Charles Peeters returns to Europe from his African adventures to discover that his ruthless older brother has taken control of the family business. Powerless to protect his birthright, he embarks on a career in international trade. Backed by financier James Stanhope, whose enigmatic wife Virginia draws him into a passionate clandestine relationship, Charles proves successful in a number of exotic business enterprises until one big deal goes wrong with tragic consequences. In the aftermath, a mysterious contact from the past gives him the means at last to settle his grievances and fulfil his destiny.