The Secrets of the Empire

Chapter 2 : Homecoming

Alexandre Dubois woke up to the soft hum of the city below, his penthouse bathed in the early morning light. Last night's charity gala had been a whirlwind of champagne, dazzling smiles, and whispered conversations. He stretched lazily, his tall, athletic frame unfolding gracefully from the luxurious sheets. Standing at 6'3", Alexandre's striking blue eyes scanned the room, still reflecting the remnants of sleep. His dark hair, tousled from sleep, gave him a ruggedly handsome appearance that contrasted with his usual polished look.

As he sipped his espresso, savoring the rich aroma, his phone rang, shattering the serene atmosphere. It was Linda, his ever-efficient personal assistant.

"Mr. Dubois, you have an urgent call from the family lawyer in Paris," Linda's voice held an edge of urgency that immediately put him on alert.

"Put him through," Alexandre said, a knot forming in his stomach, though he didn't know why.

A moment later, the voice of Jean-Luc Fournier, the family lawyer, came through, heavy with somber news. "Alexandre, I'm afraid I have some bad news. Your father, Pierre Dubois, has passed away under mysterious circumstances."

The world seemed to tilt. "What do you mean, mysterious circumstances?" Alexandre demanded, his heart pounding.

"We're not entirely sure yet. You need to come to Paris immediately," Jean-Luc explained, his voice steady but grave.

"I'll leave right away," Alexandre replied, his mind racing. He ended the call, staring blankly. The carefree bubble of his life had burst in an instant.

For a moment, Alexandre stood frozen, the phone still in his hand. The weight of the news pressed down on him, making it hard to breathe. He closed his eyes, trying to process the shock. Memories of his father, Pierre, flooded his mind: the stern lectures, the rare moments of pride, the constant pressure to uphold the family legacy. It was a complicated relationship, filled with both admiration and resentment.

Taking a deep breath, Alexandre tried to steady himself. He walked over to the large windows, the breathtaking view of Central Park offering no solace. The bustling city below seemed a stark contrast to the turmoil now raging inside him.

With a heavy heart, he turned away from the window and moved through his penthouse, the modern decor and opulent furnishings now feeling strangely cold and distant. The sleek lines and expensive art did nothing to alleviate the growing sense of loss. Each step felt like a monumental effort as he approached his bedroom to pack.

Alexandre tossed suits and essentials into a suitcase, his hands trembling slightly as he zipped it up. His thoughts were consumed with questions and a growing sense of dread. What mysterious circumstances? Who would want to harm his father? As he moved through his routines, the reality of his father's death began to sink in, the initial shock giving way to a profound sense of grief.

Linda appeared at the doorway, her expression soft with concern. "Mr. Dubois, is there anything I can do to help?"

Alexandre looked up, his usually confident demeanor shaken. "Yes, Linda, I need you to book the family jet immediately. I need to be in Paris as soon as possible."

"Of course, Mr. Dubois," Linda replied, her phone already in hand as she began making the arrangements. "Shall I arrange for a car to take you to the airport?"

"Yes, and make sure everything is prepared for the flight. I don't want any delays," Alexandre said, his voice tight with stress.

Linda hesitated for a moment, sensing there was more. "Is everything alright, Mr. Dubois? You seem... unsettled."

Alexandre sighed, the weight of the news pressing down on him. "My father... he's dead, Linda. I just found out. And it's not clear if it was natural causes."