

Rachelstooddeadinhertracksattheedgeofwhatappearedtobealappool,shakingherheadindisbelief.“Look—it’sakoipond.”

“God, you scared me. For a moment I thought something waswrong,”Nicksaid.

“You don’t think anything’s wrong? THERE’S A FRIGGING KOIPONDINTHEMIDDLEOFTHISPLANE,NICK!”

Carltoncameover,highlyamusedbyhissister’sreaction.“ThesearesomeofMrs.Bing’sprizedkoi.Yousee that fatwhiteoneover therewith thebig red spot right in themiddleof itsback?SomeJapanesetosserwhowasaguestontheplaneonceofferedtheBings$250,000forthatfish.ItremindedhimoftheJapaneseflag.Idowonderifthesepoorkoievergetjet-lagged.”

Just then, Colette entered the main cabin swathed in a hooded

angoraponcho,trailedbyalargeentouragethatincludedhermother,grandmother,Roxanne,afewofthegirlsfromearlier,andaretinueofmaids.“Ican’tbelievethose idiots letyouonboard!IwantedtogiveNickandRachelthetourmyself,”Colettesaidwithalittlepout.

“Wehaven’tseenanythingexceptthisroom,”Rachelsaidmeekly.

“Okay,great!Knowingyourloveofbathrooms,Iwantedtoshowyouthe hydromassage room myself.” Lowering her voice, she said toRachel,“Iwantedtowarnyouaheadoftime.Myparentsboughtanddesigned this planewhile I was away at Regent’s. So I can’t be heldresponsibleforthedecor.”

“I don’t know what you’re talking about, Colette. This plane isunfathomablygorgeous,”Rachelassuredher.

Colette looked genuinely relieved. “Here, come meet mygrandmother.Nainai,thesearemyfriendsfromAmerica,RachelandNick,”Coletteannouncedtoaplumpseptuagenarianwithastandard-issueChinese-grandmaperm.

The old lady smiled tiredly at them, baring a couple of gold teeth.Shelookedasifshehadbeenhastilyyankedoutofbed,shovedintoaSt.Johnknitjackettwosizestoosmall,andhustledaboardtheplane.

Colettesurveyedthecabin,lookingratherdispleased.SheglancedatRoxanneandsaid,“SendforFernandorightnow.”

Themanarrivedmomentarily,andColettegavehima lethalglare.“Where’sthetea?Thereshouldalwaysbecupsofsteaming-hotBird’sTongue Longjing tea*2 waiting for my mother and grandmother theminute they get on board! And little plates of huamei*3 to suck onduringtakeoff!Hasn’tanyonereadtheAircraftStandardsManual?”

“Iapologize,MissBing.Weonlylandedalittleoveranhouragoandhaven’thadtimetoturnaroundtheplaneproperly.”

“What do you mean you just landed? Wasn’t Trenta here allweekend?”

“No,MissBing.YourfatherjustreturnedfromLosAngeles.”

“Really?Ihadnoidea.Well,getustheteaandtellthecaptainwe’rereadyfortakeoff.”

“Rightaway,MissBing,”thechiefpursersaid,turningtoleave.

“Onemorething…”

“Yes,MissBing?”

“Thereissomethingintheairtonight,Fernando.”

“We’llreadjustthecabinclimaterightaway.”

“No,that’snotit.Canyousmelltheair,Fernando?It’snothinglikeFrédéricMalle’sJurassicFlower.Whochangedthecabinscentwithoutmypermission?”

“I’mnotsure,MissBing.”

After Fernando left the room, Colette turned to Roxanne again.“When we get to Paris, I want new copies of the Aircraft StandardsManualprintedandboundforeverymemberoftheflightcrew.Iwantthemtomemorizeeverypage,andthenwe’regoingtogivethemapopquizduringthereturnflight.”

*1ThepassengerlistincludedRachel,Nick,Carlton,ColetteBing,Mrs.Bing,GrandmaBing,AuntiePanDi,StephanieShi,Mrs.Shi,AdeleDeng,WenPiFang,Mrs.Wen,PerrineumWang,TiffanyYap,RoxanneMa,andsixmaids(everyoneofColette’sgirlfriendsbroughtalongapersonalmaid).

*2ThemountainsofHangzhouarefamedforLongjingtea,alsoknownasDragonWelltea.Itissaidthat600,000freshtealeavesarerequiredtoproduceonekilogramofthispreciousteathatisprizedaboveallelsebyChineseteaconnoisseurs.

*3Salteddriedplums,ferventlysuckedonbygenerationsofChineselikemartiniolives.Supposedlygreatforcombatingnauseabuthasthereverseeffectonme.

15

28CLUNYPARKROAD

SINGAPORE

CarmenLohhadjuststretchedintosarvangasanaposeinthemiddleofherlivingroomwhensheheardheransweringmachinekickin.

“Carmen, ah. Mummy here. Geik Choo just called to tell me thatUncleC.K.hasbeencheckedintoDoverParkHospice.Theysayifhemakesitthroughthenight,hecanprobablylastthroughtheweek.I’mgoingtopayavisit today.I thinkyoushouldcomewithme.CanyoucomeandpickmeupatLillianMayTan’saroundsix?Weshouldbefinishedwithmah-jonggby then,unlessMrs.LeeYongChien showsup.Inthatcasethegamewilltakelonger.VisitinghoursatDoverParkendateight, soIwant tomakesurewehaveample time.Also, I ranintoKengLientodayatNTUC,andshesaidsheheardfromPaulathatyou are selling your Churchill Club membership to fund some newscuba-diving venture. I said ‘What rubbish, there is no way mydaughterwouldeverdoathinglike…’ ”

Grunting in frustration, Carmen eased her body down from itsshoulder stand. Why the hell didn’t she remember to turn off themachine? Thirty minutes of pure bliss ruined by one call from hermother.Shewalkedslowlytothephoneandpickeditup.“Ma,whyonearthisUncleC.K.inahospiceandnotathome?Won’ttheygethimtwenty-four-hour home-hospice care even in his final days? I can’tbelievethefamilyisasgiamsiap*1asthat.”

“Aiyah, it’s not that. Uncle C.K. wants to die at home, but thechildrenwon’tlethim.Theythinkitwillaffectthevalueofthehouse,lor.”

Carmenrolledhereyesinexasperation.Evenbeforethetin-miningtycoonC.K.Wong’sMRIresultscameinshowingthathiscancerhadspreadallover,everyonehadalreadybegunplotting.Intheolddays,realestateagentswouldscourtheobituarieseverymorning,hopingto

see thenameof someprominent tycoonappear,knowing that itwasonlyamatterof timebeforethe familyput thebighouseupforsale.Now,withGoodClassBungalows*2becomingrarerthanunicorns,thetopagentswereresortingto“well-placedcontacts”atallthehospitals.Fivemonthsago,Carmen’sboss,OwenKwee,atMangoTeePropertieshadcalledherintohisofficeandsaid,“Mylobang*3atMountE.sawC.K.Wongcomeinforchemo.Aren’tyourelatedtohim?”

“Ourfathersarecousins.”

“ThathouseofhisonClunyParkRoad isona three-acreplot. It’soneofthelastFrankBrewerhousesstillstanding.”

“Iknow.I’vebeengoingtheremywholelife.”

Owenleanedbackinhistufted-leatherofficechair.“Ionlyknowtheoldestson,Quentin.Butthereareothersiblings,right?

“Twoyoungerbrothersandonedaughter.”Sheknewexactlywherehewasgoingwiththis.

“Thosetwobrothersliveabroad,don’tthey?”

“Yes,”Carmensaidimpatiently,wishinghewouldgettothepoint.

“The familywill probablywant to sell after the oldman conks off,won’tthey?”

“Jesus,Owen,my uncle is still verymuch alive.Hewas golfing atPulauClublastSunday.”

“I know, lah, but can I safely assume that MangoTee will get theexclusivelistingifthefamilyeverdecidestosell?”

“Stopbeingsokiasu.*4OfcourseIwillgetthelisting,”Carmensaidinannoyance.

“I’mnotbeingkiasu,Ijustwantedtomakesureyouareprepared.IhearWillySimoveratEonProperties isalreadycircling likeahawk.HewenttoRaffleswithQuentinWong,youknow.”

“WillySimcancircleallhewants.I’malreadyinthenest.”

•••

Six months later, this was precisely where Carmen found herself—standing in the crow’snest, a small room tuckedaway in theatticofherlateuncle’soldbungalow—assheshowedherfriendAstridaround

theproperty.

“Whatacutespace!Whatdidtheyusethisroomfor?”Astridaskedasshepeeredaroundthelittlenook.

“The original family that built this house called it the crow’s nest.Thestoryisthatthewifewasapoetess,andshewantedaquietplaceawayfromherchildrentodoherwriting.Fromthewindow,shehadabird’s-eye view of the front garden and the driveway, so she couldalways keep an eye on who was coming and going. By the timemyuncleboughtthehouse, thiswas justastoreroom.MycousinsandIused it as a clubhouse when we were kids. We called it CaptainHaddock’sHideout.”

“Cassian would love this. He would have so much fun up here.”Astrid peered out thewindowand sawMichael’s 1956blackPorsche356Speedsterpullingupthedriveway.

“JamesDeanjustarrived,”Carmendeadpanned.

“Haha.Hedoeslooklikequitetherebelinit,doesn’the?”

“Ialwaysknewyou’dendupwithabadboy.Come,let’sgivehimthegrandtour.”

AsMichaelgotoutofhisclassicsportscar,Carmencouldn’thelpbutnotice the transformation. The last time she had seen him was twoyearsagoatapartyatAstrid’sparents’house,wherehewasincargopants and a polo shirt and still had his commando buzz cut. Now,stridinguptothefrontstepsinhissteel-grayBerlutisuit,RobertMarcsunglasses, and trendy disheveled haircut, he seemed like a totallydifferentman.

“Hey,Carmen.Loveyournewhairstyle,”Michaelsaid,givingherakissonthecheek.

“Thanks,”Carmensaid.She’dhadherlongstraighthairlayeredintoachin-lengthbobafewweeksago,andhewasthefirstmantopayheracompliment.

“Mycondolencesaboutyouruncle—hewasagreatman.”

“Thank you. The silver lining to this unfortunate event is that youaregettingtopreviewtheplacebeforeitofficiallygoesonthemarkettomorrow.”

“Yes,Astridhassledme to leave theofficeandcomesee thisplace

rightnow.”

“Well,weanticipateafeedingfrenzyassoonasthelistinggoeslive.A property like this hasn’t come on themarket in years, and it willmostlikelygostraighttoauction.”

“I can only imagine. What is this—two, three acres? In thisneighborhood?I’msureeverydeveloperwouldlovetogettheirhandson this,”Michael said, surveying theexpansive front lawn framedbytall,lushtraveler’spalms.

“That’s preciselywhy the family has allowedme to show it to youexclusively.Wedon’twantthishousetobetorndownandturnedintosomehugecondodevelopment.”

Michael glanced quizzically at Astrid. “This isn’t a teardown? Ithought youwanted to hire somehot-shit French architect to designsomethingonthisland.”

“No,no,you’reconfusingthiswiththeplaceIwantedyoutoseeonTrevose Crescent. This should never be torn down—it’s a treasure,”Astridsaidemphatically.

“Ilikethegrounds,buttellmewhat’ssospecialaboutthishouse—it’snotlikeit’soneofthosehistoricBlackandWhites.”

“Oh, it’smuch rarer than aBlack andWhitehouse,”Carmen said.“This is one of the few houses built by Frank Brewer, one ofSingapore’smostprominentearlyarchitects.Hedesigned theCathayBuilding.Come,let’stakeawalkaroundtheoutsidefirst.”

As theycircled thehouse,Astridbeganpointingout thedistinctivehalf-timberedgablesthatgavethehouseitsstately,Tudor-esquefeel,the elegant exposed-brick arches in the porte cochere, and otheringeniousdetails like theMackintosh-inspired ventilation grilles thatkept the rooms feelingcooleven in thesweltering tropicalheat. “Seehow it combines the Arts and Crafts esthetic with Charles RennieMackintoshandSpanishMissionstyle?You’renotgoingtofindsuchafusion of architectural styles in one house anywhere else on theplanet.”

“It’snice,hon,butyou’reprobablytheonlypersoninSingaporewhowould even care about those details! Who lived here before yourrelatives?”heaskedCarmen.

“Itwasbuiltoriginallyin1922forthechairmanofFraserandNeave,

and later it became the Belgian ambassador’s residence,” Carmenreplied,addingratherunnecessarily:“ThisisararechancetoownoneofSingapore’strulyhistoricgems.”

Thethreeofthementeredthehouse,andastheywanderedthroughthe elegantly proportioned rooms, Michael began to appreciate theplacemoreandmore.“I likehowhightheceilingsareonthegroundfloor.”

“It’sabitcreakyinplaces,butIknowjustthearchitecttohelpgivethisplaceagentlerestoration—heworkedonmyuncleAlfred’splaceinSurreyandjustredidDumfriesHouseinScotlandforthePrinceofWales,”Astridsaid.

Standing in the living room, with sunlight flooding through theoriolewindows and casting origami shadows onto the parquet woodfloors,MichaelwassuddenlyremindedofthedrawingroomatTyersallPark and the feelingofunutterable awe that cameoverhim the firsttime he entered that room to meet Astrid’s grandmother. He hadoriginally envisioned his new house as something resembling thecontemporary wing of amuseum, but now he had another vision ofhimselfinthirtyyearsasasilver-hairedeminence,presidingoverthisgrandandhistoricshowplaceasbusinesscolleaguesfromallovertheworldcametopaytheirrespects.Hepoundedhishandagainstoneofthebuttressedwallsandsaid toAstrid, “I likeall thisoldstonework.This house feels rock solid, not like your father’s rickety Black andWhite.”

“I’m glad you like it. It has a very different feel frommy father’splace,”Astridsaidmeasuredly.

It’salsobiggerthanyourfather’shouse,Michaelthought.Hecouldalreadyimaginewhathisbrotherswouldsaywhentheydroveup:Wahlan eh, ji keng choo seeee baaay tua!*5 He turned to Carmen andasked,“So,whatwillittaketogetthekeystothefrontdoor?”

Carmen considered his question for a moment. “On the openmarket, this house would go for sixty-five, seventy million, easily.You’dhave tomakea compelling enoughoffer for the family to stopthelistingtomorrowmorning.”

Michael stood at the top of the staircase and fingered the carvedwoodworkon thebanister. Its artdeco sunrays remindedhimof theChrysler building. “C. K. Wong had four children, right? I’ll offer

seventy-four. This way every sibling gets an extra million for theirtrouble.”

“LetmejustcallmycousinGeikChoo,”Carmensaid,reachingintoherSaintLaurenthandbagforherphoneandwalkingdiscreetlyoutofthelivingroom.

A fewminutes later, she returned. “My cousin thanks you for theoffer.Butfactoringinstampdutiesandmycommission,thefamilyisgoingtoneedmore.Ateightymillion,youhaveadeal.”

“Iknewyouweregoingtosaythat,”Michaelsaidwitha laugh.HelookedoveratAstridandsaid,“Honey,howbadlydoyouwantthis?”

Wait a minute—it’s you who wants to move, Astrid thought.Instead,shesaid,“Iwillbeveryhappyinthishouseifyouare.”

“Okaythen,eightyitis.”

Carmensmiled.Thiswassomucheasierthanshehadimagined.Shedisappearedintoabedroomdownthehallwayagaintocallhercousinback.

“Howmuchdoyou think it’sgoing to take todecorate thisplace?”MichaelaskedAstrid.

“Reallydependsonwhatwewanttodo.Itremindsmeofthesortofcountry houses you see in the Cotswolds, so I could picture somesimpleEnglishpiecesmixedwithGeoffreyBennisonfabricsperhaps.Ithink it would go well with your historic artifacts and some of myChineseantiques.Anddownstairs,maybewecan—”

“Theentiredownstairs isgoing tobeconverted intoastate-of-the-artcarmuseumformycollection,”Michaelinterrupted.

“Allofit?”

“Of course. That’s the first thing I pictured when I walked in thefront door. I was like, let’s tear all these reception rooms down andmakeitonevasthall.ThenIcouldputcarturntablesintothefloor.Itwill be so cool to see my cars revolving around between all thosecolumns.”

Astridlookedathim,waitingforhimtosay,Justkidding,butthensherealizedhewasdeadserious.“Ifthat’swhatyouwant,”shefinallymanagedtosqueakout.

“Now,whatistakingthatfriendofyourssolong?Don’ttellmethose

Wongsaregettinggreedyandwanttotakemeforanotherride.”

Justthen,Carmenreenteredtheroom,lookingratherflushedintheface.“I’msorry—IhopeIwasn’tshoutingtooloudly?”

“No.Whathappened?”Astridasked.

“Er,Idon’tquiteknowhowtosaythis,butI’mafraidthehousehasbeensoldtosomeoneelse.”

“WHAAAT?Ithoughtwehadanexclusivefirstbid,”Michaelsaid.

“I’m very sorry. I thought you did too. But my asshole cousinQuentinplayedmeout.Heusedyouroffertobidupanotheronethatwasalreadyintheworks.”

“I’lltopwhateverofferyourcousingot,”Michaelsaiddefiantly.

“Ialreadysuggestedthat,butit’sapparentlyadonedeal.Thebuyerdoubledyourpricetotakethehouseoffthemarketcompletely.Itsoldfor$160million.”

“$160million?That’sridiculous!Whothehellboughtit?”

“Idon’tknow.Mycousindoesn’tevenknow.Somelimited liabilitycompanyinChina,obviouslyasacover.”

“Mainlanders.Ofcourse,”Astridsaidsoftly.

“Kan ni na bu chao chee bye!”*6 Michael shouted, kicking thewoodenbanisterinfrustration.

“Michael!”Astridexclaimedinshock.

“What?” Michael looked at her defiantly. “This is all your damnfault!Ican’tbelieveyouwouldwastemytimelikethis!”

Carmenhuffed.“Whyareyoublamingyourwife?If there’sanyoneyoushouldbeblaming,it’sme.”

“You’rebothtoblame.Astrid,doyouhaveanyideahowbusyIwastoday? You shouldn’t have demanded I drop everything to come seethis godforsakenhouse if itwasn’t really available. Carmen, how thehelldidyouevergetyourrealestatelicensewhenyoucan’tevendoasimple deal like this? Fucking unbelievable!” Michael swore, beforestormingoutofthehouse.

Astridsankdownonto the topstepof thestaircaseandburiedherheadinherhandsforamoment.“Iamso,sosorry.”

“Astrid,please,youhavenothingtoapologizefor.I’msorry.”

“Is the banister okay?”Astrid asked, gently patting the scuffmarkthatMichael’sfoothadleft.

“Thebanisterwillbefine.I’malittlemoreworriedaboutyou,totellthetruth.”

“I’mperfectlyfine.Ithinkthisisabeautifulhouse,buttobehonest,Icouldn’thavecaredlessifwelivedhereornot.”

“I’m not talking about that. I’m just…” Carmen paused for amoment, pondering whether to open a Pandora’s box. “I’m justwonderingwhathappenedtoyou?”

“Whatdoyoumean?”

“Okay, I’mgoing tobe very frankwith youbecausewe’re sucholdfriends: Ican’tbelieve thewayMichael talks toyou,andhowyou lethimgetawaywithit.”

“Tsk,thatwasnothing.Michaeljustgotangryforamomentbecausehegotoutbid.He’susedtogettingwhathewants.”

“You don’t say. But I’mnot referring to the fit he threwbefore hestormed out. I didn’t like the way he was talking to you from themomenthearrived.”

“Howdoyoumean?”

“You really don’t see it, do you? You don’t see how much he’schanged?”Carmensighedinfrustration.“WhenIfirstmetMichaelsixyearsago,heseemedlikesuchagentlesoul.Okay,hedidn’tsayverymuch,but I sawthewayhe lookedatyou,andI thought, ‘Wow, thisguytrulyworshipsher.ThisisthekindofguyIwant.’Iwassousedtoallthesespoiledmama’sboyswhoexpectedtobewaitedonhandandfoot,likemyex,butherewasthisman.Thisstrong,reservedmanwhowasalwaysdoingthoughtfullittlethingsforyou.Doyourememberthedaywewere shopping at Patric’s atelier, andMichael ran all aroundChinatown for anhour trying tohuntdownkueh tutu*7 just becauseyoumentionedthatyournannyusedtotakeyoutheretobuyit fromthekuehtutumanwhosolditoutofthoseoldmetalcarts?”

“Hestilldoesnicelittlethingsforme—”Astridbegan.

“That’snotthepoint.ThemanwhocametolookatthishousetodaywasacompletelydifferentpersonthantheoneIfirstmet.”

“Well,he’sgainedmuchmoreconfidence.Imean,he’smadesuchahugesuccessofhisbusiness.It’sboundtochangeanyone.”

“Clearly.Buthashechangedforbetterorworse?WhenMichaelfirstgothere,hegavemeakissonthecheek.Thatwasthefirstthingthatsurprisedme—itwas so Continental, so unlike the chin chye*8 guy Iknow.Andthentotopitoffhepaysmeacompliment.Butthenyou’restandingthererightnexttomeintheprettiestDriesVanNotenfloraldressI’veeverseenandhedoesn’tevensayathingtoyou.”

“Comeon,Idon’texpecthimtogushovermeeverytimeweseeeachother.We’vebeenmarriedforsomanyyearsnow.”

“My fathergivesamillioncompliments tomymotherallday long,andthey’vebeenmarriedoverfortyyears.Butasidefromthat,itwashiswholemanner toyou theentire timehewashere thatgot tome.Hisbodylanguage.His littleasides.Therewasthisundercurrentof…of…contempttoeverything.”

Astridtriedtolaughoffhercomment.

“This is no joke. The fact that you don’t even see it is what’salarming.It’slikeyou’vegotStockholmsyndromeorsomething.Whathappenedto“TheGoddess”?TheAstridIknowwouldneverhaveputupwiththis.”

Astridremainedsilentforafewmoments,andthenshelookedupatherfriend.“Idoseeit,Carmen.Iseeitall.”

“Thenwhyareyoulettingithappen?Becausetakeitfromme,thisisaslipperyslopeyou’reon.Firstit’sjustafewdigshereandthere,butthenonemorningyouwakeupandrealizethateveryconversationyouhavewithyourhusbandisashoutingmatch.”

“It’smorecomplicatedthanthat,Carmen.”Astridtookadeepbreathandthencontinued.“ThetruthisMichaelandIhitabigspeedbumpafew years ago. We were separated for a while and on the brink ofdivorce.”

Carmen’seyeswidened.“When?”

“Threeyearsago.RightaroundthetimeofAramintaLee’swedding.You’retheonlypersononthisentireislandI’vetoldthisto.”

“Whathappened?”

“It’salongstory,butitbasicallyboileddowntothefactthatMichael

was having a hard time coping with the power dynamic in ourmarriage. Even though I tried my best to be supportive, he feltemasculated by…you know, the whole money thing. He felt like atrophy husband, and the way my family treated him wasn’t helpingmucheither.”

“Icanseehowbeingmarried toHarryLeong’sonlydaughtercan’tbe easy, but come on,mostmen can only dream of being so lucky,”Carmensaid.

“That’s exactly it. Michael’s not like most men. And that’s whatattracted me to him. He is so smart, and so driven, and he reallywantedtomakeitonhisownterms.He’sneverwantedtouseasinglefamily connection to help him get a leg up in his business, and he’salwaysinsistedonnottakingacentfromme.”

“IsthatwhyyouguyswerelivinginthatlittleplaceonClemenceauAvenue?”

“Ofcourse.Heboughtthatflatwithhisownmoney.”

“No one could figure that out! I remember everyone was talkingaboutit—CanyoubelieveAstridLeongmarriedthisex-armyguyandmoved into some TINY OLD FLAT? The Goddess has really comedowntoearth.”

“Michael didn’t marry me because he wanted some goddess. Andnow thathe’s finallymade it, I’m trying tobemore likea traditionalwife.I’mtryingtolethimhavehiswaymore,andtowinsomebattles,someofthetime.”

“Justaslongasyoudon’tloseyourselfintheprocess.”

“Come on, Carmen, would I ever let that happen? You know, I’mhappythatMichael’sfinallytakenaninterestinsomeofthethingsthatmattertome.Likehowhedresses.Andhowwelive.I’mgladthathe’sdevelopedstrongopinions,andthathechallengesmesometimes.It’squiteaturn-on,actually.Itremindsmeofwhatoriginallydrewmetohim.”

“Well,aslongasyou’rehappy,”Carmenconceded.

“Lookatme,Carmen.I’mhappy.I’veneverbeenhappier.”

*1Hokkienfor“cheap,stingy.”

*2Believeitornot,thisistheSingaporerealestateindustrytermforluxurypropertiesthathaveaminimumlotsizeof15,070squarefeetandaheightofonlytwostories.Onanislandof5.3million,thereremainonlyabout1,000GoodClassBungalows.Theyarelocatedexclusivelyintheprimeresidentialdistricts10,11,21,and23,andanicestarter-levelGCBcanbeyoursforaroundUS$45million.

*3Malayslangfor“contact,connection.”

*4Hokkienfor“afraidtoloseout”tosomethingorsomeone.

*5Hokkienslangfor“Fuckinghell,thishouseisfriggin’HUGE!”

*6Apopularandcharminglyeye-wateringHokkienphrasethattranslatesliterallyas“Fuckyourmother’ssmellyrottenpussy.”

*7ThistraditionalSingaporeandelicacyconsistsofasmall,flower-shapedsteamedcakeofpoundedriceflourfilledwithbrownsugarandeithergroundpeanutsorgratedcoconut.Itisservedonapandanleafforextrafragrance.The“kuehtutuman”usedtobeafamiliarsightinSingapore’sChinatowndistrictbutthesedaysisanincreasingrarity.

*8Hokkienfor“easygoing,down-to-earth.”

16

PARIS

ExcerptsfromRachel’sDiary

Sunday,June16

Traveling to Paris Colette Bing–style was like entering an alternateuniverse.IneverthoughtI’deatthebestPekingduckofmylifeatanaltitude of 40,000 feet in a dining roommore lavish than EmpressCixi’sSummerPalace,orgettoseeManofSteelintheplane’sIMAX-designedscreeningroom(itjustopenedintheU.S.,butAdeleDeng’sfamilyownsoneofthebiggestcinemachainsintheworld,soshegetsadvance screeners of everything). I never imagined I’d witness thesightofsixextremelysloshedChinesegirlsdoingarenditionof “CallMeMaybe”off-key inMandarin intheplane’skaraoke lounge,whichhadmarblewallsembeddedwithpulsatingLEDlights.Beforeweknewit,wehadlandedatLeBourgetAirport,anditwasallsocivilized—nolines, no customs, no fuss, just three officials who came aboard tostampourpassportsandafleetofblackRangeRoverswaitingonthetarmac.And,ohyeah,sixbodyguardswhoalllookedlikeAlainDelonin his prime. Colette hired this security detail of ex–French ForeignLegionnaires to followus around24/7. “It’ll be a fun sight gag,” shesaid.

ThegleamingblackcarswhiskedustothecityinnotimeatallanddepositedusattheShangri-LaHotel,whereColetteboughtoutalltheroomsonthetwotopfloors.Thewholeplacehadthefeelofaprivateresidence, precisely because it used to be the palace of Prince LouisBonaparte, Napoleon’s grandson,*1 and four years were spentpainstakinglyrestoringit.Everythinginourginormoussuiteisdoneinsplendid shades of cream and celadon, and there’s the prettiestdressing table with a three-way foldingmirror that I took a millionpicturesoffromeveryangle.SomewhereinBrooklyn,Iknowthere’sahipstercarpenter/literaryagentwhocanreplicateit.Itriedtogetsome

shut-eyelikeNickbutI’mtooexcited,jet-lagged,andhungoveratthesame time. 11 hours on a plane + 1 genius Filipino bartender = badcombo

Monday,June17

Woke up this morning to the sight of Nick’s cute naked buttsilhouettedagainst a viewof theEiffelTowerand thought Iwas stilldreaming. Then it finally hit me—we’re really in the City of Lights!While Nick spent the day poking around bookshops in the LatinQuarter,Ijoinedthegirlsontheirfirstbigshoppingexpedition.InthemotorcadeofSUVs,IendedupinacarwithTiffanyYap,whogavemethe lowdown on all the other girls: impeccablymannered StephanieShihailsfromatoppoliticalfamily,andhermother’sfamilyhashugemining and property holdings throughout the country. Adele Deng,who has had the same pageboy haircut since kindergarten, is theshopping mall and cinema heiress, and she’s married to the son ofanotherpartypatriarch.WenPiFang’sfatheristheNaturalGasKing,and Perrineum Wang, whose chin, nose, and cheekbones areapparently rathernew, alsopossesses thenewest fortune. “Tenyearsago her father started an e-commerce company in their living room,andnowhe’sChina’sBillGates.”AndTiffanyherself?“Myfamily’sinbeverages”wasall thegirlwith thebeguilingoverbitewouldsay.Butguesswhat?All these girlswork atP. J.WhitneyBank, andall havevery impressive-sounding titles—Tiffany is an “Associate ManagingDirector—PrivateClientGroup.”Soitwasn’taproblemforallofyoutotake off at a moment’s notice and come to Paris? “Of course not,”Tiffanysaid.

WearrivedatrueSaint-Honoréandeveryonescatteredtodifferentboutiques.Adele andPi Fangmade a beeline forBalenciaga, Tiffanyand Perrineum went mad for Mulberry, Mrs. Bing and the auntiesglided toward Goyard, and Colette did Colette. I accompaniedStephanie intoMoynat, a leather goods boutique that I’d never evenheardofuntiltoday.ThemostexquisiteRejaneclutchbagwascallingmyname,buttherewasnowayIwasshellingout€6,000forapieceofleather—even if it’s from a cow that’s never known the existence ofmosquitoes.Stephaniecircledaroundthecurvedwallfilledfromfloortoceilingwithbags,studyingeverythingintently.Thenshepointedoutthree handbags. “Would you like to see those three bags,mademoiselle?”thesaleswomanasked.“No,Iwill takeeverythingonthatwallexcept those three,”Stephanie said,handingoverherblack

palladiumcreditcard.#OMFG#thisjustgotreal

Tuesday,June18

I guess word got out that six of China’s biggest weapons of massconsumptionwereintown,becauseemissariesfromthetopboutiquesbeganhand-delivering invitations to theShangri-La thismorning,alloffering exclusive perks and dedicated suck-up time.We started outthedayonavenueMontaigne,whereChanelopenedearly forusandhostedasumptuousbreakfastinColette’shonor.AsIstuffedmyfacewiththefluffiestomeletI’veevertasted,thegirlsignoredthefoodandinsteadbeganstuffingthemselvesintothesefluffyfringedresses.ThenitwastimeforlunchattheChloéboutique,followedbyteaatDior.

I thought I knew some major shoppers in Goh Peik Lin andAramintaLee,butIhaveneverseenthislevelofspendinginmyentirelife! The girls were like a plague of locusts, descending on everyboutiqueanddecimatingeverythinginsight,whileColettebreathlesslypostedeverypurchaseonsocialmedia.Sweptupinalltheexcitement,Imademy first high-fashion purchase—a pair of beautifully tailorednavy slacks I found on the sale rack at Chloé that will go witheverything.Needlesstosay,thesalerackisinvisibletotheothergirls.Forthem,it’snextseason’slooksornothing.

Nickdecidedthathe’dhadenoughafterChanelandtookofftovisitsome taxidermymuseum, but Carlton,who had the patience of Job,stayedandwatchedadoringlyasColettehooveredupeverychicobject.He won’t admit it, but you know it’s true love when a dude will goshopping for fifteenhours straightwithabunchofwomenand theirmothers.Ofcourse,Carltonwasshoppingupastormtoo,buthewasmuchquickeraboutit:WhileMrs.Bingwashavinganexistentialcrisisoverwhethertobuya€6.8millionrubynecklaceatBulgarioran€8.4million canary diamond necklace across the street at Boucheron,Carltonduckedoutquietly.TwentyminuteslaterhereturnedcarryingtenshoppingbagsfromCharvet,covertlyhandingmeone.Backatthehotel,Iopenedittofindatailoredblousethatwaspalepinkwithwhitestripes, in the softest cotton you can imagine. Carlton must havethought it would go perfectly with my new Chloé pants. What asweetie!

Wednesday,June19

Today was Couture Day. In the morning, we visited the ateliers of

Bouchra Jarrar and Alexis Mabille for private fashion shows. AtBouchra, I witnessed something I’ve never seen in my life: womengoingintomultiorgasmicfrenziesovertrousers.ApparentlyBouchra’singeniously cut trousers are like the second coming of, well, yoursecondcoming.Atthenextatelier,Alexisactuallyappearedattheendof the fashion showand thegirls suddenly transformed into frothingtweensataOneDirectionconcert, tryingto impresshimandone-upeach other in ordering outfits. Nick even encouraged me to getsomething but I told him I’d rather save the €€€ for our bathroomrefurbishmentfund.“Thebathroomisfullyfunded,okay.Nowpleasepick out a dress!” Nick insisted. I looked at all the fantastical ballgownsandselectedthisbeautifullystructuredblackjacketthat’shand-painted with an ombré effect at the sleeves and tied together at thewaistwiththemostelegantbluesilkbow.It’soriginalyetclassic,andit’ssomethingIcanwearuntilI’mahundred.

Whenitwastimeforthemtotakemymeasurements,thevendeuseinsisted on measuring every inch of my body. Apparently Nick toldthemthatIneededthematchinghand-paintedtrouserstoo!Itwassofuntowatchtheartistryoftheseseamstressesinaction—neverinmylifecouldIimaginethatI’deverownacoutureoutfit!IthinkofMom,and thebackbreaking longhours shehad towork in the early years,buthowshestillfoundthetimetoalterthehand-me-downsthatcamefromourcousinssothatI’dalwayslookdecentatschool.IneedtogethersomethingreallyspecialinParis.

After an overly froufrou lunch at a restaurant onplace desVosgesthatcostmore thanmybonus lastyear (thankGodPerrineumpaid),Carlton and Nick headed off to Molsheim to visit the Bugatti carfactory,whileMrs.Bing insistedon visiting theHermèsboutiqueonruedeSèvres.(BTW,herfeetdidn’tseemtohurtanymore,evenafterseventy-two hours of nonstop pavement pounding.) I’ve neverunderstoodthefascinationwithHermès,butIhadtoadmitthestorewasprettycool—it’ssetintheHôtelLutetia’sformerindoorpool,withall the merchandise scattered around different levels of the vastatrium.Perrineumwas indignant that the storewouldn’t close to thepublicforheranddecidedtoboycotttheplace.Shethenproceededtowalk around making disparaging remarks about the other Asianshoppers. “Don’t you feel self-conscious trying to shop around thesepeople?”shesaidtome.“DoyouhavesomethingagainstrichAsians?”I joked. “These people aren’t rich—they’re just Henrys!” Perrineum

scoffed.“WhatareHenrys?”Shegavemeawitheringlook.“You’reaneconomist—don’t you know what HENRY stands for?” I racked mybrains,butIstilldidn’thaveaclue.Perrineumfinallyspatitout:“HighEarners,NotRichYet.”

Thursday,June20

Nick and I decided to take a break from shopping today and dosomething cultural instead. As we were sneaking out early in themorningtovisittheMuséeGustaveMoreau,weranintoColetteintheelevator.SheinsistedthatwejoinherforthespecialbreakfastshehadplannedforeveryoneattheJardinduLuxembourg.Sincethegardenisoneofmyfavoritediscoveriesfromourlasttrip,Ihappilyagreed.

Itwasso lovely in themorning—nothingbutchicmotherspushingtheir babies around in prams, dapper oldmen reading themorningpaper, and the plumpest, most contented-looking pigeons I’ve everseen.We climbed the steps next to theMedici fountain and sat at alovely outdoor café. Everyone got café crème or Dammann tea, andColetteorderedadozenpainsauchocolat.Thewaiterssoonbroughtout twelve plates of pastries, but as I was about to bite into mine,Colettehissed,“Stop!Don’teatthat!”Mycoffeehadn’tquitekickedinyet,andbefore Icould figureoutwhatwasgoingon,Colette jumpedoutofherchairandwhisperedtoRoxanne,“Quick,quick!Doitnow,while thewaiters aren’t looking!”Roxanne openedup this big S&M-lookingblackleathersatchelandtookoutapaperbagfilledwithpainsau chocolat. The two women began frantically swapping out thepastries on everyone’s plateswith the stuff from the bag,whileNickandCarltonlaughedhystericallyandthisveryproper-lookingcoupleatthenexttablestaredatuslikewewerecrazy.

Colettedeclared,“Okay,nowyoucaneat.”Itookthefirstbiteofmypainauchocolat,anditwasamazing.Airy,flaky,buttery,oozingrichbittersweetchocolate.Coletteexplained:“ThesepainsauchocolatarefromGérardMulot.Theyaremyfavorite,buttheproblemistheydon’thave a sit-down café there. And I can only eatmypain au chocolatwhilesippingagoodcupof tea.But thedecent teaplacesdon’thavepainauchocolatasgoodasthis,andofcoursetheywon’tallowyoutobringanything in fromanotherbakery.So theonlyway to solve thisquandarywastoresorttoaswitcheroo.Butisn’tthisperfect?Nowwegettoenjoythebestmorningtea,withthebestpainsauchocolat, inthebestpark in theworld.”Carltonshookhisheadandsaid, “You’re

raving bonkers, Colette!” And then he consumed his chocolatecroissantintwobites.

Intheafternoon,someofthegirlswenttoaprivateshoppingpartyatL’EclaireurwhileNickandIaccompaniedStephanieandhermothertotheKraemerGallery.Nickknewofthisantiquesdealerandwantedtoseeit.Hejokinglycalledit“thebillionaire’sIKEA,”butwhenwegotthere I realized he wasn’t kidding—it was a palatial mansion by theParc Monceau filled with the most astounding furniture and objets.Everypiecewasmuseumqualityandseemedtohaveoncebeenownedbyakingorqueen.Mrs.Shi,thismousywomanwhountilnowhadn’tjoined in the fashion frenzy, suddenly transformed into one of thoseQVCshoppingaddictsandstartedbuyinguptheplacelikeawhirlingdervish.Nickstoodonthesidelines,chattingwithMonsieurKraemer,and after a few minutes the man ducked away. He soon returnedbearing one of their historical ledgers and, much to Nick’s delight,showed us some old receipts for purchases made by Nick’s great-grandfatherintheearly1900s!

Friday,June21

Guesswhoshowedup inParis today?RichieYang.Obviouslyhe justcouldn’t bear tomiss out on the action.He even tried to stay at theShangri-La,butwithall the suitesbookedbyourparty,heendedup“makingdo”withthepenthouseattheMandarinOriental.Hecamebythe Shangri-La bearing baskets of expensive-looking fruit fromHédiard—all for Colette’s mother. Meanwhile, Carlton convenientlyannounced that he was offered an incredible vintage sports car andhadtogomeetwiththeownersomewhereoutsideofParis.Iofferedtoaccompanyhim,buthemumbledsomequickexcusesandrushedoffalone. I’mnotsure if Ibuyhisexcuses—it’ssostrange thathewouldrun off like this. Why would he flee the match just as his chiefcompetitorenteredthering?

In the evening, Richie insisted on inviting everyone to “the mostexclusiverestaurantinParis.You’vepracticallygottokillsomeonetogetareservation,”hesaid.Therestaurantwas inexplicablydecoratedlikeacorporateboardroom,andRichiearrangedforallofus tohavethe chef’s tasting menu—the “Amusements and Tantalizations inSixteenMovements.”Despitehowunappetizingthissounded,thefoodturned out to be quite spectacular and inventive, especially theartichoke-and-white-trufflesoupandtherazorclamsinasweetgarlic

sabayon,butIcouldseethatMrs.Bingandtheauntiesweren’thalfasthrilled. Colette’s grandmother looked especially puzzled by theseafood“raw-cookedincoldsteam,”thestartlinglycoloredfoams,andtheartfullycomposeddwarfvegetables,andkeptaskingherdaughter,“Why are they giving us all the vegetable scraps? Is it becausewe’reChinese?”Mrs.Bingreplied,“No,everyonegetsthesamedishes.Lookhow many French people are eating here—this place must be veryauthentic.”

Afterthemeal,theeldersheadedbacktothehotelwhilePiedPiperRichie announced thathewas takingus to someultra-exclusive clubstarted by the director David Lynch. “I’ve been amember since dayone,”heboasted.NickandIbeggedoffandtookalovelyeveningstrollalongtheSeine.Arrivingbackatthehotel,wepassedMrs.Bing,whowasstandingatthedoorofhersuitetalkingfurtivelytoaChinesemaidfromhousekeeping.Catchingmyeye,shebeckonedusoverexcitedly.“Rachel,Rachel,lookwhatthisnicemaidgaveme!”Inherhandwasawhite plastic trash bag filled with dozens of bottles of the hotel’sBulgaribathgel,shampoo,andconditioner.“Doyouwantsome?Shecangetmore!”ItoldherthatNickandIusedourownshampoosanddidn’t touch the hotel toiletries. “Can I have yours, then? And theshower caps too?” Mrs. Bing asked eagerly.We gathered up all ourtoiletriesandheadedbacktohersuite.Shecametothedoorandactedlike a junkie who had just been handed free premium-grade heroin.“Aiyah!Ishouldhavebeenaskingyoutocollectthesebottlesformeallweek long!Wait aminute, don’t go away!” She returned with a bagcontaining five plastic bottles of water. “Here, take some water!Weboilitfresheverydayintheelectrickettlesowedon’thavetopayforthe hotel’s bottledwater!”Nickwas desperately trying tomaintain astraightfacewhenGrandmaBingcametothedoorandsaid,“LaiDi,whydon’tyouinvitethemin?”

We entered hermassive suite and discoveredAuntie PanDi,Mrs.Shi,andMrs.Wenhuddledoveralargeportablehotpotinthediningroom.OnthefloorwasahugeLouisVuittontrunkfilledwithpacketsoframeninallkindsofflavors.“Shrimpandporkramen?”AuntiePanDiasked,stirringabigbatchofnoodleswithapairofchopsticks.Mrs.Bing whispered conspiratorially, “Don’t tell Colette, but we do thiseverynight!We’re somuchhappier eating ramen than all this fancyFrench food!” Mrs. Wen said, “Aiyah, I’ve had constipation everysingledayfromallthischeesewe’vebeenforcedtoeat.”Iaskedthem

why they didn’t just go downstairs to Shang Palace, the hotel’sMichelin-starredChineserestaurant,fordinner.Mrs.Shi,whoearliertoday bought an antique clock*2 for €4.2 million at the KraemerGalleryafterlookingatitforlessthanthreeminutes,exclaimed,“WetriedgoingthereafterthatawfulFrenchdinner,butallthedishesweresoexpensivewewalkedout!Twenty-fiveeurosforfriedrice?Taileirenle!”*3

Saturday,June22

Coletteknockedonourdooratthecrackofdawnandwokeusup.Hadwe seen Carlton?Had he called? Apparently he didn’t return to thehotel last night, and hewasn’t answering his phone. Colette seemedworried, but Nick didn’t think there was anything to worry about.“He’ll turnup.Sometimes it takesawhile tonegotiatewiththesecarcollectors—he’sprobably still in themiddleofdoinghisdeal.” In themeantime, Richie invited everyone over to his penthouse suite forsunsetcocktailsontheroofterrace.“AlittlepartyinColette’shonor,”hecalledit.Whilethegirlsspenttheafternoongettingspatreatments,NickandItookablissfulnaponthegrassattheParcMonceau.

In the early evening,we arrived toRichie’s party at theMandarinOrientalonlytofindthatthesecuritymenpostedbytheVIPelevatorwouldn’tletusthrough—ournameswereapparently“notonthelist.”AfteraphonecalltoColette,wemanagedtoclearthingsupandwerewhiskedtotheroofterrace,wherewediscoveredthatthiswasn’tjusta“littlecocktailparty”forourgroup.Thepenthousewaspackedwithanextremelyglamcrowdanddecoratedlikeahigh-techproduct launch.Giant obelisk topiaries festooned with lights lined the parapet, anelaboratestagewassetupononeend,andalongonesideoftheterracestoodhalfadozencelebritychefsmanningdifferentfoodstations.

I immediately felt underdressed in my cornflower blue silkshirtdressandstrappysandals,especiallywhenguestofhonorColettemadeanentrancewearingtheenormouscanarydiamondnecklacehermother had just bought and a stunning black strapless StéphaneRollandgownwithalongruffledskirtthatseemedtogoonformilesand miles. Mrs. Bing, meanwhile, was virtually unrecognizable withherexpertlypaintedface,herhairsweptupintoabeehivedo,andthebiggestsetofsapphiressetagainstaredElieSaabcocktaildresswithaplungingneckline.

But the biggest surprise of all—Carlton was there! He made no

mentionaboutbeingMIAfortwenty-fourhoursandseemedhisusualcharmingself.Turnsoutheknewplentyofpeopleattheparty—manyfriendsfromtheLondon-Dubai-Shanghaipartyaxishadflownin,andsoon I was swept up in a frenzy of introductions. I met Sean andAnthony(twocharmingbrotherswhowereDJingtheparty),anArabprinceCarltonknewfromStowe,someFrenchcountesswhowouldn’tstop tellingme how disgusted she was with U.S. foreign policy, andthen things really got crazy when some famous Chinese pop starshowedup.Littledid I realize thenightwasabout togetawhole lotcrazier.

*1Actually,itwasPrinceRolandBonaparte,andhewasNapoleonBonaparte’sgrandnephew(Rachelisstilltoohungovertogetherfactsstraight).

*2AnexceptionalLouisXVlong-caseclockbyJean-PierreLatz,almostidenticaltotheonemadeforFredericktheGreatofPrussiaatNeuesPalaisinPotsdam.

*3Mandarinfor“That’sinsane.”

17

THEMANDARINORIENTAL

PARIS,FRANCE

Nick climbed the steps to the uppermost deck of the roof terrace,trying to find a quiet spot away from the crowd below. He didn’tparticularly enjoy these raucous parties, and this affair seemed evenmore over the top than usual—every squillionaire within private-jetflyingradiuswashere,andtherewerefartoomanyoutsizeegosfillingupthespace.

A carefullyplanted rowof Italian cypresses started shaking fitfullybehind him, andNick could hear some guymoaning, “Baby…baby…babyohhh!”Heturnedarounddiscreetlytoleave,butRichiesuddenlyducked out from behind the trees, tucking his shirt back into histrousersasagirlskulkedoffsheepishlyintheotherdirection.

“Oh,it’syou,”Richiesaidunabashedly.“Youhavingagoodtime?”

“Theview’sterrific,”Nicksaiddiplomatically.

“Isn’tit?IfonlythesestupidParisianswouldallowskyscraperstobebuiltintheircity.Theviewswouldbeunbelievable,andthey’dmakeakillingsellingthem.Hey,youneversawmeuphere,okay?”

“Ofcourse.”

“Youdidn’tseethatgirl,okay?”

“Whatgirl?”

Richie grinned. “You’re A-plus onmy list now.Hey, I’m sorry forthatmix-updownstairs,butIcanseewhymysecuritywouldn’tletyouup.Nooffense,butyoudon’texactly look likeyou’redressed for thiscrowd.”

“My apologies—we were in a park all day and fell asleep. Rachelwantedtogobacktothehoteltochange,butIthoughtthispartywasjust going to be drinks on a rooftop. If I knew youwere going to be

wearingaburgundyvelvetsmokingjacket,wewouldhavedressedup.”

“Rachel looks slammin’. Girls can get away with anything, but weguyshavetomakemoreofaneffort,don’twe?Youcanonlygetawaywithdressingthiscasuallyifyou’reflashingaBillionaireWristband.”

“What’sthat?”

RichiegesturedtoNick’swrist.“Yourwatch.Iseeyou’rewearinganewPatek.”

“New?Actually,thiswatchwasmygrandfather’s.”*

“Nice, but you know Pateks are basically considered middle-classwatchesthesedays.Itwouldn’tqualifyasaBillionaireWristbandlikemine. Here, check this out, my latest Richard Plumper Tourbillon,”Richie said, thrusting his wrist within several millimeters of Nick’snose.“I’maVIC—veryimportantclient—ofRichardPlumper,andtheyletmebuyitstraightoffthedisplayattheBaselworldWatchShow.It’snotevengoingtobeavailabletillOctober.”

“Looksveryimpressive.”

“ThisPlumper’sgotseventy-sevencomplications,andit’smadefroma titanium-and-siliconcompound that is spun inacentrifugeat suchhighspeedsthatitbondsonamolecularlevel.”

“Wow.”

“IcouldbewearingaT-shirtandtorn jeanswithmyballshangingoutbutstillgetintoanyofthehottestclubsorrestaurantsintheworldjustbysportingthis.Everydoormanandmaîtred’istrainedtospotaRichard Plumper from amile away, and they all know it costsmorethanayacht.That’swhatImeanbyBillionaireWristband,hehheh!”

“Tellme,howexactlydoyoureadthetimeonthat?”

“Seethosetwolittlespokeswiththegreenstarsatthetips?”

Nicksquintedhiseyes.“Ithinkso…”

“When those green stars align with those gears on the cable-and-pulleysystem,that’showyoutellthehourandtheminute.Thegearsare actually made of unclassified experimental metals that areintendedforthenextgenerationofspydrones.”

“Youdon’tsay.”

“Yes, the entirewatch is constructed towithstand forces up to ten

thousandGs. That’s equivalent to being strapped to the outside of arocketwhileit’sbreakingthroughtheearth’souteratmosphere.”

“But if you were actually exposed to such forces, wouldn’t you bedead?”

“Heh heh! Indeed. But just knowing your watch would survivemakes itworth having a Plumper, doesn’t it?Here, I’ll let you try iton.”

“Icouldn’tpossibly.”

Richiewasmomentarilydistractedbyatextmessageonhisphone.“Wow, guess who just arrived? Mehmet Sabançi! That guy’s familybasicallyownsallofGreece.”

“Turkey,actually,”Nicksaidalmostreflexively.

“Oh,you’veheardofhim?”

“He’soneofmybestfriends.”

Richie lookedmomentarily shocked. “He is? How in the world doyouknowhim?”

“WewereatStowetogether.”

“Youguysmetataskiresort?”

“NotStowe,Vermont.Stowe—it’saschoolinEngland.”

“Oh.IwenttoHarvardBusinessSchool.”

“Yes,you’vementionedthatanumberoftimes.”

Justthen,Mehmetsteppedoutoftheelevatorandontotheterrace.Lookingdownatthelatearrival,Richiesaidexcitedly,“Whew—whoisthatspectacularbabehebroughtwithhim?”

Nickglanceddown.“MyGod…Idon’tbelieveit!”

•••

On the main terrace, Carlton leaned against a railing alongside hisCambridgechumHarryWentworth-Davies,surveyingthescene.“Youneedtotry these foiegrascronuts,”Harryyelled intohisear.“Betterthancrackcocaine.AndIcouldn’tbelievethatblokeonthetellywhogoesaroundtheworldterrorizingotherpeople’srestaurantsservedittome.”

“ThisishowRichiedrawshiscrowd.Heapsofpretentiousfoodandpriceybooze,”Carltonsaidwithbarelyveiledcontempt.

“Quite right—this Romanée-Conti isn’t shabby at all,” Harry said,swirlinghisgoblet.

“It’sabit tooobvious forme,but Iwillhelp todepleteasmuchofthesereservesasIpossiblycan,”Carltonsaid.

“Not sure you want to get too sloshed tonight, mate,” Harrycautioned. “Shouldn’t you be in tip-top condition for themain eventlater?”

“Quiteright.Thesmartthingtodowouldbetostopdrinkingnow,wouldn’t it?”Carltondeliberated, beforedowning another glassful inseveral quick gulps. He scanned the crowd, recognizing most ofRichie’scronieswhohadgatheredhere.ItwasawonderColettedidn’tsuspectanything.Heshouldn’thavecometonight.Beinghere—seeingeveryonetryingwaytoohardtohavefun—onlymadehimangrier,andhecouldfeelthebloodpoundinginhistemples.Fourhoursagohewasin Antwerp, and he wished he’d stayed there, or continued on toBrusselsandcaughtthenextflightbacktoShanghai.Actually,whathereallywanted todowasgo toEngland,butMr.TinhadadvisedhimnottoentertheUKforafewyears.Howdidheeverfuckthingsuptothis extent? To be banned from the one place where he felt like hecouldtrulybreathe?

“Colette’s lookingratherspectacular,”HarrysaidtoCarlton,eyeingher as she posed for a picture with Rachel by the pyramid ofchampagneglasses.

“Shealwaysdoes.”

“Thatgirlshe’sposingwithlooksratherlikeyou.”

“That’s my sister,” Carlton replied. Rachel was the reason he hadcomebacktoday.Partofhimresentedherforit,buthefoundhimselfstrangelyprotectiveofheratthesametime.Hejustcouldn’tditchherinParislikethat.Ithadbeenlikethisfromthemomenttheymet.Hewasallreadytohateher,thisgirlwhohadcomeoutofnowhereandsetoffanatomicbombinthemidstofhisfamily,butshehadturnedouttobenothinglikewhathehadexpected.Shewasdifferentfromalltheotherwomeninhislife,andNickwasoneofthefewguyshecouldactually stand being around.Whatwas it? hewondered.Was it thatNick had also gone to Stowe?Orwas it thewayNick didn’t feel the

need to vie for positionwithRichie like all the other party parasitesheretonight?

“Younevertoldmeyouhadasister,”Harryinterruptedhisthoughtsagain.

“Ido.She’squiteabitolder,though.”

“Youlooklikeyoucouldbetwins.That’sthetroublewithyouchinks—youneverbloodyage.”

“Wedon’tforawhile,butthenthere’satippingpointwherewegofromlookingtwentyonenighttotwohundredthenextmorning.”

“Well,iftheyalllooklikeyoursisterorColetteatfirst,signmeup.Now tell me, what’s the deal with you and Colette these days? Oneminute you’re on, one minute you’re off, I just can’t keep trackanymore.”

“Ican’teither,”Carltonsaid.HewassosickofthegamesColettewasplaying. Allweek long, she had been dropping hints every time theypassed by a jeweler. He knew that when he refused to go intoMauboussinwithheronTuesday,shehadputPlanRichieintoactionand sent for him to come to Paris. She could be so fucking childishsometimes. As if having Richie here throwing her a party with hisdaddy’sdirtymoneywasgoingtomakehimjealous.

CarltonfeltHarryjabbinghisribs.“Hey,doyouknowthatgirloverthere?Whitedress,nineo’clock.”

“Harry, someday you’re going to realize that not all Asians knoweachother.”

“You can’t blame me for getting excited—that’s quite possibly thefittestbirdI’veeverseen!I’mgoingin.”

“Raceyouthere,”Carltonsaid. IfColettewanted toplaygames,hecouldplay too.Hegavehis jacket lapela tug,grabbed twoglassesofwine fromapassingserver,andstrodeconfidentlyacross the terracetoward the girl inwhite. Just as he got to her,Nick suddenly cut infront of him and, to his astonishment, wrapped her in a warmembrace.

“Astrid!Whatthehellareyoudoinghere?”Nicksaidexcitedly.

“Nicky!” Astrid squealed. “But I thought you and Rachel were inChina.”

“We were, but we flew to Paris on the spur of the moment withRachel’sbrotherandsomenewfriends.Oh,speakof thedevil,here’sCarlton.Carlton,thisismycousinAstridfromSingapore.”

“Pleasure tomeet you.” Astrid extended her hand to Carlton,whowas completely stunned by the sudden turn of events. ThisextraordinarycreaturehewasabouttohitonwasNick’scousin?

“And this is my great friend, Mehmet,” Nick said, introducingCarlton.“Yourascal—whatareyoudoinghangingoutwithmycousininParis?”

Mehmet patted Nick on the back heartily. “It’s a completecoincidence! I’m here on business, andwe ran into each other at LeVoltaire.Iwassittingdownatalunchmeetingandwhoshouldcomethrough thedoor butCharlotteGainsbourg…withAstrid!Of course Ihad to sayhello—Icouldn’t resistmaking allmy associates sickwithenvy.ThenAstrid invitedmetodinner,andI talkedher intomakingthispitstop.”

By this point, Rachel and Colette had joined the group. “Astrid!Mehmet?Thiscan’tbehappening!”Rachelshrieked,huggingbothoftheminutterdelight.

Colette was introduced all around, and she couldn’t help butscrutinizeeveryinchofAstrid.Sothiswasthecouture-wearingcousinthat Rachel had told her about. Astrid’s sexy gold sandals sherecognized as being handmade in Capri by Da Costanzo. Her whitepatent-leather clutchwas vintageCourrèges.Her goldEtruscan-stylecuffbraceletwiththefacinglionheadswereLalaounis.Butthat littlewhitepleateddressshejustcouldn’tplace.MyGod,itwasperfection,thewaythelinenskimmedherbody,justtightenoughtodriveallthemenwildbutnotsotightitlookedvulgar.Andthosesundialpleatsatthe neckline to accentuate the sensuality of the collarbone—puregenius.ShejustHADtoknowwhodesignedit.

“Iamafashionblogger—wouldyoumindifItookapictureofyou?”sheasked.

“Colette’sbeingmodest.SheisTHEmostpopularfashionbloggerinChina,”Nickbragged.

“Um,ofcourse,”Astridrepliedinsurprise.

“Roxanne!” Colette yelled.Her trusty assistant came running over

andsnappedafewpicturesofColetteandAstridposingtogether.ThenRoxannebegan to takenotesasColettequizzedAstridoneverythingshewaswearing.

“Now,Ijustneedsomecaptioninfo.Irecognizeyourshoesandyourhandbag,ofcourse,andthebraceletsareLalaounis—”

“Actually,they’renot,”Astridinterrupted.

“Oh.Whodidthem?”

“They’reEtruscan.”

“Iknow,butwhodesignedthem?”

“Ihavenoidea.Theyweremadein650BC.”

Colette stared in wonder at the museum artifacts dangling socasuallyonAstrid’swrists.Nowshewantedsomeherself.“Okaythen,most important, tell me which genius designed your fabulous dress.It’sJosepFont,isn’tit?”

“Oh,this?IboughtittodayatZara.”

For the rest of her life, Roxanne would never forget the look onColette’sface.

•••

A few hours later, Rachel and Nick found themselves having a latesupperwithAstridandMehmetatMonsieurBleu,thebrasserietuckedawayatthebackofthePalaisdeTokyo.AsRacheltookthefirstbiteofher sole meunière, she looked around the room, taking in theintriguing light fixtures, the marble-backed banquettes, and theshimmering bronze bas-reliefs. “Astrid, we’ve been eating at super-fancyplacesallweek,but this isby farmy favoritemeal.Thanks forbringingushere.”

Mehmet chimed in. “I quite agree! There’s something about thisplacethatmanagestobesimpleandyetenvelopinglyluxuriousatthesame time. Itdoesn’t competewith the food,butonedoes feelmorespecialjustbeinghere.”

Astrid smiled. “I’msohappyyouall like it. Iwanted to comeherebecause I’m thinking of commissioning the architect of this space—JosephDirand—to build our next house. It’s actually why I came toParis.”

“Ican’twaittoseewhathedoesforyou,”Mehmetsaid.

“Didn’tyoujustmoveintoanewhouselastyear?”Nickasked.

“We did, but we’re quickly outgrowing it. We almost bought ahistoricFrankBrewerhouseonClunyParkRoad,butitfellthroughatthelastminute.Sowe’vedecidedtobuildonapieceoflandIhaveinBukitTimah.”

Nicklookedaroundthetableandchuckled.“Istillcan’tbelievethefourofusareheretogether.It’ssuchasmallworld!”

“Andtothink,Ialmostwantedtoskiptheparty.Butwithmyfamilydoingbusinesswith theYangs, I felt like Ineeded to showmy face,”Mehmetsaid.

“I’msogladwewent,”Astridsaid.“Itwastotalserendipity!I’mjustsorryyourbrotherandhisgirlfriendcouldn’tjoinus.”

“IthinkCarltonwantedto,buthefeltobligatedtostayatthepartywithColette.Andshecouldn’tleave,beingtheguestofhonor.”

“Colette’s quite a character. I’ve never had someonewant to knowabouteverysinglethingI’mwearing.IwashalfafraidshewasgoingtoendupaskingwhatbrandofunderwearIhadon.”

“She verywellmight have, if she hadn’t been so shocked that youboughtyourdressatZara!”Rachellaughed.

“Idon’tknowwhyanyonewouldbeshockedby that. Ibuyclotheseverywhere—vintageshops,streetvendors…”

“Coletteandher friends liveandbreathe forhigh fashion.Frankly,I’vehitmylimitwiththem,”Nickadmitted.

“Ithasbeennonstopshoppingsince theminutewearrived. Itwasfascinating for the first couple of days, but then it just got tedious,”Rachel explained. “I don’t want to complain, since Colette’s been sogenerouswithus,but IonlycamebecauseI thought I’dget tospendmoretimewithmybrother.”

Astridleanedcloserin.“What’sitbeenlikegettingtoknowyournewfamily?”

“Quitefrustrating,actually.I’veonlymanagedtoseemyfatheroncesincearrivinginChina.”

“Onlyonce?”

“We can’t quite figure out what’s happening, but we think it hassomethingtodowithmyfather’swife.Wehaven’tmetheratallsincesettingfootinChina.Ratherodd,don’tyouthink?”

“Maybe you should take a break from China and come down toSingaporeforaweek,”Astridsuggested.

Nick’s brow furrowed. It was already challenging enough gettingRachelthroughthistripwithherfamily.Hedidn’twanttocomplicatethings any further by going to Singapore and facing all thoseminefields.WherewouldheandRachelevenstay?

Asifreadinghismind,Astridsaid,“You’rewelcometostaywithme.Cassianwouldbethrilledtoseeyou.AsI’msuremanyotherswill,”shecouldn’thelpadding.

Nickwent quiet for a fewmoments, andRachel didn’t knowquitewhattosay.

“OryoutwocouldalwayscomebacktoIstanbulwithme,”Mehmetsaid,breakingtheawkwardsilence.

“Ohh!IwouldlovetovisitIstanbul!”Rachelsaid.

“It’sonlythreehoursfromParisonmyplane,andwe’rehavingthemostgloriousweatherthissummer,”Mehmetsaidtantalizingly.“Youshouldcometoo,Astrid.Comeforafewdays.”

•••

Afterdinner,thefourofthemstrolledleisurelyalongtheterracestepsof the Palais de Tokyo leading up to avenue du Président Wilson.Rachel checkedherphoneandsaw thatColettehad leftanumberoftextmessages.

10:26p.m.—Sat.

IsCarltonwithyouatrestaurant?

10:57p.m.—Sat.

IfCarltoncallsyou,pleaseletmeknow!

11:19p.m.—Sat.

Nevermind…foundhim.

11:47p.m.—Sat.

PleasecallmeASAP.

12:28a.m.—Sun.

URGENT!!!CALLMEPLEASE!!!

Rachel gasped upon reading the last message and immediatelydialedColette’scellnumber.

“Hello?”amuffled-soundingvoiceanswered.

“Colette?It’sRachel.IsthisColette?”

“Rachel!OhmyGod!Wherehaveyoubeen?Whereareyou?”

“What’swrong,Colette?Whathappened?”Rachelsaid,alarmedbyColette’snear-hystericaltone.

“It’sCarlton…Youmusthelpme.Please.”

*AnexceedinglyrarePatekPhilippe18Kgoldsingle-buttonchronographwithaverticallypositionedregisterandsectordial.Ref.130,manufacturedin1928,giventoNickbyhisgrandmotherwhenheturnedtwenty-one.

18

THESHANGRI-LA

PARIS,FRANCE

“OhthankGodyou’rehere!ThankGod!”Colettecriedassheopenedthedoor,lettingRachel,Nick,Astrid,andMehmetintohersprawlingduplex suite. Rachel gave her a concerned hug, and Coletteimmediatelybrokedowninsobsagainsthershoulder.

“Areyouokay?IsCarltonokay?”Rachelasked,leadingthesuddenlyfragilegirltothenearestsofa.

“Where’severyone?”Nickasked,noticingthatColettewasunusuallysansentourage.

“I told everyone I was exhausted and sent them to their rooms. Icouldn’tletthemfindoutwhatwashappening!”

“Whatishappening?”Rachelasked.

Tryingtocomposeherself,Colettesaid,“Oh,it’sbeenterrible!Justterrible! After you guys left the party, this baby grand piano waswheeledoutonthestage.ThenJohnMajorappearedandaskedmetostandnexttohimwhileheserenadedme—”

“TheformerprimeministerofBritainserenadedyou?”Nickcutin,utterlybewildered.

“I’msorry,ImeanJohnLegend.”

“I’msorelieved,”MehmetremarkeddrilytoAstrid.

“SoJohnbegantosing‘AllofMe,’ ”Colettecontinuedtearfully,“andat the end of the song, Richie got onstage, dropped to his kneesdramatically,andaskedmetomarryhim.”

RachelandNickbothgasped.

“Heambushedmerightinfrontofeveryone!Apparentlymymotherandthegirlswere inonthis—that’swhysomanyfriends fromChinashowedupat theparty. Ididn’tknowwhat to say. I just stood there

andnoticedGordonRamsay over by the carrot truffle fries and all Icouldthinkwas,WhatisGordongoingtothinkifIsayno?”

“Whatdidyoudo?”Rachelasked.

“I tried to laugh itoff. I said, ‘Ohcomeon,Richie, this isaprank,right?’AndRichiesaid,‘Doesthislooklikeaprank?’Hetakesavelvetboxoutofhispocketandthruststhisringinmyface.I’mlookingatit,thisthirty-two-caratbluediamondfromRepossi,andI’mthinking,ASIFIwouldeverweararingfromRepossi!Thismandoesn’tknowme,and I’mnot in lovewith him. So I said, ‘I’m so honored, but you’regoing tohave to giveme time.’Richie said, ‘Whatdo youmeangiveyou time?We’ve been dating exclusively for three years now.’ And Isaid,‘Comeon,wehaven’texactlybeenexclusive,’andallofasuddenRichie’sfacegotalltwistedupandhebeganranting,‘Whatthehelldoyoumean by that? You’ve strungme along for three years now! I’msickofwaiting,andI’msickofyourgames.Doyouhaveanyideahowmuch I’ve spenton tonight?Doyou thinkJohnLegend flies toParisforjustanyone?’ThensuddenlyCarlton,whohadbeenstandingrightinfrontof thestage,hollered, ‘Hundan!*1Can’tyougetthemessage?SHE’S JUST NOT THAT INTO YOU!’ And before I knew what washappening, Richie screamed ‘Nong sa bi suo luan!,’*2 leaped off thestageontoCarlton,andstartedpunchinghimintheface!”

“Jesus!IsCarltonokay?”Rachelasked.

“He’sabitbattered,buthe’sokay.MarioBatali,though—”

“WhathappenedtoMario?”Astridcutin,alarmed.

“AsCarltonandRichiewererollingonthegroundtryingtokilleachother,mybodyguardstriedtoget inthereandbreakitup,butit justmadethingsworse,becausethefourofthembashedintoMario’sfoodstation, and this vat of olive oil where he was deep-frying the frittomistogottoppledoverandburstintoflames.ThenextthingyouknowMario’sponytailwasonfire!”

“Ohno!PoorMario!”Astridclaspedherhandstoherfaceinhorror.

“ThankGodMrs.Shiwasstandingnearby.Sheknewexactlywhattodo—she grabbed the can of baking soda and immediately emptied itontoMario’shead.Shesavedhislife!”

“I’msogladMario’sallright.”Astridsighedinrelief.

“Sowhathappenedafterthat?”Nickasked.

“The fight pretty much ended the party, and I managed to dragCarltonbacktothehotel,butasIwastryingtohelphimcleanuphiswounds,wegotintothebiggestrowwe’veeverhad.OhRachel,Iknowhewasdrunk,buthestartedspewingsuchhurtfulthings…heaccusedmeofplayinghimagainstRichie…he said Ihadnoone toblame forthiswholefiascobutmyself,andthenhestormedoutoftheroom.”

Rachelthoughtherbrother’saccusationsweren’tactuallythatfaroffthemark,butshetriedtobesympathetic.“Youprobablyneedtojustlethimcooldownabit.Thingswillbebetterbythemorning.”

“Butwecan’twaituntilmorning!AfterCarltonleft,IgotacallfromHoney Chai the gossip columnist. She’s in Shanghai, but she hadalready heard all aboutRichie andCarlton’s fight. Then she toldmesomething even more alarming—apparently several months ago,RichiechallengedCarltontoadragrace,andit’shappeningtonight!”

“Dragrace?Youmustbejoking,”Rachelsaid.

“DoIlooklikeI’mjoking?”Colettefrowned.

“Aren’ttheyalittleoldforthis?”Rachelasked.Dragracingsoundedsojuveniletoher,likesomethingoutofRebelWithoutaCause.

“Hiyah,youdon’tunderstand!Thisisn’tsomekiddierace—they’llbedriving these super-fast cars through the streets at night, evadingpolicealltheway.It’sgoingtobesodangerous!HoneyChaiheardthatRichieandCarltonarestaking tenmilliondollarsagainsteachother,andpeoplealloverAsiaarebettingonthisrace—that’swhysomanyofRichie’sfriendsarehereinParis!AlmosteveryguyIknowisobsessedwithracingthesedays.”

Nickchimedin,“Actually,Ireadanarticleaboutthis inthepaper.AlltheseChinesekidsfromrichfamiliesaretakingpartinillegaldragraces around the world—Toronto, Hong Kong, Sydney—getting intohugewrecks and damagingmillions of dollars in property along theway.NowIknowwhyCarltonwasdoingsomanytestlapsaroundthetrackatBugattitheotherday!”

Colettenoddedgrimly.“Yes,Ithoughthewasjustbuyingcarsforhisside business, but now we know the real reason. And he’s been soemotionally erratic these past few days—the disappearing act, thedrinking, the fighting—it’sallbecauseof thisgoddamnrace! I feel sostupid,Ishouldhaveseenthiscomingfromamileaway.”

“Comeon,noneofussuspectedeither,”Rachelsaid.

Colettelookedaroundtheroomuneasily,tryingtodecidehowmuchof the story she wanted to tell. “You know, this isn’t the first timeRichieandCarltonhavetriedthis.ThishappenedbeforeinLondon.”

“That’showCarltongotintothatcarwreck,wasn’tit?”Nickasked.

Colettenoddedsadly.“HewasracingRichiedownSloaneStreet,andhiscar”—hervoicewassuddenlycracking—“hiscarspunoutofcontrolandcrashedintoabuilding.”

“Wait aminute, I think I read about this…wasn’t it a Ferrari thatsmashedintotheJimmyChooboutique?”Astridpipedin.

“That was it! But that’s not the whole story. There were otherpassengerswithCarlton.Twogirlswere inside the car—aBritishgirlwhowillneverwalkagainandaChinesegirlwho…whodied.Itwasahorribletragedy,allcoveredupbytheBaos.”

Rachel’sfacewentpale.“Carltontoldyouallthis?”

“Iwasthere,Rachel. Iwas in theother car—theLamborghini thatRichiewasdriving.ThegirlwhodiedwasafriendofminewhowenttoLSE,”Colettetearfullyrevealed.

EveryonestaredinshockatColette.

“It’sallbeginningtomakesensenow,”Nicksaid inahushedtone,thinkingbacktowhathismotherhadtoldhimabouttheaccident.

Colette continued. “Carlton hasn’t been the same since the crash.He’sneverbeenabletogetoverit—heblameshimselfandheblamesRichie. I think he feels like he can somehow redeem himself bywinningthisrace.Butwecan’tlethimgetintoanycartonight.He’sinnocondition—notphysicallyandespeciallynotmentally.Rachel, canyou please talk some sense into him? I’ve been calling himnonstop,and of course he isn’t picking upmy calls. But I think he’ll listen toyou.”

Withthefullgravityofthesituationfinallysinkingin,RachelpickedupherphoneanddialedCarlton’snumber.“It’sgonestraighttovoicemail.”

“Iwashopinghe’dpickupifhesawyournumber.”Colettesighed.

“We’ll justhavetogotohim.Where’sthisracetakingplace?”Nickasked.

“That’s the thing—I have no idea. Everyone’s just disappeared.Roxanne’s offwithmy security team trying to track themdown, butshehasn’thadanylucksofar.”

Astridsuddenlyspokeup.“What’sCarlton’sphonenumber?”

“It’s8613585809999.”

Takingoutherphone,AstridbegandialingCharlieWu’sprivateline.“Hey you! No, no, everything’s fine, thank you. Um, hope you don’tmind,butIhaveabigfavortoask.Doesthatsecuritywhizstillworkfor you?” She paused, lowering her voice. “The one who trackedyouknowwhodownwithjustamobile-phonenumberacoupleofyearsago?Great.Couldyouhelpmetrackdownthelocationofthisphone?No,really,I’mabsolutelyfine.I’mjusttryingtohelpsomefriendsout—I’lltellyouthewholestorylater.”

Afewminuteslater,Astrid’sphonebuzzedbackwithatextmessage.“Foundhim,”shesaidwithagrin.“Rightnow,itlookslikeCarlton’sata commercial garage on avenue de Malakoff, right next to PorteMaillot.”

PARIS—2:45A.M.

Rachel,Nick,andColettehuddledinthebackseatoftheRangeRoverasitspedtowardCarlton’slocation.Sittinginsilence,Rachelgazedoutat themostlyemptyboulevardsof theSixteenthArrondissement, thestreetlamps illuminating the elegant façades with that particulargoldenhueonly tobe found inParis.She thoughtabouthowbest tohandleCarltoninhiscurrentstateandwonderedwhethertheywouldevengettohimintime.

SuddenlytheyhadarrivedatavenuedeMalakoff,andthechauffeurgestured toward the lonegarage that seemed tobe ahiveof activity.Rachelstaredinastonishmentasthefullextentoftheraceoperationthat had been months in the planning finally became clear to her.Throughthepartiallyraisedgaragedoor,ateamofmechanicsbustledaroundacarbonblueBugattiVeyronSuperSport*3asifitwerebeingprepared for theFormulaOne final, and several guys she recognizedfromthepartystoodoutsidethegaragesmoking.RachelwhisperedtoNick,“Canyoubelievethis?Ihadnoidea itwouldbethismuchofaproduction!”

“You’veseenhowthewomeninthiscrowdspendtheirmoney;thisishowtheguysspendit,”Nickcommenteddiscreetly.

“Look, look! There’s Carlton standing over there with HarryWentworth-Davies.Ugh,Ishouldhaveknownthatwankerwaspartofallthis!”Colettesaid.

Rachel took a deep breath. “I think it’s best that I try to talk toCarlton on my own. He might be more receptive if the three of usaren’tganginguponhim.”

“Yes,yes,we’lljuststayinthecar,”Coletteanxiouslyagreed.

Rachel got out of the car and approached the garage, and Carltonsuddenlylookedupandnoticedthem.Grimacing,hestaggeredouttothemiddleofthestreetandblockedRachelfromcominganyfarther.“You guys shouldn’t be here. How did you even findme in the firstplace?”

“Does it really matter?” Rachel said, studying her brother withconcern.Hislefteyewasblackened,hehadabruiseonhisjaw,anastycut on his bottom lip, andGod knowswhat other injuries under hisracingoveralls.“Carlton,pleasedon’tgothroughwiththis—youknowyou’renotinanyconditiontoracetonight.”

“I’vesoberedup—IknowwhatI’mdoing.”

Likehellyouhave,Rachelthought.Knowingitwasuselessarguingwith someone who had clearly had too much to drink, she tried adifferenttactic.“Carlton,Iknowwhathappenedtonight.Icantotallyunderstandyouranger,Ireallycan.”

“Idon’tknowhowyoucouldpossiblyunderstandatall.”

Rachel graspedhis armencouragingly. “Look, youhavenothing toprove to Richie anymore! Can’t you see that he’s already lost? He’sbeentotallyhumiliatedbyColette.Can’tyouseehowmuchshe lovesyou?Bethebiggermanandwalkawayfromthisracenow.”

Jerkinghisarmaway,Carltonsaidgruffly,“Thisisn’tthetimetobigsisterme.Justgetoutofhere,please.”

“Carlton, I know about London,” Rachel said, looking him in theeyes.“Colettetoldmethewholestory…Iknowwhatyou’refeeling.”

Carlton looked taken aback for a moment, but then his eyesnarrowed in anger. “You think you know everything, don’t you? YoucometoChinafortwoweeksandyouthinkyou’retheexpertonallofus.Well,youdon’tknowa thing!Youhaveno ideahowI really feel.

You have no clue how much trouble you’ve caused me, caused myfamily!”

“Whatdoyoumean?”Rachellookedathiminsurprise.

“Youdon’tevenknowthedamageyou’vedonetomyfatherjustbycomingtoChina!Can’tyougetthehintthathe’sbeenavoidingyoulikethe plague? Haven’t you figured out why you’re staying at thePeninsula?It’s becausemymotherwould rather die than let you setfootinherhouse!DoyouknowI’vebeenspendingtimewithyoujusttopissheroff?Why can’t youmindyourownbusiness and leaveusalone?”

Hiswordshitherlikeatonofbricks,andshetookafewstepsback,feelingmomentarily winded. Colette sprang out of the car, stompedover to Carlton in her black-and-goldWalter Steiger Unicorn heels,andbeganyellingrightinhisface.“Howdareyoutalklikethattoyoursister! Do you know how lucky you are to have someone like herlookingoutforyou?No,youdon’t.Youtakeeveryoneforgrantedandonly love feeling sorry foryourself.Whathappened inLondonwasatragedy, but itwasn’t just your fault. Itwasmy fault, itwasRichie’sfault—we were all to blame. Winning this race isn’t going to bringanyone back from the dead, and it’s not going tomake you feel anybetter.Butgoahead,getintoyourcar.GoandraceRichie.Thebothofyou can gomeasure your dicks and crash yourmillion-dollar sportscarsintotheArcdeTriompheforallIcare!”

Carltonstoodstock-stillforamoment,notlookingateitherofthem.Then he yelled, “Fuck you! Fuck all of you!” before heading backtowardthegarage.

ColettethrewupherhandsinresignationandstartedtowalkbacktotheSUV.Unexpectedly,Carltonsankdownontothecurb,claspinghis head as if itwere about to explode.Rachel turned and looked athimforamoment.Allofasudden,heseemedlikealostlittleboy.Shesat down on the curb next to him and put her hand on his back.“Carlton,I’msorryforcausingyourfamilysomuchpain.Ihadnoideaaboutanyofthis.AllIeverwantedwastogettoknowyou,andtogettoknowyourfatherandmotherbetter.Iwon’tgobacktoChinaifit’sbeen that hurtful to you. I promise you I’ll go straight home toNewYork.Butplease,pleasedon’tget in thatcar. Idon’twant toseeyougethurtagain.You’remybrother,goddamit,you’retheonlybrotherI’vegot.”

Carlton’seyesbrimmedwithtears,andbowinghishead,hesaidinamuffledvoice,“I’msorry.Idon’tknowwhat’scomeoverme.Ididn’tmeantosaythosethings.”

“Iknow,Iknow,”Rachelsaidsoftlyasshepattedhisback.

Seeingthatthingshadcalmeddown,Coletteapproachedthetwoofthemgingerly.“Carlton,IcalledoffRichie’sproposal.Willyoupleasecalloffthisstupidrace?”

Carlton nodded wearily, and the women glanced at each other inrelief.

*1Mandarinfor“prick.”

*2Shanghainesefor“bastardwithshrunkentesticles.”

*3TheVeyron,alsoproclaimed“thefasteststreet-legalproductioncarintheworld,”setatopspeedof267.856mph.Parkoneinyourgaragetodayfor$2.7million.

PARTTHREE

Behindeveryfortuneliesagreatcrime.

—HONORÉDEBALZAC

1

SHEKO

HONGKONG

“Ohgood, you’re early,”Corinna said, asKittywas shownoutside tothetablebythebutler.

“My God! The view! I don’t even feel like I’m in Hong Konganymore,”Kittyexclaimedasshestaredatthesparklingazurewatersof theSouthChinaSea from thedramatic cliffside terraceof theKo-TungvillaatShekO,apeninsulaonthesoutherncoastofHongKongIsland.

“Yes,that’swhateveryonealwayssays.”Corinnanodded,gladtoseethatKittywasdulyimpressed.Shehadarrangedthelunchheretodayspecifically because she knew she needed to do something special tomakeupforthewholeStratosphereChurchdebacle.

“This is themost beautiful house I’ve ever been to in all of HongKong!Doesyourmotherlivehere?”Kittyasked,takingherappointedseatbeneaththearchattheoutdoordiningtable.

“No. No one lives here full-time. This was originally mygrandfather’sweekendretreat,andwhenhediedheverycleverlyleftittotheKo-TungCorporationsothathischildrencouldn’tfightoverit.It’s shared among the whole family—we use it like our own privateclub,andthecompanyalsousesitforveryspecialfunctions.”

“So this is where your mother hosted the ball for the Duchess ofOxbridgeafewmonthsago?”

“Not just the duchess. My mother threw a dinner party here forPrincessMargaret when she came with Lord Snowdon in 1966, andPrincessAlexandrahasvisitedtoo.”

“Wherearethoseprincessesfrom?”

Corinnahad to refrain fromrollinghereyes. “PrincessMargaret isthe younger sister of Queen Elizabeth II, and Princess Alexandra of

Kentisacousinofthequeen.”

“Oh,Ididn’trealizethereweresomanyprincessesinEngland.IjustthoughttherewasPrincessDianaandPrincessKate.”

“Actually,hernameisCatherine,theDuchessofCambridge,andsheisnotofficiallyaprincessofthebloodroyal.AsconsorttoPrinceWill…ohnevermind,”Corinnasaiddismissively.“Now,AdaandFionawillbe here in a fewminutes. Remember to be extra gracious to Fiona,becauseshewastheonewhoconvincedAdatocometoday.”

“WhyisFionaTung-Chengbeingsonicetome?”Kittyasked.

“Well, for one thing, unlike some of themembers of Stratosphere,FionaisatrueChristianwhobelievesinthepowerofredemption,andshe’s also my cousin, so I could twist her arm into helping me. Ofcourse, it doesn’t hurt that Ada’s been dying to see this house foryears.”

“Idon’tblameher.IthoughtonlyRepulseBayandDeepWaterBayhad a few bigmansions—I didn’t know big houses on thewater stillexistedinHongKong.”

“That’showweprefer it. ShekO iswhereall theold familieshavetheirhousestuckedawayonthesecludedheadlands.”

“I should get a place here, shouldn’t I? You’ve been tellingme tomove out of Optus Towers. This would be like having a place inHawaii!”

Corinna gave her a patronizing smile. “You can’t just buy a househere,Kitty.Firstof all, thereareonlyahandfulofhouses, andmosthavebeeninfamiliesforgenerationsandwillalwaysremainthatway.In the rare instance that a property does come on the market, newresidentsneedtobeapprovedbyShekODevelopment,whichcontrolsmostofthelandaroundhere.Livinghereislikebeingacceptedintoaveryexclusiveclub—infact,IwouldsaythatShekOhomeownersarepartofthemostexclusiveclubinHongKong.”

“Well, can’t you helpme get in? Isn’t that the whole point of ourworking together?” And my paying you so goddamn much moneyeverymonth,Kittythought.

“We’ll see how things go. This is why it is so important torehabilitateyourimage—intime,perhapsyourgrandchildrenmightbeallowedtobuyhere.”

Kittyabsorbedallthisinasulkysilence.Mygrandchildren?Iwantto liveherenow,whenI canstill sunbathe in thenudeonaprivateterracelikethisone.

“Now, do you have the apology to Ada memorized by heart?”Corinnaasked.

“Ido.Iwaspracticingitallmorningwithmymaids.Theythoughtitwasveryconvincing.”

“Good.Ireallywantthistocomefromtheheart,Kitty.YouneedtodeliveritlikethisisyouroneandonlychancetowinanOscar.Idon’texpectAdaandyoutobecomeinstantbestfriends,butIdohopethatthisgesturewillsoftenherandmarkaturningpoint.Herforgivenesswillgoalongwaytowardyourbeingacceptedintosocietyagain.”

“Iwill trymybest. Ievenworeexactlywhatyou toldmeto.”Kittysighed. She felt like a lamb being led to the slaughter in themutedfloralJennyPackhamdressandpeachPringle cardigan thatCorinnahadchosenforher.

“I’m glad you listened. Just do me a favor and button one morebuttononthatcardigan.Nowit’sperfect!”

A fewminutes later, the butler announced, “Madame—Lady Poonand Mrs. Tung-Cheng.” The ladies stepped onto the terrace, Fionagiving polite air-kisses to both Corinna and Kitty, while Ada barelylooked in Kitty’s direction and hugged Corinna extravagantly. “Mygoodness, Corinna, what a place! It’s just like theHotel du Cap outhere!”

AftertheNiçoisesaladshadbeenservedandafewpleasantrieshadbeenexchanged,KittytookadeepbreathandgazedearnestlyatAda.“Lady Poon, there’s no easy way to say this, but I so regret whathappenedatthePinnacleBall.Ihaven’tbeenabletoforgivemyselfformyactions ever since. Itwas so terribly foolish ofme todashuponstagelikethatwhenSirFranciswasreceivinghisaward,butyousee—Iwas justsoovercomewithemotion.IhavetotellyousomethingthatI’venevertoldanyonebefore…”Kittypaused,lookingtheladiesintheeye one by one before she continued. “You see, when Sir FrancisstartedtalkingaboutallthosechildreninAfricathathavebeengettingtuberculosis,Icouldn’thelpbutremembermyownchildhood.IknoweveryonethinksIamfromTaiwan,butthetruthis,Igrewupinatinyvillage in Qinghai, China. We were the poorest peasants…we didn’t

evenhave enoughmoney to stay in the village—I lived in a littlehutmade out of metal and cardboard scraps beside the river with mygrandmother. My grandmother raised me all by herself, you see,becausemyparentswereworkingataclothingfactoryinGuangzhou.Wegrewvegetablesinthemarshesbytheriver’sedge.That’showwefed ourselves and earned a meager existence. But then when I wastwelve,mygrandmother…”Kitty paused again, as tearswelled up inhereyes.“MygrandmothercontractedTB…and…”

“Youdon’thavetocontinue,”Fionasaidsoftly,puttingherhandonKitty’sshoulder.

“No,no Imust,”Kitty said, shakingherheadandswallowingbackhertears.

“LadyPoon,IwantyoutounderstandwhyIwassoovercomethatnight when your husband started talking. My nainai contractedtuberculosis,andIhadtostopgoingtoschooltonurseher.ForthreemonthsIdidthis…untilshedied.ThisiswhyIwassotouchedbyyourhusband’seffortstocombatTBinAfrica.ThisiswhyIjumpedonstageand wanted to writemy twenty-million-dollar check right there andthen!Ijustfeltsoluckythatagirllikeme,whogrewupinahutbytheriver,couldnowbeinthepositiontohelpotherswithTB.Ireallyhadno idea what I was doing…I wasn’t thinking…I never imagined howdisrespectful it was. That was the last thing I wanted to do to yourhusband…your husband is such a hero to me. And you, if you onlyknew howmuch I admire you. Everything you do for the people ofHongKong,yourworkonbehalfofbreastcancerawareness…it’smademe become aware of my breasts in a whole new way, and when Irealizedwhat Ihaddone tooffendyouandoffendall thePoons,myGod,Ijust…Ijustwantedtoburymyselfinshame,”Kittysaidsadly,asshecasthereyesdownwardandshookviolentlywithsobs.

My God, she’s better than Cate Blanchett! Corinna thought,transfixedatthesightofKittywithtearsstreamingdownherfaceandsnotrunningfromhernose.

Ada, who had been sitting stone-faced through Kitty’s entireperformance, suddenly broke out a tight smile. “I understand now.Pleasesaynomore.Itisallinthepast.”

Fiona’seyesweremoistasshereachedacrossthetableandgraspedKitty’shands tightly. “Youhavebeen through somuch in your life. I

neverknew!AndnowwithBernardasillasheis—youpoorgirl…”

Kittygaveheralook.Whatthehellisshetalkingabout?

“Iwant you to know that I havebeenpraying forBernard. I don’tknowhimverywell,butheandmyhusbandgowayback.IknowEddielooksathimlikeanotherbrother.”

“Really?Ineverknewtheywerethatclose.”

“The twoof themdid stints atP. J.Whitney inNewYork early intheir careers, and they used to frequent some sporting club calledScores.WheneverIcalledEddie,hewasalwayshavingamatchtherewithBernard—hewould sound so out of breath.Anyway, Iwill prayevenhardernowforBernard,thathemakesafullrecovery.Jesuscanworkmiracles.”

“Yes, I hope so,” Kitty said softly. It’ll take a miracle to helpBernard.

“If I might ask,” Ada said as she leaned in closer, “what is theprognosislike?Andisitreallyascontagiousastheysay?”

Kittystaredatthemblankly.“Um,wereallydon’tknow…”

•••

AfterAdaandFionahaddeparted,Corinnasummonedforabottleofchampagne. “Here’s to you, Kitty! That was a brilliant success,” shesaidassheclinkedglasseswithherprotégée.

“No,no.Youdidallthework!Whereintheworlddidyoucomeupwiththatwholestoryaboutthegrandmaandtheshackbytheriver?”Kittyasked.

“Oh,IgotallofthatfromsomedocumentaryfilmIsawlastyear.Butmygoodness,youreallybroughtmywritingtolife—evenIwasfeelingalumpinmythroat.”

“SoyouknewallalongthiswouldworkwithAda?Justmakingthatheartfeltapologyandflatteringherwasenough?”

“I’veknownAdaformanyyearsnow.Idon’tthinkshereallygaveadamn about the apology, quite honestly. All she needed to hearwasyou admitting that you come from some shitty village in China. Sheneededtofeelsuperiortoyou,anditdidn’thurtthatyougroveledsonicelyather feet forabit.Nowshewill feelmuchmorecomfortablearoundyou.Justyouwatch—moredoorsaregoingtostartopeningto

younow.”

“I can’t believe your cousin Fiona invitedme to that charity partynextweek.AmIallowedtogo?”

“The King Yin Lei Mansion fund-raiser? Of course. Fiona will beexpectingyoutowriteabig,fatcheck.”

“She was really so nice tome today. I think she felt sorry formebecauseofBernard.”

“Yes, but you know the sympathy for you will only last so long. Ithink you were almost seen through today. Ada isn’t as gullible asFiona,youknow.Really,Kitty,youneedtoaddressallthewhisperingsgoingonaboutBernardandyourdaughter.”

Kitty turned toward the ocean and stared at a small island in thedistance.“Letthemwhisperalltheywant.”

“Whycan’t you just tellmewhat’s goingon? IsBernardreally ill?Did he really infect your daughter with some strange geneticdisorder?”

Kittysuddenlyburstintotears,andCorinnacouldtellthatthistime,hertearswerealltooreal.“Ican’texplain…Idon’tknowifIevenhavethewordstoexplain,”shesaidsoftly.

“Then can you show me? If you want me to help you, I need tounderstand. Because until we can put a full stop to all the rampantrumorsaboutBernard,thingsarenotgoingtogetmuchbetterforyouhereinHongKong,”Corinnasaidgently.

Dabbing away her tears with an embroidered handkerchief, Kittynodded.“Okay,I’llshowyou.I’lltakeyoutoBernard.”

“IcangotoMacauwithyouanytimeafterThursday.”

“Ohno,wewon’tbegoingtoMacau—wehaven’tlivedthereinyears.You’llneedtocomewithmetoLA.”

“LosAngeles?”Corinnasaidinsurprise.

“Yes,”Kittysaidthroughclenchedteeth.

2

CHANGIAIRPORT

SINGAPORE

AstridhadjustgottenoffherflightfromParis,andasshestrolledpastthe Times Travel shop in Terminal 3 toward the exit, a clerk wasplacing a stack of the latestPinnacle onto themagazine rack. Therewasamanhuggingayoungboyonthecover,andasAstridwalkedby,sheglancedatthecoverfromafarandthought,Whatacutekid.Thenshe stopped, turned around, and headed back to the newsstand. Itwasn’t often thatPinnacle would publish a cover that didn’t involvesome overly photo-shopped woman in a ball gown, and she wasintriguedtoseewhothesepeoplewere.Shewentuptothemagazinerackandgaspedinhorror.

StaringbackatheronthecoverofPinnacle’s “SpecialFathersandSonsEdition”wereherhusbandandson.MICHAEL&CASSIANTEOSAILTOCONQUER, it said on the cover. Michael was pictured at the prow ofsome megayacht, wearing a striped sailor tee with an electric bluecardigan draped fussily over his shoulders, his arm awkwardlypositionedontherailingtoshowoffhisvintageRolex“PaulNewman”Daytona to full advantage.Crouchedbetweenhis kneeswasCassian,dressedinabluecheckedshirtandagold-buttonednavyblazer,withwhat lookedlikeagallonofgel inhishairandahintofrougeonhischeeks.

OhmyGod,what have they done tomy son? Astrid grabbed themagazineandbeganflippingfuriouslythroughthefivehundredpagesof jewelry and watch ads, desperate to find the article. And there itwas.TheopeningspreadfeaturedacompletelydifferentphotoshootofMichael andCassian, this time inmatching suedeBrunello Cucinellidriving jacketsandPersol sunglasses, shot fromabove as they sat inMichael’s Ferrari 275 GTB convertible.When the hell did they takethese pictures? Astrid wondered. In bold white type, the title of thearticleranalongthebottomofthepicture:

FATHEROFTHEYEAR:MICHAELTEOIt’s hard to imagine someone with more of a charmed life thanMichael Teo. The founder of one of Singapore’s most visionarycompanieshasapicture-perfectfamily,agorgeoushouse,andagrowingcollectionofclassicsportscars.Didwemention thathehas the physique of a Calvin Klein underwear model andcheekbonesyoucouldcutdiamondson?OliviaIrawidjayadigsalittledeeper,anddiscovers that there’s farmoreto themanthanmeetstheeye…

“Doyouknowwhatthisis?”MichaelTeoasksashepointstoanoldyellowingdocumentinasimpletitaniumframehangingonthewall of his ultramodern dressing room, in between rows ofbespoke suits from the likes of Brioni, Caraceni, andCifonelli. Iscrutinize the writing and discover to my astonishment that it’ssigned “Abraham Lincoln.” “This is an original copy of theEmancipation Proclamation. There are only seven copies inexistenceandIownoneofthem,”Teosaysproudly.“I’vehungitrightacrossfromthemirroredwallinmyclosetsothatIcanseeitevery day while I’m putting onmy clothes, and be reminded ofwhoIam.”It’sonlyfitting,sinceTeoisanemancipatedmanhimself—afew

yearsago,hewasavirtualunknowntoilingawayathistechstart-up in Jurong. This son of schoolteachers grew up “very middleclass in Toa Payoh,” he shamelessly admits, but through hardwork and perseverance gained a place at St. Andrew’s School,and from there becamea standout commando in theSingaporeArmedForces.“Fromtheverybeginning,Teoprovedhimself tobeoneof the

bravestcadetsofhisgeneration,”his formercommandingofficerMajor Dick Teo (no relation) recalls. “His endurance level wasalmostsuperhuman,butitwashisintelligencethatpropelledhimto the top of military intelligence.” Teo won a governmentscholarship to study computer engineering at the prestigiousCalifornia Institute of Technology, and after graduating summacumlaude,hereturnedtoworkattheMinistryofDefence.Anotherhigh-rankingofficial Ispoketo,Lt.Col.NaveenSinha,

says,“Ican’ttellyouexactlywhathedid,becausethat’sclassifiedinformation. But let’s just say that Michael Teo has been

instrumental inhelpingtobolsterour intelligencecapabilities.Weweresorrytoseehimgo.”What ledTeo to leaveapromising careerwithMINDEF togo

into the private sector? “Love. I fell for a beautiful woman, gotmarried,anddecided that Ineeded tostartacting likeamarriedman—alltheconstanttravelvisitingarmybasesaroundtheworldand working through the night was no longer for me. Plus, Ineeded tobuildmyownempire for the sakeofmy sonandmywife,” Teo says, his piercing hawk-like eyes flickering withemotion.WhenIquizhimabouthiswife,heremainssomewhatevasive.

“Shepreferstostayoutofthelimelight.”Spyingablack-and-whiteportraitofastunningwomaninhisbedroom,Iask,“Isthather?”“Yes,butthatwastakenquiteafewyearsago,”hesays.Itakeacloser lookanddiscoverthat thephotograph issigned“ToAstrid—who still eludesme,Dick.” “Who’s ‘Dick,’ ” I ask? “It’s actuallysomephotographernamedRichardBurtonwhodiedawhileback,”Michael says. Wait a minute, was this picture taken by thelegendaryfashionphotographerRichardAvedon?“Ohyeah,that’shisname.”Intrigued by this astonishing tidbit, Iwent sleuthing intoAstrid

Teo’spast.Wassheahigh-fashionmodelinNewYork?Asitturnsout, Astrid is not just another pretty Methodist Girls School girlwhomarriedwell and became a pampered housewife.PinnaclecannowrevealthatsheistheonlydaughterofHenryandFelicityLeong—namesthatarequitemeaninglesstomostreadersofthismagazine,butwhoareapparentlyinfluentialintheirownright.An expert onSoutheastAsian lineage (whowished to remain

unnamed) says, “You won’t ever find the Leongs on any listbecausetheyarefartoosmartandfartoodiscreettobevisible.TheyareanexceedinglyprivateStraitsChinesefamily thatgoesbackgenerationsandhasdiversifiedholdingsalloverAsia—rawmaterials,commodities,realestate,thatsortofthing.Theirwealthisvast—Astrid’sgreat-grandfatherS.W.Leongusedtobecalled‘the Palm Oil King of Borneo.’ If Singapore had an aristocracy,Astridwouldbeconsideredaprincess.”AnothergrandedameofSingapore’sold-moneycrowdwhowill

onlytalkofftherecordtellsme,“It’snotjustherLeongbloodthat

makesherimportant.Astridisloadedonbothsides.HermotherisFelicity Young, and let me just tell you, the Youngs makeeverybodyelselooklikepaupers,becausetheyintermarriedwiththe T’siens and the Shangs. Alamak, I’ve already told you toomuch.”Can thismysteriously powerful family be responsible forTeo’s

meteoric success? “Absolutely not!” Teo says angrily. Then,catchinghimself,hebreaksintoalaugh.“Originally,Iwastheonewhomarriedup,I’lladmitthat.ButnowadaysIfitinverywellwithherfamilyspecificallybecauseIneveraskedfortheirhelp—Iwasdeterminedtosucceedentirelyonmyown.”And succeed he has—by now everyone knows how Teo’s

fledgling tech firm was suddenly acquired by a Silicon Valleycompany in 2010, increasing his net worth by several hundredmilliondollars.Whilemostmenmighthavebeencontenttospendthe rest of their lives staring out at the ocean view from one ofAnnabel Lee’s luxury resorts,Teodoubleddownand startedhisowntech-focusedventurecapitalfirm.“Ihadnointerestinretiringatthirty-three.Ifelt likeIhadbeen

handed this golden opportunity, and I didn’t want to take it forgranted. There is so much talent and ingenuity right here inSingapore,andIwantedtofindAsia’snextgenerationofSergeyBrinsandprovidethemwiththewingstofly,”Teosays.Sofar,hisbetshaven’tjustsoaredlikeeagles,they’verocketedtothemoon.HisappsGongSimi?andZiakSimi?haverevolutionisedthewaySingaporeanscommunicateandargueaboutfood,andseveralofthe start-ups he has funded have been acquired by behemothslike Google, Alibaba Group, and Tencent. The Heron WealthReportestimatesthatTeoisnowworthclosetoabilliondollars—notbadforathirty-six-year-oldwhosharedabedroomwithtwoofhisbrothersuntilhewenttocollege.SohowdoesamanlikeTeoenjoythespoilsofhisfortune?For

starters,thereisthecontemporaryvillainBukitTimahthatanyonedrivingpastcouldeasilymistakeforanAmanResort.Builtaroundseveral reflecting pools and Mediterranean-style gardens, thesprawlinghouseisalreadygettingabitcrampedforTeo’sgrowingcollectionofwarartifactsandsportscars.“Weareintheprocessofbuildinganewhome,andhavebeen interviewingprospective

architects like Renzo Piano and Jean Nouvel. We really wantsomething revolutionary, a home like nothing Singapore’s everseen.”Untilthen,Teotakesmeonatourofhisexclusivebooty.Onthe

ground-floor gallery, samurai swords from theEdo period and amassivecanonfromtheNapoleonicWararedisplayedalongsidehis sparklingly restored Porsches, Ferraris, and Aston Martins.“I’m takingmy time, but I hope to amass the finest collection ofvintage sports cars outside the Western Hemisphere. See this1963FerrariModenaSpyderoverhere?”Teosays,asherubsthechrome work lovingly with his index finger. “This is the actualFerrarithatFerrisBuellerdroveonhisdayoff.”And just home from kindergarten is Teo’s adorable son,

Cassian,whoenters the roomdoingaseriesof cartwheels.Teograbshimbythecollarofhisshirtandliftstheboyintohisarms.“AllthesethingsIpossess,though,arenothingtomewithoutthislittle rascalhere.”Cassian,ahigh-spiritedboywhohas inheritedhis parents’ extraordinary looks, will turn six later this year, andTeoisdeterminedtopassonthesecretsofhissuccesstohisson.“I’matruebelieverintheadage‘sparetherodandspoilthechild.’I thinkkidsneedagreatdealofdiscipline,and theyneed tobetrained to functionat theirhighest level.Forexample,myson isexceedinglysmart,and Idon’t feel thathe’sbeingchallengedathiskindergarten,andthiswillbeveryboldofmetosay,butIdon’tthink he’ll be challenged at any primary school in Singaporeeither.”SodoesthatmeanthattheTeosplantosendtheirchildabroad

toaboardingschoolatsuchanearlyage?“Wehaven’tmadeupourmindsyet,butwethinkwe’lleithersendhimtoGordonstounin Scotland [the alma mater of both Prince Philip and PrinceCharles]orLeRoseyinSwitzerland.Formyson,nothingismoreimportant than the best education that money can buy—I wanthim to go to school with future kings andworld leaders, peoplewhoreallyshakeuptheworld,”heferventlydeclares.MichaelTeois undoubtedly one of these people, and with such a dedicatedvisionandloveforhisson,it’snowonderheisPinnacle’sFatheroftheYear!

•••

Rushinghomefromtheairport,AstridenteredthefrontdoorandsawMichaelstandingonaladder,adjustingthespotlightthatwasshiningonhismarblebustoftheEmperorNero.

“Jesus,Michael!Whathaveyoudone?”shesaidangrily.

“Wellhellotoyoutoo,honey.”

Astridheldupthemagazine.“Whendidyoudothisinterview?”

“Oh—it’soutalready!”Michaelsaidexcitedly.

“Damnrightit’sout!Ican’tbelieveyouletthishappen.”

“I didn’t let it happen, Imade it happen.We did the photo shootwhile you were at Nick’s wedding in California. You know, it wassupposed to be Ang Peng Siong and his son on the cover, but theyyankeditatthelastminuteinfavorofme.Mynewpublicist,AngelinaChio-LeeatSPGStrategies,engineeredthat.Whatdoyouthinkofthepictures?”

“Theyareabsolutelyridiculous.”

“Youdon’thavetobesuchabitchaboutit,justbecauseyouweren’tinthem,”Michaelsuddenlysnapped.

“Jesus, do you think that’s what I’m upset about? Have you evenreadthearticle?”

“No—how could I? It just came out. But don’t worry, I took extracarenottosayanythingaboutyouoryourcrazyparanoidfamily.”

“You didn’t have to—you let the writer into our house! Into ourbedroom!Shefoundthingsoutforherself!”

“Stopbeingsohysterical.Can’tyouseethatthisisgoodforme?Thatthiswillbegoodforourfamily?”

“I’mnotsureyou’llthinkthatafteryou’vereadit.Well,you’llhavetoreckonwithmyfatherwhenhegetswindofthis,notme.”

“Your father! Everything’s always about your father,” Michaelgrumbledashefiddledwiththescrewonthelight.

“He is going to be furious when he sees this. More than you canpossiblyeverimagine,”Astridsaidominously.

Michaelshookhisheadindisappointmentashecameofftheladder.“Andtothink,thiswassupposedtobeapresenttoyou.”

“Apresenttome?”Astridstruggledtograspthelogicbehindthis.

“Cassian was so excited about the photo shoot, he was so lookingforwardtosurprisingyou.”

“Ohbelieveme,I’msurprised.”

“You know what’s surprising me? You’ve been away for almost aweek, but you seem to care muchmore about this magazine articlethanseeingyourownson.”

Astridstaredathimincredulously.“Areyouactuallytryingtomakemethebadpersonhere?”

“Actionsspeaklouderthanwords.You’restillstandinghererantingatme,whileupstairsthere’sachildwho’sbeenwaitingallnightforhismothertocomehome.”

Astridlefttheroomwithoutanotherwordandheadedupstairs.

3

JINXIANLU

SHANGHAI

A couple of hours after returning to Shanghai from their Paris trip,CarltoncalledRachelatthePeninsulaHotel.“Allsettledin?”

“Yes,butnowI’mjet-laggedalloveragain.Nick,ofcourse,puthishead on the pillow and immediately started snoring. It’s so unfair.”Rachelsighed.

“Er…thinkNickwouldmindifItookyououttodinner?Justthetwoofus?”Carltonaskedtimidly.

“Ofcoursenot!Evenifhewasn’tdeadtotheworldforthenexttenhours,hewouldn’tmind.”

That evening, Carlton drove Rachel (this time in a very sensibleMercedes G-Wagen) to Jinxian Lu, a narrow street lined with oldshophouses in the French Concession. “Here’s the restaurant, butwheretopark—thatisthequestion,”Carltonmuttered.Rachelglancedatthemodeststorefrontwithpleatedwhitecurtainsandnoticedarowof luxury vehicles parked outside. They found a space halfway downthe block and walked leisurely toward the restaurant, passing a fewenticinglyquaintbars,antiqueshops,andtrendyboutiquesalongtheway.

Arriving at their dining spot, Rachel discovered a tiny space withonly five tables. It was a fluorescent-lit room completely devoid ofdecorsaveforaplasticrotatingdeskfanboltedtothedingywhitewall,but itwaspackedwithadecidedlyposhcrowd. “Looks likequite thefoodiedestination,”Rachelcommented,eyeinganexpensivelydressedcouplediningwithtwosmallkidsstillintheirgray-and-whiteprivate-schooluniforms,whileatatablebythedoorsattwohipsterGermansintheirregulationplaids,wieldingchopsticksasexpertlyasanylocals.

Awaiterinawhitesingletandblacktrousersapproachedthem.“Mr.Fung?”heaskedCarltoninMandarin.

“No,Bao—twopeopleat seven thirty,”Carltonanswered.Themannoddedandgesturedforthemtoenter.Theynavigatedtheirwaytotheback of the room, where a womanwith dripping-wet hands pointedtowardadoorway.“Upthestairs!Don’tbeshy!”shesaid.Rachelsoonfound herself climbing an extremely narrow, steep staircase whosewoodenstepsweresowornthattheydippedinthecenter.Halfwayup,she passed a small landing that had been converted into a cookingspace.Twowomencrouchedinfrontofsizzlingwoks,fillingthewholestaircasewithatantalizingsmokyaroma.

Atthetopofthestairswasaroomwithabedagainstonewallandadresser piled highwith neatly folded clothes on the opposite side. Asmalltablehadbeenplacedinfrontofthebedalongwithacoupleofchairs,andasmalltelevisionsetbuzzedinthecorner.“Areweactuallyeatinginsomeone’sbedroom?”Rachelaskedinastonishment.

Carlton grinned. “I was hoping we’d get to eat up here—it’sconsideredthebesttableinthehouse.Isitokaywithyou?”

“Are you kidding? This is the coolest restaurant I think I’ve everbeen in!”Rachelsaidexcitedly, lookingout thewindowat the lineofhanginglaundrythatstretchedacrosstotheothersideofthestreet.

“Thisplaceisthedefinitionof‘hole-in-the-wall,’buttheyarefamousfor preparing some of the most authentic home-style Shanghainesefoodinthecity.There’snomenu—theyjustbringyouwhateverthey’recooking today, and everything’s always in season and very fresh,”Carltonexplained.

“AfterourweekinParis,thisissuchawelcomechange.”

“You take the place of honor on the bed,” Carlton offered. Rachelgleefullymadeherself comfortableon themattress—it felt so strangeandalittlenaughtytobeeatingonsomeone’sbed.

Soon two women entered the bedroom-cum-dining room andstarted placing amultitude of steaming-hot dishes onto the Formicatable. Arrayed before them was hongshao rou—thick slices of fattyporkinasweetmarinadewithgreenpeppers;jiangya—braisedduckleg covered in thick, sweetened soy sauce; jiuyang caotou—seasonalvegetables stir-fried in fragrant wine; ganshao changyu—deep-friedwhole pomfret; and yandu xian—a typical Shanghainese soup ofbambooshoots,pressedtofu,saltedham,andfreshpork.

“Sweet Jesus! How are we going to finish all this by ourselves?”

Rachellaughed.

“Trustme, the foodhere is sogoodyou’llbeeatingmore thanyounormallywould.”

“Uh,that’swhatI’mafraidof.”

“Wecanwrapupwhateverwedon’tfinishandNickcanenjoyalate-nightsnack,”Carltonsuggested.

“He’sgonnalovethat.”

Afterclinkingtheirbottlesofice-coldTsingtaobeer,theydoveintothedisheswithoutanyceremony,savoringthefoodinsilenceforthefirstfewminutes.

Afterhisfirstroundofsweetfattypork,CarltonlookedearnestlyatRachelandsaid,“IwantedtotakeyoutodinnertonightbecauseIoweyouanapology.”

“Iunderstand.Butyoualreadyapologized.”

“No, I didn’t. Not properly, anyway. I’ve been thinking about itnonstop,andIstillfeelhorribleaboutwhathappenedinParis.Thankyouforsteppinginanddoingwhatyoudid.ItwasratherstupidofmetothinkIcouldeverraceRichieintheconditionIwasin.”

“I’mgladyouseethat.”

“I’malsosorryforeverythingIsaidtoyou.Iwasjustsoshocked—ashamed,really—thatyoufoundoutaboutLondon,butitwasbloodyunfairofmetolashoutatyoulikethat.IwishIcouldtakeitallback.”

Rachelwassilentforamoment.“I’mactuallyverygratefulforwhatyou toldme. It’s givenme some insight into a situation that’s beenpuzzlingmesincewearrived.”

“Icanonlyimagine.”

“Look, I think I understand the position I’ve put your father in. Itrulyamsorry if I’ve causedyour familyany trouble.Especially yourmother. I see now that it must be very hard on her—this wholesituationis justsomethingnoneofuscouldeverhavepreparedfor.Ireallyhopeshedoesn’thatemeforcomingtoChina.”

“She doesn’t hate you—she doesn’t know you. Mum’s just had atough year with my accident and all. Finding out about you—discovering this side of my father’s past—has just compounded that

stress.She’ssomeonewho’susedtoaveryorderlywayoflife,andshe’sspentsomanyyearsplanningthingsoutperfectly.Likethecompany.And Dad’s career. She really has been the force behind his politicalrise,andnowshe’stryingtopropelmyfutureaswell.Myaccidentwasahugesetbackinhereyes,andshe’ssoafraidthatanymorescratchestothatfaçadewilldestroyeverythingshe’splannedforme.”

“Butwhathas sheplanned foryou?Does shewantyou toget intopoliticstoo?”

“Ultimately,yes.”

“Butisthatevensomethingyouwant?”

Carltonsighed.“Idon’tknowwhatIwant.”

“That’sokay.Youhavetimetofigureitout.”

“DoI?BecausesometimesIfeellikeeveryonemyageisaheadofthegameandI’mjusttotallyfucked.IthoughtIknewwhatIwanted,butthentheaccidentchangedeverything.Whatwereyoudoingwhenyouweretwenty-three?”

Rachelthoughtaboutitasshedranksomeoftheporkandbamboosoup. She closed her eyes, momentarily transported by the subtleflavors.

“Good,isn’tit?They’refamousforthissoup,”Carltonsaid.

“It’s amazing. I think I could drink the whole pot!” Rachelexclaimed.

“Gorightahead.”

Collecting herself, Rachel continued, “When I was twenty-three, IwasinChicagogoingtogradschoolatNorthwestern.AndIspenthalftheyearinGhana.”

“YouwereinAfrica?”

“Yep.Doingfieldresearchformydissertationaboutmicrolending.”

“Brilliant! I’ve always dreamed of going to this place in NamibiacalledtheSkeletonCoast.”

“YoushouldtalktoNick—he’sbeenthere.”

“Really?”

“Yeah—he went with his best friend Colin when he was living in

England. They used to travel to all these extremely hard-to-get-toplaces.Nickused tohavequite the lifebeforehemetmeandsettleddown.”

“Youguysseemtohavequitethelifenow,”Carltonsaidwistfully.

“Youcanhaveanytypeoflifeyouwant,Carlton.”

“Idon’tknowaboutthat.Youhaven’tmetmymother.Butyouknowwhat?Youwill soon. I’mgoing tohavea talkwithDad—heneeds tostanduptoherandendthisidioticblockadethatshe’simposed.Onceshemeets you, once you are no longer thismysterious entity to her,she’llseeyouforwhoyouare.Andshe’llcometoappreciateyou,Ijustknowit.”

“It’sverykindofyou tosay that,butNickandIwerediscussing itearliertodayandwe’rethinkingofchangingourtravelplans.PeikLin,my friend fromSingapore, is flying up to visitme onThursday. ShewantstotakemetoHangzhouforaspaweekendwhileNick isoff inBeijing doing his research at theNational Library. But whenwe getbacknextweek,Ithinkwe’llheadhometoNewYork.”

“Nextweek?YouweresupposedtobehereuntilAugust—youcan’tleavesosoon!”Carltonbegantoprotest.

“It’sbetter thatway. I realize that itwasahugemistake forme tomakethistripsosoon.Inevergaveyourmotherenoughtimetoadjusttotheideaofme.ThelastthingIwanttodoiscausealastingwoundbetweenyourparents.Really.”

“Let me talk to them. You can’t leave China without seeing Dadagain,andIwantmymumtomeetyou.Shehasto.”

Rachelponderedthingsforamoment.“It’suptoyou.Idon’twanttoimpose on them any more than I already have. Look, we’ve had afantastictimeinChina.AndParis,ofcourse.GettingtospendallthistimewithyouisalreadyfarmorethanIcouldhaveeverhopedfor.”

Carltonlockedeyesforamomentwithhissister,andnothingmoreneededtobesaid.

4

RIVERSIDEVICTORYTOWERS

SHANGHAI

FormanyShanghainesewhohadbeenborninPuxi—thehistoriccitycenter—the glittering new metropolis on the other side of the rivercalledPudongwouldneverbepartof therealShanghai. “Puxi is likePu-York, but Pudong will always be Pu-Jersey,” the cognoscentisnidely remarked. Jack Bing, who hailed from Ningbo in ZhejiangProvince,hadnotimeforsuchsnobberies.Hewasproudtobepartofthe new China that built Pudong, and whenever guests came to histriplexpenthouseatRiversideVictoryTowers—ahulkingtrioofultra-luxurious apartment complexes that he had developed on theriverfrontofPudong’sfinancialdistrict—hewouldproudlywalkthemaround the sprawling rooftop garden of his 8,888-square-footpenthouseandpointout thenewcity thatstretchedas faras theeyecouldsee.“Adecadeago,allthiswasfarmland.Nowitisthecenteroftheworld,”hewouldsay.

Today, as Jack sat on the titanium andMongolian gazelle loungechairMarcNewsonhadcustomdesignedforhim,sippinghisglassof2005 Château Pétrus on the rocks, his thoughts lingered on thememoryofanafternoonspentaloneatthePalaceofVersaillesattheendofabusiness trip,wherehedelighted instumblinguponasmallexhibitiondevotedtoChineseantiquitiesinthecourtofLouisXIV.Hewas admiring a portrait of the Emperor Qianlong in a small gallerytuckedbehindtheHallofMirrorswhenalargetourgroupofChinesetourists crowded into the space. Aman in head-to-toe Stefano Riccipointedat theportrait of the emperordressed in aManchu-style furcapandmurmuredexcitedly,“GenghisKhan!GenghisKhan!”

Jack left thegalleryhastily,afraidhemightbeassociatedwiththisgroupofignorantChinese.Imaginetheseheathensnotknowingoneoftheirgreatestemperors,whoruledformorethansixtyyears!Butashestrolled along the grand canal that bisected the majestic gardens of

Versailles,hebegan towonderwhether theFrench themselvesmighttoday recognize a portrait of their own king who had built such animpressive monument to his power. Now, as Jack stared out at thecurving crescent of golden lights along the Pudong waterfront,counting the buildings that belonged to him, he pondered his ownlegacy,andhowthepeopleofthisnewChinamightrememberhimincenturiestocome.

The familiar click-clickofhisdaughter’shighheels soonbroke thesilence, and Jack quickly removed the ice cubes from his wine andtossed them into the potted tan hua plant nearby. He knew Colettewould scold him if she saw them. A couple of ice cubesmissed theMing ceramic planter and skidded across the floor, leaving faint redstreaksalongtheEmperadormarble.

Colette barged intohis study all a-huff. “What’swrong? IsMotherokay?IsNainaiokay?”

“YourgrandmotherisstillaliveasfarasIknow,andyourmotherisatherreflexologyappointment,”Jacksaidcalmly.

“Thenwhydid youneedme sourgently? Iwas in themiddle of averyimportantdinnerwiththeworld’smostacclaimedchefs!”

“Andthat’smoreimportantthanseeingyourownfather?YoucomebackfromParisandyouwouldratherdinewiththehelp?”

“ThistoptruffledealerwasabouttooffermehisprizedwhiteAlbatrufflewhen you called, but now I think that sneakyEricRipert hassnaggedit.Iwasgoingtosurpriseyouwiththetruffle.”

Jack letoutasnort.“Whatreallysurprisesmeis thewayyoukeepdisappointingmeoverandoveragain.”

Colette stared at her father quizzically. “What have I ever done todisappointyou?”

“The fact that you don’t even know is so telling. I went to suchlengths to help Richie Yang orchestrate the perfect proposal to you,andlookwhatyoudidinreturn.”

“Youwerepartofthatwholescheme?Ofcourseyouwere—ifIhadplannedtheaffair,itwouldhavebeensomuchmoretasteful!”

“That’snotthepoint.Thepointisthatyouweresupposedtosayyes,like any normal girl who is being serenaded by one of the most

expensivesingersintheworld.”

Coletterolledhereyes.“IlikeJohnLegend,butevenifyouhadpaidJohnLennontorisefromthegraveandsing‘AllYouNeedIsLove’tome,theanswerwouldstillbeno.”

Colettesawsomethingmoveoutofthecornerofhereyeandturnedto find her mother standing by the doorway. “What are you doingskulkingintheshadows?Haveyoubeenhomeallthistime?YouknewDadwasinvolvedallalong,didn’tyou?”

“Aiyah,Icouldn’tbelieveitwhenyouturnedRichiedown!Wehavebothwantedthisforyoueversinceyoustarteddatinghimthreeyearsago,”hermothersaidwithadeepsigh,plantingherselfdownon thegildedsettee.

“It’snotlikeI’vebeenseeinghimexclusively.I’vebeendatingmanyothermen.”

“Well,you’vehadyourfun,andnowit’shightimeyougotmarried.IhadyoubythetimeIwasyourage,”Mrs.Bingchastised.

“I can’t even believe we’re having this conversation!Why did yousendmetothemostprogressiveschoolsinEnglandifallyouexpectedoutofmewas togetmarriedat suchayoungage?Whydid IbotherstudyingsohardatRegent’s?Ihavesomanygoals,somanythingsIwanttoaccomplishbeforeIbecomeanyone’swife.”

“Whycan’t youaccomplishyourgoalswhile you’remarried?”Jackargued.

“It’snotthesame,Father.Besides,mysituationissodifferentthanwhenthebothofyouwereyoung.SometimesIwonderifIevenneedtogetmarriedatall—it’snotlikeIneedamantolookafterme!”

“How long do you intend tomake us wait until you are ready formarriage?”hermotherdemanded.

“IthinkIwon’tbereadyforatleastanotherdecade.”

“Wode tian ah!* You’ll be thirty-three.What will happen to youreggs?Youreggswillgetoldandyourbabiesmightbebornretardedordeformed!”Mrs.Bingscreeched.

“Mother,stopbeingsoridiculous!Withallthedamndoctorsyouseeevery day, you should know that such things don’t happen anymore.Theyhavespecialgenetictestsnow,andwomenarehavingbabieswell

intotheirforties!”

“Listentoher!”Mrs.Bingsaidincredulouslytoherhusband.

Jackleanedforwardinhischairandremarkedwryly,“Idon’tthinkthis has anything to dowith age, actually. I think our daughter is inlovewithCarltonBao.”

“Even if I was, I wouldn’t want to getmarried to him right now,”Coletteshotback.

“AndwhatmakesyouthinkIwouldeverapproveofyourmarryinghim?”

Colettelookedatherfatherinexasperation.“WhyisRichiesomuchmore special than Carlton? They both have degrees from topuniversities, andboth come from respectable families.Why, I’d evensaythatCarltoncomesfromahigher-statusfamilythanRichie.”

Mrs.Bingharrumphed.“Idon’tlikethatBaoShaoyen.Alwaysactingsouppity,likeshe’ssomuchbetterandsmarterthanme!”

“That’sbecausesheISsmarterthanyou,Mother.ShehasaPhDinbiochemistryandrunsamultibillion-dollarcompany.”

“Howdareyousaythattome!Don’tyouthinkI’mpartlyresponsibleforyourfather’ssuccess?Iwastheonewhospentallthoseyears—”

Raising his voice to be heard over his arguing wife and daughter,Jack interjected, “CARLTONBAO’S family has two billion dollars atmost.TheYangsareonawholeother level.Our level.Don’t you seethatthisistheperfectdynasticmatch?ThetwoofyoutogetherwouldmakeourfamiliesthemostpowerfulandinfluentialinChina.Doyounotseetheuniquepositionthatyouareintobepartofhistory?”

“I’msorry,Ididn’trealize thatIwasachesspiece inyourplanforworlddomination,”Coletteshotbacksarcastically.

Jack banged his fist on the desk and stood up from his chair,pointingatherangrily.“Youarenotmychesspiece!Youaremyprizedpossession. And I want to see that you are treated like a queen andmarriedofftothebestpossiblemaninthewholeworld!”

“ButthefactthatIdon’tagreewithyourideaofthebestmanmeansnothingtoyou!”

“Well if Carlton Bao is the best man for you, then why hasn’t heproposedtoyou?”Jackchallengedher.

“Oh,he’llproposewheneverIwanthimto.Don’tyouunderstand?Ikeeptellingyou,I’mjustnotready!WHENIwanttogetmarriedandIFIchooseCarlton,youcanbesurehewillexceedyourexpectations.TheBaosmighthavemoremoneythantheYangsbythen.YouhavenoideahowsmartCarltonis!Oncehereallydevoteshisattentiontohisfamily’sbusiness,there’snotellinghowwellhecando.”

“Isthatgoingtohappeninmylifetime?YourmotherandIarenotgettinganyyounger—Iwanttoseemygrandsonsgrowupwhilewearestillhealthyenoughtoenjoythem!”

Colette’seyesnarrowedasshestaredatherfather,seeingthingsinawholenewlight.“Sothisiswhatit’sreallyallabout…youarejustdyingforgrandsons,aren’tyou?”

“Of course! What grandparents wouldn’t want lots and lots ofgrandsons?”Mrs.Bingsaid.

“This is just too funny…it’s like I’m trapped in some time warp.”Colettelaughedtoherself.“AndwhatifIonlyproducegirls?WhatifIdon’twantanychildrenatall?”

“Don’ttalknonsense,”hermothersnapped.

Colettewasabouttoarguebackwhenithither—hermother’sveryname,LaiDi,meant “hoping for a son.”Hermother couldn’t escapehermind-set—it had literally beenbranded onher since the day shewasborn.Colettelookedatherparentssquarelyandsaid,“Thetwoofyoumighthavegrownup likepeasants,but I amnot apeasant, andyoudidnot raiseme tobeone. It is2013,andIamnotgoing togetmarried and pump out babies just because youwant a barrel full ofgrandsons.”

“Ungrateful child! After all we’ve given you in life!” Mrs. Bingblurtedout.

“Yes,thankyou,you’vegivenmeagreatlife,andIintendtoliveit!”Colettedeclared,stormingoutoftheroom.

Jackgaveasharplittlelaugh.“Let’sseehowsheintendstoliveherlifeonceIputafreezeonheraccounts.”

*Mandarinfor“OhmyGod!”

5

PULAUCLUB

SINGAPORE

Michaelwashuddledinhisofficepreparingforabigpresentationwithhis head venture partner and his chief technology adviser when hisphonebuzzedwithatextmessagefromAstrid:

WIFEY:Mumcalled—she’shavingameltdownaboutthemagazinearticle.

MT:Bigshocker.

WIFEY:Mydad’srequestedthatyoumeethimatPulauclubat10:30a.m.

MT:Sorry,I’llbeinameetingthen.

WIFEY:You’regoingtohavetofacehimsoonerorlater.

MT:Iknow,butI’mbusyrightnow.SomeofusHAVETOWORKFORALIVING.

WIFEY:I’mjustpassingalongthemessage.

MT:TellhimIhaveaveryimportantmeetingwiththeMonetaryAuthorityofSingaporethisAM.Myassistantwillcallhisassistanttosetupanothertimetomeet.

WIFEY:Okay.Goodluckatyourmeeting.

Severalminuteslater,Michael’sexecutiveassistant,Krystal,buzzedontheintercom.“Michael,ah?I justreceivecallfromyourfather-in-law’s seck-ree-teh-ryMissChua.Hewants you tomeethimatPulauClubinhalfanhour.”

Michael rolled his eyes in frustration. “I already know about this,Krystal. It’sbeendealtwith.Now,nomore interruptions,please.Weonlyhaveanhourleftbeforeourbigpitch.”

Heturnedbacktohispartners.“Sorry,guys.Now,wherewerewe?Yes,wecanreinforce thatournewfinance-dataapp isaquarterofasecondfasterthanBloomberg’sterminals—”

The intercom buzzed again. “Michael—I know you said not tokachiao*1you,but—”

“Sowhythehelldidyou?”Michaelraisedhisvoiceangrily.

“I just got an-nah-der call…the meeting with gahmen*2 peoplepostpone,lah.”

“TheMonetaryAuthoritymeeting?”Michaeltriedtoclarify.

“Yahlah.”

“Untilwhattime?”

“Postpone,postpone,lor!Theyneversay.”

“Whatthefuck?”

“Andyourfather-in-law’sofficecallagainwithan-nah-dermessage.MissChuasaidtoreaditaloudtoyou.Wait,ah!Igetmessage.Okay,hereitis:PleasemeetMr.LeongatPulauClubat10:30a.m.Nomoreexcuses.”

“Kanninah!”Michaelswore,kickinghisdesk.

•••

AnyonestandingatthethirdholeoftheIslandCourseatPulauClub—quaintly referred to as the “old course”—would feel as if they weretransportedbacktoanearliertime.Carvedoutofnaturalvirginjunglein 1930, the undulating green hills gave way to tropical groves ofcasuarinas and tembusus on one side and the oasis-like PeirceReservoiron theother.Not ahintof thedenselypacked skyscrapersthat weremodern Singapore could be seen from this vantage point.HarryLeong,dressedinhisusualgolfingoutfitofshort-sleevedwhitecotton shirt, khaki pants, and a faded blue Royal Air Force cap*3 toprotecthisthinningsilveryhair,waswatchinghisgolfbuddyadjustaswingwhenhisson-in-lawcamestormingupthefairway.

“Oh—herehecomes,lookingblackerthanthedevil.Let’shavesomefunwithhim,shallwe?”Harrysaidtohisfriend.“Lovelyday,isn’tit?”hecalledout.

“Itmighthavebeen,hadyounot…”Michaelbegan inasurly tone,

beforecatchingsightofthemanstandingnexttohisfather-in-law.Itwas Hu Lee Shan, the minister of commerce, nattily dressed in abrightlystripedSligogolfshirt.

“Goodmorning,Mr.Teo,”theministersaidjovially.

Forcingasmile,Michaelsaid,“Goodmorning,sir.”Bloodyhell!Nowonderhewasabletosabotagemymeetingsoquickly.He’sgolfingwiththefriggin’bossofthebossoftheMonetaryAuthority!

“Thankyouformeetingmeonsuchshortnotice,”Harrycontinuedpolitely. “Now, I’ll get right to the point: this matter over the sillymagazinestory.”

“I’m sorry, Dad. It was never my intention for your name to getmentioned,”Michaelbegan.

“Oh I don’t care aboutmy name. Imean, who am I in the grandschemeofthings,right?I’mapublicservant—peoplecanprintanysortofnonsensetheywantaboutme.It’sallmuchadoaboutnothinginmyopinion, but, you see, other names were mentioned in that article.Otherpeoplewhoaretouchyaboutsuchthings.Likemywifeandmymother-in-law.Thatsideofthefamily.Youknowhowwemustn’teverupsetAstrid’sgrandmother,orUncleAlfred.”

“Heh heh heh—no one should ever upset Alfred Shang,” chuckledtheminister.

Michaelwantedtorollhiseyes.WhatwasthebigdealaboutAlfredShangthatmadeeverymansobolampa*4 inhispresence?“I reallyhadnoideathatreporterwasgoingtogodigging.Itwasonlysupposedtobeaflatteringstor—”

Harrycuthimoffmid-word.“TheTattlepeopleknownevertowriteaboutus.Soyouwenttotheothermagazine,Pompousorwhateverit’scalled.Tellme,whatdidyouhopetoachieve?”

“I thought the article would allow me to increase my company’sprofilewhilerespectingAstrid’s—andyourfamily’s—needforprivacy.”

“Anddoyouthink itdoes?I’massumingyou’vereadthearticlebynow.”

Michaelswallowedhard.“Itdoesn’tquitedowhatIhadhoped.”

“Makesyououttobeapretentiousbuffoon,doesn’tit?”Harrysaid,ashereachedforanotherputter.“TrythisHonma,LeeShan.”

Michael’sjawtightened.Iftheministerwasn’trightthere,hewouldgivethisoldmanapieceofhismind!

The minister executed a precise chipping swing and the golf ballrolledsmoothlyintothehole.

“Niceshot,sir,”Michaelsaid.

“Doyouplay,Mr.Teo?”

“IdowhenIcan.”

TheministerglancedatHarryashesteppedup to the teeboxandsaid, “You’rea luckyman—youhavea son-in-lawwhogolfs.Mykidsare far too preoccupied with their important lives to ever play withme.”

“We should all play at my club at Sentosa sometime. The oceanviewsarespectacular,”Michaeloffered.

Harrypausedinthemiddleofhisgolfswing.“Youknow,I’veneversetfootinthatclubandIplantodieneverhavingsetfootthere.IfI’mnot at St. Andrews or Pebble Beach, the only place I play is the oldcourserighthere.”

“I feel the sameway,Harry,” theminister said. “Didn’t youuse tocatchConcordetoLondononFridaysafterworkandthenhopovertoEdinburghjusttoplayaroundatSt.Andrews?”

“Thosewere the old dayswhen I only had theweekends to spare.NowthatI’msemiretired,IcangoawholeweekatPebbleBeach.”

Michael fumed in silence,wonderingwhen this audiencewas evergoing to end.As if readinghismind,his father-in-law lookedhim intheeyeandsaid,“Ineedyoutodosomethingforme.Ineedyoutogoinpersonandapologizetoyourmother-in-law.”

“Of course. I’ll evenwrite a letter to themagazine disavowing thearticle,ifthat’swhatyouwant.”

“There’snoneed—I’veboughtuptheentireprintrunandhadeveryissueof themagazinepulled fromthebookstoresandpulped,”Harrysaidlightly.

Michael’seyeswidened.

“Heh heh heh. All those subscribers are going to wonder whyPinnacle is missing from their mailboxes this month,” the minister

cracked.

“Now, don’t let me keep you,Michael. I know you’re a very busyman.YouhavetogetovertoseemywifebeforesheheadstoSalonDorLaModeforherwashandsetateleventhirty.”

“Of course,” Michael said, grateful to be getting away relativelyunscathed.“Onceagain,Iapologize.Attheendoftheday,Iwasonlytryingtodomybestforthefamily.Afeaturearticleaboutmysuccesscanonlybenefit—”

Harry suddenly snapped in fury. “Your success is absolutelyirrelevanttome!Whathaveyousucceededat,really?You’vesoldafewmeaningless companies andmade some insignificant money. It’s allbeenhandedtoyou!YouronlymissioninlifeasfarasI’mconcernedistoprotectmydaughter,andthatmeansprotectingherprivacy.Yoursecond mission is to protect my grandson. And on both scores youhavefailed.”

Michael, his face boiling in embarrassment and fury, stared at hisfather-in-law. He was about to say something when six black-suitedsecurityguardssuddenlyappearedoutofnowhereandbegancarryingoffthegolfbags.

HarryLeongturnedtohisfriend.“Now,ontothefourthhole?”

•••

MichaelspeddownAdamRoadinhisAstonMartinDB5,seethingwithrage.Howdarethatshitbaghumiliatemeinfrontof theministerofcommerce! Calling me a pretentious buffoon, when he’s the onebragging about his weekend trips to golf at Pebble Beach! Whatfuckingbullshit to say it’sallbeenhanded tome,whenhe inheritedeverycentofhisobscene fortuneandI’veworkedsogoddamnhardmywholelife!

Suddenly itwasas ifa flarewentoff insidehishead.Hehadbeengoing to his mother-in-law’s house on Nassim Road, but now heslammedonthebrakes,madeaU-turn,andracedbacktohisoffice.

Krystalwasonhercomputersurfingwebsitesforcheaptraveldealsto the Maldives when he came bursting into the office and startedgoingthroughthefilingcabinets.

“Whereareall the filesrelatedto thesaleofCloudNineSolutions,myfirstcompany?”

“Acherley,*5wouldn’tthoseoldfilesbeinthearchiveroomonforty-thirdfloor?”Krystalsuggested.

“Comewithme,weneedtofindthosefilesnow!”

Theyraceddowntothearchiveroom,whichMichaelhadneverevenenteredbefore,andbegandiggingthroughthefiledrawers.“Ineedtofindtheoriginalcontractsfrom2010,”hesaidurgently.

“Wah, so many files here! Search and search until vomit blood!”Krystalcomplained.

Aftersearching for twentyminutes, theycameacrossasetof largeorangebindersthatcontainedalltherelevantdocuments.“Hereitis!”Michaelsaidexcitedly.

“Wah,youdamnheng!*6Ithoughtweneverfind!”

“Okay,Krystal,youcangobackupstairsnow.”Michaelbeganriflingthroughthepagesuntilhecametotheonehewaslookingfor.ItwastheSharePurchaseAgreementauthorizingthesaleofhiscompanytoPromenadeTechnologiesofMountainView,California.There,buriedwithinthedozensofvariousentitiesthatwereinvolvedinthebuyoutofhistechfirm,onenamestoodout—theultimateparentcompanyoftheacquisitionvehicle,someshellcorporationbasedinMauritius.Heheld the piece of paper in his hands, staring intently at the name indisbeliefanddenial,hisheartpoundingmorefuriouslythaniteverhadbefore:PebbleBeachHoldCoIV-A,LTD.

It’sallbeenhandedtoyou!Hisfather-in-law’swordssuddenlytookonawholenewmeaning.

*1Singlishfor“disturb”(Malayorigin).

*2CorrectSinglishpronunciationfor“government.”

*3AgiftfromhisfriendHisRoyalHighnesstheDukeofKent.

*4AHokkientermforcowardsthatliterallymeans“noballs.”

*5CorrectSinglishpronunciationfor“actually.”

*6Hokkienfor“lucky,”“fortunate.”

6

IMPERIALTREASURERESTAURANT

SHANGHAI

“I hope you don’t mind—I invited Colette to join us,” Carlton saidbreezily tohisparents as the twoof thementered theprivatediningroomofImperialTreasure.TheBaos,whohadsummonedtheirsontodinner as soon as the gossip about Paris had reached their ears,couldn’tmasktheirlooksofsurprisewhenColettewalkedin,followedbytheubiquitousRoxannewithalargeberibbonedhamperfullofgiftsfromParis.

“It’salwaysapleasuretohaveyouwithus,Colette,”Gaoliangsaid,forcing a smile as he stared grimly at Carlton’s purplish eye. So thestoryabouthisfightwithRichieYangwastrue.

Shaoyenwas lessrestrained.Shegotup fromthe tableandrushedtowardherson,puttingherhandsonhisface.“Lookatyou!Youlooklike a raccoon that went for lip fillers! My God, after all you wentthrough with your reconstructive surgeries, how could you let thishappen?”

“I’mfine,Mother.It’snothing,”Carltonsaidgruffly,tryingtoshrugheroff.

“Mrs. Bao, I brought you some presents from Paris. I know howmuchyoulovethepâtésdefruitsatHédiard.”Colettegesturedtothehamper,hopingtodistractthem.

“Hiyah, had I known you were coming, I would have arrangeddinner at someplace special. This was just a last-minute familydinner,”Shaoyensaid,hopingheremphasisonthewordfamilywouldmakethegirlfeelespeciallyunwelcome.

“Oh, this isoneofmy family’s favorite restaurants too! Iknowthemenuverywell,”Colettechirped,seeminglyoblivioustothetensionintheroom.

“Whydon’tyoudotheorderingthen?Besuretogetallyourfavoritedishes,”Shaoyenrepliedsolicitously.

“No, no, I’ll just keep it simple.” Colette turned to the waiter andsmiled.“Let’sstartwiththedeep-friedcrabclawsstuffedwithmincedshrimp, followed by the live Venus clams steamed in XO sauce, thebarbecued roast pork with honey sauce, the sautéed scallops withItalianwhitetruffleoil,andthestewedchickenwithdicedabaloneandsalted fish in clay pot. Oh, and of course wemust have the roastedsucklingpig—makesureit’safatone—andthesteamedslicedgaroupawith mushroom in lotus leaf, the stir-fried diced vegetables withwalnut served in crispy nest, and of course the braised e-fu noodleswithcrabroeandcrabmeatinsoup.Andfordessert,thedouble-boiledbird’snestwithrocksugar.”

StandingbehindColette’schair,Roxanneleanedtowardthewaiter’sear. “Please tell the chef it’s for Miss Bing—he knows she likes thebird’snestdessertspikedwithninedropsofamarettodiSaronnoandsprinkledwithshavingsoftwenty-four-caratgold.”

Gaoliangexchanged lookswithhiswife.ThisColetteBingwas justtoomuch.GlaringatCarlton,Shaoyenquipped,“NowIknowwhyourbanker called me up last week. They noticed some highly elevatedspending patterns on your accounts. Looks like you two had quite atimeinParis,didn’tyou?”

“Ooh,itwaspureheaven,”Colettesaidwithasigh.

“Wehadalovelytime,”Carltonsaidalittleuncomfortably.

“AndthatracingcompetitionwithRichieYang,wasthatlovelytoo?”Shaoyenasked,hervoicedrippingwithsarcasm.

“Whatdoyoumean?Ididn’tracehim,”Carltonrepliedcarefully.

“Butyouweregoingto,weren’tyou?”

“Itneverhappened,Mother,”Carltonprotested.

Gaoliang sighed heavily. “Son, what really disappoints me is yourcomplete lack of judgment. I can’t believe you would even considerdoing something like that after your accident! And to make thingsworse,thiscallousbetyoumadeovertherace—IneverimaginedyouwouldhavetheaudacitytomakeabetwithRichieYangfortenmilliondollars.”

Colette spoke up in Carlton’s defense. “Mr. andMrs. Bao, I don’tmean to intrude, but you should know that Richie was the onewhocameupwiththechallengeandthebet.RichiewastheoneprovokingCarltoneverychancehecouldforthepastfewmonths.Hedidallthisto try to impressme. Ifanyoneshouldbeblamed foreverything thathappenedinParis,itshouldbeme.Youshouldbeproudofyourson—Carltondid the right thing.Hewas thebiggermanandwalkedawayfromthatrace.CanyouimagineifRichiehadwontherace?Imean,Iknowtenmilliondollarsisnotthatmuchmoney,butstill,whatalossoffaceitwouldhavebeenforyouBaos!”

Gaoliang and Shaoyen looked at Colette, too stupefied to sayanything. Just then, Colette’s phone began to buzz. “Haha—speak ofthedevil, it’sRichie.Hestillwon’tgiveupandhasbeencallingmeadozentimesaday!ShouldIturnonthespeakerphoneandbringhimintotheconversation?I’msurehewouldconfirmeverything.”

TheBaosshooktheirheads,mortifiedbythesuggestion.

“ThenIwill justhitIgnore,”Colettesaid lightly,placingherphoneontheemptychairnexttoher.

Thedinnerdishesbegantoarrive,andthefourofthemstartedtoeatinanuncomfortablesilence.Whentheroastedsucklingpigwasfinallybroughtinonasilverplatterwithmuchfanfare,Carltondecideditwastime to speakup. “Father,Mother, I take full responsibility forwhathappened inParis. Itwas foolish ofme to get dragged into themudwith Richie. Yes, I was prepared to race him, but thankfully Racheltalkedsomesenseintome.”

Shaoyen flinched at themention of Rachel, but Carlton continuedtalking. “Rachel knows all about London. She understood what anemotionalstateIwasin,andshestillmanagedtoconvincemetowalkaway from the race. And I’m awfully grateful she did, becauseotherwiseImightnotevenbeheretellingyouthisrightnow.”

“She knows everything about your accident?” Shaoyen askedCarlton,tryingtomakeitsoundcasual.Sheevenknowsaboutthegirlwhodied?

“Yes, everything,” Carlton said, looking hismother straight in theeye.

Shaoyen said nothing, but her glare spoke volumes. Stupid boystupidboystupidboy!

As if reading her mind, Carlton responded, “We can trust her,Mother.Whetheryou like itornot,Rachel isgoing tobepartofourlives.She’svisitingHangzhounowwitha friend fromSingapore,butonceshereturnstoShanghai,Ireallythinkyouneedtoinviteherover.Thisfreeze-outhasgoneonforfartoolong.Onceyoumeether,Iknowyou’llcometolikeheraswell.”

Shaoyenstareddownattheuneatencrispofgoldenporkskinonherplate, saying nothing, so Carlton tried another tactic. “If you don’tbelieveme, ask Colette. All your friendswere charmed by Rachel inParis,weren’tthey?StephanieShi,AdeleDeng,TiffanyYap.”

Colette nodded diplomatically. “Yes, shewas a big hit with allmyfriends.Mrs.Bao,Rachel’s nothing likewhat you’re expecting—she’sAmerican,butinthebestpossibleway.Ithinkthatintime,ShanghaiandBeijingsocietywouldcometoaccepther,especiallyifshecarriesadifferenthandbag.YoushouldgiveheroneofyourHermèsbags,Mrs.Bao.Shewillbelikethedaughteryouneverhad.”

Shaoyensatstone-faced,whileGaoliangaddressedhisson.“I’mgladRachelwasabletohelpyou,but itstilldoesn’texcuseyourbehavior.TheprofligatespendinginParis,thepublicfights,thedragracing,it’sallanindicationtomethatyouarenotreadyto—”

Carltongotupabruptlyfromhischair.“Look,Iapologized.I’mverysorry for disappointing you. For always disappointing you. I’m notgoing to sit here any longer and continue this inquisition.Especiallywhen the twoofyoucan’t evensortoutyourownproblems!Colette,let’sgetoutofhere.”

“But the bird’s nest? The bird’s nest dessert isn’t even here yet,”Coletteprotested.

Rollinghiseyes,Carltonleftthediningroomwithoutanotherword.

Colettepursedherlipsawkwardly.“Um,IthinkIbetterfollowhim.Butfirst,allowmetotreattonight.”

“That’s a very nice gesture, Colette, butwe’ll take care of dinner,”Gaoliangresponded.

“Ididall theordering—Ireallyshouldpay,”Colettesaidmatter-of-factly, gesturing to Roxanne, who ceremoniously handed the headwaiteracreditcard.

“No, no, we insist,” Shaoyen said, getting up from her chair and

attemptingtothrusthercreditcardinthewaiter’shand.

“Absolutely not, Mrs. Bao!” Colette shrieked, leaping up andsnatchingShaoyen’scardawayfromthehaplesswaiter.

“Aiyah,it’snousefightingyou,”Gaoliangsaid.

“You’reright,it’snouse,”Colettesaidwithatriumphantsmile.

A few moments later, the waiter returned. Glancing sheepishly atColette,hewhisperedsomethinginRoxanne’sear.

“That’snotpossible.Tryagain,”Roxannesaiddismissively.

“Wetriedseveraltimes,ma’am,”hesaidinalowvoice.“Perhapsithasexceededitslimit?”

Roxannesteppedoutsideoftheprivatediningroomwiththewaiterandbarked,“Doyouknowwhatthisis?It’saP.J.WhitneyTitaniumcard,andit’sonlyavailabletoultra-high-net-worthindividuals.Thereisnolimit.IcouldbuyanairplanewiththiscardifIwantedto.Runitonemoretime.”

“Whatistheproblem?”Coletteasked,comingoutoftheroom.

Roxanne shook her head in disgust. “He is saying the card’s beenrejected.”

“Idon’tunderstand.Howcanacreditcardeverberejected?It’snotlikeit’sakidney!”Colettelaughed.

“No,no, it’sabilling term.Sometimes,otherpeople’scardscanbe‘rejected’iftheyexceedacertainspendinglimit,butthat’snotpossiblewithyou,”Roxanneexplained.

Amoment later, the headwaiter returnedwith themanager, whowas ornately dressed in a Gianni Versace patterned shirt and blackJeggings.Hesmiledapologeticallyandsaid,“I’mverysorry,MissBing,butwetriedeverything.It justwouldnotwork.Perhapsyou’dliketouseanothercard?”

ColettelookedatRoxanneinutterbafflement.Nothinglikethishadeverhappenedtoherinherentirelife.“DoIevenhaveanothercard?”

“I’ll justpayforitfirst,”Roxannehuffed,handingthemanagerherownblackcard.

•••

AfterRoxanneandColettehadlefttheroom,theBaossatinsilenceforafewmoments.

“I suppose you’re feeling very satisfied about all this,” Shaoyenfinallysaid.

Gaoliangfrowned.“Whatdoyoumean?”

“We get to hear about how your virtuous daughter saved the day,andyouthinkeverythingisfinenow.”

“Isthatwhatyouthink?”

Shaoyenglaredathimicilyandsaidinasoft,deliberatevoice,“No,that’snotwhatIthink.I’mthinkingthatallofChina’stopfamiliesnowknow that you sired a bastard child. I’m thinking that our family isgoing to become the laughingstock of society. I’m thinking that yourpoliticallifeasyouknowitwillbeover,andthatCarltonwon’tstandachancenoweither.”

Gaolianggaveawearysigh.“Rightnow,I’mmoreconcernedaboutCarlton as a human being, not his political career. I’m wonderingwherewewentwrongwithhim.Howdidwemanage toraiseachildwhowouldfinditacceptabletowagertenmilliondollarsonarace?Idon’trecognizethissonofmineanymore!”

“So now what? You’re going to throw him out of the house?”Shaoyensaidfacetiously.

“I could do more than that. I could threaten to disinherit him.Knowinghemaynolongerhaveafortunetogambleawaymighthelpknocksomesenseintohim,”Gaoliangmused.

Shaoyen’seyeswidenedinalarm.“Youcan’tbeserious.”

“Iwon’t disinherit him completely, but after all that’s happened, Ithink that giving him absolute control of everything would be a bigmistake.Tellme,whatisgoingtohappentoeverythingwe’veworkedso hard for? You especially—you took my father’s medical suppliescompany and single-handedly transformed it into a billion-dollarempire. Do you really think Carlton’s capable of taking the reinsanytime soon? I’m thinking of getting Rachel more involved in thebusiness. She’s a highly respected economist—at least she won’t runthecompanyintotheground!”

JustthenthedooropenedandRoxannewalkedin.“Oh—you’restill

here? I’m sorry to intrude, but I think Colette left her cell phone inhere.”

Gaoliangsaw it lyingonanearbychairandhanded it toRoxanne.Theminutethedoorclosedbehindher,Shaoyenbegantospeakagain.“Howdareyoueventhinkofbringingthatgirlintothecompany?HowwouldCarltonfeel?”

“IthinkCarltoncouldn’tcareless.Hehasshownnointerestatallindoinganythingseriouswithhislife,and—”

“He’sstillrecoveringfromhisaccident!”

Gaoliang shook his head in frustration. “Carlton has done nothingbutscrewupoverthepastfewyears,butyoukeepmakingexcusesforhim every time.He races his car in London and almost gets himselfkilled, and you forbid me to criticize him because you think it willupsethisrecovery.HecomesbacktoChinaanddoesnothingbutpartyeverynightoftheweekwithColetteBing,andwesaynothing.NowhegoestoParisandhastheaudacitytotrytocompeteinanotherrecklessrace,andyou’restilldefendinghim.”

“I’m not defending him! But I can appreciate his inner struggle,”Shaoyen protested. If Gaoliang only knewwhat really happened inLondon,hewouldunderstand.Buthecouldn’tknow.

“Whatinnerstruggle?TheonlystruggleI’vewitnessedishowyou’vesmotheredhimwithallyourpampering.”

Stungbyhisremark,Shaoyenletoutanangrylaugh.“Soit’sallmyfaultthen?Youaretooblindtoseeit,butyourownactionsaretobeblamed! You let that girl come to China. She is the one who hasdestroyed the harmony in our family. She is the reason Carlton isactingsorecklessly!”

“That is such nonsense! You heard it yourself from him tonight—Rachelwas the onewho talked sense into him,when he didn’t evenvaluehisownlife!”

“How could he, when his own father has never valued him? Evenwhen hewas a baby, I could sense that you never lovedCarlton thesame way I did. And now I know why…it’s because you’ve neverstopped loving that shabi*Kerry Chu, isn’t it? You’ve never stoppedpiningafterherandyourlong-lostdaughter!”

“You’rebeingridiculous.YouknowverywellIhadnoideaKerrywas

evenaliveuntilafewmonthsago.IhadnoideaIhadadaughter!”

“Thenyou’reevenmorepatheticthanI thought!Youarewillingtogiveawayyourfamily’s legacytoagirlyoubarelyknow!I’vebledforthisgoddamncompanyforovertwentyyears,andyou’llhavetokillmebefore I see you hand it over to that…that bastard girl!” Shaoyenscreamed,grabbingthehalf-emptyteapotfromthetableandflingingitagainstthemirroredglasswall.

Gaoliang stared grimly at the smashed pieces of cracked porcelainandtheamber linesof teastreakingdownthemirroredwall. “Ican’ttalktoyouwhenyou’relikethis.You’reclearlyoutofyourmind,”hesaid,gettingupfromthetableandleavingtheroom.

Shaoyenshoutedafterhim,“I’moutofmymindbecauseofyou!”

*Mandarinfor“stupidcunt.”

7

THEWESTLAKE

HANGZHOU,CHINA

Asthelastvaporsofearly-morningmisthoveredoverthestillwaters,the only sound to be heardwas the discreet splish of the boatman’ssinglewoodenoarasherowedRachelandPeikLinthroughasecludedinletofHangzhou’sWestLake.

“Iamsogladyoudraggedmeoutofbedtodothis.Thisisbeyondexquisite!”RachelsighedcontentedlyasshestretchedherlegsoutonthecushionedloungeseatoftheirtraditionalChineserowboat.

“Itoldyouthelakeisat itsmostbeautifulrightatdawn,”PeikLinsaid,gazingatthepoetryoflinescreatedbytheconvergingmountains.Far off, she could make out an ancient hilltop temple silhouettedagainst the pearl gray sky. There was just something about thislandscape that touched her beyond words, and she suddenlyunderstood how over the centuries all the great Chinese poets andartistswereinspiredbytheWestLake.

Astheboatdriftedslowlyunderoneoftheromanticstonebridges,Rachelaskedtheboatman,“Whenwerethesebridgesbuilt?”

“There’s no telling,miss.Hangzhouwas the favored retreat of theemperors for five thousand years—Marco Polo called it the City ofHeaven,”hereplied.

“Iwouldhavetoagreewithhim,”Rachelsaid,takinganotherlong,slow sip of the freshly roasted Longjing tea that the boatman hadprepared for her. As the boat drifted through awatery grove ofwildlotuses,thegirlscaughtsightofasmallkingfisherperchedonthetipofalotusstalk,waitingfortherightmomenttostrike.

“IwishNickcouldseethis,”Rachelsaidwistfully.

“Metoo!Butyou’llbebackwithhimbeforetoolong.Ithinkyou’vebeenbittenbytheHangzhoubug,haven’tyou?”

“Jesus,IwishI’dcomesooner!WhenyoufirsttoldmethisplacewasChina’sanswertoLakeComo,Ihadmydoubts,butaftervisitingthatglorious tea plantation yesterday, followed by the amazing dinner atthemountaintoptemple,I’mcompletelysold.”

“AndhereIthoughtIneededtoarrangeforGeorgeClooneytopopupfromunderthosewillowsoverthere,”PeikLinquipped.

Arriving back at the elegant wooden dock of the Four SeasonsHangzhou, they climbed out of the boat slowly, still lulled by thesybariticboatride.“Justintimeforourspaappointments.Getready,thisplaceisgoingtorockyourworld,”PeikLinsaidexcitedlyastheywalkedalongthepathwaytothepalatialgray-walledvillathathousedtheresort’sspa.“Whichtreatmentdidyouendupschedulingfirst?”

“I thought I’d start the day with the Jade and Lotus massage,”Rachelanswered.

Peik Lin raised an eyebrow. “Hmm…what parts of your body aretheymassaging,exactly?”

“Oh, stop! Apparently they buff your body with lotus seeds andcrushed jade and then give you an intensive deep-tissue rubdown.Whatareyougetting?”

“My favorite—the Imperial Consorts and Concubines PerfumedWaterRitual. It’s inspiredby thebathingritual thatwasreserved forwhicheverwomantheemperorchose tospend thenightwith.You’reimmersed in a perfumed bath of orange blossoms and gardenia,followed by a gentle pressure-point massage. Then they do thisawesome body scrub with crushed pearls and almonds, beforecocooningyouinawhite-china-claybodywrap.Itallendswithalongnapinaprivatesteamroom.Itellyou,Ialwayscomeoutofitfeelingadecadeyounger.”

“Oooh.MaybeI’lldothatonetonight.Ohwait,I thinkIscheduledtheluxurycaviarfacialtonight.Shoot,wedon’thaveenoughdaysforallthetreatmentsIwanttotry!”

“Waitaminute,whendidRachelChu,whowouldn’t evengo forapedicurebackinhercollegedays,becomeaspawhore?”

Rachel grinned. “It’s all the time I’ve been spending with thoseShanghaigirls—Ithinkit’scatching.”

•••

Afterseveralhoursofpamperingtreatments,RachelandPeikLinmetforlunchattheresort’srestaurant.Naturally,theywereshowntooneof the private dining rooms, which were in pagoda-style structuresoverlooking a serene lagoon. Admiring the massive Murano glasschandelier that hovered over their lacquered walnut table, Rachelmused,“Afterthistrip,NewYorkisgoingtoseemlikeadump.EveryplaceIgoto inChinaseemstobemoreluxuriousthanthelast.Whowouldhaveeverguessed?RememberwhenIwasteachinginChengduin2002?TheplacewhereIroomedhadonecommunalindoortoilet,andthatwasconsideredaluxury.”

“Ha!Youwouldn’t recognizeChengdunow. It’sbecometheSiliconValley ofChina—one fifth of theworld’s computers aremade there,”PeikLinsaid.

Rachelshookherheadinwonder.“Ijustcan’tgetoverit—allthesemegacitiesspringingupovernight, thisnonstopeconomicboom.Theeconomist in me wants to say ‘This can’t last,’ but then I’ll seesomethingthattotallyblowsmymind.TheotherdayinShanghai,NickandIweretryingtogetbacktoourhotelfromXintiandi.Allthetaxishadtheirsignslitup,butwecouldn’tfigureoutwhytheywouldn’tstopforus.Finally, thisAustralian girl standingon the corner said tous,‘Don’t you have the taxi app?’ We were like, The what? Turns outthere’sanappyouusetobidontaxis.Everyoneusesit,andthehighestbidderendsupgettingthetaxi.”

PeikLinlaughed.“Free-marketenterpriseatitsbest!”

Aserverenteredtheroomandliftedthelidoffthefirstcoursewithaflourish.Itwasaheapingplateoftinyshrimpthatglistenedlikepearls.“These are the famous Hangzhou freshwater shrimp flash fried ingarlic. You don’t find them anywhere else on the planet. I’ve beencravingthisdishsincewefirsttalkedaboutmeetinguphere,”PeikLinsaid,scoopingagenerousportionontoRachel’splate.

Racheltriedamouthfulandsmiledatherfriendinsurprise.“Wow…they’resweet!

“Prettyamazing,right?”

“Ihaven’thadseafoodthisgoodsinceParis,”Rachelsaid.

“I always say that only the French can compete with the Chinesewhen it comes topreparing seafood. I’m sure you guys ate yourwaythroughParis.”

“NickandIdid,butfoodwasn’treallythefocusforColetteandherfriends.RememberhowIusedtoaccuseyouof‘irrationalexuberance’whenever NeimanMarcus invited you to a trunk show?Well, thesegirlswentcompletelybatshitinsaneinParis!Theyhittheshopsfrommorning till night, and we had three extra Range Rovers tailing useverywherewewentjusttocarrytheshoppingbagsalone!”

PeikLinsmiled.“Soundsfamiliar.ThesePRCs*come toSingaporeoncrazyshoppingspreestoo.Youknow,formanyofthem,shoppingonamassivescaleishowtheyvalidatetheirsuccess.It’sawaytomakeupforallthesufferingtheirfamilieshadtoendureinthepast.”

“Look, I get it. I come from an immigrant family that’s donewell,andImarriedaguywho’swell-off.ButIfeelthatthere’sacertainlimitI would never go over when it comes to shopping,” Rachel said. “Imean,when you’re spendingmoremoneyon a couturedress than ittakestovaccinateathousandchildrenagainstmeaslesorprovidecleanwatertoanentiretown,that’sjustunconscionable.”

PeikLingaveRachelathoughtfullook.“Isn’titallrelativethough?Tosomeone living inamudhut somewhere, isn’t the$200youpaidfor thoseRag&Bone jeans you’rewearing considered obscene? Thewomanbuyingthatcouturedresscouldargueittookateamoftwelveseamstresses three months to create the garment, and they are allsupportingtheirfamiliesbydoingthis.Mymotherwantedanexactre-creationonherbedroomceilingofaBaroquefrescoshesawatsomepalace inGermany. It cost her half amillion dollars, but two artistsfromtheCzechRepublicworkedoniteverydayforthreemonths.OneguywasabletobuyandfurnishanewhouseinPrague,whiletheotheronesenthiskid toPennState.Weall choose to spendourmoney indifferent ways, but at least we get tomake that choice. Just think—twentyyearsago, thesegirls youwent toPariswithwouldonlyhavetwochoices:DoyouwantyourMaojacketinshitbrownorshitgray?”

Rachel laughed. “Okay,point taken,but I stillwouldn’t spend thatkind of money. Now I don’t think I can eat any of these braisedmeatballs.They’reremindingmetoomuchofasteamingpileofMao.”

After lunch, Rachel and Peik Lin decided to do some exploringaround the resort, which was set on seventeen acres of landscapedgrounds designed to resemble the gardens of an imperial summerpalace from theQing dynasty.As theymeandered along the coveredwalkways, inhaling the fragrant cherry blossoms and admiring

interconnectedlilyponds,Rachelstartedtofeelalittlequeasy.Whentheyreachedagardenfilledwithcarvedscholar’srocks,shetookaseatononeofthebenches.

“Areyouokay?”PeikLinasked,noticinghowpaleRachelsuddenlylooked.

“I’mgoing toheadback tomyroom.I think it’sgettinga little toohumidforme.”

“You’renotusedtothis.ThisisparadisecomparedtoSingaporethistimeof theyear.Wannacooldowninthat infinitypoolbythe lake?”PeikLinsuggested.

“IthinkIjustneedtoliedownforawhile.”

“Okay,let’sgoback.”

“No,no,youshouldstayandenjoythegardens,”Rachelinsisted.

“Shallwemeetforafternoonteaontheterracearoundfour?”

“Thatsoundsperfect.”

Peik Lin lingered in the gardens a while longer, discovering atranquil little grotto that sheltereda large stone carvingof a very fatlaughingBuddha.Shedecidedtoburnafewofthejosssticksthatweresittinginanurninfrontofthesculptureandthenheadedbacktoherroomtochange intoherbikini.Uponenteringherroom,shenoticedthatthegreenmessagelightonthetelephonewasblinking.Shehitthebuttontolistentothemessage.ItwasRachel,soundingextremelyoutofbreath:“Um,PeikLin,couldyoupleasecometomyroom?IthinkIneedhelp.”

Alarmed,PeikLininstinctivelygrabbedhercellphoneandsawthatRachel had called three times. She rushed out of her room and randown the long corridor toward Rachel’s room. Arriving outside theroom, she began knocking on the door, but there was no answer. Ahotel employeewalked by, andPeik Lin grabbed himurgently. “Canyouopenthisdoor?Myfriendissickandneedshelp!”

Withinafewminutes,adeskmanagerarrivedwithasecurityguard.

“Canwehelpyou,miss?”

“Yes, my friend left me an urgent message asking for help. Shewasn’t feeling well, and now she’s not answering,” Peik Lin saidfrantically.

“Er,maybeshe’sasleep?”themanagersaid.

“Or maybe she’s dying! Open the fucking door now!” Peik Linscreamed.

Themanagerswipedhispasskeyoverthedoor,andPeikLinrushedin.Therewasnosignofanyone in thebedoron theprivate terrace,but in themarble bathroom beside the deep soaking tub, she foundRachellyingunconsciousinapoolofdarkgreenbile.

*TheyoungergenerationofSingaporeanshavetakentoreferringtoMainlandChineseas“PRCs”(forPeople’sRepublicofChina),whilemanyoftheoldergenerationstillusetheterm“Mainlanders.”

8

NATIONALLIBRARYOFCHINA

BEIJING,CHINA

3:54p.m.

NickwasporingoveranoldbiographyabouttheSassoonfamilyintheWestern LanguagesReadingRoomof theNational Librarywhen hiscellphonestartedbuzzing.Heputamanilafolderovertheopenbooktoholdhispageandwentouttothecorridortotakethecall.

ItwasPeikLin,soundingclosetotears.“OhmyGod,Nick!Idon’tknowhowtotellyouthis,butI’mattheemergencyroomwithRachel.Shepassedoutinherhotelroom.”

“What?Issheokay?Whathappened?”Nickaskedinshock.

“We don’t really know. She’s still unconscious, but her white cellcount is extremely low and her blood pressure is through the roof.TheyhaveheronanIVofmagnesiumtostabilizeher,buttheythinkshemaybehasanextremecaseoffoodpoisoning.”

“I’llgetonthenextflighttoHangzhou,”Nicksaiddecisively.

4:25p.m.

Racing through Beijing Capital International Airport, Nick had justreachedtheChinaAirlinescounterwhenPeikLincalledagain.

“Hey,PeikLin,I’mtryingtogetonthe4:55flight.”

“Idon’twanttoalarmyou,butthesituationhasgottenprogressivelyworse.Rachel’sstillunconscious,andherkidneyshaveshutdown.Thedoctors are running tests, but so far they have no clue what’shappening.Frankly, I’m losing confidence and I thinkRachel shouldbemedicallyevacuatedtoHongKong,whereshecangetthebestcareintheregion.”“Itrustyou.Dowhatyouthinkisbest.ShouldIcharteraplane?”Nickasked.

“Don’tworry—I’vealreadyarrangedthat.”

“Idon’tknowwhatwe’ddowithoutyou,PeikLin!”

“JustgettoHongKong.”

“Iwill. Listen, I’m going to callmyuncleMalcolm,who is a heartsurgeoninHongKong.Hemightbeofhelp.”

6:48p.m.

WhenPeikLin’sGulfstreamV landed inHongKong’sChekLapKokInternationalAirport, therewas already amedical helicopterwaitingonthetarmactoairliftRacheltothehospital.PeikLinemergedfromthe aircraft to find aman inmustard yellow jeans and a cobalt blueRubinacciblazerawaitingher.

“I’mNick’scousinEdisonCheng!There’snoroominthechopperforyou,socomeinmyBentley,”hesaidovertheroarof thehelicopter’spropellers. Peik Lin followed Eddie to his car numbly, and as theybeganmaking theirway to the hospital, Eddie said, “My father is inHouston getting an award at the DeBakey Medical Foundation, buthe’s already put in a call to Queen Mary Hospital—that’s our topemergencycarecenter. I’m told thewholekidney team iswaiting forherarrival.”

“I’msoglad,”PeikLinsaid.

“Now,LeoMinghappens tobemybest friend, sohis father,MingKah-Ching,whoI’msureyou’veheardof,hasalreadyput inacall tothe hospital’s chief executive to add even more pressure. Theemergencymedicalward,bytheway,isintheMingKah-Chingwing.SoRachelwill be treated like aVVIP from themoment she arrives,”Eddieboasted.

LikeRachelcaresaboutthatrightnow!PeikLinthought.“AslongastheytreatherEFFECTIVELY,that’sallIcareabout.”

Theydroveinsilenceforafewminutes,andthenEddieasked,“SowasthatyourGV,ordidyouchartertheplane?”

“It’smyfamily’s,”PeikLinanswered.Ibethe’sgoingtoaskwhomyfamilyis.

“Verynice.And if Imightask,what lineofbusiness isyour familyin?”ShelooksHokkien,soI’dguesseitherbankingorrealestate.

“Constructionandpropertydevelopment.”Nowhe’llwanttoknowwhichcompany.I’mgoingtomakehimworkforit!

Eddiesmiledathercordially.DamnSingaporeans!IfshewasfromHong Kong or China, I would have known everything about herfamily the moment she stepped off the plane. “Commercial orresidential?”

Okay, let’sputhimoutofhismisery. “My family started theNearWestOrganization.”

Eddie’s face lit up.Ding ding ding! TheGohs are ranked number178onTheHeronWealthReport.“Oh,youguysbuiltthatnewcondoinSingaporewiththeskygarages,didn’tyou?”hesaidnonchalantly.

“Thatwasus.”Nowhe’sgoingtotellmewhathedoes.Basedontheoutfit,I’mguessingeitherweathermanorhairdresser.

“I’mthemanagingdirectorofLeichtenburgGroupAsia.”

“Ah,yes.”Anotherbanker.Yawn.

Eddie flashed Peik Lin his Cheshire cat grin. “Tell me, are yousatisfiedwithyourprivatewealthmanagementteam?”

“Verymuchso.”Idon’tbelievethisfucker!Rachel’sbeingrushedtothehospitalincriticalconditionandhe’stryingtolandanewclient!

7:45p.m.

PeikLinandEddieranuptothereceptioncounterat theemergencymedical ward. “Yes, can you tell us where Rachel Young has beentaken?Shewouldhavebeenadmittedinthepasthour.Shecameinbyairambulance.”

“Areyourelativesofthepatient?”thewomanatthecounterasked.

“Yes,weare.”

“Letmesee…”Thewomanbegantypingintohercomputerterminal.“Whatisthenameagain?”

“RachelYoung.OrmaybeshewasadmittedasRachelChu,”PeikLinsaid.

Thewomanscannedhercomputerscreen.“I’mnotfindinganythinghere.Youshouldgotothemainreceptionhallat—”

Eddiebangedonthecounterinfrustration.“Stopwastingourtime!DoyouknowwhoIam?I’mEdisonCheng!MyfatherisDr.MalcolmCheng—heusedtobeheadofcardiology!Thecafeteriaisnamedafterhim!Idemandtoknowwherethey’vetakenRachelYoungrightnowor

youwillbeoutofajobbytomorrow!”

Just then, theyheard someone call out behind them, “Hey,Eddie!Overhere!”TheyturnedtoseeNickpokehisheadoutfrombehindapairofswingingdoubledoors.

“Nick!Howthehelldidyougetherebeforewedid?”PeikLinsaidinshockassherushedtohim.

“Icalledinafavor,”Nicksaidashehuggedhertightly.

“You know Captain Kirk or something? Beijing’s an hour fartherfromHongKong!”

“Imanagedtocatchamilitarytransportjet.Wedidn’thavetodealwithanyairspacedelays,andIswearwewereflyingatMach3.”

“Letmeguess…UncleAlfredmadeacall?”Eddieasked.

Nicknodded.Heusheredthetwoofthemintothewaitingroomoftheadultintensivecareunit,whichwaslinedwithcomfortableleatherchairs.“IwasabletoseeRachelforafewminutes,andthentheymademe leave.They’re trying to restoreher renal function rightnow.Thedoctorneedstoaskyousomequestions,PeikLin.”

Severalminuteslater,thedoctorenteredthewaitingroom.

“Everyone,thisisDr.Jacobson,”Nicksaid.

Eddiegotupfromhischairandextendedhishandwitha flourish.“EdisonCheng—I’mMalcolmCheng’sson.”

“I’m sorry, am I supposed to know that name?” the raven-haireddoctorasked.

Eddie looked at her in astonishment. The doctor grinned, “Justkidding.OfcourseIknowyourfather.”

Eddiewasnevermorerelievedinhislife.

“Howisshe?”Nickasked,tryingtoremaincalm.

“Her vitals have been stabilized for the time being, and we’rerunningarangeoftests.Thisisaveryperplexingcase.We’restillnotable to pinpoint what led to such rapid multi-organ failure, butobviously there is somethingextremely toxic inher system.”LookingatPeikLin,sheasked,“Canyoutellmeeverythingyourfriendateordrankinthelasttwenty-fourhours?”

“I can try. Let’s see, when we first arrived last night at the FourSeasons,RachelhadaCobb salad, and thena strawberryand lycheemoussedessert.Thismorningweskippedbreakfast,butwehadaverysimple lunch of Hangzhou river shrimp, sautéed young bambooshoots, and roast duck noodle soup. Therewas also some chocolate-dippedgingerinourroomsthatRachelmighthaveeaten.Ididn’teatthose. Oh wait a minute—she had a massage this morning thatsupposedlyusedpiecesofcrushedjadeandlotusseeds.”

“Hmm…letmelookintothat.We’llputinacalltotheresortandgetafulllistofanythingshemighthavepossiblyingestedorbeenexposedto.”

“Whatdoyouthinkitcouldhavebeen,doctor?We’vebasicallyeatenthesamefoods,andasyoucanseeI’mtotallyfine,”PeikLinsaid.

“Everyone’sbodyreactsdifferently.ButIdon’twanttojumptoanyconclusionsuntilwefinishrunningallthetoxicologytests,”thedoctorexplained.

“What’syourprognosis?”Nickaskedworriedly.

The doctor paused, hunching her shoulders. “I’m not going to kidyou—thingsarequitecriticalatthemoment.WemayhavetoputinaTIPS*1 to staunch the worsening liver failure. And if she developsencephalopathy,wewillhavetoputherinamedicallyinducedcomainordertogiveherbodymoreofafightingchance.”

“Medicallyinducedcoma?”PeikLinsaidinahushedtone,promptlyburstingintotears.Nickheldherinhisarms,desperatelytryingnottoloseithimself.

Eddiewentup to thedoctor. “Youdoeverythingyoupossibly can.Remember, Dr. Malcolm Cheng and Ming Kah-Ching will hold youpersonallyresponsibleifanythinghappenstoher.”

Dr.JacobsongaveEddieaslightlyannoyedlook.“Wedothebestwecanforallourpatients,Mr.Cheng,regardlessofwhotheyare.”

“Canwepleaseseeher?”PeikLinasked.

“Icanonlyletyouinoneatatime,”thedoctorreplied.

“Yougo,Nick,”PeikLinsaid,sinkingbackdownontothecouch.

8:40p.m.

NickstoodatthefootofRachel’sbed,watchinghelplesslyasateamofdoctorsandnurseshoveredoverher.Twodaysagotheyhadbeen intheirsuiteatthePeninsula,whereshehadbeenexcitedlypackingforherspaweekendwithoneofherbestfriends.Don’tyouhavetoomuchfun in Beijing now!No flirtingwith any sexy librarians, unless it’sParker Posey, Rachel had teased, before giving him the sweetestgoodbyekiss.Nowhercomplexionhadturnedyellowandtherewerecables, cords, and tubes in her neck and abdomen. It was just sounreal.Whathappened tohisbeautifulwife?Whywasn’t shegettinganybetter?Hecouldn’tevenbegintoimaginelosingher.No,no,no,he had to wipe that thought out of hismind. She was so strong, sohealthy.Shewasgoingtobeokay.Shehadherwholelifeaheadofher.Theirwhole life together.Nick left the room andwalked toward thewaiting room. Passing a handicapped toilet, he let himself in andlockedthedoor.Hetookafewdeepbreaths,splashedsomewateronhis face, and looked at himself in the mirror. Then he noticed themirror itself—a round, backlit mirror that looked like it came fromsome pricey design showroom.He glanced around and saw that thewhole space had recently been redecorated. Tears started streamingdown his face uncontrollably. If Rachel pulled through—no—whenRachelpulledthroughthis,hewasgoingtobuildherthemostinsanelybeautifulbathroomtheworldhadeverseen.

9:22p.m.

Nick reentered the waiting room and found Peik Lin and EddiehuddledoverStyrofoambowlsofwontonnoodles.His auntAlix andcousinAlistairweresittinginthechairsacrossfromthem.Alistairgotupandgavehiscousinawarmhug.

“OhNicky!Thisissovexing!HowisRachel?”Alixaskedanxiously.

“There’snotbeenmuchchange,”Nicksaidwearily.

“Well, I know Dr. Jacobson very well. She’s the best, really, soRachelisinverycapablehands.”

“I’mgladtohearthat.”

“And your uncle Malcolm called—the hospital has been updatinghim, and he’s asked his colleague who is Hong Kong’s tophepatobiliaryspecialisttocomeinandgiveasecondopinion.”

“Ican’tthankhimenough.”

“Heonlywisheshecouldbehere.Gumngaam,*2 ah, theone timeyouhaveamedicalemergencyinHongKongandMalcolmisaway!Webroughtsomesiewyookandwontonmeen.*3Areyouhungry?”

“Sure.I thinkIshouldeatsomething.”Nicksat inadazewhilehisaunt proceeded to arrange assorted takeout containers of food andplasticutensilsaroundhim.

“Now,wehaven’t called anyone yet,Nicky. Iwasn’t surewhat youwantedpeopletoknow,soIheldoffoncallingyourmother.Oncesheknows,thewholeworldwillknow.”

“Thanks,AuntieAlix.Ican’tdealwithmymumatthemoment.”

“HaveyouspokentoRachel’smom?”PeikLinasked.

Nicksighed.“I’llcallherinalittlewhile.Ijustdon’tseetheneedtoalarmheruntilweknowwhat’sgoingon.”

Thedooropenedand inwalkedEddieandAlistair’s sister,Cecilia,carryinganelaboratearrangementofwhitelilies.

“Lookslikethegang’sallhere,”Nicksaid,tryingtoforceasmile.

“Youknowme—Icouldn’tmissoutonaparty,”Ceciliasaid,givingNickapeckonthecheekasshesetthefloralarrangementontheseatnexttohim.

“MyGod,lookatthat!Thankssomuch,butyoureallydidn’tneedtobringanything.”

“Oh,Ididn’tbringthis.Thereceptionistoutsidetoldmetobringitinforyou.”

“That’s strange. Who could it be from? No one knows we’re hereaside from you all,” Nick wondered aloud as he slurped down somenoodles.

Peik Lin started undoing the ribbons around the vase, and as theplasticwrappings cameundone, anote card fell out. Sheopened thecard and started reading it. “HOLYSHIT!” Peik Lin gasped, shovingthevaseawayfromherreflexively.Thevaseof flowers landedonthefloorwithacrash,aswaterspilledeverywhere.

Nickleapedoutofhischair.“Whathappened?”

PeikLinhandedhimthecard,whichread:

Rachel,

YouhavebeenpoisonedwithapotentiallylethaldoseofTarquinomid.Yourdoctorswillbeabletoreversethesideeffectsoncetheyknowthis.

Ifyouvalueyourlife,youwillnotmentionthisincidenttoanyone.

NeversetfootinChinaagain.

Thisisyourlastwarning.

*1TIPSisanacronymfortranshepaticintrahepaticportosystemicshunt.Trysayingthatfivetimesfast.

*2Cantonesefor“toofitting.”

*3Barbecuedroastporkandwontonnoodles.

9

RIDOUTROAD

SINGAPORE

Astridturnedonherlaptopandcomposedane-mail:

DearCharlie,Sorrytokeepbotheringyoulikethis,butIneedtoaskanotherfavor.Wonderingifyoucanhelpmegettothebottomofsomething…WhatdoyouknowaboutPromenadeTechnologies?Basedin

MountainView,CA?Haveyoueverworkedwiththembefore?TheyacquiredMichael’sfirstcompany—CloudNineSolutions.Ineedtofindoutmoreaboutthiscompany;specifically,whothepeoplearethatownit.Thanks!

xo,AstridShe sent the e-mail, and one minute later, Charlie popped up on

GoogleChat.

CW:Hey!Happytolookintothisforyou.

ALT:Reallyappreciateyourhelp.

CW:Anyspecialreasonwhy?

ALT:Tryingtogetsomeanswersformyself.Haveyouheardofthem?

CW:Yes.Butdoesn’tMichaelknoweverythingyou’dneedtoknow?

ALT:Apparentlynot.DoyouknowiftheyarefullyownedorpartiallyownedbysomeAsianconglomerate?

CW:What’sgoingon,Astrid?

Astridpausedforafewminutes,notsurewhethershewaspreparedto get into it with Charlie about everything that had happened withMichael.

ALT:I’mtryingtohelpMichaelgettothetruth.It’sabitcomplicated…don’twanttodragyouintoit.

CW:I’malreadyinit.Butokay,Iwon’tpressfurther.Butifyoureallywantmyhelp,itwouldbebetterifIhadthebigpicture.

She sat on the edge of her bed, thinking,What do I have to hidefromCharlie?He’stheonlypersonwhowillunderstand.

ALT:Okay,heregoes.Michael’sgottenitintohisheadthatmyfather—orsomeoneatoneofthecompaniescontrolledbymyfamily—actuallyboughtCloudNineSolutions,usingPromenadeasacover.

CW:Whywouldhesuddenlythinkthat?

ALT:Longstory,butbasicallyhecameacrosssomeoldpaperslistingthebuyerasPebbleBeachHoldingCompany,andknowinghowmuchmydadlovesgolfingthere,he’smadethishugeassumption.

CW:Sorrytostatetheobvious,butdidyouaskyourdadifheboughtthecompany?

ALT:Idid.Andofcoursehedeniedit.“WhythebloodyhellwouldIwantMichael’scompany?Ithoughtitwasabsurdlyovervaluedtobeginwith.”

CW:ClassicHarryLeong!

ALT:Indeed.

CW:Idon’tthinkyourfatherhasanythingtodowiththis,butwoulditreallymatterifhedoes?

ALT:Areyoukidding?Michael’sstoryhasalwaysbeenthathemadeitonhisown.Thissuspicionthatmyfamilyhadsomethingtodowithhissuccessisdrivinghimupthewall.Hethinksmyfatheristryingyetagaintocontrolhim,controlus,etc.Wehadthebiggestfighteverlastnight.

CW:Sorrytohearthat.

ALT:Iendedupleavingthehouse.Itwaseitherthatorcallthepolice.I’mnowattheMarinaBaySandshotel.

Fifteensecondslater,Astrid’scellphonerang.ItwasCharliecalling,soshepickeditupandmischievouslyanswered,“Housekeeping?”

“Er, yes, I need someone to come deal with a big problem inmyroomrightnow,”Charlieresponded,notmissingabeat.

“Whatkindofproblem?”

“Thesecakefetishistshadaparty inmyroom,andthereareaboutthirtycrushedcakesfromLanaCakeShopalloverthecarpet,smearedonthewalls,onthebed.Itlookslikepeoplehavebeenrollingaroundinthecakeandfrosting,tryingoutdifferentKamaSutrapositions.”

Astrid giggled. “Sicko! Where do you come up with this kind ofstuff?”

“I was surfing the web last night and came across this article onpeoplewhogetturnedonbysittingoncakes.”

“I’mnot going to askwhat sort ofwebsites you’ve been surfing inHongKong—nodoubtonesthatwouldbeblockedinSingapore.”

“AndI’mnotgoingtoaskwhyyou’resittinginaroomatMarinaBaySands,ofallplaces!”

Astridsighed.“ThereareveryfewhotelswhereIcanbesurenoonewillrecognizeme.MBSisoneofthose—it’smainlytourists.”

“Nolocals?Really?”

“NooneIwouldknow,anyway.Whentheyfirstopened,mymothertriedtogouptotheSkyParkwithMrs.LeeYongChienandtheQueenMotherofBorneotoseetheview,butwhentheyfoundouttherewasatwenty-dollarentryfeeforseniors,Mrs.LYCsaid,‘Ahneekwee!Wahmaichut!’*1SotheyendedupgoingtoToastBoxinthemallinstead.”

Charlie laughed. “You can’t change those women! It’s funny—mymotherusedtobesoextravagant,buttheoldershegets,themoresheseemstobeturningintoanobsessivetightwad.Youknowshewon’tlethercooksturnonthelightsinthekitchenuntilseventhirtynow?Igooverthereandtheyarebumblingaroundincompletedarkness,tryingtomakedinnerforher.”

“That’s crazy!Whenwego to restaurantsnowadays,mymumgetsthemtotahpow*2 leftovergravyfromthedishes.Ikidyounot.Itellhershe’sinsaneandshesays,‘Wepaidforit!Whywasteallthisgreatgravy?Rosiecanputitintotomorrow’slunchanditwilltastesomuchbetter!’ ”

Charliechuckled.“Soreally,howlongareyouplanningtohideoutatthehotel?”

“I’mnothiding.I’mjusttakingalittlebreak.Cassianandhisnannyarewithme,andhe’slovingtheSkyParkpool.”

“You know, the husband is the one that’s supposed to leave.WheneverIgotintoreallybadfightswithIsabel,Iwouldeithergoovertomybrother’sorgetahotelroom.Icouldn’teverimaginemakingmywifeandchildrenleavethehouse.”

“Well, you’re a different species than Michael. Besides, he didn’tmakemeleave.Ichosetoleave.Hegotsoangrythathebegangettingphysical.”

“What?Withyou?”Charlie said in shock. I’mgoing to fuckingkillhimifhetouchedher.

“No, come on, Michael would never hurt me, but he completelytrashedoneofhisPorsches.Tookasamuraiswordandbeganbashingthehood.Icouldn’tbeartostickaroundandwatch.”

“Damn! All because of his issue over who bought the company?”Charlieasked,gettingmorealarmedbytheminute.

“It’snotjustthat.Thingshavebeenbadforhimlately.HeblewthatdealwithIBM,helostthehousehereallywanted,therewasthiswholemagazinearticlethingthatIwon’tevengetinto,anditseemslikeallweeverdothesedaysis…”Astrid’svoicetrailedoffforaminute.I’vesaidtoomuch.It’snotfairofmetokeepburdeningCharlielikethis.

CharliecouldhearAstrid’sdiscreetsnifflingawayfromherphone’smouthpiece.She’scrying.She’ssittinginahotelroomcrying.

“I’m sorry, it’s so inappropriateofme tobebotheringyouwithallthiswhenyou’reatwork.”Astridsniffledagain.

“I’mnot reallydoingmuch today,butdon’tworry,noonecan fireme.Youknowyoucancallmeanytimeatall,don’tyou?”

“I know. You are the one person who truly understands me. You

knowwhatIhavetogothroughwithmyfamily.Theydon’tgetwhatit’sliketohavemarriageproblems.”

“Doyouhonestly thinkyourbrothersareperfectlycontent in theirmarriages?”

“Are youkiddingme? I think they are allmiserable in oneway oranother,butnoneofthemwouldeveradmitit.Nooneisallowedtobeunhappy inmyfamily. I thinkonlyAlex inLA is trulyhappy—hegotaway and got to be with the love of his life. It’s just pathetic thatSalimah’snotaccepted.So ironic, isn’t it,whenyouthinkthatall thefamilymoneyoriginallycomesfromMalaysia.”

“At least they make each other happy. That’s the only thing thatmatters,”Charliesaid.

“You know, when I visited them a few months ago, I thought tomyself,‘IwishIcoulddothistoo.’SometimesIwishIcouldjustpackabagandmovetoCalifornia,wherenooneknowsmeandnoonecares.Cassiancangrowupfarawayfromallthepressureshe’sgoingtohaveto start facing very soon.And Iwouldbeperfectlyhappy, I swear toGod,livinginabeachshack.”

Icouldbetoo,Charliethoughttohimself.

Theywerebothsilentforamoment,andthenCharliespokeup.“Sowhatareyougoingtodo?”

“There’snothingtodo,really.Michaelwillcalmdowninacoupleofdaysandwe’llgohome.Ifyoucanhelpmeprovethatmyfatherhadnothingtodowiththeacquisitionofhiscompany,I’msurethatwillgoalongwaytowardmakinghimhappier.”

Charliewassilentforamoment.“I’llseewhatIcando.”

“You’rethebest,Charlie,youreallyare.”

TheminutehewasoffthephonewithAstrid,Charlieplacedacalltohis chief financial officer: “Hey, Aaron. Remember the Michael TeoCloudNineacquisitionbackin2010?”

“HowcouldIeverforget?We’restillwritingdownthelossesonthatone,”Aaronreplied.

“Why in God’s name did you name the holding company PebbleBeachLTD?”

“Dude,Iwasstandingontheeighteenthholewhenyoucalledtotell

me tobuy the company. It’s the greatest finishinghole in theworld.Whyareyouasking?”

“Nevermind.”

*1InHokkien:“Soexpensive!I’mnotcomingoutwiththemoney!”

*2Hokkienfor“putinadoggiebag.”

10

QUEENMARYHOSPITAL

POKFULAM,HONGKONG

Nick was doing theNew York Times crossword puzzle on his iPadwhenthepoliceofficeronguardoutsidetheroompokedhisheadin.

“Sir, there’sacoupleat receptiondemanding toseeMs.Chu.Theyhave two cartfulsof foodproductswith them,and theman sayshe’sherbrother.”

“Oh yes.” Nick smiled, leaning over and whispering softly intoRachel’sear.“Baby…youawake?CarltonandColettearehere.Areyouupforseeingpeople?”

Rachel, who had been napping intermittently allmorning, openedhereyesgroggily.“Um,sure.”

“Sendthemup,”Nickinstructedtheofficer.

It had been two days since Rachel had been moved from theintensive care unit to the private ward, and her condition had beensteadily improvingeversince thedoctorsdiscovered theprecisedrugthathadbeenusedtopoisonherandswiftlyadministeredanantidote.

Soontherewasaknockonthedoor,andCarltonandColetteenteredtheroom.“Hey,Sis!Thisisn’texactlywhatIthoughttheFourSeasonsHangzhou was going to be like,” Carlton teased, coming up to herbedsideandsqueezingherhandgently.

Rachel smiled weakly. “You guys really shouldn’t have taken thetrouble—”

“Oh,comeon!WecaughtthefirstflightouttheminuteNickcalled,”Carltonsaid.“Besides,there’sasaleatJoycethatColettewantedtogetto.”

Colette smacked Carlton’s arm. “When we hadn’t heard from youguysbyMonday,wethoughtyouwerejusthavingtoogoodatimein

Hangzhouwithoutus.”

“Amarveloustime,asyoucansee,”Rachelsaiddrolly,extendingherarmstoshowoffherIVtubes.

“Istillcan’tbelieveyoucangetanattackofgallstoneswhenyou’rethisyoung!Ithoughtitonlyhappenedtooldpeople,”Colettesaid.

“Actually,itcanhappentoanyone,”Nicksaid.

ColetteperchedontheedgeofRachel’shospitalbedandsaid,“Well,I’msogladyou’rebackonthemend.”

“Did you guys fly down on your smaller plane…Grande?” RachelaskedColette.

“Oh, youmean Venti? No, no we didn’t,” Colette said, rolling hereyes. “My father has cut off my fleet privileges. Ever since I turneddownRichieYang’sproposal,myparentshavebeenfuriousandtheyhavethisideathatthey’regoingtoteachmesomekindoflesson.Canyoubelieve theyput a freeze onmybank account, andmyTitaniumcardgotrevolted?Well,guesswhat?Thejoke’sonthem,becauseIcansurvive just finewithout their help—you are now looking at the newinternationalbrandambassadorforPrêt-à-Couture!”

“Colette just signed a multimillion-dollar contract with them,”Carltonboasted.

“Congratulations!Howfantastic!”Rachelsaid.

“Yes, I patched thingsupwithVirginiedeBassinet, andnow she’sthrowingmeapartynextweekattheJohnnieWalkerHousetomakethe big announcement. I’ll be in all the ads for Prêt-à-Couture nextseason,andTimWalkerwillshootthecampaign.Ihopeyou’llbewellenoughtomakeittotheparty.”

NickandRachelremainedsilent.

“Hey, this crazy girl here insistedonbringing youmore food fromDaylesfordOrganic,butthewardenwouldn’tletusbringthecartsuptothisfloor,”Carltonsaid.

“Well,I’msurethehospitalfoodmustbeinsipid,”Coletteremarked.

“Actually, you’d be surprised. I had a beef pie in the cafeteriayesterdaythatwasrathergood,”Nicksaid.

“Thankyousomuch,Colette.Ijuststartedbackonsolidfoodsthis

morning,andI’mcravingsomethingsweet,”Rachelsaid.

“OMG—let’ssmuggleupsomeofthewhite-chocolate-dippedlemonbiscuitsforyou!”Colettesquealed.

“Maybe if I go downstairswith you, they’ll let us bring some stuffup,”NicksuggestedtoCarlton.

Thetwoof themheadedtothe lobby.Intheelevator,Carltonsaid,“I’m so relieved to see that Rachel is out of thewoods. Butwhy aretherepoliceallovertheplace?”

NicklookedCarltonintheeye.“I’mgoingtotellyousomething,butyouhavetopromiseit’sstrictlybetweenus,okay?”

“Ofcourse.”

Nicktookadeepbreath.“Racheldidn’thaveanattackofgallstones—shewaspoisoned.”

“Likefoodpoisoning?”Carltonasked,confused.

“No,someoneintentionallypoisonedherwithatoxin.”

CarltonstaredatNickinhorror.“Youmustbejoking.”

“IwishIwas.Shedoesn’twanttomakeabigdealoutofit,butyouknowshecouldhavedied.Herorganswereshuttingdownonebyone,and thedoctorswerehopelessly trying to figureoutwhatwaswronguntilwefoundoutshewaspoisoned.”

“Un-fucking-believable!Howdidyoufindout?”

“Wegotananonymousletter.”

Carltongasped.“What?WhowouldwanttopoisonRachel?”

“That’swhatwe’re trying to findout.Thanks tomyauntAlix,whoknows the chief executive of Hong Kong very well, it’s become anofficial investigation involving both the Hong Kong and Chinesepolice.”Theelevator reached the lobby,andNickpulledCarlton toaquiet corner. “Letmeaskyou…honestly,doyou thinkRichieYang iscapableofsomethinglikethis?”

Carltonpausedforamoment.“Richie?Whywouldhehaveanythingtodowiththis?”

“YouhumiliatedhiminfrontofallhisfriendsinParis.Colettemadeitcleartoeveryonethatsheprefersyou—”Nickbegan.

“YouthinkhepoisonedRacheltogetbackatme?Bloodyhell, thatwouldmakehimevensickerthanIthought!I’dneverforgivemyselfifthatweretrue.”

“It’sjustonetheory.We’vebeentryingtocomeupwithanyonewhomighthavetheslightestmotive.IthinkthepolicearegoingtowanttotalktobothyouandColetteatsomepoint.”

“Ofcourse,ofcourse,”Carltonsaid,hisbrowfurrowedinshock.“Dotheyknowwhatkindoftoxinwasused?”

“It’s called Tarquinomid. It’s a very hard-to-get pharmaceuticalthat’s normally used to treat people with multiple sclerosis,manufacturedonlyinIsrael.Theysayit’ssometimesusedbyMossadagentsforassassinations.”

Carlton’sfacesuddenlywentpale.

BAORESIDENCE,SHANGHAI

THATSAMEEVENING

Bao Gaoliang and his wife were standing under the portico of theirelegantgardenmansionintheFrenchConcession,wavinggoodbyetodeparting guests, when Carlton’s car came racing up the circulardriveway.

“My goodness, the emperor has decided to grace us with hispresence!Towhatdoweowethishonor?”ShaoyensaidsarcasticallyasCarltonwalkedupthestonestepstowardthem.

“Ineedtoseeyoubothinthelibrary.Now!”hesaidthroughgrittedteeth.

“Don’tspeaktoyourmotherinthattone!”Gaoliangchastised.

“What,youguyskissedandmadeup?”Carltonsaid,ashestormedintothehouse.

“Wehadadinner for theMongolianambassador.Unlikeyou,yourfather and I still know how to be civil around each other when theoccasionwarrantsit,”Shaoyensaid,sinkingintothetuftedleathersofaandtakingoffherZanottiheelswithasighofrelief.

Carlton shook his head in disgust. “I don’t know how you can sitthereinthatballgownofyours,pretendingthatnothing’swrongwhenyouknowverywellwhatyou’vedone!”

“Whatareyoutalkingabout?”Gaoliangaskedwearily.

Carltongavehismotherawitheringlook.“Doyouwanttotellhim,orshouldI?”

“Ihavenoideawhatyou’rereferringto,”Shaoyensaidicily.

Carltonturnedtohisfather,hiseyesblackwithanger.“Whileyou’vebeensitting inthishousehostingadinnerpartywithyourwife,yourdaughter—yourfleshandblood—hasbeenlyinginahospitalinHongKong—”

“Rachel’sinthehospital?”Gaolianginterrupted.

“Youhaven’theard?TheyhadtoairliftherfromHangzhoutoHongKong.”

“Whathappened?”GaoliangstaredatCarltoninalarm.

“Shewaspoisonedby someone.Shewas in the ICU for threedaysandalmostdied.”

Gaoliang’sjawdropped.“Whowouldpoisonher?”

“Idunno…whydon’tyouaskMother?”

Shaoyenbolteduprightonthesofa.“Nizaijiangshenmepihua?*Did you stop taking your medication, Carlton? Is this somehallucinationofyours?”

“Iknowyouwerejusttryingtosendherawarning,butyoualmostkilled her! I don’t understand you, Mother. How could you dosomethinglikethat?”Carltonsaid,hiseyesbrimmingwithtears.

Shaoyen turned toher husband in astonishment. “Can youbelievethis?Oursonisaccusingmeofbeingamurderer.HowonearthdoyouthinkIhadanypartinthis,Carlton?”

“Iknowpreciselyhowyoudidit.Notyou,ofcourse,butoneofyourlackeys. Rachel was poisoned with Tarquinomid—which we soconveniently just startedmanufacturing for Opal Pharmaceuticals ofTelAviv!”

“Oh my God,” Shaoyen said in a whisper, while Gaoliang lookedstunned.

“Youdon’tthinkIkeepupwithwhat’shappeningatthecompany?Wellsurprise,surprise,Ido.IknowallaboutthatsecretdealyoumadewithOpal.”

“Wehave somany secret dealswith companies all over theworld.Yes,Opal outsourcedTarquinomid tous, butdo you actually think IwouldpoisonRachel?WhywouldIdothat?”

Carlton looked at his mother accusingly. “Oh come on! You havebeensohell-bentagainstRachelsincedayone!DoIneedtospellitoutforyou?”

Gaoliangspokeup,finallyfedupwithhisson’saccusations.“Don’tbe ridiculous, Carlton. SHEDIDNOT POISONRACHEL!How dareyousaysuchathingaboutyourownmother?”

“Dad,youdon’tknowhalfthethingsMotherhasbeentellingme.Ifyoucouldonlyhearwhatshe’ssaidaboutRachel!”

“YourmothermayhaveissueswithRachel,butshewouldneverdoanythingtoharmher.”

Carlton started to laugh bitterly. “Oh, that’s what you think? Youdon’t have a cluewhatMother is capable of, do you?Of course youdon’t—youhavenoideawhatshedidin—”

“CARLTON,”Shaoyensaidasawarning.

“WhatMotherdidinLondon!”

“Whatareyoutalkingabout?”Gaoliangasked.

“Thebigcover-upinLondon…alltoprotectyou.”

Shaoyenrusheduptohersonandgrabbedhisshouldersinapanic.“SHUTUP,CARLTON!”

“NO! IWON’T SHUTUP! I’m sick of shutting up and not talkingaboutit!”Carltonexploded.

“Thentalk!WhathappenedinLondon?”Gaoliangdemanded.

“Please, Carlton, if you knowwhat’s best for you, please don’t sayanymore,”Shaoyenpleadedfrantically.

“Agirldiedinmycarwreck!”Carltonspatout.

“DON’T LISTEN TO HIM! He’s drunk! He’s sick in the head!”Shaoyen screamed as she struggled to put her hands over Carlton’smouth.

“What on earth are you talking about? I thought the girl wasparalyzed,”Gaoliangsaid.

Carltonshookhismotheroffandrantotheothersideoftheroom.“Therewere twogirls in theFerrariwithme,Dad!Onegirlsurvived,buttheothergirldied.AndMotherhaditallcoveredup.ShegotMr.Tin and your banker inHongKong to pay everyone off. Shewantedyoutoremainblissfullyignorantaboutwhathappened—alltoprotectyourpreciousposition!She’sneverallowedmeto talkabout it.She’sneverwanted you to knowwhat a fuckup I am.But I’m admitting itnow,Dad—Ikilledagirl!”

Gaoliang stared at both of them inhorror, as Shaoyen sank to thefloorsobbing.

Carltoncontinued,“Iwillneverforgivemyself,anditwillhauntmefortherestofmylife.ButI’mtryingtotakeresponsibilityforwhatI’vedone, Dad. I can’t change the past, but I’m trying to changemyself.Rachelhelpedme realizeall thiswhenwewere inParis.ButMotherfoundoutthatRachelknowsthissecretaboutmyaccident,andthat’stherealreasonshewantedherkilled!”

“No,no!That’snottrue!”Shaoyencried.

“Howdoyoufeelnow,Mother?Thebigsecretisout,andyourworstnightmareiscomingtrue.Ourfamilynamewillberuinedjustlikeyouthought itwould—notbyRachelorbyme,butwhen thepolicecomeandhaulyouofftojail!”

Carltonstormedoutofthehouse,leavinghismotheronthefloorofthelibraryandhisfatherseatednexttoherwithhisheadburiedinhishands.

*Mandarinfor“Whatthefuckareyousaying?”

11

BUKITBROWNCEMETERY

SINGAPORE

Everyyear,ontheanniversaryoftheirfather’sdeath,ShangSuYiandher brother, Alfred, would visit the grave where their parents wereburied. Su Yi’s immediate family and a few close relatives wouldtraditionallygatheratTyersallParkforbreakfastbeforeheadingtothecemetery, but this year everyone met at Bukit Brown first. Astridarrivedearly,comingstraightfromdroppingCassianoffatFarEasternKindergarten,andhardlyanyonewasaroundas she strolled throughSingapore’soldestcemetery.

Sincethecemeteryhadstoppedacceptingburialsin1970,theforesthad grown unchecked around it, making this final resting place ofSingapore’s founding fathersa lush,Edenicnaturepreserve forsomeoftherarestplantsandwildlifeontheisland.Astridlovedmeanderingandadmiringtheornategravesthatwereunlikeanywhereelseintheworld. The larger, more ostentatious Chinese-style tombs were builtintothesidesofgentleslopingmounds,andsomewereasbigaspalacegatehouses,boastingtheirowntiledcourtyardswheremournerscouldgather,whileothersweredecoratedwithcolorfulPeranakantilesandlife-size statues depicting Sikh guards, Quanyin, or other Chinesedeities.Astridbeganreadingthegravestones,andeverynowandthen,sherecognizedthenameofapioneerSingaporean:TanKheamHock,OngSamLeong,LeeChooNeo,TanEanKiam,ChewBoonLay.Theywereallhere.

Atpreciselyteno’clock,asmallconvoyofcarsinvadedthequietofthe cemetery. At the front was the 1990s-era Jaguar Vanden PlasferryingAstrid’smother,FelicityLeong—SuYi’seldestchild—andherhusband,Harry, followedby the smallKiaPicantodrivenbyAstrid’sbrotherHenryLeongJr.*Thencamethevintageblack-and-burgundyDaimler with Su Yi’s younger daughter, Victoria, who rode withRosemaryT’sien,LillianMayTan,andtheBishopofSingapore.Afew

minutes later, a black Mercedes 600 Pullman with tinted windowspulled up, and before the humongous limousine had come to a fullstop,themiddledoorsflungopenandtwoGurkhaguardsjumpedout.

AlfredShang,ashort,portlymaninhislateseventieswithacarefulcomb-overofgrayhair,emergedfromthecar,squintinginthebrightmorninglightevenwithhisrimlesssunglasseson.Hehelpedhisoldersister,SuYi,outofthecar,followedbyhertwolady’smaidsinelegantiridescent peacock-blue silk dresses. Su Yi was dressed in a cream-colored blouse, a thin saffron-colored cardigan, and light browntrousers. With her round tortoiseshell sunglasses, straw cloche hat,and brown suede gloves, she looked like she was ready for a day ofgardening. Su Yi caught sight of Bishop See Bei Sien and mutteredangrilytoAlfred,“VictoriainvitedthatbusybodybishopagainwhenIspecificallytoldhernotto!Fatherisgoingtospininhisgrave!”

Afteraflurryofquickgreetings,thefamilymadetheirwayalongoneofthemoremanicuredpaths,formingaratherstatelyprocessionasSuYi led the way, walking under an embroidered yellow silk umbrellaheldbyoneoftheGurkhaguards.ThetombofShangLoongMawasonthehighesthill,asecludedspotcompletelyencircledbyathicketoftrees.Thetombstoneitselfwasnotparticularlymonumentalcomparedtosomeoftheothers,butthelargecircularplazaofglazedtilesandtheexquisitebas-reliefsdepictingascenefromTheRomanceoftheThreeKingdoms on the tombmade ituniquelybeautiful.Awaiting thematthe gravewere several Buddhistmonks in dark brown robes, and infrontoftheplaza,amarqueehadbeensetupwithalongbanquettablethat gleamed with silver and the pale yellow nineteenth-centuryWedgwoodservicethatSuYialwaysusedforalfrescoentertaining.

“Oh my goodness! Are we lunching here?” Lillian May Tanexclaimed,eyeing the fat sucklingpigwithacherry in itsmouthandthe line of uniformed staff from Tyersall Park standing at attentionbesidethemarquee.

“Yes, Mother thought it would be nice to eat here for a change,”Victoriasaid.

The family assembled in frontof thegravestone, and theBuddhistmonksbeganchanting.Aftertheywerefinished,thebishopsteppedupandsaidashortprayerforthesoulsofShangLoongMaandhiswife,Wang Lan Yin, for even though they were never baptized, he hopedthattheirgooddeedsandcontributionstoSingaporewouldmeanthat

they would not suffer from too much eternal damnation. Victorianoddedapprovinglywhileheprayed,ignoringhermother’sdaggerlikeglare.

Whenthebishophadmovedoffstage,theThailady’smaidshandedSuYiandAlfredsmallsilverbucketsofsoapywaterandtoothbrushes,and the two elderly Shang siblings approached the grave and beganscrubbing the headstones. Astrid was always deeply moved by thissimple gesture of filial piety, as her ninety-something-year-oldgrandmother got on her hands and knees and painstakingly cleanedthetinycrevicesinanintricatelycarvedtombpanel.

After the cleaning ritual was over, Su Yi placed a bouquet of herprized dendrobium orchids in front of her father’s headstone, whileAlfred placed a vase of camellias next to his belovedmother’s. Theneach of the familymembers took turns coming forward and placingofferingsoffreshfruitandsweetsbythegrave.Whenthecornucopiaof food had been laid out like a Caravaggio still life, the Buddhistmonkslitjosssticksandsaidsomefinalprayers.

The family thenadjournedto lunchunderneath the tent.AsAlfredShangpassedHarryLeongon theway to the table, he took a foldedpieceofpaperoutofhistrouserpocketandsaid,“Oh,here’sthatinfoyouwanted.What’sthisallabout?IhadtotwistafewmorearmsthanIexpected.”

“I’ll explain later. You’ll be at Tyersall for Friday night dinner,right?”

“DoIhaveachoice?”Alfredsniggered.

Harrysatdownatthetableandscannedthepaperquickly.Hethenput it away and began digging into the first course of chilled mungbeansoup.

“Now Astrid, I heard you were just in Paris. Was it as lovely asalways?”LillianMayTanasked.

“Itwaswonderful.ThebiggestsurprisewasrunningintoNicky.”

“Nicky!Really?Ihaven’tseenhiminages!”

Astridglancedafewpacesdowntomakesurehergrandmotherwassafely out of earshot. “Yes, he was there with Rachel, and we had aratherexcitingeveningtogether.”

“Tellme,what’shisnewwife like?”LillianMayasked ina loweredvoice.

“Youknow,IreallylikeRachel.Evenifshewasn’tmarriedtoNicky,she’sthesortofpersonIwoulddefinitelybefriendswith.She’squite—”

Just then,Astrid feltagentlenudgeonhershoulder.ItwasoneofSuYi’slady’smaids,whowhispered,“YourgrandmotherwantsyoutostoptalkingaboutNicholasrightnoworleavehertable.”

•••

Aftertheluncheon,aseveryonemadetheirwaybacktothecars,HarrywalkedalongsideAstridandasked,“DoyoukeepupwiththatCharlieWu?”

“Idofromtimetotime—why?”

“UncleAlfred justsuppliedmewiththemost intriguingtidbit.Youknow how you asked the other day if I acquired Michael’s firstcompany?Idecidedtodigdeeper,sinceitdidalwaysstrikemeasoddhowhewasabletosellthatcompanyforsomuchmoney.”

“Oh,didCharlielendyouahand?”

“No,Astrid—Charliewastheonewhoboughtthecompany.”

Astridstoppeddeadinhertracks.“You’rejoking,right?”

“Notatall.TherealjokeisCharlieWusecretlypayingthreehundredmilliondollarsforatinytechstart-up.”

“Dad,areyouabsolutelysureaboutthis?”

Harry tookout thepieceofpaperandshowed it toAstrid. “Listen,thiswasreallytoughinfotocomeby.Evenourtopfinanceguysturnedupnothingbutdeadends,soIhadtoaskUncleAlfredtohelp,andyouknowheisneverwrong.Charlieobviouslywenttogreatlengthstohidehisownershipinacomplexwebofshellcorporations,butyoucanseetheproofinthisdocumentasclearasday.Now,whatisheplottingat?That’swhatIwanttoknow.”

Astridstaredat thepaper indisbelief. “Dad,domea favor—pleasedon’tmentionawordofthistoMichaeloranyoneelseuntilIfindoutmore.”

Aftereveryonehaddeparted,Astridremainedat thecemetery.She

satinhercarwiththeair-conditioningonfullblastforafewminutes,preparingtoleave,butthensheturnedofftheengineandgotout.Sheneeded to walk a bit. Her head was spinning, and she desperatelyneededtomakesenseofthestartlingnewsshehadjustlearned.WhyintheworldhadCharlieboughtherhusband’scompany?Andwhyhadhe never told her? Did Charlie and Michael have some secretagreementallalong?Orwas thereadarker scheme that shecouldn’tevenbegintofathom?Shedidn’tknowwhattothink,butshecouldn’thelp feeling strangely betrayed by Charlie. She had poured out herheartandsoul tohim,andhehaddeceivedher.Couldsheever trusthimagain?

Astridwandereddownanovergrownpathintoadeeperpartofthewoods,passinglongcreepersdanglingfromthelimbsoftoweringraintreesandoldgravescoveredinmoss.Birdscackledloudlyinthetreesoverhead, and small butterflies darted in and out of gigantic ferns.Finallyshecouldbreatheagain.Shefelttotallyateaseinthesewoods—theywerealmostthesameasthewoodsshehadspentherchildhoodplayinginatTyersallPark.Ataclearingwhereraysofsunlightfilteredthrough the verdant foliage, Astrid came upon a small gravestonenestled by the sprawling roots of a large banyan tree. There was adistinctivesculptureofacherubicangelcrouchedontopofthetomb,itshugewingsunfurledandarchingall thewayover itshead.A tinyoval sepiatoned portrait of an earnest-looking little boy dressed in awhitesuitwascenteredbehindglassontheheadstone.Hewouldhavebeen around Cassian’s age when he died. There was something sotragic and yet beautiful about that gravestone, and Astrid wasremindedofthegravesatPèreLachaiseCemeteryinParis.

OnoneoftheirfrequenttripsbackwhentheywerelivinginLondonduring their university days, Charlie had shown her the tomb ofAbelardandHéloïse.Whentheyfinallyarrivedatthegrandtomb,theyfounditstrewnwithloveletters,andCharlieexplained:“Abelardwasagreat philosopher in the twelfth century who was hired to teachHéloïse, a young noble woman who was the niece of Notre Dame’sCanonFulbert.Theyfellinloveandhadanaffair,whichledtoHéloïsebecoming pregnant and the two of them getting married in secret.WhenHéloïse’sunclediscovered theaffair,hehadAbelardcastratedandHéloïsesenttoanunnery.Theycouldneverseeeachotheragain,but they sent each other passionate letters for the rest of their lives,lettersthathavebecomeamongthemostfamousinhistory.Thebones

oftheloverswerefinallyreunitedherein1817,andeversince, loversfromallovertheworldhavebeenleavinglettersonthistomb.”

“Ohh—howromantic!”Astridsighed.“Willyoupromiseyou’llneverstopsendingmeloveletters?”

Charliekissedherhandsanddeclared,“IpromiseIwillneverstopsendingyoulettersoflove,Astrid.Untilmydyingday.”

AsAstridstoodaloneinthemiddleoftheforestrecallinghiswords,itwasas if shecould suddenlyhear the trees speaking toher. In thedeepesthollowsofbark,intherustlingofleaves,shecouldhearthemwhisper,Hediditoutoflove,hediditoutoflove.Andsuddenlyitallbecameso clear.CharliehadboughtMichael’s company tohelp saveher marriage. He had overpaid by hundreds of millions because hewantedMichaeltohaveafortuneofhisown,togivehimachancetoovercomehis feelings of inadequacy. Itwas an act of pure, unselfishlove.EverythingCharliehaddonethreeyearsagobegantomakesensenow—advisinghertowaitatleastayearbeforeagreeingtoadivorce,telling her, I have a feelingMichael could have a change of heart.Michael did have a change of heart, but not in the way that anyonecould have anticipated. He had transformed into a completelyunrecognizableman. Themodest, unassuming soldier had become abrash,maniacalbillionaire.Andhewantedher tobecomeadifferenttypeofwifetomatchhim.AstridrealizedhowmuchshehadstruggledtochangeforMichael,andhowmuchshenolongerwantedto.Whatshetrulywanted,whatshehadalwayswantedbutfailedtorealizeuntilthis moment, was someone who loved her just the way she was.SomeonelikeCharlie.Oh,Charlie.Inanotherlifetimetheycouldhavebeenhappytogether.Ifonlyshehadn’tbrokenhisheartthefirsttime.If only she had been stronger and stood up to her parents the firsttime. Ifonlyhewasn’tmarriedwith twobeautifulkidsofhisown. Ifonly.

*HenryLeongJr.’spersonalnetworthisconservativelyestimatedat$420million,sincehisfatherisstillverymuchaliveandhehasyettoinheritanyofhisrealfortune.Forthatreason,andbecausehecommutesdailytotheWoodlandsforhisjob,Harrydrivesaveryfuel-economicalcar.Hiswife,theattorneyCathleenKah(herselfanheiresstotheKahChinKeefortune),walksfromtheirconsulate-likehouseonNassimRoadtothebusstopandtakesBus75toherofficeatRafflesPlaceeveryday.

12

MARVISTA

LOSANGELES,CALIFORNIA

“When was the last time you saw them?” Corinna asked Kitty whentheywerecomfortablyseatedintheTeslathathadcometofetchthemfromtheairport.

“Three weeks ago. I try to spend a week every month here, buthonestly,it’sbecomeahugechallengelatelybecauseofmydaughter’sregimen.”

“Soitistrue.BernardandyourdaughterarehereinLAformedicaltreatment?”

Kitty let out a weary laugh. “I have no idea how that rumor gotstarted. Bernard was here for treatments, but not the kind you’rethinkingof.”

“Whatkindofraredisorderisit?”Corinnaasked,hereyeswidening.

Takingadeepbreath,Kittybeganherstory:“ItallstartedrightafterwegotmarriedinLasVegas.Westayedthereforafewdays,andonenightwewenttoseethelatestBatmanfilm.Ididn’trealizethenhowobsessedBernardwaswithBatman,howhe sawhimself asanAsianversionofBruceWayne.Withhisobsessionforexoticcarsandcreepyinteriordesign,Ishouldhaveguessed.SowhenwegotbacktoHongKong, Bernard was fixated on wanting to look like that actor fromBatman.Hefoundthistopplasticsurgeonwhosupposedlyspecializedinmaking people look like celebrities, this doctor in Seoul.We hadlong talks about it, and hey, I didn’tmind ifmy husbandwanted tolook like some handsome actor. I thought it was quite exciting,actually.Butthen…”

“MyGod, they botched the surgery, didn’t they?”Corinna said, ontheedgeofherbucketseat.

“No,thesurgeryactuallyturnedoutperfect.Butacolossalmistake

wasmade by the prep team before the surgery took place. It was acomputermistake—themost advanced plastic surgery inKorea is allcomputer-aided these days, and the AutoCAD 3D imaging programthat was ‘designing’ Bernard’s new face received the wronginformation. It was a language issue—the nurse heard the namewrongly from thedoctorbefore the surgeryandshe typed thewrongactor’snameintothecomputer.Soalltheanatomicalimpressionstheymadewereamistake,andall implantswere fabricated for thewrongface. Bernard came out of the surgery looking nothing like what heintendedto.”

“Ihavetoask,whowastheactorthenurseconfusedhimwith?”

Kittysighed.“ItwassupposedtobeChristianBale,but insteadthenurseheardKristenBell.”

Corinna’sjawdropped.“Thatperkyblondactress?”

“Yes.TurnsouttheyhadanotherpatientfromHongKongthatwastransitioningfrommaletofemale.Itwasanhonestmistake.”

“IsthiswhyBernardhasbeenhidingfromeveryoneinAsia?”

“No. Imean,at first,yes,but that’snot really thereasonanymore.Bernardand I came toLosAngeles sohe couldget correctiveplasticsurgery.Hefoundagreatdoctorwhohasbeenslowlytransforminghisface back to normal. But now the problem goes far beyond hissurgery.”

“Whatdoyoumean?”

“This experience has completely changed Bernard. Not justphysicallybutpsychologically.You’llunderstandwhenyouseehim.”

Atthispoint,theyarrivedatasmalltwo-storyEnglishcottage–stylehouseinMarVistawherealittlegirlandamanweredoingyogainthefrontyardwithatallblondinstructor.

“Oh my goodness—is that cute little girl your daughter?” Corinnaasked,staringatthegirlwiththelongbraidedhairexecutingaperfectdownward-facingdog.

“Yes,that’sGisele.Here,putonsomeofthisorganichandsanitizerbeforeyoumeether.”

Assoonasthecarcametoastop,Giselebrokefromheryogaposeandcamerunningtowardthem.

“DidyouputontheDr.Bronner’s?”BernardyelledurgentlyatKitty.

“Of course,” Kitty yelled back, as she hugged her daughter tightly.“Mydarling!I’vemissedyousomuch!”

“You’re not supposed to say that! We don’t want to implantattachmentissues,”Bernardchastised.“Andyou’resupposedtospeaktoherinMandarinonly.IgetEnglishandCantonese,remember?”

“Hoy es el día de español, no?”*1 the little Chinese girl said,furrowingherbrow.

“My goodness, she can speak Spanish so well already!Howmanylanguagesisshelearning?”Corinnainquired.

“Justfiverightnow—shehasapart-timeColombiannannywhoonlyspeakstoherinSpanish,andourlive-inchefisFrench,”Kittyreplied.“Gisele,thisisAuntieCorinna.CanyousayhellotoAuntieCorinna?”

“Buenosdías,TíaCorinna,”Giselesaidsweetly.

“We’regoingtostartheronRussianwhensheturnsthree,”Bernardsaid,cominguptogreettheladies.

“Bernard, my goodness, it’s been much too long!” Corinna said,tryingnottoappeartooshockedasshestudiedhisnewface.Themanshe had seen at somany galas was transformed in a way she couldnever have possibly imagined. His roundish Cantonese features hadbeenreplacedwithanangularjawline,butitwasincongruouslypairedwiththetiniestbirdlikenose.Hischeekboneswerenewlychiseled,buthiseyeswerestrangelyelfinandupturnedatthecorners.Helookslikethe love child of Jay Leno and that Hermione girl from the HarryPottermovies,Corinnathought,unabletostopstaringathisface.

“Comenow,it’stimeforGisele’scranial-sacralsession,andthenwecanhavelunch,”Bernardsaidasheshepherdedthegirlindoors.

CorinnawasalreadyquiteshockedthatBernardTai,whogrewupinhugemansionsandonthebiggestsuperyachts,wouldbelivinginsuchmodestsurroundings,butnothingpreparedherforwhatshesawuponentering the house. The living room had been turned into a kind ofclinic,with all sorts of unusual therapeutic contraptions everywhere,andGisele layquietlyonaprofessionalmassage tableashercranial-sacral specialist gently stroked her scalp. Next to this was an alcoveroom that resembled a Scandinavian classroom, with simple blond-woodstoolsandlittletables,hempfabriccushionsonthefloor,anda

corkboard wall where dozens of children’s drawings and fingerpaintingswerepinnedup.

“Thisusedtobethediningroom,butsincewealwayshavemealtimein the kitchen, we’ve turned it into a learning space. Gisele’s codingclassmeets here three times aweek now.Come, letme show you toyourguestroom,whereyoucanfreshenupbeforelunch,”BernardsaidtoCorinna.

Corinnatriedtodoabitofunpackinginhercrampedbedroom.ShetookoutthetinofAlmondRocacandiesthatshehadsplurgedonandwent downstairs, where she found the family was already seatedaroundawoodenfarmtableonthesmallpatiodeck.

“Ibroughtyoualittlepresent,Gisele,”Corinnasaid.Shehandedhertheshinypinktinwiththeplasticlid,andthetwo-and-a-half-year-oldstaredatitinabsolutepuzzlement.

“Wah lao! Plastic! Put that downnow,Gisele!” Bernard gasped inhorror.

“OhI’msorry,Iforgottotellyou—there’snoplasticinthishouse,”KittywhisperedtoCorinna.

“Notaproblem.I’lljusttakethecandiesoutforherandyou’llneverseethecontaineragain,”Corinnasaidcalmly.

Bernard gave Corinna awithering look. “Gisele is on a sugar-free,gluten-freeorganicfarm-to-tablePaleodiet.”

“Iamterriblysorry—Ihadnoidea.”

Seeing the look on Corinna’s face, Bernard softened a little. “I’msorry. I don’t think guests, especially those visiting from Asia, arepreparedforourlifestyle.ButIhopeyouwillappreciatetheconscious,nourishingfoodweconsumeinthishouse.Wehaveourownfarmupin Topanga where we grow all our produce. Here, try some of thisfennel-stuffed acorn squash. We just harvested it yesterday. Giselepluckedthefennelwithherownhands,didn’tyou,Gisele?”

“Sólo comemos lo que cultivamos,”*2 Gisele chirped, as she beganchewing carefully on her tiny slices of medium-rare grass-fed-and-finishedfiletmignon.

“I guessyouprobablywon’tbedrinking theJohnnieWalkerBlackLabelIbroughtforyou,”Corinnaremarked.

“Ihonoryourgesture,butIonlydrinkreverse-osmosiswaterthesedays,”Bernardsaid.

“Ihonoryourgesture?”MyGod,lookwhathappenstoHongKongmenwhentheymovetoCalifornia,Corinnathoughtinhorror.

AfterCorinnahadpolitelyswalloweddowntheblandestmealofherentire life, she stood in the foyerwatching as Bernard helpedGiseleputonherTOMSsneakersandherlittlehempsunhat.

KittypleadedwithBernard.“Wejustarrived.Can’tGiseleskiponesession today and be with us? I want to take her to buy some cuteclothesatFredSegal.”

“You’re not buying her any more clothes from that temple ofmaterialism. The last time you got her those frilly pink princessdresses, we ended up donating all of it to Union Rescue Mission. Ireally don’t want her to be wearing clothes that reinforce genderstereotypesandfairytalenarratives.”

“Okay, then, canwe just take her to the beach or something? Thebeachisstillallowed,right?Isn’tsandgluten-freeorwhatever?”

BernardtookKittyaroundthecornerandsaidinahushedtone,“Idon’t think you really understand how much Gisele needs thesebiweeklymindfulness sessions in the sensory deprivation float tank.Her Reiki practitioner tells me that she still struggles with retainedtraumaandanxietyrelatedtoherpassagethroughthebirthcanal.”

“Areyoukiddingme?Incaseyoudon’tremember,Iwastherewhenshewas born, Bernard. The real traumawas how shemurderedmybirthcanalbecauseyouwouldn’tletmehaveanepidural!”

“Shhh!Doyouwanttoaddtoherrepressedguilt?”Bernardsaidinhushed whisper. “Anyway, we’ll be back by six. Her float session inVeniceBeachonlylastsforty-fiveminutes,andthenshehasanhourofundirectedplaywithherreal-world-immersionfriendsinCompton.”

“Sowhywouldthattakefivehours?”

BernardgaveKittyanexasperated look.“Traffic,ofcourse.DoyouknowhowmanytimesIhavetogetonthe405?”

AftersayingadióstoGiseleasshewasbeingcarefullystrappedintothecustom-designedcarseatinBernard’sTesla,KittyandCorinnasatdowntotalk.

“IunderstandnowwhyyousaidIhadtoseethiswithmyowneyes.Whendidthingsgetthisbad?”Corinnaasked.

Kitty looked at Corinna sadly. “The problem began when BernardstartedgettinghiscorrectivesurgeriesinLA.HewouldspendagreatdealoftimeatDr.Goldberg’sclinic,andhebecamefriendswithsomeof the patients in the waiting room—mainly these super-competitiveyoung Westside mothers. One of them invited him to a weekendretreatinSedona,andthatwasallittook.HecamebacktoSingaporeachangedperson,declaringthathewantedtostopallthesurgeriesandembracehisnewface.Hetalkedabouthisterriblechildhoodandhowhehadafatherwhoignoredhimandjustthrewmoneyinhisdirectionand a mother who was too obsessed with her church to care. Hewanted to undo all the generations of damage by becoming anenlightened,consciousparent.ThefirstyearafterGiselewasbornwastheworst.BernardmovedustoLosAngeleswhenGiselewasjusttwomonthsold—claimingthatSingaporewastoxicforher,thathisparentsweretoxicforher.Here,Iwastotallyisolated,withBernardhoveringover us every second of the day, policing every single thing I did.Nothing I ever did was right—I was always exposing the baby tosomething.Imean,theonlythingIwasexposinghertoweremytits!We went to about fifty different specialists a week for every littleproblem.Thelaststrawwaswhenheredesignedthemasterbedroomto suitGisele’s sleeppatterns. I couldn’t sleep in therewithall thosestrange glowing LED lights, the over-purified air, and the Mozartplayinginhercribthroughoutthenight.That’swhenIstartedcomingback toHongKongeverymonth. I couldn’t take itanymore. Imean,justlookathowwelive!”

“I was very surprised when we pulled up to this house,” Corinnasaid.

“Wemoved out of ourmansion in Bel Air because BernardwantsGisele toexperience ‘real-worldpreparedness.’Andhe thinks thatbyliving in this lower-income zip code, she’ll have a better chance ofgettingintoHarvard.”

“DoesBernardeveraskyouwhatyouwantforyourdaughter?”

“Ihaveno say in anyof this, because apparently I’m too stupid tounderstand anything. You know, I actually think Bernard prefers itwhen I’m inAsia. I thinkhe’s afraid Iwill somehowmake this childmorestupid.Hedoesn’tevencareifIexistanymore.It’sallabouthis

preciousdaughter,twenty-fourhoursaday.”

CorinnalookedatKittysympathetically.“Takeitfromme,speakingnot as your social consultantbut fromonemother to another, if youreallywantyourdaughtertogrowupnormal, ifyoueverwanthertotakeher rightful place inAsian society, youhave toput a stop to allthis.”

“Iknow.Ihavebeenworkingonaplan,”Kittysaidsoftly.

“I’mgladtohearthat.BecauseifDato’TaiTohLuicouldseehowhisonly granddaughter was being raised, he would be spinning in hisgrave!This littlegirlshouldhaveabedroominQueenAstridParkorDeepWaterBaythat’sbiggerthanthiswholehouse,notsleepingwithher parents every night!” Corinna declared, her voice quiveringwithconviction.

“Amen.”

“This little girl needs to be raised properly—by a team of sensibleCantonesenannies,notinterferingparents!”Corinnapoundedonthetable.

“Yougotthatright!”

“ThislittlegirlshouldbedressedintheprettiestclothesfromMarie-Chantalandtakento theMandarin forafternoonteaandbrightpinkmacaronseveryweek!”

“Fuckyeah!”Kittyroared.

*1“TodayisSpanishday,right?”(SaidinperfectSpanish.)

*2Spanishfor“Weonlyeatwhatwegrow.”

13

TRIUMPHTOWERS

THEPEAK,HONGKONG

NickandRachelsatbesideeachotherondeckchairsonthebalcony,holding hands as they gazed at the magnificent view. Eddie’spenthouseapartmentwaslikeafalcon’slairhighuponThePeak,andbelowthemsprawledthecity’sdramaticskyscrapers,followedalmosttoostartlinglysoonbythesparklingbluewatersofVictoriaHarbour.

“This ain’t half bad,” Nick commented, enjoying the cool breezeblowingagainsthissun-warmedskin.

“Definitely ain’t bad,” Rachel said. It had been two days since shewasdischargedfromthehospital,andshewasrelishingeverymomentoutdoors.“Youknow,whenEddiefirstinsistedthatwestaywithhimsince Fiona and the kids were away, I got a bit scared. But this hasturned out to be such a treat. He wasn’t kidding when he said thatstayingwithhimwouldbelikestayingatVillad’Este.”

As if on cue, Laarni, one of the domestic helpers, came onto thebalcony with two tall tumblers of Arnold Palmers, complete withoversizeicecubesandpaperumbrellas.

“OhmyGod,Laarni,youshouldn’thave!”Rachelsaid.

“Sir saidyouneed todrinkmore liquidsandgetwell,”Laarni saidwithagracioussmile.

“Youknow,IneverthoughtI’deversaythis,butIcouldgetusedtothis. Laarni is just amazing. Do you know what she tried to doyesterday when I went to meet Carlton for lunch? She insisted oncomingdownstairs to thedrivewaywithme,whereEddie’schauffeurwas waiting. Then she opens the car door and after I got in, shesuddenly leaned into the car, reached over me, and PUTMY SEATBELTONFORME!”

“Ohyeah,theseatbeltthing.Iguessyou’veneverhadthatdonefor

youbefore,”Nicksaidnonchalantly.

“Jesus,forasplitsecondIthoughtshewastryingtomakeapassatme—Iwas so shocked! I said, ‘Laarni, do you do this for Eddie andFionatoo?’Shesaid, ‘Yesma’am,wedoitforthewholefamily.’Yourcousinsaresopamperedtheycan’tevenputtheirownseatbeltson!”Rachelsaidinmockoutrage.

“WelcometoHongKong,”Nickquipped.

Rachel’scellphonerang,andshepickeditup.“Oh!Hello,Father…Yes, yes, thank you—I feel amillion times better…You’ll be inHongKongtoday?…Oh,definitely.Aroundfive?Yes,we’refree…Okaythen.Safetravels.”

RachelputdownthephoneandlookedatNick.“Mydad’scomingtoHongKongtoday,andhe’swonderingifwecanmeethim.”

“Howdoyou feelabout that?”Nickasked.Over thepast fewdays,Carltonhadsharedwiththemeverythingthathadhappenedwhenhehad rushed back to Shanghai to confront his parents, and there hadbeennothingbutsilencefromtheBaossincethen.

“Iwould like to seehim,but it’s going tobe rather awkward, isn’tit?”Rachelsaid,herfacecloudingoverabit.

“Well,I’msurehefeelsevenmoreawkwardthanyoudo.Imean,hiswife isoneof theprime suspects in yourpoisoning.But at leasthe’smakinganoverturetocomeandseeyou.”

Rachelshookherheadsadly.“God,thisisallsofuckedup.WhydothingsalwaysgetfuckedupwhenwecometoAsia?Don’tanswerthat.”

“Woulditmakeyoufeelmorecomfortableifhejustcameoverhere?I’m sure Eddie would relish the opportunity to show off hisBiedermeierfurnitureorhishumidity-controlledshoecloset.”

“SweetJesus,thatshoecloset!Didyounoticethatallhisshoeswerearrangedalphabeticallyaccordingtobrand?”

“Isuredid.AndyouthinkI’mobsessivewithmyshoes.”

“Iwill never say anything about yourweirdOCDhabits again,notaftermeetingEdisonCheng.”

•••

At four forty-five, Eddie was rushing around his apartment like a

madman, yelling at his maids. “Laarni, that’s the wrong one! I saidBebelGilberto,notAstrudGilberto!”Eddiescreamedatthetopofhislungs.“Idon’twanttheGirlfromfuckingIpanematobeplayingwhenBaoGaoliang arrives—he’s oneofmymost important clients! IwanttracktwoofTantoTempo!”

“Sorry,sir,”LaarnicalledfromtheotherroomasshenervouslytriedtofindthesongontheLinnmusicsystem.Shescarcelyknewhowthedamnthingworked,anditwasevenhardertousetheremotewiththecottonglovesthatMr.Chengmadeherwearwhenevershecamenearhisprecious stereo,whichhekeptharpingwasworthmore thanherentirevillageinMaguindanao.

Eddiestormedintothekitchen,wherethetwoChinesemaidsweresitting by the small television watching Fei Cheng Wu Rao.* Theyjumpedupfromtheirbarstoolswhenheentered.“LiJing,isthecaviarready?”heaskedinMandarin.

“Yes,Mr.Cheng.”

“Letmeseeit.”

LiJingopenedtheSubzerofridgeandproudlytookoutthesterlingsilvercaviarserverthatfilledupanentireshelf.

“No,no,no!You’renotsupposedtorefrigeratethewholething!Onlythecaviargetsrefrigerated!Idon’twantthewholedamncaviartraytobesweatinglikeaCambodianwhorewhenitcomesoutofthefridge!Now wipe it dry and leave it out. Right when our very importantpoliticianguestarrives,youputtheiceinhere,see?Andthenyoulaythe glass caviar bowl over it. Like this, see? Andmake sure you usecrushed ice from the fridge, not the cubed ice from the icemachine,okay?”

These maids are useless, absolutely useless, Eddie lamented tohimselfashewalkedbacktohisdressingroom.Itdidn’thelpthathismaids never seemed to renew their contracts after the first year.Hehad tried to steal away someofhisAhMa’s impeccably trained staffwhilehewasinSingapore,butthoseservantsweremoreloyalthantheNazis.

Eddiecheckedforlintonhisherringbonejacketforthetenthtimeinhis gilt Viennese Secession mirror. He had paired it with his tightDSquaredjeans,thinkingitmadehimlookmorecasual.Thedoorbellsuddenlychimed.Fuckyfuck,BaoGaoliangwasearly!

“Laaaarni, cue the music! Charity, turn on the accent lights! AndCharity,you’rehavingabetterhairday—youanswerthedoor!”Eddieyelled, as he rushed into the formal living room. Nick looked on inamazementashiscousinbegandoingkaratechopsonallthetasseledthrowpillows,franticallytryingtocreatetheperfectfluffed-uplook.

Rachel,meanwhile,wenttothefrontdoor.“I’llgetit,Charity.”

“Nicky,you reallyneed to trainyourwife to let themaidsdowhatthey’resupposedtodo,”Eddiesaidtohiscousinsottovoce.

“Iwouldn’tdreamoftryingtochangeher,”Nickresponded.

“Hiyah, this is what happens when you go and live in America,”Eddiesaiddisparagingly.

Rachelopenedthedoor,andstandinginfrontofherwasherfatherlooking like he’d aged ten years. His hair wasn’t as meticulouslycombedasitnormallywas,andtherewereheavybagsunderhiseyes.He reached out and hugged her tightly, and Rachel knew at thatmoment that there was nothing to feel uncomfortable about aroundhim.Theyenteredtheformallivingroomarminarm.

“BaoBuzhang,suchanhonortohaveyouinmyhome,”Eddiesaidcordially.

“Thank you so much for inviting me over on such short notice,”Gaoliang said to Eddie, before turning back to Rachel with a tenderlook.“Iamsorelievedtoseeyou lookingsowell. I’mverysorry thatthis triphas turnedout sobadly foryou. Itwas trulynotwhat Ihadintended when I invited you to come to China. I’m not just talkingabout your, er, incident. I’m talking about myself, and all thecomplicationsthathavepreventedmefromspendingmoretimewithyou.”

“That’sokay,Father.Ihavenoregretsaboutthistrip—I’veenjoyedgettingtoknowCarlton.”

“Iknowhe feels the sameaswell.By theway, I reallymust thankyouforwhatyoudidforCarltoninParis.”

“Itwasnothing,”Rachelsaidmodestly.

“Which brings me to what I’m really here to talk about. Listen, Irealizewhatastrangesituationthismustbeforbothofyou.I’vehadmanymeetingsoverthepastfewdayswiththecommissionerofpolice

in Hangzhou, and I just came from meeting his counterpartCommanderKwokinHongKong.Now,Ibelievewithallmyheartthatmywifehasnothing todowithyourpoisoning. Idon’t think it’sanysurprise to you at this point that Shaoyen has been harboring someissues around your visit, and I can only blame myself for that. Ihandled things badly with her. However, she’s just not the sort ofpersonwhowouldeverharmasoul.”

Rachelnoddeddiplomatically.

Gaoliangletoutasigh.“I’mgoingtodoeverythinginmypowertohelpbringwhoeverwasresponsibleforthisterriblecrimetojustice.IknowthattheBeijingpolicehaveRichieYangundertwenty-four-hoursurveillance now, and the entire city of Hangzhou has been turnedinside out with this investigation. I have every confidence that thepolicearegettingclosertothetruthwitheveryhourthatpasses.”

Everyoneelseremainedsilent,unsureofwhattosayafterGaoliang’smonologue, and Li Jing chose thismoment to enter the living roompushing a gleaming silver cart with the caviar. Eddie noticed inannoyancethatthebottomwasfilledwithicecubes,andnotcrushedice as he had specifically requested. Now the glass bowl sat on thecubesataslightangle,andhetriednottobedistractedbyit.Charityfollowedalongwithajust-openedbottleofKrugClosd’Ambonnayandfourchampagneflutes.Fuckyfuck,he’dtoldthemaidstogetoutthevintageVeniniglasses,nottheeverydayBaccarat!

“Some caviar and champagne?” Eddie said, trying to lighten themood,all thewhile shootingdaggersatCharity,whowonderedwhathewassoupsetabout.Didshebringthechampagneintooearly?Hedidsaytobring it ineightminutesafter the importantguestarrived,andshehadtimeditexactlyonthegrandfatherclock.Sirkeptglaringatthechampagneflutes.Ohshit,she’dusedthewrongglasses.

RachelandNickhelpedthemselvestosomecaviarandchampagne,butwhenGaoliangwasofferedaglass,heshookhisheadpolitely.

“Nochampagne,BaoBuzhang?”Eddiesaid,ratherdisappointed.HewouldonlyhaveservedDomhaditbeenjustNickandRachel.

“No,butIwouldn’tmindaglassofhotwater.”

TheseMainlandersandtheirhotwater!“Charity,couldyouseetoitthatMr.Baogetsaglassofhotwateratonce.”

Gaoliang gazed intently at Nick and Rachel. “I want you both toknow that Shaoyen has cooperated one hundred percent with theinvestigators. She has submitted herself to countless hours ofquestioning,andshe’sevenhandedoverallthesurveillancevideosinour plant in Shenzhen, where the drug ismanufactured, so that thepolicecananalyzeeverything.”

“Thank you formaking this trip to tellme all this, Father. I knowhowdifficultthismustbeforyou,”Rachelsaid.

“My goodness, it’s nothing compared to what you had to gothrough!”

Charity entered the living room bearing a tray with a carafe ofboilinghotwaterandoneoftheantiqueVeniniflutes.ShesetthetraydownnexttoBaoGaoliang,andbeforeEddiecouldfullyprocesswhatwashappening,shebegantopourtheboilinghotwaterintotheeighty-year-old venetian glassware.A high-pitched cracking sound could beheardastheglassbegantocrackdownitsside.

“Nooooooooooooooooooo!” Eddie suddenly screamed, leaping offthesofaandknockingoverthecaviarserver.AmilliontinyblackfisheggswentflyingacrossthefadedantiqueSavonneriecarpet,andastheothermaidsranintoseewhatthecommotionwas,Eddielookeddownin panic and began to pant. “Don’t move! This rug cost me ninehundredandfiftythousandeurosatauction!Nobodymove!”

Rachel turned to Laarni and said calmly, “Do you have aDustbuster?”

•••

Afterthecaviarincidenthadbeenresolvedsafelywithnaryacasualtytoasingleknotofcarpet,thegrouptooktheiraperitifsontotheterracetoenjoythesunsetview.NowthatGaolianghadunburdenedhimselfof all he needed to say, themood had lightened considerably. Eddiestood at one end with Gaoliang, pointing out the houses of everyfamoustycoonwholivedonVictoriaPeakandestimatingthevalueoftheirproperties,whileRachelandNickperchedatthecornerlookingdowntowardthewater.

“Howareyou feeling,hon?”Nickasked, still concernedabouthowRachelwashandlingeverything.

“Ifeelgood.I’msogladI’veclearedtheairwithmyfather.I’mjust

readytogohomenow.”

“Well,CommanderKwoksaidwecouldleaveattheendoftheweekif nothing new develops. I promise, we’ll go home as soon as wepossiblycan,”Nicksaid,wrappinghisarmsaroundherastheylookedatthelightscomingonalloverthecity.

Later that evening, while Nick, Rachel, and Gaoliang were in themiddleofdinnerwithEddieandhismother,Alix,at theLockeClub,Gaoliang’s cell phone began to ring. Seeing that itwas the Shanghaichiefofpolicecalling,heexcusedhimselffromthetableandwentouttothefoyertotakethecall.Afewmomentslater,hecamebacktothetablewithanurgentlookonhisface.“There’sbeenahugebreakinthecase, and an arrest has been made. They want us to come back toShanghaiimmediately.”

Rachelfeltherguttenseup.“DoIreallyneedtobethere?”

“Apparently they need you to identify someone.” Gaoliang saidgravely.

Alittleoverthreehourslater,Rachel,Nick,andGaoliangwerebackinShanghai,speedingalonginachauffeuredAuditotheCentralPoliceStationonFuzhouLu.

“StillnowordfromCarlton?”Rachelasked.

“Er,no,”Gaoliangsaidtersely.HehadbeentryingtocontactCarltonand Shaoyen even before the chartered jet had departed fromHongKong,buttheirphoneswerebothgoingstraighttovoicemail.Nowhewasnervouslyhittingtheredialbuttontonoavail.

Theyarrivedatthestationandwereescortedupstairstoareceptionroomablazeinfluorescentlights.AnofficerwithmagnificentlydroopyjowlscameintotheroomandbowedtoRachel’sfather.“BaoBuzhang,thankyouforreturningsospeedily.IsthisMs.Chu?”

“Yes,”Rachelsaid.

“I’mInspectorZhang.Wearegoingtotakeyouintoaninterrogationroom, andwewould like you to tell us if the personwe are holdingappears familiar to you.Youwill see thembehinda two-waymirror,andtheywillnotbeabletoseeorhearyou,sopleasedonotbeafraidtospeakup.AmImakingmyselfclear?”

“Yes.Canmyhusbandcomeinwithme?”

“No,thatwon’tbepossible.Butdon’tworry,youwillbewithmeandseveralotherofficers.Nothingisgoingtohappen.”

“We’ll be right out here, Rachel.” Nick squeezed her handencouragingly.

Rachel nodded and went along with the officer. There were twoother detectives already in the first room when she entered. One ofthem pulled at a cord, and the blinds over a viewing window werelifted.“Doyourecognizethisperson?”InspectorZhangasked.

Rachelcouldfeelherheartbeatingfuriouslyinherthroat.“Yes.Yes,Ido.Hewas themanwhowas rowingourboaton theWestLake inHangzhou.”

“He’snotarealboatman.Hepaidofftheregularboatmansothathecouldpoisontheteayoudrankwhileyouwereontheboatride.”

“Ohmy God! I forgot all about that Longjing tea!” Rachel said inastonishment. “But who is he?Why in the world would he want topoisonme?”

“We’renotdoneyet,miss.Comeintothenextroom.”

Rachelwalked into the adjoining room, and the officer opened upanother set of blinds. Rachel’s eyes widened in disbelief. “I don’tunderstand.What’sshedoinghere?”

“Doyouknowher?”

“That’s…” Rachel stammered. “That’s RoxanneMa—Colette Bing’spersonalassistant.”

*AnimmenselypopularChinesedatinggameshow,knowninEnglishasIfYouAretheOne.Anationaluproaroccurredafterapoorsuitoraskedafemalecontestantwhethershewouldrideabicyclewithhimonadateandshefamouslyreplied:“IwouldrathercryinaBMWthansmileonabicycle!”

14

CENTRALPOLICESTATION

FUZHOULU,SHANGHAI

NickandGaoliangwereallowedtojoinRachelintheviewingboothasRoxannewassubjectedtotheofficialinterrogation.

“Forthemillionthtime,Ikeeptellingyouitwasahorriblemistake.IwasjusttryingtosendRachelalittlemessage,that’sall,”Roxannesaidwearily.

“Youthoughtpoisoningawomanwithahighlypotentdrugthatshutdownherkidneysandliverandcouldhaveledtoherdeathwasawayto send someone a little message?” Inspector Zhang askedincredulously.

“Itwasn’t supposed tobe like that.Thedrugwas just supposed tomake her vomit for a while and have really bad stomach cramps. Itmakes you feel like you’re dying,when you’re not actually. The planwas to send Rachel the flowers along with the note right when shearrivedatthehospitalinHangzhou.Butbeforewecouldgettheliliestoher,shehadbeencheckedoutofthehospitalandevacuatedtoHongKong. How the hell was I supposed to know that was going tohappen?”

“SowhydidyouwaitsolongaftershewasadmittedtoQueenMaryHospitalinHongKongbeforeyousentthenote?”

“Ihadnoideawheretheytookher.Shejustdisappeared!Wewerefrantically searching for her everywhere—I had people in Shanghai,Beijing, all the top regional hospitals looking for her. Butwe had towaittillheradmissionrecordpoppedupsomewhere.Itwasnevertheintentiontoletthingsgetasbadastheydid.Ijustwantedtoscareherandmakeherleavethecountry.Theplanwentterriblywrong.”

“But why would you want to try to scare Rachel Chu in the firstplace?”

“I told you this already. Colette was extremely distraught thatCarltonBaomightlosepartofhisinheritancetoRachel.”

Gaoliang’s jawdroppedwhenheheardthis,whileRachelandNicklookedateachotherinconfusion.

“Whywouldthishappen?”InspectorZhangcontinued.

“Bao Gaoliang and his wife were furious after finding out all therecklessthingstheirsondidinParis.”

“Reckless things thatwerediscussedduring thedinnerat ImperialTreasure?”

“Yes, the Baos got into a fight about Carlton, and Bao Gaoliangthreatenedtodisinherithim.”

“ThisfightoccurredinthepresenceofColetteBingandyourself?”

“No, the fighthappenedafterwe left the room. Ihad intentionallyleftColette’siPhoneintheroomwiththerecordmodeon,andIwentbacktocollectitlater.”

Gaoliangputhishandstohisforehead,shakinghisheadindisgust.

“And that’s when you discovered the Baos talking aboutdisinheritingCarlton?”

“Yes. It was a tremendous shock for Colette. She thought shewashelping to smooth things out between Carlton and his parents, butinstead itmade things farworse. See, I told her, no good deed goesunpunished!”

“WhywouldColetteBingcareifCarltonBaogetsdisinherited?”

“Isn’titobvious?She’spatheticallyinlovewiththeloser.”

“SoColetteBingorderedallthistohappen?”

“No, shedidn’t! I keep tellingyou shedidn’t.Colettewas just veryupsetafterrealizingthatshehadputCarltoninjeopardy.Shecouldn’tstopcrying,andshecouldn’tstopcursingRachelChu,soI toldherIwouldfixthings.”

“ThenshedidknowofyourplantopoisonRachel.”

“No! Colette never knewwhat I was going to do. I just told her Iwouldhandleit.”

“Thiswassuchanimportantmission,andColettehadnothingtodo

withit?”

“NOTHINGATALL!Anditwasn’tan‘importantmission.’ ”

“Stop trying to protect Colette Bing! She ordered you to do this,didn’t she?Thiswasherplanallalongandyouwere just theminionwhodidallthedirtywork.”

“I am not her minion. I am her personal assistant! Do you knowwhatthatentails?Imanageadirectstaffofforty-twoemployeesandasupportstaffofcountlessmore.Imake$650,000ayear.”

“ColetteBingpaysyousomuchmoney,andyetshedoesnotknoweverythingthatyoudoforher?Ifindthatveryhardtobelieve.”

Roxanne glared at the inspector contemptuously. “What do youknowaboutbillionaires?Doyouevenknowone?Doyouhaveanyideahowthey live?ColetteBing isoneof therichestwomenintheworld,andsheisanextremelybusyandinfluentialperson.Herfashionblogis followed everyminute of the day bymore than thirty-fivemillionpeople,andshe’sabouttobecometheinternationalbrandambassadorforoneofthebiggestfashioncompanies.Herscheduleispacked—shehasatleastthreeorfoursocialfunctionsthatsheisrequiredtoshowherfaceateverysinglenight.Shehassixresidences,threeplanes,tencars, and she is traveling somewhere every week. Do you think shekeeps trackofeverything that’sgoingonall the time?She’s toobusyhaving importantmeetingswithworld-famouspeople likeAiWeiweiand Pan TingTing! My job is to make sure that everything in herprofessionalandpersonallifegoessmoothly.Ipostallherpicturestoherblog!Inegotiateallhercontracts!Imakesureherdogs’fecesarethe correct shade ofmaple sugar brown! I see to it that every floralarrangement insixhousesand threeplanesareexquisitelyperfectatalltimes!Doyouevenknowhowmanyfloraldesignerswehaveonthepayroll,andthedramastheyhave?ThosebitchescouldhavetheirownrealityshowwithalltheconnivingandbackstabbingthatgoesonjusttogetonecomplimentoutofColetteaboutsomefuckingdelphiniums!Every single day, I have to make a million and one annoying littleproblemssheisneverevenawareofgoaway!”

“SoRachelChuwas justanannoying littleproblemthatneeded togoaway?”

RoxannegaveInspectorZhanganindignantlook.“Iwasjustdoingmyjob.”

Nick turned to Rachel in utter disgust. “Let’s get out of here. I’veheardmorethanenough.”

The three of them left the police headquarters, and as their SUVdrovealongthedarkenedroadsofHuangpu,theysat insilence,eachcontemplatingeverythingthathadjusttranspired.Sittinginthefrontpassenger seat, Bao Gaoliang was a jumble of emotions. He wassickenedbyRoxanneandColette,butevenmoreangryatandashamedofhimself. Itwasallhis fault.Hehadallowed things to spiraloutofcontrolwithShaoyen,andasthesecretsandliesspunaroundCarltonbecame a dangerously tangled web, Rachel was the innocent victimwhogotcaughtinit.Rachel,whowantednothingfromhimexcepttoget to know him and his family. She deserved so much better. Shedidn’tdeservetobeexposedtoafamilyasdiseasedashis.

Nick appeared to be sitting placidly in the backseat with his armaround Rachel, but inside he was seething with fury. That fuckingColette. She was the one who was ultimately culpable for causingRachel somuch pain, and hewanted her to feel the heat alongwithRoxanne.ItwasanoutragethatRoxannewouldbegoingtojailwhileColette got away scotfree. The rich and well-connected were alwaysuntouchable, he knew that only too well. But if Rachel hadn’t beensitting beside him right now, he would’ve hightailed it to Colette’shouse and shoved her face into that ridiculous reflecting pool, withCelineDionblaringfullblast.

Leaning her head against Nick’s broad shoulder, Rachel remainedthe calmest of the trio. From themomentRoxanne began talking inthat interrogation cell, Rachel started to feel a tremendous sense ofrelief.Theordealwasover.Therewasn’tsomecrazyirrationalstrangerafter her. It was just the crazy personal assistant of her brother’sgirlfriend,someoneshenowfeltonlyintensepityfor.Allshewantedatthis moment was to get to their hotel. She wanted to slip into thatlusciousbedwiththedownpillowsandsilkenFrettesheetsandjustgotosleep.

AstheirAuditurnedontoHenanSouthRoad,Nicknoticedthattheyweregoingintheoppositedirectionoftheirhotel.“Aren’tweheadingawayfromtheBund?”heaskedGaoliang.

“Yes,weare.I’mnottakingyoutothePeninsula.You’regoingtobestayingatmyhousetonight—whereyoushouldhavebeenallalong.”

Theyenteredaquieterresidentialarealinedwithplanetreeswhosebranchescreatedleafyarchwaysoverthestreets,andthecarpulledupoutside a gatehouse by a high stonewall. A blackwrought-iron gatewas opened by a police guard, and the car proceeded along a shortcurving driveway to a beautiful Frenchmanor–style house ablaze inlights. As the SUV rolled up the circular front driveway, the tall oakdoorsopenedandthreewomencamescurryingdownthesteps.

“Hello, Ah Ting. Is my wife home?” Gaoliang said to his headhousekeeper.

“Yes,she’sretiredupstairsfortheevening.”

“This is my daughter and her husband. Could you please call thePeninsulaandmake sure their luggage is broughthere immediately?Andseethatalatesupperispreparedforthem.Maybesomefish-ballnoodlesoup?”

AhTinggawkedatRachelinuttershock.Hisdaughter?

“Please see that the blue bedroom ismade comfortable for them,”Gaolianginstructed.

“Theblue bedroom?” Ah Ting asked. The blue bedroomwas usedonlyforhonoredguests.

“That’s what I said,” Gaoliang said forcefully, glancing up at thesecondfloorandnoticinghiswife’ssilhouetteinthewindow.

Ah Ting hesitated for a moment, as if she was going to saysomething,butthensheturnedandstartedbarkingordersatthetwoyoungermaids.

Gaoliang smiled at Rachel and Nick. “It’s been a very long day. Ihope you don’t mind if I bid you good night now. See you in themorning.”

“Good night,” Rachel and Nick said in unison, as they watchedGaoliangdisappearintothehouse.

•••

Rachelfoundherselfwokenupbyashrillchirpingoutsidethewindow.Sunlightfilteredthroughthecurtains,castinggauzyshadowsontothesoft lilac blue walls. Rolling out of the four-poster bed, she walkedtowardthewindowanddiscoveredabird’snesttuckedintheeaveofthe gabled roof. Three hungry little chicks arched their tiny beaks

skyward, eager to be fed breakfast by their mother, who flutteredaround the nest protectively. She ran to get her iPhone, and leaningdaringlyoutthedormerwindow,shetriedtocaptureagoodshotofthemamabird,whichhadadistinctiveblackhead,graybody,andasmartdashofbluealongherwings.Racheltookafewsnaps,andassheputher camera phonedown, shewas startled by the sight of a lady in apale yellow mandarin-collared dress standing in the middle of thegardenstaringupintentlyather.IthadtobeCarlton’smother.

Caughtoffguard,Rachelblurtedout,“Goodmorning.”

“Goodmorning,”theladyrepliedalittletersely.Thenshesaidinamorerelaxedtone,“Youfoundthemagpies.”

“Yes.Itooksomepictures,”Rachelsaid,immediatelyfeelingalittlefoolishforstatingtheobvious.

“Coffee?”thewomansaid.

“Thankyou.I’llberightdown,”Rachelreplied.Shetiptoedaroundtheroomforafewminutes,tryingnottodisturbNickasshebrushedher teeth,pulledherhair intoaponytail, and frettedaboutwhat sheshouldwear.Oh,thiswasridiculous—theladyhadalreadyseenherinheroversizeKnicksjerseyandNick’soldboxers.Athoughtoccurredtoher: Was that lady even Carlton’s mother? She threw on a simpleembroideredwhitecottonsummerdressandwalkedgingerlydownthegraceful curving staircase. Why was she suddenly so nervous? SheknewthattheBaoshadtalkedtilltheearlyhours—thereweremuffledvoicesechoingeverynowandthendownthehallwayfromtheirguestroom.

Wherewasshesupposedtomeetthelady?Asshepeekedaroundthestatelyreceptionroomsonthegroundfloor,whichwerefilledwithanelegant mix of French and Chinese antiques, she wondered whatCarlton’s mother was going to say to her now, after all that hadhappened.Carlton’swordsinParissuddenlyechoedinhermind:Mymotherwouldratherdiethanletyousetfootinherhouse!

Amaidpassingalongacorridorwithasilvercoffeecarafestoppedwhen she saw Rachel poking around. “This way, ma’am,” she said,leading her through a set of French doors onto a wide flagstoneterrace,wheretheladyfromthegardensatatadarkrosewoodbistrotable.Rachelwalkedtowardherslowly,herthroatsuddenlygoingdry.

The ladywatched thegirl comeoutonto the terrace.So this ismy

husband’s daughter. The girl who almost died because of Carlton.Andas thegirl came into focus, a revelation:MyGod, she looks justlikehim.She’shissister.Andjustlikethat,allthefearsshehadbottledup so deeply, all the thoughts that had been tearing her up insideinstantlybecamemeaningless.

Rachel approached the table, and the lady stood up and extendedherhand.“I’mBaoShaoyen.Welcometomyhome.”

“I’mRachelChu.It’sapleasuretobehere.”

15

RIDOUTROAD

SINGAPORE

WhenAstridreturnedfromFridaynightdinneratTyersallPark,LedZeppelin was blasting at an eardrum-shattering level on the soundsysteminMichael’sstudy.ShecarriedasleepyCassianupstairstohisbedroomandhandedhimover tohisaupair. “How longhas itbeenlikethis?”sheasked.

“I only got home an hour ago, madame. It was Metallica then,”Ludivinedutifullyreported.AstridshutthedoortoCassian’sbedroomfirmlyandwentbackdownstairs.ShepeekedintothestudyandfoundMichael sitting in the dark in his Arne Jacobsen armchair. “Do youmind turning it down a little? Cassian’s sleeping and it’s pastmidnight.”

Michael turned off the stereo with one click and remainedmotionless inhis chair.Shecould tellhehadbeendrinking,andnotwantingtopickafight,sheventuredcheerily,“Youmissedagoodtimetonight.UncleAlfredsuddenlyhadamadcravingfordurians,sowealldashed off to 717 Trading on Upper Serangoon Road to get some. Iwish you could have been there—everybody knows you pick the bestdurians!”

Michael snortedderisively. “If you think I’mgoing to sit thereandmake idle conversation with Uncle Alfred and your father aboutdurians…”

Astridcameintotheroom,turnedona lamp,andsatdownontheottoman facing him. “Listen, you can’t keep avoidingmy father likethis.Soonerorlateryou’regoingtohavetomakepeacewithhim.”

“Why should I make peace when he was the one who started thewar?”

“Whatwar?We’vebeenoverthissomanytimes,andI’vetoldyouIknowforafactthatmyfatherdidnotbuyyourcompany.Butlet’ssay

for argument’s sake thathedid.Whatdifferencewould thatmakeatthis point? You took that money and quadrupled it. You’ve alreadyproventoeveryone—tomyfather,tomyfamily,totheworld—whatageniusyouare.Can’tyoubehappywiththat?”

“Youweren’ttherethatmorningonthegolfcourse.Youdidn’thearthe things your father said tome, the contempt in his voice.He haslookeddownonmefromtheverybeginning,andhewillneverstop.”

Astrid sighed. “My father looks down on everyone. Even his ownchildren.That’s justthewayheis,andifyouhaven’tfiguredthatoutbynow,Idon’tknowwhattotellyou.”

“IwantyoutostopgoingtoFridaynightdinner.Iwantyoutostopseeingyourparentseverydamnweek,”Michaelannounced.

Astridpausedforamoment.“Youknow,IwoulddothatifIthoughtitmade any difference. I know you’ve been unhappy,Michael, but Ialsoknowthatyourunhappinessactuallyhasverylittletodowithmyfamily.”

“You’rerightaboutthat.IthinkI’dbehappierifyouwouldalsostopcheatingonme.”

Astridlaughed.“Youreallyaredrunk.”

“I’mnot drunk at all. I’ve onlyhad fourwhiskeys.Eitherway, I’mnotdrunkenoughtoignorethetruthwhenIseeit.”

Astridlookedhimintheeye,unsureifhewasbeingseriousornot.“Youknow,Michael,Iamtryingsohardtobepatientwithyou,forthesakeofourmarriage,butyoureallyaren’tmakingiteasy.”

“Soyou’vebeenfuckingCharlieWuforthesakeofourmarriage?”

“CharlieWu?WhatintheworldwouldmakeyouthinkI’mcheatingon you with Charlie?” Astrid asked, wondering if he had somehowdiscoveredtherealtruthabouthiscompany.

“I’veknownaboutyouandCharliefromtheverystart.”

“Ifyou’retalkingaboutthatweekendroadtripwetookinCaliforniawithAlistair,you’rebeingridiculous,Michael.Youknowwe’rejustoldfriends.”

“Just old friends? ‘Oh Charlie, you are the one personwho trulyunderstandsme,’ ”Michaelsaidinamocking,girlishvoice.

Astrid felt a chill go up her spine. “How long have you beeneavesdroppingonmyphonecalls?”

“Sincethebeginning,Astrid.Andyoure-mailstoo.I’vereadeverye-mailyou’veeverexchangedwithhim.”

“How?Why?”

“My wife spent two weeks in Hong Kong with one of my topcompetitorsbackin2010.Youdon’tthinkI’mgoingtolookintothat?Iwas a surveillance specialist for the government—I have all theresourcesrightatmyfingertips,”Michaelbraggedcoldly.

Fora longmoment,Astridwastooshockedandoutragedtomove.She stared atMichael, wonderingwho thismanwas in front of her.Sheusedtothinkhewasthemosthandsomemanontheplanet,butnowhe looked almost demonic. At thatmoment, Astrid realized shecouldno longer liveunder thesameroofwithhim.Sheboltedoutofherseatandwalkeddownthebreezewaypastthereflectingpooltothestaircase that led to Cassian’s bedroom. She ran up the stairs andknockedonLudivine’sdoor.

“Yes?Comein.”AstridopenedthedoorandsawLudivine lyingonherbedFaceTimingwithsomesurferdudeonherlaptop.

“Ludivine,pleasepackanovernightbagforyourselfandforCassian.Weareleavingformymother’shouse.”

“When?”

“Rightnow.”

Fromthere,Astridrantoherbedroomandgrabbedherwalletandcarkeys.AsshecamedownstairswithLudivineandCassian,Michaelwas standing in the middle of the great hall leering at them. Shehanded the carkeys toLudivineandwhispered, “Get in the carwithCassian.IfI’mnotoutinfiveminutes,drivestraighttoNassimRoad.”

“Ludivine,don’tyoudarefuckingmoveorI’llmotherfuckingbreakyourneck!”Michaelshouted.Theaupairfroze,andCassianstaredathisfatherwide-eyed.

Astridglaredathim. “Nice language in frontof your son,Michael.Youknow,forthelongesttimeItried,Ireallytried.Ithoughtwecouldsavethismarriage,forthesakeofourson.Butthefactthatyouwouldinvade my privacy in such a fundamental way has shown me how

brokenourmarriage is.Youdon’trespectme,andmore importantly,youdon’t trustme.You’venever trustedme!Sowhydoyouwant tostopusnow?Deepdown,youknowI’mnolongerthewifeyouwant.Youjustwon’tadmitittoyourself.”

Michaelrantothefrontdoorandblockedit.Hegrabbedafifteenth-centuryBavarian poleax from thewall andwaved it threateningly atAstrid.“YoucangotohellforallIcare,butyouarenottakingmyson!Ifyouleavethishousenow,Iamgoingtocallthepoliceandtellthemyouhavekidnappedhim.Cassian,getoverhere!”

Cassian started to cry, and Ludivine held on to him tightly,mutteringunderherbreath,“C’estdesputainsdeconneries!”*

“Stopit!You’rescaringhim!”Astridsaidangrily.

“I’m going to drag you and your entire family through the mud!You’regoingtoseeyourselfonthefrontpageofTheStraitsTimes!I’llsueyou foradulteryanddesertion—Ihaveall thee-mailsandphonerecordingstoproveit!”Michaelsnarled.

“If you’ve read all my e-mails, you should know that I haven’twrittenasingleinappropriatethingtoCharlie.Notoneword!Hehasbeennothingbutagoodfriendtome.He’sbeenabetter friendthanyoucouldpossiblyeverimagine,”Astridsaid,hervoicecrackingwithemotion.

“Yes, I know you’ve been very careful in covering your tracks. Butthathome-wreckerCharliehasn’t.”

“Whatdoyoumean?”

“It’s so obvious, Astrid. The guy is so crazy in love with you it’sfuckingsad.Allhise-mailsreadlikepatheticloveletters.”

In a flash, it occurred to Astrid that what Michael said was true.Everycasuale-mail,everytextmessageCharliehadeverwrittentoherwas a testament to his love. He had never broken his promise. Notsince the day they were at Abelard and Héloïse’s tomb in Paris.Suddenly, Astrid was flooded with a power that made her morecourageousthanever.“Michael,ifyoudon’tmoveawayfromthefrontdoorrightnow,IsweartoGodIwillcallthepolicemyself!”

“Go ahead! We can both be in the fucking papers tomorrowmorning!”Michaelscreamed.

Astrid got out her phone and dialed 999, all the while smilingcalmly. “Michael, don’t you know by now thatmy grandmother andUncle Alfred are the largest private shareholders of Singapore PressHoldings?We’renotgoingtobeinthepapers.We’renevergoingtobeinthepapers.”

*“Thisisfuckingbullshit!”(SoundssocivilizedinFrench,doesn’tit?)

16

188TAIYUANROAD

SHANGHAI

“WhydoIhavetofindoutfromEleanorYoungthatmyowndaughteralmostdied?”KerryChuscoldedintothephone.

“I didn’t almost die,Mom,”Rachel said, stretched out on a chaiseloungeinherbedroomattheBaoresidence.

“Hiyah,Eleanorsaidyouwereonyourdeathbed!I’mgoingtocatchthefirstflighttoShanghaitomorrow!”

“Youdon’tneedtocome,Mom.IcanassureyouIwasneverinanydanger, and I’m perfectly fine now.” Rachel laughed, trying todownplayit.

“Why didn’t Nick call me sooner? Why am I the last to knoweverything?”

“Iwas only in the hospital for a few days, and since I got back tonormalsoquicklyIreallydidn’tseeanyreasontoworryyou.AndsincewhenhaveyoustartedbelievingeverythingEleanortellsyou?Areyoubestbuddiesnow?”

“Wearenothingof the sort.But shecallsmeseveral timesaweeknow,andIhavenochoicebuttotakehercalls.”

“Waitaminute,whyisshecallingyouseveraltimesaweek?”

“Hiyah!EversinceshefoundoutattheweddingthatIsellhousestoallthetechpeopleinCupertinoandPaloAlto,she’sbeencallingmeforhottipsontechstocks.Andthenshekeepshasslingmefornewsaboutyou.Everyfewdaysshewantstoknowifthere’sanynews.”

“Newsaboutourtrip?”

“No, she couldn’t care less about your trip. She wants to know ifyou’repregnant,ofcourse!”

“OhGod!Nowitbegins,”Rachelmutteredunderherbreath.

“Seriously, wouldn’t it be nice to say you conceived a baby inShanghai?IhopeyouandNickhavebeentryingveryhard.”

Rachelmadeasoundlikeshewaschoking.“Ack!Stop,stop!Idon’twant to be having this conversation with you, Mom. Please.Boundaries!”

“Whatdoyoumean,‘boundaries’?Youcameoutofmyvagina.Whatkindofboundariesdowehave?Youarealreadythirty-two,andifyoudon’tstarthavingyourbabiesnow,whenareyougoingtostart?”

“Dulynoted,Mom.Dulynoted.”

Kerrysighed.“Sowhathappenedtothegirlwhotriedtopoisonyou?Aretheygoingtohangher?”

“OhGod,Ihavenoidea.Ihopenot.”

“Whatdoyoumeanyouhopenot?Shetriedtokillyou!”

Rachelsighed.“It’smorecomplicatedthanthat.Ican’treallyexplainit all over the phone, Mom. It’s a long story, one that could onlyhappeninChina.”

“YoukeepforgettingI’mfromChina,daughter!Iknowmuchmoreaboutthecountrythanyoudo,”Kerrysaidinannoyance.

“Ofcourse,Mom,Ididn’tmeanitthatway.Butyoujustdon’tknowthe people and the circumstances that I’ve been exposed to sincegetting here,” Rachel said, feeling a sadness come over her, as shethoughtaboutherencounterwithColetteearlierthatweek.

ThemorningaftertheyhadreturnedtoShanghai,Rachelhadbeenbombardedwithvoicemails fromColette:“OhmyGod,Rachel,Iamso,sosorry.Idon’tknowwhattosay.IjustfoundoutaboutRoxanneandeverything.Pleasecallmeback.”

Followedveryshortlyby:“Rachel,whereareyou?CanIpleaseseeyou?IcalledthePeninsulaandtheysaidyounevercheckedin.AreyouwiththeBaos?Callmeback,please.”

Halfanhour later: “Hi, it’smeagain,Colette. IsCarltonwithyou?I’m really worried for him. He’s completely disappeared and notreturningmycallsortexts.Pleasecallme.”

Andthenintheafternoon,atearfulvoicemessage:“Rachel,IreallyhopeandpraythatyouknowIhadNOTHINGtodowiththis.Nothingatall.Pleasebelieveme.Thisisjusthorrible.Pleaseletmeexplain.”

NickfeltstronglythatRachelshouldnotreturnanyofColette’scalls.“You know, I really don’t believe that she’s as innocent as Roxanneclaims.She’sultimatelyresponsibleforwhathappenedtoyou,andI’djustassoonneverseeorhearfromheragain.”

Rachelwasmoresympathetic.“Saywhatyouwantaboutherbeinganobscenelyspoiledprincess,butyoucan’tsayshehasn’tbeennicetous.”

“Ijustdon’twanttoeverseeyougethurtagain,that’sall,”Nicksaid,hisbrowfurrowedwithworry.

“Iknow.ButIdon’tbelieveColettereallywantedtoseemehurt,andIcertainlydon’tthinkshe’sgoingtohurtmenow.IfeellikeIoweittohertoatleasthearherout.”

At five o’clock the next afternoon,Rachelwalked into theWaldorfAstoriaHotelon theBund, taileddiscreetlyby twoofBaoGaoliang’ssecuritymenthatNick insistedaccompanyher.Shemadeherwaytothe Grand Brasserie, a magnificent space framed by an ellipticalmezzanine,tallmarblecolumnsthatroseuptothesecondfloor,andastunningly landscaped interior courtyard. Colette got out of her seatandrushedtowardRacheltheminuteshesawher.

“I’m so glad you came! I didn’t know if you would,” Colette said,hugginghertightly.

“OfcourseIwould,”Rachelsaid.

“They have a fabulous high tea here. You must try the scones—they’re just like theonesatClaridges.Now,what teadoyou feel liketoday?IthinkI’llhavetheDarjeeling,that’salwaysthebest.”Coletteflutterednervously.

“I’llhavewhateveryou’rehaving,”Rachelsaid, trying toputheratease. She noticed that Colette was dressed in a completely differentmannerthanshehadeverseenher—inanausterelyelegantgray-and-whitedressaccessorizedwithnothingbutaMaltesecrossmadeoutofoldcabochonemeralds.Sheworelessmakeupthanusual,andhereyesappearedtobeswollenfromcrying.

“Rachel,youmustbelievemewhenIsaythatIhadnoideaRoxannewasgoingtodowhatshedid.Itwasasmuchashocktomeasitmusthavebeen toyou. Inever, everorderedRoxanne todoanything thatwouldharmyou.Nothingatall.Youbelieveme,don’tyou?Pleasesay

youbelieveme.”

“Ibelieveyou,”Rachelsaid.

“Oh thank God. Thank God.” Colette sighed. “For a while there Ithoughtyouweregoingtohatemeforever.”

“I could never hate you, Colette,” Rachel said gently, placing herhandoverColette’s.

Two steaming pots of tea arrived, along with a tall silver standoverflowing with daintily cut triangles of sandwiches, scones, and adecadentarrayofsweetconfections.AsColettebeganpilingglisteningpastriesandfluffywarmsconesontoRachel’splate,shecontinuedtoexplainherself.

“RoxannewastheonewhocameupwiththeideaofeavesdroppingontheBaosafterweleft—itwasallheridea.Butthen,whenweheardtheir conversation, Iwas in shock, that’s all.All I could thinkofwasthatIhadhurtCarlton,thatIhadmadethingsfarworseforhim.Andinthatmoment,justthatonemoment,Igotreallyupset—notatyou,butatthewholesituation—andRoxannemisinterpretedmyfeelings.”

“Boy,shereallymisinterpreted,”Rachelremarked.

“Yes she did. Roxanne and I…we have a complicated relationship.She’s worked for me for five years now—she was an eighteenth-birthdaypresentfrommyfather—andsheknowsmeinsideout.Beforeshecametoworkforme,shehadamiserablejobatP.J.Whitney,andshe’ssothankfultome,shedoesn’thaveanythingelse—I’mherwholelife. She’s like that Helen Mirren character in Gosford Park, theultimatehousekeeper—shecananticipatemyneedsevenbeforeIknowwhattheyare,andshedoesthingsallthetimethatshethinksaregoodforme,evenwhenIdon’taskher.Butshecrossedtheline,shereallycrossedtheline.IhopeyouknowIfiredher.IsentheratextmessagefiringhertheminuteIfoundouteverything.”

Yeah, I’m sure she gets great Wi-Fi in her prison cell, Rachelthought.“WhatI’mnotclearon,Colette,iswhyyougotsoupsetoverCarltonpotentiallylosingsomeofhisinheritance.Whydoesitmattertoyousomuch?”

Colettelookeddownatherplateandbegantopickattheraisinsonascone.“Idon’tthinkyouknowthepressuresI’vehadtofaceinmylife.IknowhowfortunateIam,believemeIdo,butwiththisfortunehas

come tremendous burdens. I’m the only child, and ever since I wasborn,myparentshavehadthesegreatexpectationsofme.Theygaveme the best of everything, the best schools, the best doctors—youknow, my mother sent me to get my eyelids done when I was six?Throughmy teens, therewasalwayssomesurgerydoneonmeeveryyeartomakemelookprettier.Butinreturntheyhavealwaysexpectedmetobethebest.Tobethetopperformerinschool.Tobethebestofeverything. I thought that they were priming me to succeed inbusiness, but it turns out all theywant is forme to getmarried andstartgivingthemgrandsons.Tothem,Iamacrownprincess,andtheyonly want me to marry a crown prince. Richie Yang was theirhandpickedchoice,andtheyweresoangrywhenIturnedhimdown.But I don’t love him, Rachel. I love Carlton—I’m sure you’ve alwaysknown that—and even though I’m not ready to get married, I wantCarltontobetheonewhenIamready.Icanpicturemyselfwithhim—he’sgotthatwonderfulaccent,andtheheight,andthatbeautifulface—wewouldhavethemostbeautifulchildrentogether.Myfatherdoesn’tseeanyof that.Hedoesn’tunderstandsomeonelikeCarlton,heonlygetstraditionaltypeslikeRichie.SoCarltonisalreadyinatoughspot,andifheweretolosehisfortune—evenasmallpartofit—itwouldonlyfurtherdiminishmy father’s viewofhim.And itwouldmake it evenmoreimpossibleformetomarryhimoneday.”

“But your family already has so much. More than enough for ahundredlifetimes.”

“Iknowitcan’tmakemuchsensetoyou—comingfromwhereyoudo—but believeme,my father does not think he has enough.Nowherenear.”

Rachel shook her head in disgust. “I hope you realize that you’regoingtohavetostanduptoyourfatheratsomepoint.”

“I realize that. I’ve already been doing that—I said no to Richie,remember?AndnowI’mtryingtoprovetomyfatherthatIcandojustfine,thankyouverymuch,withouthismoney.Iknowhe’stestingme—he’salwaysdoingsuchthings—andIknowhe’snotgoingtocutmeoff for long. Imean, it’s not like he’s really going to stop paying thelandscapearchitectatmycountryestate.ButnowIneedyourhelp.”

“WhatcanIdo?”

Colette’s eyes brimmed with tears. “Carlton finally picked up the

phone.Hetoldmetostopcallinghim.Hesaidsomanyhorrid,horridthings, I don’t even want to tell you. And he toldme that he neverwantstoseemeagain!Canyoubelieveit?Iknowhe’sjustupsetaboutwhathappened toyou. Iknowhe’s feelingguilty,blaminghimself insomeway.Please,you’vegottoconvincehimthatyou’refine,andthatwe’re friends,and thathedoesn’thave tobeangryatmeanymore. Ihavesomethingveryimportanttodiscusswithhim,andIneedtoseehimassoonaspossible.Willyoupleasehelpme?”

Rachel sat quietly, watching the tears spill down Colette’s cheeks.“Youknow,Ihaven’tseenCarltonsincegettingbacktoShanghai.Hehasn’tspokentomeorhisparents.Idon’t thinkhe’sreadytotalktoanyoneyet.”

“He’ll talk to you, Rachel, and I know where he is. He’s in thePresidentialsuiteatthePortmanRitz-Carlton—that’swherehealwayshidesout.Willyougoandseehimforme?Please?”

“Ican’tdothat,Colette.Idon’twanttoforceCarltonintoseeingmeuntil he’s ready. And I really don’t think I should be getting in themiddle of your relationship. Nothing I can say will make him stopfeelingthewayhewantstofeel.Youneedtogivehimtimetoheal,andheneedstofigureoutforhimselfwhathewants.”

“Butheneverknowswhathewants.Youhave to tellhim!”Colettepleaded.“Ithinkthelongerhebroodsaboutthis,themoreitwillfester—likehisaccident.Hewasalreadysuchamessall the timewhenhewasrecoveringfromhisaccident,Idon’twanthimtogetintoanothermessinhisheadaboutthis.”

“Idon’tknowwhat to tell you,Colette.Peoplearemessy.Lifegetsmessy.Thingsarenotalwaysgoingtoworkoutperfectlyjustbecauseyouwantthemto.”

“That’snottrue.Thingsalwaysendupworkingoutforme,”Colettesaidimpetuously.

“WellthenIsupposeyou’lljusthavetotrustthattheywillthistime.”

“Soyou’rereallynotgoingtogoovertothePortman?”

“Ijustdon’tseethepoint.”

Colette’seyesnarrowedforamoment.“Oh,Igetit.Youdon’twantmetogetbackwithCarlton,doyou?”

“That’snottrue.”

“Yes,Iseenow.Youwanttopunishme,don’tyou?”

“Idon’tunderstand—”

“You’restillangryaboutwhathappenedtoyou.”

RachelgaveColettealookoffrustration.“I’mnotangryatyou.Ifeltsadforyou,maybe,butIwasnevertrulyangry.”

“Youfeltsadforme?”

“Yes,Ifeltsadaboutthewholesituation,thatthingswouldevergettoapointwhereRoxannewouldfeeltheneed—”

Colettesuddenlyslammedherfistontothetable.“Howdareyoufeelsadforme!Whodoyouthinkyouare?”

Rachel jerked back in alarm. “Um, I didn’t mean it as an insult,Colette,Ijustmeant—”

“Itookpityonyou,RachelChu!Ithought,hereisthispoor,patheticorphangirl fromAmerica. Ipaid foryourmeals, I invitedyou tomyhouse, you flewonmyplane, Ipaid for thewholedamnParis trip. Igaveyouspecialaccess to themostexclusiveplaces in theworldandintroducedyoutoallmyimportantfriends,andyoucan’tevendoonesmallfavorforme?”

MyGod,she’slosingit.Racheltriedtoremaincalm.“Colette,Ithinkyou are beingunreasonablehere. I amgrateful for all the generosityyouhaveshownNickandme,butIjustdon’tthinkit’smyplacetotellCarlton todo anything, especially if it concernshis relationshipwithyou.”

“You’veneverreallybeenmyfriend,haveyou?Iseeyouclearlynow,inyourcheapAmericanclothesandyourcheaplittlejewelry!”Colettespatcontemptuously.

Rachelstaredatherinshock.Wasthisreallyhappening?Shecouldseethatalltheotherwell-manicuredwomeninthediningroomweregawking at them now. The two security guards rushed up behindRachel’schair.“Iseverythingokay,miss?”

“Youbroughtsecurity?Whodoyouthinkyouare?Ohthisisfunny,are you trying to imitate me now?Well, I have double the securitydetailthatyoudo!Roxannewasrightaboutyouallalong—you’vebeenenviousofme fromdayone, and you’vebeenplotting to getCarlton

awayfrommeandawayfromhisfamily.Thisworksoutperfectlyforyou,doesn’tit?Youwanttheirmoneyalltoyourself.Wellyoucanhavetheir pathetic one-point-five billion dollars for all I care—that’snothing compared to what my family has. You’re never in your lifegoing to come close to touching me! All the money in the world isnevergoing tobuyyoumystyleormytastebecauseyou’llalwaysbecommon.You’renothingbutacommonlittlebastard!”

Rachelsatcompletelystill foramoment, feelingher facegetwhitehot. Deciding that she wasn’t going to endure one more second ofColette’sderangedabuse,shepushedherchairbackandgotupfromthetable.“Youknow,thisisbeyondabsurd.ForawhilethereIactuallyfeltbadforyou,eventhoughIwasviolently ill foraweekbecauseofyouractions.ButnowIhavenothingbutpity foryou.You’reright, Iwill never be like you—thanks so much for the compliment! You’renothingmore than a spoiled, entitled little shit. Andunlike you, I’mproudofmyroots—I’mnottalkingaboutmybirthfather,I’mtalkingabout the honest, hardworking mother who raised me, and theamazingfamilythatsupportedher.Wedidn’tmakesomecrazyfortuneovernight,andwewon’teverneedtohiresomefancybutlertoteachusmanners.Youdon’t live intherealworld,youneverhave,soI’mnoteven going to try arguing with you—it’s way belowmy pay grade tobother. You sit in your perfect little eco-luxury bubble, while yourfather’scompaniesarethebiggestpollutersinChina.Youmayhaveallthemoney in theworld, but you are themostmorally impoverishedchildI’veevermet!Growup,Colette,andgetalife!”

With that, Rachel walked out of the hotel and onto the Bund,followedcloselybythetwobodyguards.“Shallwecall thecar,miss?”oneofthemasked.

“Youknow,ifyoudon’tmind,I’dliketogetsomefreshair.IthinkI’llbefinefromhere—I’llseeyouguysbackatthehouse.”

Rachel beganwalking down the famous curved boulevard, lookingup at the gleaming art deco buildings and the red Chinese flagsflutteringabovethem.AsshepassedahappybrideandgroomgettingtheirpicturetakenoutsidethePeaceHotel,herphonebegantoring.ItwasCarlton.

“Rachel!Areyouokay?”hesaid,soundinganxiousandeuphoricatthesametime.

“Ofcourse.Why?”

“ThatfightyoujusthadwithColette—”

“Howdidyouknowaboutthat?”Rachelgasped.

“Someone videoed the whole thing on their phone from themezzaninerightaboveyourtable.It’sgoneviralonWeChat! ‘SpoiledBitch Epic Takedown,’ that’s what they’ve named it. Blimey—ninemillionviewsalready!”

17

NEWSPAPERSAROUNDTHEWORLD

LOSANGELESDAILYNEWS

MARVISTACHILDKIDNAPPEDINPRIVATEJET

BreakingNews—VanNuysAirportwasthesceneofahigh-speedchase last night at around 9:50 when LAPD officers pursued aprivatejetcontainingatwo-and-a-half-year-oldkidnappingvictimas it sped down runway 16R. At least four squad cars wereinvolvedinpursuingthejetbutfailedtopreventitfromtakingoffandleavingU.S.airspace.

Minutes before, the child’s father, Bernard Tai, had made afrantic 911 call reporting that his daughter, Gisele, had beenkidnappedfromtheirhomeat11950VictoriaAvenueinMarVista.Gisele’sbabysitterallowedanunidentifiedwomanintothehomewhileTaiwasout,andthewomandepartedwiththechild.BythetimethepolicehadtrackeddownGiseleatVanNuysAirport,shewasalreadyaboardtheprivateaircraft.

Tai,whoisaSingaporecitizenbutresidesinLosAngeles,gavehisoccupationasunemployedandtoldLAPDthathewasGisele’sfull-time caregiver. Tai was unreachable for further comment.LAPD would not release any more information about the jetpendingfurtherinvestigation.

LOSANGELESTIMES

CHILDHEIRESSKIDNAPPEDBYHERMOTHER

LosAngeles—In a startling new development in the mysterious“privatejetkidnapping”ofaMarVistachildtwodaysago,theLosAngelesTimeshaslearnedthatthekidnappingvictim,GiseleTai,was takenbyhermother, formerHongKong soapopera actressKittyPong.GiseleisthesoleheiressandonlydaughterofBernardTai, the president and non-executive vice chairman of TTL

Holdings,whichisheadquarteredinHongKong.

Tai, who told LAPD that he was “unemployed,” is said to beworthover$4billionandmaintainslavishresidencesaroundtheworld. He is also the owner of the 388-foot megayacht Kitty’sGalore.However, for thepast twoyearsTai andhis familyhavequietlyresidedina2,807-square-foothouseintheupper-middle-classneighborhoodofMarVista.“IalwayssuspectedBernardhadmoney, but I never knewhehad that kind ofmoney. I knewhemovedtoMarVistabecausehewantedtoraisehisdaughterinthemost consciousway possible.He’s a terrific father. I never oncemetthewife,”saidLindaC.Scout,whotookaNiaclasswithTai.

Twonightsago,Tai’spersonalchef,MillaLignel,whoresidesatthe house and was babysitting that evening, allowed the child’smother, Kitty Pong, into the home. Pong, who is currentlyestrangedfromherhusbandandlivesinHongKong,removedherdaughter from the house. “Madame asked me to make her anomelet, and it only took me cinq minutes, but by the time theomelet was ready,madame andGisele had disappeared,” said atearfulLignel.

Tai knew something was wrong when he was served withdivorcepapersinthemiddleofasound-bathhealingworkshopinSanta Monica. After speaking with Ms. Lignel, he immediatelysuspected that his wife intended to leave the country with theirdaughter. LAPD has confirmed that Tai activated a secret GPStrackingdeviceinGisele’sTOMSshoesthatalsoalertedthepolice.Thepolicepursuedthechild toVanNuysAirport,but itwas toolatetostoptheprivateBoeing747-81.

OfficerScotIshihara,whowasonthescene,calmlynoted,“Wegavechase,but it’shardtostopa450-tonjumbojet fromtakingoffifitwantsto.”

Tai, who has filed kidnapping charges against his wife in LosAngeles,hasapparently leftthecountry.CallstoTTL’scorporateheadquartersinHongKongwereunreturned.

SOUTHCHINAMORNINGPOST

KITTYTAIESCAPEDWITHDAUGHTERONMAINLANDBILLIONAIRE’SPLANE

HongKong—The Los Angeles Police Department, together with

officialsatVanNuysAirportinLosAngeles,cannowconfirmthatthe Boeing 747-81 used in the alleged “kidnapping” of heiressGisele Tai by her mother, Kitty Tai, was owned by ChineseindustrialistJackBing.

Mr. Bing, who is said to be worth upward of $21 billion,apparently lentMrs. Tai his $350million jet at the behest of amutual friend. Mr. Bing’s spokesperson today issued thisstatement:“Mr.Binglendshisplanesfromtimetotimetovariousindividualsandorganizationsonhumanitariangrounds.Mr.Bingis not acquainted with Mrs. Tai in any way, but was urged toprovide the plane for what he understood to be a humanitarianrescuemission. NeitherMr. Bing nor his family has played anyrole whatsoever in what is a private family matter between theTais.”

After a brief refueling stop in Shanghai, Bing’s jet landed inSingapore,where representatives forMrs.Tai say she intends todivorceBernardTaiandsue for sharedcustodyofherdaughter.Tai, who arrived in Singapore earlier today, has alreadycountersuedandfiledkidnappingchargesinbothLosAngelesandSingapore.

Giving a brief statement after landing at Changi Airport, Tai,whose faceappears tobedrasticallyalteredbycosmetic surgery,said,“Mywifehasneverplayedanactiveroleintheraisingofourdaughter, and this is a well-documented fact that can beconfirmed just by looking at any societymagazine to see all theeventsmywifeattendsinAsiawhileherdaughterhasbeeninLosAngeles. Gisele has spent most of her conscious life in LosAngeles, and she is missing out on valuable learning anddevelopmentalopportunities.ThisisatragedyofepicproportionsandGisele needs to be immediately returned to thosewho trulyloveherandcareforher.”

Mrs.Taiwasunavailableforcomment.

NOBLESTMAGAZINE.COM.CN

ThelatestscoopfromChina’smosttrustedsocietycolumnist,HoneyChai

Iseveryonesittingdown?BecauseIhavesomanyscoopsforyouthatwemightaswellmakeagiantbananasplit!Firstscoop,and

youheardithereFIRST:Mrs.BernardTai,akaKittyPong,isthemistress of Jack Bing! Extremely reliable sources tell me thatPongandBinghavebeencarryingonforquiteawhilenow;theymettwoyearsagoat—getthis—thefuneralofKitty’sfather-in-law,Dato’ Tai Toh Lui! Tai was a great mentor of Bing’s, andapparentlysparks really flewat thecrematoriumwhenJackmetKitty.Meanwhile,adevastatedMrs.Binghasreportedlycheckedinto the health spa at Brenners Park-Hotel in Baden-Baden,Germany.ColetteBing, who by all accounts is furiouswith herfather,hasalsoleftShanghaiandwaslastseencanoodlingwithacertainnotoriousplayboyataclubinIbiza.Whichbringsmetomynexthotscoop:Everyoneontheplanet

hasbynowseentheleakedvideoofColette’sepictakedownbyan unidentified woman. It’s the video that made Prêt-à-Couturecancelthemultimillion-dollarendorsementdealwithColette.Icannow reveal that this woman, whose monologue has become arallying cry for every non-billionaire in China (and unfortunately,therearestillquiteafewofuswhodidn’tmakeitontotheHeronWealth List!), is none other than Rachel Chu, the sister ofColette’s ex-paramour Carlton Bao. (Everyone still with mehere?) Anyway, the video also led to Carlton and Colette’sbreakup,andwhenIaskedCarltonhowhefelttheothernightatDR Bar, he gave me a frown and said, “What breakup? I’vealwayssaidthatColettewasn’tmygirlfriend.Butshewasagoodfriend at a time I really needed one, and I wish her the best.”That’saclassyresponseinmybook.Speaking of classy, Carlton’s parents,Bao Gaoliang and his

wife,BaoShaoyen, hosted a farewell dinner party at YongFooElite last night for his daughter, Rachel Chu, and her husband,ProfessorNicholasYoung,whowouldbeheadingbacktoNewYorkshortly.Therewasn’tadryeyeinthesplendidartdecoroomwhen Bao made an emotional toast to his “long lost” daughter,recounting theharrowingstoryofhisyouthandhowhe rescuedhis infant daughter and her mother from the clutches of anabusive family. The glittering crowd of China’s top political andfinancial powerhouse families clapped wildly after his speech,includingHongKong’stechtitanCharlesWu.Wu,whostunnedletout Hong Kong by announcing his separation from his wife,Isabel,justweeksago,spentthewholenightgluedtothesideof

a beautiful lady wearing the most drop-dead-gorgeous pleatedwhite dress. Many at the party seemed to know her, but I wasneverabletocatchhername.WhenIcanmentionYongFooElite,abusivefamilies,andgirls

inwhite dresses in the samebreath, I know it’s time to endmycolumn. In the meantime, stay tuned for more updates on theBing-Pong affair. I just know there will be more bombshellshurtlingourwayonceallthelegalteamsgetinvolved!

•••

“WhatinGod’snameareyoudoing?”CorinnascreechedwhenshewasfinallyabletoreachKitty.

“Itakeityou’vereadthismorning’spaper?OrdidyoureadHoneyChai’slatestpost?”Kittysaidwithagiggle.

“Yousoundalmostasifyou’reproudofyourself!”

“Iamproudofmyself!IfinallygotGiseleawayfromBernard.”

“But you’ve completely sabotaged all the work we’ve done! Thisscandal is going to do untold damage to your reputation in HongKong!”Corinnamoaned.

“Youknow,Inolongercareaboutallthat.AdaPooncanhaveHongKong all to herself—I’m in Singapore now, and there are all theselovelyinternationalpeopleherewhohavelotsoffunanddon’tgiveadamn about local society. And I’ve just moved into a fabulous newhouse on Cluny Park Road. Actually, it’s a very old house, but youknowwhatImean.”

“Ohmygoodness—you’rethemysteriousbuyeroftheFrankBrewerhouse?”

“Haha. Yes, although just between you andme, it was a gift fromJack.”

“SoHoneyChaiisn’tmakingitup.YouareJackBing’smistress!”

“I’mnothismistress,I’mhisgirlfriend.Jackhasbeenawonderfulfriendtome.Hehasboughtmemanylovelythings,andhehasrescuedmeandmydaughterfromthehellholethatwasMarVista.Funnythattheneighborhoodwascalled that—itmeans ‘viewof the sea,’but theonlyviewweeverhadwasofthatdamn405freeway.”

Corinnasighed.“IguessIcan’tblameyouforescapingfromthere.

HowisGiseledoing?”

“She’sashappyasanylittlegirlcanbe.She’sinthegardenplayingon the swing with her grandmother. And she’s been discoveringwonderfulthings,likepineappletartsandBarbiedolls.”

“Well, Ihopeyouwon’tcometoregretyouractions,”Corinnasaidworriedly.

“Higher,Ithink.Sorry,whatwereyousaying,Corinna?”Kittyasked,momentarilydistracted.

“Isaid…ohnevermind.IhopeyoucanworkthingsoutwithBernardamicably.”

“Whatdoes‘amicably’mean?”

“Friendly,peacefully.”

“Idon’twantawarwithBernard.IjustwanthimtobeabletoshareGiselewithme,that’sall.”

“That’sthespirit.Anyway,goodluck,andbesuretocallmethenexttimeyou’reinHongKong.”

“We’lltakeGiseleforhighteaattheFourSeasons!”

“No,theMandarin.AlwaystheMandarin.Anddon’tsay‘hightea’—highteaisonlyforfactoryworkers.It’s‘afternoontea.’ ”

“Ofcourse.Whateveryousay,Corinna.”

Kitty hung up the phone and took a few steps back. “You know,Oliver,youwereright.Itdidn’tneedtobehigher.Let’smoveitallbacktowhereyouhaditoriginally.”

OliverT’sienwinkedather.“IwasrightwhenItoldyoutobuythishouse,andIwasrightwhenItoldyoutobuythepainting,wasn’tI?Ialways imagined it looking utterly exquisite against this wall. It’s allabouthowthelightfiltersinthroughthoseoldlead-glasswindows.”

“You’reright,it’sallgoingtobeutterlyexquisite,”Kittysaid,gazingout the window as the workmen began rehanging The Palace ofEighteenPerfectionsonherdrawing-roomwall.

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

I could not have written this book without the help, inspiration,expertise,patience,support,genius,andgeneralgoodhumoroftheseremarkablepeople:

AlanBienstock

RyanMatthewChan

LacyCrawford

CleoDavis-Urman

DavidElliott

SimoneGers

AaronGoldberg

JeffreyHang

DanielK.Isaac

JennyJackson

JeanneLawrence

BaptisteLignel

WahGuanLim

CarmenLoke

AlexandraMachinist

PangLeeTing

DavidSangalli

JeannetteWatsonSanger

SandiTan

JackieZirkman

ANOTEABOUTTHEAUTHOR

Kevin Kwan is the author of Crazy Rich Asians, theinternational bestseller now being adapted as a majormotion picture. Born and raised in Singapore, Kwan hascalledManhattan home for the past two decades but stillcravespineappletartsandadecentplateofHokkienmee.

Pleasevisitwww.kevinkwanbooks.com