The Secrets of the Empire

Chapter 4 : In the Wake of Sorrow

As the early morning sunlight began to filter through the tall windows of the Dubois estate, the family prepared for what would be one of the most difficult days of their lives. The journey to Notre-Dame was somber and quiet, each family member lost in their thoughts and memories of Pierre.

Notre-Dame de Paris, an architectural masterpiece of French Gothic design, stood majestically on the Île de la Cité. The cathedral, with its twin towers rising 226 feet above the city, was a symbol of both Paris and the nation. Built between 1163 and 1345, Notre-Dame had witnessed centuries of history, from coronations to revolutions. Its exterior was adorned with intricate sculptures and the famous gargoyles that seemed to guard the ancient structure.

As the Dubois family approached the cathedral, they were met by the sight of numerous media personnel. The prominent standing of the Dubois family in French society, coupled with Elite Global Luxury Ventures (EGLV) being the largest company listed on the Euronext Paris Stock Exchange, drew significant attention to the funeral. Alexandre, Claire, and Madeleine, dressed in dignified mourning attire, walked up the steps of the grand entrance, flanked by towering statues of biblical kings and saints.

The Dubois family was greeted by key members of Elite Global Luxury Ventures' board.

Laurent Giraud, the CFO and currently serving as the interim head of the company, stood tall and imposing, his silver hair slicked back, exuding an air of calculated composure. Next to him was Monique Dufresne, the CMO, her auburn hair styled in a sleek bob, offering a warm, albeit somber, smile. Henri Lefebvre, the COO, with his strong build and stern expression, nodded respectfully to the family. Each offered their condolences, with Giraud expressing his commitment to supporting Alexandre during the transition.

As the family entered the cathedral, the solemn tolling of the bells echoed through the vast space, signaling the beginning of the service. The scent of incense filled the air, mingling with the faint aroma of the ancient stone. The Dubois family took their seats at the front, surrounded by friends, family, and notable figures from the business world.

The light streamed through the enormous rose windows, casting colorful patterns onto the stone floor. The cathedral’s three rose windows were among its most famous features, especially the South Rose Window, which was a gift from King Louis IX and depicted scenes from the New Testament. The rib vaults and flying buttresses, innovations of the Gothic style, allowed for such grand windows and the cathedral's impressive height.

The archbishop began the service, his voice resonating through the cathedral as he spoke of Pierre’s contributions to society and his enduring legacy. As the choir’s voices rose in a hymn, the Dubois family clung to each other, drawing strength from their unity and the support of those around them.

As the funeral service at Notre-Dame drew to a close, the archbishop’s final words echoed through the cathedral, resonating with a profound sense of loss and reverence for Pierre Dubois. The choir's voices rose one last time, filling the sacred space with a hauntingly beautiful hymn. The attendees, a mix of family, friends, business associates, and notable figures from French society, began to make their way out of the pews, their footsteps echoing softly against the stone floor.

The Dubois family led the procession, their steps slow and measured as they followed the casket down the aisle. Alexandre, his face a mask of controlled grief, walked beside his mother, Madeleine, who maintained her composed demeanor despite the tears that occasionally escaped her vigilant control. Claire, her eyes red-rimmed but resolute, supported her mother on the other side.

Outside the cathedral, the crisp autumn air provided a stark contrast to the warmth inside. The sunlight, filtered through the trees lining the square, cast dappled shadows on the cobblestones. As the family stepped out, they were met by a sea of sympathetic faces and murmured condolences.