Fortune

by Megan Cole

  Sapphire grinned and bounded out the kitchen.

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

  Chapter three

  Rome

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

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

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

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

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

  ‘How are you, Simonetta?’

  ‘Same as I was two hours ago, Mamma.’

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

  ‘Mamma, stop fussing.’

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

  Location: Casa Eleganza, Capri.

  Dress: Elegant.

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

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

  ‘Simonetta?’

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

  Her agent laughed. ‘Brad Masters?’

  Simonetta frowned. ‘How did you know?’

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

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

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

  ‘I do not know, Simonetta.’

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

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

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

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

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

  ‘Mamma, it’s only a party!’

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

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

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

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

  Chapter four

  London

  Jerry let out a low whistle.

  ‘Brad Masters, eh?’

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

  ‘Go get ‘em, kid,’ he said fo
ndly.

  Capri, two weeks later

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

  ‘Beautiful, eh?’ Alberto called.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

  ‘Maggie, this is amazing!’ she gasped.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

  Chapter five

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

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

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

  ‘Wish me luck, Dad!’

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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