‘It’s always about money, isn’t it, Lawrence?’ Grace sighed. ‘I feel as though we never had a real home. We were never a proper family. When did we ever do things together just for fun, as a family? You didn’t come to school events, sports days, group activities, even things like the movies . . .’

‘I was working, dammit! To make money to spend on you. You didn’t contribute much.’

The outrageousness of his comment stuck in Grace’s throat and she almost laughed again. Instead she folded her arms and took a deep breath. ‘Well, if I’m such a loser who doesn’t contribute anything, you’re better off without me, aren’t you?’

Daisy climbed out of the pool, seemingly oblivious to her parents’ argument.

‘Mumma, where are we going tonight?’

‘I have to go to work for a little while, sweetie. I’m sure Nana will have some plans. We can ask her when she comes back.’

Daisy pulled her towel off the back of Lawrence’s chair.

‘Are you coming too, Daddy?’

‘I’d love to, sweetie. Better still, why don’t you and I go out exploring and find somewhere to eat?’ he said to her. ‘Seems your mummy is too busy tonight.’ Lawrence took the end of Daisy’s towel and began to dry her.

‘Honey, go and get dressed,’ said Grace as smoothly as she could manage. ‘Daddy has to go to his hotel right now and he’ll come back later. Or should you start making plans to fly home now, Lawrence?’

‘Not at all.’ Lawrence laughed. ‘I can stay here for a few days, at least. Daisy, do as Mummy says and get dressed. Then when I come back we’ll go out and you can show me around.’

Lawrence stood up, dropping Daisy’s towel onto her shoulders and smiling at her. ‘Have you missed your daddy, sweetie? Daddy has missed you.’

‘Uh-huh,’ said Daisy dutifully, then ran inside.

Grace’s anger was rising but there was nothing she could do. At least they were on an island, she thought, with Daisy’s passport locked away in a drawer with her valuables. ‘All right,’ she said. ‘Look after her this evening and make sure she’s back early. She’s had a big day. Text me when you come back and I’ll meet you at the front door,’ she added. ‘There’s no need for you to come in.’

‘Charming of you, Grace. Can you ask your driver to take us?’

‘I’ll ask Putu if he minds,’ she said, standing up to go and find him. Putu would keep an eye on them; he wouldn’t let anything happen to Daisy, she decided. ‘But first, tell me why you are here, Lawrence. Just what do you want?’ Grace said in a low voice.

‘I missed my beautiful girls!’ he said loudly.

Grace snorted in disbelief, and then left to find Putu.

*