Arriving in Paris refreshed, thanks to the on-board shower, they arrived at the Ministry for the meeting 10 minutes early. Entering the conference room, they were greeted by Mrs. Clouseau. A couple of minutes later, Ali Al Mana and Saad Al Jassim arrived, but without Saddam Al Kaabi.
"We are meeting at your request," Mrs. Clouseau said once they were seated. "How can we help you? And where is Mr. Al Kaabi?"
"Mr. Al Kaabi is no longer associated with these negotiations," Mr. Al Mana replied, clearing his throat. "Speaking on behalf of the Qatari government, all properties and business interests in France associated with Sheikh Ali will be ceded to Mrs. Hamadi. We request that she sign a binding NDA with respect to everything related to her marriage and divorce."
"Would this have anything to do with the accident Sheikh Ali had two days ago?" Mrs. Clouseau asked, smiling tightly at the surprised looks on their faces.
"What accident?" Salomé asked.
"I'm sorry that you have to learn it this way, but Sheikh Ali was found in his bed two days ago," Mrs. Clouseau replied. "He had apparently broken his neck while rolling over. It is our understanding that his younger brother Selim is going to be designated as the new crown prince and that Mr. Al Kaabi has been imprisoned. Your children have been confined to a hospital for treatment of their various problems."
"Ali is...dead?" Salomé asked in a tight voice, her eyes wide.
"So I have been informed," Mrs. Clouseau replied. "Gentlemen?" she asked, looking at the two Qataris.
"Your information is essentially correct," Mr. Al Mana replied. "Sheikh Ali met with an unfortunate accident. The Qatari government has no desire to see the valuable relationship between our two countries damaged by an unnecessary scandal. It is hoped that reconciling this marital asset issue amicably will help to demonstrate our concerns in this regard."
"Ali is dead," Salomé said, slowly shaking her head. "I used to pray for this day, but I also used to fear it, not knowing what final instructions he might have left for dealing with me."
"I have been specifically instructed to inform you that you have nothing to fear, that there is no ill will towards you," Mr. Al Mana said. "There is regret for what you had to endure, though you understand that an official apology can never happen."
"What happens now?" Salomé asked, turning to look at Grant.
"I imagine that there will be some documents from the Qatari government backing up what we have just been told," Grant replied.
"We have them with us," Mr. Al Mana said, extracting a folder from his briefcase and sliding it across the table.
"When the French government learned of Sheikh Ali's death, since he died intestate in France, his entire estate automatically ceded to his widow," Mrs. Clouseau said as Grant perused the documents in the folder. "Since there is no overt Qatari government interest in any of the former Sheikh's French possessions, there is nothing for the Qatari government to concede, though the gesture is noted and appreciated."
"Then our business is concluded," Mr. Al Mana said, getting to his feet. "Condolences, Mrs. Hamadi," he said awkwardly before he and Mr. Al Jassim left.
"What happens now?" Salomé asked.
"Does our agreement still stand?" Grant asked.
"Yes," Mrs. Clouseau replied. "I, too, came prepared," she said, smiling as she extracted two multi-page documents from her briefcase and offered them to Grant.
"What is it?" Salomé asked.
"An agreement whereby you sell your entire inheritance to the French government," Grant explained as he read. "That way you don't have to worry about anything but dealing with having more money than you could possibly ever spend."
"You mean, it's over, all of it?" Salomé asked, stunned.
"Once you sign these documents," Grant replied, smiling as he pointed to the places where she should sign on each of them, then signing himself as a witness, followed by Penny and Mrs. Clouseau.
"The funds will be transferred within 24 hours," Mrs. Clouseau said, putting her copy of the signed agreement back in her briefcase. "Once again, I'm sorry for everything that you had to endure, Mrs. Hamadi, and hope that the rest of your life is full of joy and happiness."
"Thank you for everything," Salomé said.
Salomé was very quiet as they made their way back to Biarritz where they found that Victor had returned.
"Well, the first thing you need to do is to establish a bank account," Victor said. "Considering the amount of money that you will have, I suggest a bank that specializes in large estate management, like Julius Baer in Switzerland. If you'd like, I can help you arrange things."
"I'd appreciate it," Salomé said. "I am totally clueless."
"The next thing that you need to decide is where you want to live," Victor said.
"Somewhere warm that's not France," Salomé replied. "This country has nothing but bad memories for me now. But I really have no idea. I don't know anybody anywhere. I'm almost afraid to be on my own now. I've had the three of you taking care of me, looking after me. Suddenly it's a bit frightening that I'm going to have to do it for myself."
"I have faith in you," Penny said. "Besides, it's not like we're going to stop being friends or anything."
"I agree," Victor said. "You can be my date to the parties that I go to. You'll soon learn that there is a hard-core group of people that go to all of the parties and they'll become your friends, just like they have become mine. There will always be a place for you in any of my homes."