Cecil Fox, a wealthy and eccentric millionaire living in Venice, orchestrates an elaborate scheme inspired by Ben Jonson's play "Volpone." Claiming to be terminally ill, he invites three of his former lovers—Merle McGill, a glamorous actress; Princess Dominique, an aloof European aristocrat; and Mrs. LoneStar Crockett, a tart-tongued Texan widow—to his opulent palazzo under the pretense of bequeathing his fortune. Unbeknownst to the women, Fox's true intent is to watch their behavior as they compete for his supposed inheritance. Fox enlists his urbane servant, William McFly, to assist in manipulating the women and inflaming their desires and rivalries.

As the women vie for Fox's affections and wealth, the game intensifies with various subplots and deceptions interwoven through clever dialogues and unexpected twists. The psychology of greed and human nature is explored as each character attempts to outmaneuver the others. The arrival of Sarah Watkins, an inquisitive private nurse ostensibly hired to care for Fox, further complicates the dynamics within the palazzo, adding layers of intrigue and tension. The suspense builds as hidden motives and secrets are gradually revealed, leading to an unforeseen climax that challenges the characters' perceptions and alliances.