‘I don’t shake strangers’ hands. You’ll wear gloves while you work for me. Not only for hygiene reasons. You’ll be dealing with a lot of precious items. If you damage even one of them, I’ll sue your fucking arse off.’

Eliza didn’t react. Gillian had liked swearing too. ‘I hope that won’t be necessary.’

Celine glared at her. ‘I’ll issue your instructions shortly. Get lost, Lawrence. You’re only in the way.’

‘Eliza?’ Lawrence asked.

‘I’m fine, Lawrence, thank you.’

He gave her the quickest of smiles, mouthed a thanks, then closed the door behind him.

‘Thank God he’s gone,’ Celine said once they were alone. ‘I can’t decide who I hate the most, him or Olivia. Who the hell are you again?’

Eliza repeated her name. ‘I can get started as soon as you tell me what you’re doing.’

‘What does it look like?’ Celine threw out her arms. ‘Telling my life story, of course! Readers will lap it up. Filmmakers will snap it up. It will break hearts and open minds. Make a note of that. It’s perfect for the movie poster.’

Eliza reached into her bag, took out a notebook and duly made a note.

Celine’s eyes narrowed. ‘Well, well, a moment of efficiency. It won’t last, of course. What qualifications do you have? None, I suppose.’

‘I have a business degree. Nine years’ experience working in conference organisation. I have an eye for detail, a logical mind and I work very quickly.’

‘Big head. They told me I only had you for this afternoon. What the hell use is that?’

‘I can get a lot done if you’ll let me get started. I just need some direction.’

‘Who doesn’t? Where do I start? Do I write chronologically? Or do I cherrypick the most dramatic events of my life? It’s not as if I’ve had any help from the fools in this hotel. I’ve heard them all moaning about me, Olivia and that Easter Island statue —’

‘Who?’

‘Lawrence. Mr Cool, Calm and Collected.’

‘It’s his job to be calm.’

‘I’ve tried, you know. Jab jab jab, to see if I can get some sort of reaction from him. No luck. Olivia’s the same. She must hate my guts, but no, she’s all, “Of course, Celine. Yes, Celine.” I suppose you’ll be the same. A sneaky backstabber.’

‘I think they’re being professional. And mindful of your position in the Montgomery family.’

Celine repeated her words in a mocking tone. ‘Are you trying to be cheeky, you big lanky brat?’

Eliza had to bite back a smile. She’d suddenly thought of Hector, the homeless man in Melbourne who used to shout insults at her too. ‘I’m not, I promise. I’m only here to help.’

‘Where are you from? New Zealand, by the sounds of that awful accent.’