Simon Tavistock, the seventeen-year-old son of Michael Tavistock - the internationally famous author - is accused of the rape of his new stepsister and of grievously injuring his newly-married stepmother on the day of Michael's celebrity wedding. Sent to prison, Simon is bullied by older inmates jealous of his money and his father's fame. He seeks revenge through third parties and in return for protection makes monetary promises that he is later forced to keep. He tries to rebuild his life using the name 'Smith', creating a charitable Foundation in his mother's name and establishing various businesses. But his enemies are everywhere, first picking off his friends and the women closest to him before finally moving in for the kill.