Gisele Yashar sat in the garden terrace at a café overlooking the Mediterranean in the port city of Menton. Known as "the pearl of France," it is situated between Monaco and the Italian Riviera. She liked it for its abundance of sunshine, said to be 331 days out of the year as well as its temperate climate. It was February and still around 60 degrees Fahrenheit. Menton had the lowest crime rate in France and was one of the least crowded cities on the French Riviera. She could admire the snow covered Alps from the relative warmth of the beach.

"You look like you could use the company of a gentleman," said a voice speaking in French but with a Greek accent.

She noticed a handsome, dark haired man in custom designer clothes approach her table. He seated himself in the empty chair at her table.

"Do I look like that?" Gisele asked in English. She could tell him to get lost, but she already knew his type wouldn't quit so easily.

"Indeed you do," he gave her a disarming smile, transitioning to English as well.

"Well I hate to burst your bubble, Monsieur…."

"It's Anastopolou. Gyes Anastopolou," he told her.

She knew the name. His father was a billionaire Greek tycoon who was involved in everything from shipping, oil, and investments and art. But like Shania Twain, that did not impress her much.

"Could we have a bottle of Bordeaux?" he asked the waiter, not caring what type of drink she preferred.

"Gisele Ossado," she told him. She always used her real name with fake last names.

"Welcome to France," he smiled as if he owned the place. "Are you here for the Lemon Festival?"

"Of course, and the Carnaval de Nice and the Jazz Festival later this month," she told him.

Nice was a very short drive away and she and Han planned on doing exactly that.

"How about if you went with me on my yacht to Monte Carlo? We could hit the Place du Casino there and you could go with me to a ball at the Prince's Palace," he offered.

"It sounds delightful, but I'm afraid I can't," she feigned disappointment.

Gyes' eyes flashed anger for a second, but he quickly calmed himself. "Why not?"

"Hey babe," Han said, approaching the table. He wore a polo shirt and some chinos.

Gisele stood and kissed him on both cheeks like a European would, just for laughs. He had been at the nearby Casino Barriere. One thing that she loved about him was that he didn't crowd her and they spent time alone in the cities they visited as well as exploring them together.

"This is my boyfriend Han CanCook," Gisele introduced him to Gyes. "He's a Korean pop singer. How was poker, baby?"

"I won a few hands, broke even," he smirked.

"This is Gyes Anastopoulou," she acquainted them.

The Greek shook his hand, but clearly was not impressed. It made him want to pursue her all the more.

"I will leave you two to your dinner," Gyes stated. "But I really would like to ask something."

"Sure," Han shrugged.

"How much compensation would you require to let me spend the weekend with Gisele?"

Han could not believe the man's gall, but he remained composed.

"Gisele is entitled to make her own decisions," he responded, casting a glance at his companion.

His eyes sparkled with mirth. Sure, he was handsome, and extremely wealthy, but she was far from shallow.

"Do you like cars?" she asked.

"What man doesn't?" he laughed. "I own one for each day of the year I think."

"Well, how about a race? You versus my boyfriend, you can use any car of yours. If you win, I will spend the weekend with you, if you lose, Han can choose what he wants from you."

"La Provencale from here to Nice?" suggested the young man.

He meant the A8 autoroute, the main highway that connected the various southern cities of the French Riviera. From Menton to Nice, the distance measured about 29 kilometers.

"That's a pretty long race," the other mused. He looked Gisele in the eyes and she had a look that told him to trust her. "But I'm in if you're willing to our terms."

"That goes without saying," Gyes told them. "After all, I asked how much compensation you required and it was open ended. I'll even let you use one of my cars so we could be even."

"Not necessary," Han said. "I'll use my car."

"What will you be driving?" Gisele asked the tycoon.

"Come," he gestured them over to the edge of the terrace, which overlooked the parking lot.

Han and Gisele saw the sleek, shiny black with red trim Bugatti Veyron.

"Exquisite, isn't it?" the Greek asked with good cheer.

"I think I'm in love," Han repeated the same line he had uttered in Rio.

Gisele was also awestruck by the vehicle, but on the exterior, she remained stoic.

"Tomorrow morning at seven to early?"

"We'll see you there," the Asian American man assured him.