House of Valentine is one of the world's biggest cosmetics companies, but the recession is biting and sales are falling. The company's formidable boss, Violet Spencer is determined to turn House of Valentine's fortunes around before she retires, and so launches a new brand that takes the company back to grass roots. She looks back over a life that includes rape, a sham marriage, tragic loss and the painful secret she has kept from her eldest daughter. Will Violet succeed in improving her beloved company's fortunes, or will this magnificent woman be forced to give up all she has worked for?