Gillaume Men #01: Ranzar Craestok

CHAPTER 1: Julliane Laurent

~ Julliane Laurent ~

"And for the next news, Robert Clayton, the renowned California real estate mogul billionaire and founder of Clayton Real Estate, confirmed died last Saturday. The company officially stated that the cause of death of the former CEO is due to brain damage, and by wishes of the now widowed matriarch of Clayton, the funeral for the late CEO will be conducted in private and for close friends of the family only— Upcoming next after the break is the report for another successful concerto of —"

"Can you turn off the television dear Julli? I can't bear to hear another news of his death early in the morning", a woman in her 50s asked as I was busy cutting patterns for the toile fabric.

"Sure", I replied as I turned off the television as per the request of the now-widowed Kala Clayton. I guess she's tired of hearing yet another news of her husband's passing.

"Thank you dear, it's already tiring enough receiving messages, and now news outlets around the world are busy milking the story of his death and glorifying him", she said with a sigh. 

"Still, aren't you supposed to plan his funeral for formality Mrs. Clayton", I ask as I went back on my cutting.

She's currently busy and relaxing reading the recent magazine issue of Pantheleone accommodated by tea, enjoying the view from the outside window of my workshop. And anyone would be confused by how she acts given that her husband of many years just passed away and yet she's here in France, indulging herself with tea and magazines.

"I have assistants hired for that dear, and besides the funeral will be next week. I'd rather stay here and relax in France than bother with all that. All I need to do next week is attend his funeral and act remorseful", she replied while having another sip of her tea.

"Okay... I understand, though Mrs. Clayton, why did you come here to my workshop?" I asked as I stopped doing what I was doing. 

"I know it's just not to drink tea, noh? I'm sure the news of your husband's death is not the cause of why you've come here", I continued.

 Earlier this morning, Mrs. Clayton knocked on my workshop door and decided to sit and relax there.

"Well I have come here to discuss another business with you dear", she said which made me raise my brow.

"And what is that exactly?"

"I heard from your assistant, Becca, that you're planning on opening a boutique in America", she said.

"Yes, I am— but it's still not official. I'm still deciding on it and will probably give it a try in the next upcoming years", I replied and she then put down the magazine she was reading to look at me.

"Then why don't I help you with that", she offered. 

"What I mean with that is since Robert's dead, his real estate company will be under my name. So why don't I find and arrange you a place in America— preferably California, to build your boutique", she replied once more, sensing my confusion. I was intrigued for a short moment but snapped out of it.