023 - Chapter 23 The Retirement Of Smith

Journey from the opulence of a European royal palace to the gritty streets of New York in this captivating tale. At the heart of the story is an unscrupulous millionaire determined to transform the tiny isle of Mervo into a gambling paradise. His ambitious plan hinges on installing an unknown prince, securing a royal decree to legalize gambling, and staging a lavish royal wedding to generate buzz. However, complications arise when the millionaires stepdaughter, Betty, who shares a tumultuous past with Prince John, escapes to New York. There, we meet Rupert Smith, the charismatic double of the aristocratic and witty Rupert Psmith, known from four other Wodehouse novels. Frustrated by the mundane content of his small-town newspaper, Smith embarks on a daring adventure with his staff, including Betty and later John, as they expose the dire conditions of the tenements. Their investigative efforts attract the ire of powerful interests, leading them to ally with the citys most notorious gang leader. As the pieces fall into place, the connection between Mervo and New York becomes startlingly clear. - Summary by Kirsten Wever