Australian celebrity painter Ron finds fame, love and tragedy. First love Mercedes leaves him to have an abortion, but instead marries a corrupt Indonesian general and fosters their daughter, Liana, with fundamentalists while she pursues a television career. Ron marries art agent Zoe, who defrauds ARTAID, destroying his reputation, as the Establishment conspires against his royal romance. Forced from London, he fights paedophiles in Indonesia, angering the perpetrators. Intrigue, terror and inspiration lead to the Bali bombings. Ron is injured, Liana disfigured. Mercedes, reunited with Ron, makes medical history. At Ron's celebrity-packed funeral, Liana defies terrorist orders and embraces love.