Stepping out of the jet, I surveyed my surroundings. "Welcome home, Kathryn," I murmured to myself with a wry smile. Obviously to some I would be less than welcome, but I couldn't care less. Maui was fantastic, but it was nothing like home.

But my air of superior confidence evaporated suddenly. Granted, I used to spend my days destroying people, but this... this was something huge. I had a million things to do; take down Mother, Cecile, Court, Ronald and Annette, regain my status as the princess of Manhattan society, and also take over Merteuil Corporations- my father's company. All of a sudden, I wasn't sure if I could pull it off. Just then, a warm hand made it's way around my waist and I looked up to see Sebastian.

"I know what you're thinking, babe. Don't be ridiculous, there's no one else on the planet who could pull this off but you. And I'll be here, every step of the way." At this I began to relax. Everything would be fine, because I had Sebastian with me.

Sauntering across the tarmac, we headed straight for the limo where Blaine was waiting inside. "Have you done it?" I asked as I slid into the seat and accepted the pro-offered cigarette.

"Yeah. An anonymous cheque for three quarters of a million just went out to the city's Courage fund this morning. The media's already wild with speculation over who it came from."

Perfect. Just the way to reclaiming my crown as Manhattan's princess. People were so completely superficial. I'd just keep up the sending of anonymous cheques to various well-known charities and finally reveal myself as the mystery donor. By then the press would have been whipped up into a frenzy and I'd get loads of publicity. Then, I'd mention in my interviews that I was back and ready to make amends and turn over a new leaf and they'd all lap it up. That was all there was to it.

Phase one accomplished. Now for phase two.

Court Reynolds would be sorry he ever traded up for that idiotic hick Cecile Caldwell. ****************************************************************

We couldn't go back to the townhouse so Sebastian and I checked into the Four Seasons. As soon as we entered the suite, we were greeted by a tall, dark- haired guy with glasses. I raised a quizzical eyebrow at Sebastian but he just shrugged back.

"Just one of my guys I engaged to help us with our plan, princess. Daniel here has dug up lots of dirt on Court. I think you'll be pleased."

Flashing me a polite smile, Daniel gestured to a laptop which was set up on the mahogany desk. "Miss Merteuil, I've found some rather interesting things on Court Reynolds that I think you'd like to take a look at."

Peering at the screen, I found myself looking at Court's bank record. And from what I saw, he seemed to be draining his share of the Reynolds fortune dry. Which was just where I wanted him.

Coming up behind me, Sebastian wrapped his arms around me and looked at the screen. Letting out a whistle of amazement, he muttered softly "Whoa, whatever we're paying this guy, he's sure earning every cent of it."

I relaxed happily as he started kissing my neck, just where I wanted it. Purring in contentment, I whispered "and this is just the beginning."