A Moral Dilemma: The Stakes of Love and Loyalty
Jack Engelhard
About the Author
Jack Engelhard is best known for his novel Indecent Proposal, which explores a profound moral dilemma: “What would you do for a million dollars?” Translated into over 22 languages, the book became an international bestseller and was later adapted into a popular film starring Robert Redford and Demi Moore.
Engelhard’s family fled Nazi-occupied France, finding refuge in Canada and later the United States, where he became a citizen in 1961. A self-proclaimed American patriot, Engelhard holds a brown belt in Krav Maga.
His books are praised for their “moral intensity,” and his writing style has been described as “vivid, cool, and muscular” (The Philadelphia Inquirer).
The Gambler and the Offer
A man in a black suit, presumably Arab, gambled with $1,000 a hand at a blackjack table. He lost ten hands in a row, a million dollars, observed by many, including Joshua Kane, a corporate speechwriter on vacation with his wife, Joan. Joshua, earning $10,000 a year, found such stakes unimaginable.
The gambler, IB, invited Joshua to join him. Drinks and food appeared at the raise of a finger. IB claimed Joshua brought him luck. A woman arrived with papers. IB placed one on his square and one on Joshua’s, each marked “one million dollars.” Joshua gambled for IB, winning four million, then began to lose. The game ended.
A Beautiful American Wife
At the Galaxy hotel, Joan, a beautiful blonde, slept. Joshua reflected on his luck—not in money, but in love. They met at the Empire State Building. He’d left a wife and two children for her; she’d left a wealthy, socially prominent husband for him. They demanded eternal loyalty.
Tired of poverty, Joshua gambled, losing more than he won. He told Joan about IB. IB called, but Joshua missed the call. Later, on the boardwalk, they strolled. Back in their room, Joshua called IB’s suite, letting it ring seven times. The phone rang immediately—IB, thanking him for the seven rings. He invited them to dinner.
Dinner with IB
At dinner, IB discussed gambling, asserting everyone gambles daily. He gambled on everything, even love, believing money made anything possible. IB’s wife, Riva, remained silent. IB mentioned his Jewish friends and his martial arts skills. After dinner, Joshua and Joan declined IB’s casino invitation.
Back in their room, Joan revealed IB’s proposition, leaving her feeling cheap and filthy. He’d invited her to his suite for sex. Joshua recalled winning Joan from another man, realizing that vulnerability remained. But IB’s offer wasn’t love; it was seduction. Joan pledged her loyalty.
The High Roller
Joshua visited his friend Sy Rodrigo, a PR representative for the Galaxy. Sy described IB as a wealthy sultan from Mahareen, near Iraq, who could lose millions without flinching. IB, a one-eyed war veteran, valued having someone like Joshua at the Galaxy.
The Indecent Proposal
Joshua met IB in his suite. IB offered him a million dollars for a night with Joan. IB knew about Joshua and Joan through Sy. He gave Joshua an envelope with $10,000, claiming it was for bringing him luck. Joshua saw it as a test and refused the money.
The Decision
Joan returned, having dined alone. Joshua recounted his meeting with IB. She declared she could give her body, but not her heart. Accepting or rejecting the offer would destroy their relationship. They walked, contemplating. They decided to return to Philadelphia.
Joshua won $180 at the casino—a pittance compared to a million. They left Atlantic City the next morning.
The German Account
Joshua’s routine resumed. At work, he learned they’d secured the Frederick account, a German company—the Nazis, he thought. The company specifically requested him for their speeches. It was a million-dollar account.
He met Adolph Frederick, 38, cheerful and friendly. Joshua told his partner, Jules, he couldn’t work for a Nazi. Jules argued Adolph was too young to be a Nazi.
A Million-Dollar Question
At lunch with Adolph and Jules, Joshua argued all Nazis were German. Jules countered most Germans were unaware of the atrocities. Adolph asked if Joshua believed all Germans were Nazis. A million-dollar account hung in the balance. Remembering his parents’ escape from Nazi persecution, Joshua said yes.
IB’s Plan
Joan announced Joshua’s million-dollar deal. He realized IB’s genius; it was all planned. He told Joan about Adolph. He hadn’t lost his job; Adolph’s response was mild, offering forgiveness. As Joshua was about to reply, Jules choked on water—a practiced strategy.
The Night at Versailles
IB, a controlling force, arranged for a limo to take Joan to his suite. She told Joshua, “Let’s just do this tonight and get it out of our lives.” Joshua followed the limo, wanting to be near her. He got a room at the Galaxy, unable to sleep, and went to the casino.
The Elevator and the Film
Walking until dizzy, Joshua collapsed. Casino staff took him to a room where a doctor gave him a sleeping pill. He dreamt of Arab-Jewish vengeance. Waking, he rushed to the elevator, which stalled. A security guard rescued him; it was 10 a.m.
At Versailles, IB sat at the same table. Joshua joined him. A million dollars was in his casino account. After gambling, IB invited him to his suite. IB asked about the film with Joan. Joshua denied wanting to see it. A servant brought drinks and a VCR. Joshua planned to steal the film. After watching, he grabbed the film, but IB blocked his path. Joshua broke IB’s wrist. Guards entered. Joshua threw the film from the balcony. IB stopped the guards. Joshua left.