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I nod, feeling my stomach tighten. ‘Yes. That would be wonderful. Um … Freddy? Can I have a quick word with you? Outside?’ I smile at Ahmet and Marcus. ‘Excuse me, would you? It’s just a work thing I’d forgotten about. A tiny bit confidential, and also, I don’t want to bore the whole table with it.’

‘Sure.’ Freddy stands, giving me concerned eyes.

As we head out of the dining room, Freddy whispers, ‘What’s wrong, darling? Is it your MS?’

‘No. I mean … yes, sort of. Let’s talk outside.’

CHAPTER23

As Freddy leads Katerina out of the dining room, he feels peculiar. Overly warm. His chest, in particular, feels like it’s burning. And why are his fists clenched? He only ever clenches his fists when he’s jealous, and there’s no way he’s jealous of Ahmet or Marcus. He earns more than both of them put together and they were both soobviousaround Kat. It was pathetic. Like neither of them had met a stunningly beautiful, intelligent, funny, courageous woman before.

‘What’s the problem?’ Freddy asks, when he and Kat reach a quiet space by the elevators.

‘It’s just all too much.’ Kat sucks in air at speed, whirling back and forth.

‘What’s too much?’

‘Two nice men. One who houses artists from oppressive regimes. And they were both interested in meandokay with my MS. They were positively complimentary about my condition. I don’t believe it, Freddy. What’s the catch?’

‘I’m not understanding your meaning.’

‘I mean, did you pay these men or something?’

Freddy laughs. ‘Good lord, no! If anything, they should be paying me. Didn’t you see how much they were fawning over you? It was pitiful –’

‘But men usually get freaked out when I mention my MS,’ says Kat. ‘So, what was wrong with those two?’

‘Nothing,’ says Freddy. ‘You’ve just been spending time with men-children who want you to look after them. Spend time with mature, successful men, and you’ll see your condition will elicit admiration, not pity.Iwasn’t freaked out or pitying about your condition if you remember. Just intrigued.’

‘Only because it answered your questions about our profit yoyo.’ Kat goes to chew a fingernail, then makes a face. ‘Ugh. Nail varnish tastes disgusting.’

‘Look, you’re just overwhelmed,’ Freddy concedes. ‘Maybe thingsaremoving a little fast with those two.’

Kat’s eyes widen. ‘But I don’t want to slow things down! Project marriage is urgent.’

‘Sure, sure.’ Freddy holds up placating hands. ‘But you don’t need to rush into anything with Ahmet and Marcus, is what I’m saying. There are plenty more millionaires in the sea.’

‘Oh god.’ Kat puts a hand to her mouth. ‘They’remillionaires?Let me just let that sink in. Whoa there. The world is spinning.’

‘A millionaire is nothing.’ Freddy waves a dismissive hand. ‘I’m a multi-millionaire.’

‘But I’m not going to marry you, am I?’ says Kat.

‘Of course not!’ Freddy gives an overly loud laugh. ‘Listen, Kat. Millionaires are a great target market. You’ll find fewer rivals at the high end.’

‘Highend? People who have money are no better than –’

‘Yes, yes.’ Freddy waves a hand. ‘High end doesn’t mean better. It’s just a marketing term. But in our case, it suits us very well. If you’re starting a family, you want financial security. Right?’

‘Yes, but I don’t need millions of pounds worth of financial security.’

‘Why on earth not? Listen, it’s a great marketing strategy to go for millionaires. Less competition. That’s why exclusive brands do so well. Fewer companies cater to their target market.’

‘I suppose that does sound sensible,’ Kat concedes. ‘And Ahmet and Marcus are both amazing people. Ahmet is on his second PhD. Phwoar!’

‘Do not make that noise about a PhD.’

‘Soon to be two PhDs,’ says Kat. ‘And great biceps –’