When they finished the tour in the salon, Alicia dropped onto an overstuffed couch. “That was incredible! Most definitely the biggest and fanciest boat we’ve seen, and we’ve seen… How many others, Nicole?”

“Twelve.” Nicole settled into a chair.

“Twelve. But yours, Mr. Salim, takes the cake.”

“Please, call me Saad. And I know you’ve settled in, but if you would indulge me, I would like to show you two more things.”

“Of course,” Nicole answered as she stood again.

Alicia rose as well, and Saad led them across the large room and pointed to a bare white wall. “There it is.”

“My goodness, that’s a sad-looking wall,” Alicia said with a smile. “I bet a little color, maybe some classical beauty, would liven up this whole room.”

“That, of course, is why I have invited you here.” Saad walked them to another bare wall. “I’m afraid this wall suffers from the same melancholy malady.”

“Alicia’s portfolio is with our bags,” Nicole said. “If you will direct us to our rooms, we can return and show you your options.”

Saad waved his hand. “That is business. At one time my business had to come before pleasure, but one of the benefits of success is that I can now reverse that order. Let us just enjoy ourselves tonight. Tomorrow, we will sign whatever needs to be signed.” He turned toward the man waiting near an open door. “My steward will show you to your rooms so you can change and freshen up. When you are ready, you will be shown to the dining room.”

For several hours, Saad carried out his charm offensive. At times he even amazed himself with the subtlety of his wit and the perfection of his timing. As the evening carried on, he transferred his attention from Alicia to Nicole. Arash, as they had planned, took the cue and engaged the artist.

After dinner, they returned to the upper deck to enjoy the night sea air. Standing by the outdoor pool with drinks in hand, the four admired the distant Singapore skyline.

“What a beautiful night,” Saad said. This was his signal to Arash, who picked up on it right away. Yes, this was business, and these women were professionals, but he’d also confessed his infatuation with Nicole to his friend—and his hope that he could make some sort of connection with her tonight.

Turning toward Alicia, the Persian general pointed toward the skyline and said, “Can you see the Guoco Tower?”

“Which one is it?”

“Why, it’s only the tallest building in Singapore. Come. I’ll show you.” He led her around the pool and toward the railing surrounding the deck.

“She is a delightful young woman,” Saad said, turning toward Nicole.

“So talented.”

“Some women create beauty. Some women have beauty bestowed upon them.”

Nicole smiled. “You’re going to make me blush.”

“I’m sure it would only enhance your magnificence.”