At 16, Mathilde gets the hint that her uncle’s wealth comes from working in a nefarious organization, perhaps for the mafia. At the end of her senior year, she takes a train to New York City to try to find modelling jobs for catalogs. On the train, she meets a man who propositions her and follows her to her agency. He waits outside her meeting for hours until she comes out, having failed to land work she was underprepared for.

Mathilde accepts a meal from the man. He invites her back to his apartment to negotiate a deal for a sexual relationship. Desperate for a way to be self-reliant, Mathilde returns a week later to the city. Curious as to what he had to offer, she goes back to his apartment. Mathilde learns his name is Ariel and her sexual education begins. He takes her virginity and they reach a business agreement.

Ariel teaches Mathilde how to be sophisticated while he puts her through college. She models, in order to explain her money, and gives Ariel his required Friday night and Saturday time in order to fulfill her side of the bargain. Four years pass; Ariel asks Mathilde to continue working for him at his gallery.