Page 222 of Atlas: The Story of Pa Salt

‘Wow. What a good friend,’ CeCe muttered.

‘Indeed! So, far from being destitute, I will remain a millionaire.’ He looked lovingly at the pearl. ‘I will rebuild, I assure you of that. The Atlas project will go ahead. In honour of my father.’

‘It’s time to go, Zed,’ said Maia, stepping forward.

Zed made a sad face. ‘Are you sure I’m not allowed to stay for a little glass of champagne, Maia? Just like the old times?’ he said with a wink. Within a second, Floriano’s fist had contacted Zed’s face, producing a satisfying thudding sound which seemed to echo across the lake itself.

‘You heard her. Leave!’ he shouted.

Zed staggered backwards, cupping his bloody nose. ‘I’ll have you sued for GBH!’

‘As a lawyer, I can assure you that trespassing on someone else’s property and refusing to leave means that my friend here acted in self-defence. Now get your butt on that damn boat,’ Miles said.

A furious Zed made his way back across the grass, onto the jetty and into the boat. He revved the engine, and sped away across the lake.

‘Is everyone all right?’ Ally asked. ‘Maia?’

‘Absolutely fine,’ she said honestly, before running to Floriano. ‘My hero!’

‘My fist feels like it might explode,’ he admitted, with a small laugh. ‘I’ve never hit anyone before.’

‘Floriano, thank you for doing what we’ve all wanted todo to the guy for years,’ Electra said. ‘I just... can’t believe he turned up.’

‘The pearl...’ CeCe stuttered. ‘He has the pearl...’

Tiggy put a hand on her sister’s back. ‘Are you okay, Cee?’

‘It’s cursed, Tigs. There’s a rumour about it... some of you might remember...’

‘Oh myGod,’ said Star to her sister. ‘The cursed pearl you told us about? From Australia?Thatwas it?’

‘Yes. I can’t believe it...’ CeCe stumbled.

‘If hedoesrebuild... whatever he throws at us...’ Maia said. ‘We can see to him. Can’t we?’

‘Yes,’ confirmed Ally. ‘We can.’

‘You really won’t have to worry about seeing him again...’ CeCe whispered.

Tiggy looked out at the water. ‘No, Cee. You’re right. We won’t.’

‘Listen,’ Ally interjected. ‘Seeing as we’re all here together...’ – she peered at Jack, who nodded – ‘would you like some news?’ She reached out a hand to her partner, and he took it.

‘You might need to brace yourself for this one, Mum,’ Jack said to Merry.

Ally addressed the crowd of expectant faces. ‘Jack and I spoke to Charlie earlier, and he has confirmed that I’m going to have another baby.’

A cacophony of squeals and cheers filled the air, and Ally and Jack were embraced by practically everyone, led by an ecstatic Merry.

‘Congratulations, congratulations, congratulations!!! Oh my Lord. I’m going to be a granny,’ she said, tears quickly filling her eyes. ‘If only your father had been here to see this. He’d have been so happy for you.’ She looked into Ally’s eyes. ‘Both of them would be.’

‘Oh,mon dieu,chérie!’ Ma screeched. ‘You know what this means, don’t you?’

Ally nodded. ‘Yes, Ma.’

‘Pa and Elle’s bloodline continues,’ said Maia with the widest of smiles. ‘How very fitting.’

‘I shall go and open some more champagne!’ Claudia cried. ‘Not that Ally can have any...’ She hurried indoors.