Chapter 2: Isabelle
1103 Words
The sound of a busy kitchen filtered into the dining room as Luc entered. Buttoning the cuff of his shirt, he greeted Elise with a courteous good morning.
Elise was overseeing the breakfast setup, issuing instructions softly and briskly. She made the maid polish the silverware again, even though it was gleaming.
"Bonjour Monsieur Luc, should I serve you the usual?" Elise asked, gesturing toward the coffee pot and lifting it.
"Yes, Elise, thank you!" He nodded.
Isabelle was fixated on her phone at the other end of the table. She scrolled and tapped with well-manicured fingers, without looking up. Her robe fluttered slightly as she crossed her legs.
"Did Bernard confirm the villa in Amalfi?" she asked, her tone light, careless.
"Yes, Madame, he did," Elise replied. "We sent the deposit this morning."
Amalfi. Another trip. Luc took his seat, observing the exchange. Another weekend of endless shopping, social functions, champagne, and lavish spending. Ironically, these trips never bring them closer.
Subsequently, Isabelle looked up, smiling emptily. "We'll need to try on some new clothes this afternoon. I sent you an invitation."
An invitation. How appropriate.
"Of course," Luc muttered, reaching for the coffee Elise poured him. He inhaled its sharp, intense aroma before taking a sip.
The sharp shatter of a plate sounded from the kitchen, followed by the appearance of a young kitchen boy. He rushed past the table, mumbling apologies.
"Be careful, Jean-Pierre," Isabelle said without looking up from her phone.
Luc put his cup on the table, leaning back to soak in the atmosphere of activity around him. The sounds of plates, chairs, and the entire liveliness. It was something.
Energetic. Vibrant. A house active and full of life.
And still, it felt ghostly.
Elise placed a tray of freshly baked pastries on the table. “Madame, the designer called, suggesting the fitting be moved to noon.”
“Noon is fine. I’ll have lunch with Chantal after,” Isabelle said smoothly, tapping her phone again. “Please charge the fittings to my personal account. Thank you!"
“Of course, Madame.” Elise bowed her head slightly.
Luc watched her. He watched how leisurely she ordered luxuries like she was inhaling and exhaling air. He watched how she lived to spend money as if nothing else mattered.
What if Isabelle spent a little time thinking about their relationship? But no, that's not her responsibility. She'd rather focus her entire energy on improving her wardrobe.
Isabelle put her phone on the table with a sharp clatter. “What's on your mind, darling? You seem lost in thought.”
Luc smiled faintly. “Just thinking about my meeting. Nothing serious.”
“Business, business, business. Always.” She reached for a croissant, her eyes back on her phone.
Another round of silence ensued as he slowly sipped his coffee.
Elise rearranged an alabaster sculpture, allowing it to radiate more light. Then she smoothed the table runner with her quick, efficient hands.
Just then, the maid did a clumsy job of collecting extra dishes from the table. She earned a sharp, rebuking glance from Isabelle.
====================
Luc stepped into the conference room with an air of smart confidence. Instantly, the eight seated investors turned, fixing their attention on him.
“Thank you all for being here! Not to waste any time, I'll proceed with the presentation.”
“Audrey, could you dim the lights?” He called to his assistant in the anteroom. She answered positively, then the overhead lights lowered to a soft glow.
Luc pressed the remote control.
An extensive aerial rendering of Monte Carlo's coastline appeared on the screen. It was imaginatively reconceived as a half-moon-shaped marina. It had private moorings, boutique shops, and a transparent-bottom yacht lounge.
“Imagine a shoreline destination where state-of-the-art infrastructure is combined with luxurious design." He began, friendly and assertive.
The presentation continued with Luc demonstrating foresight and explicitness. It felt less like a business pitch. But more like an invitation to be part of something extraordinary and exclusive.
"We're not just developing property," he noted. "We're establishing a new echelon of living. Exclusivity. Prestige. Lasting Value."
One well-dressed investor, wearing a gray cashmere suit, tapped on his tablet screen. He looked up and asked, "What about environmental concerns? How will you address them?"
"That's a great question," Luc responded. “Sustainability is important. That’s why we have teamed up with the best environmental architects.”
Luc continued, “The solar and water systems and underwater landscaping are designed with one goal. To maintain the ecosystem. Our vision isn't merely audacious—it's backed by responsibility.”
He noticed the positive energy in the room as the investors listened attentively. He was winning.
Still, even as he progressed with the presentation, a part of him was elsewhere.
He thought of Isabelle and how she would make light of everything. She would only ask when the construction would be completed. Her intention—to throw a private gala to celebrate the grand opening.
Luc cleared his throat softly, putting the thought at the back of his mind.
"We anticipate a twelve percent year-over-year occupancy..."
"Twelve percent?" asked a woman in a beige suit, sounding unconvinced.
"Immersive travel experiences are becoming the norm. Compared to Monaco's data, we're confident of a twelve percent occupancy rate." He changed the slides again. "Even if we achieve ten percent, we'll wait only six months to break even."
He paused, letting the investors understand the numbers. They looked impressed as they took notes, their expressions signaling approval.
"The figures are impressive," another investor chipped in. "Who's leading the construction management?"
Luc introduced his chosen contractor, mentioning similar projects they've handled and their locations. He spoke about joint-venture security precautions, escrow safety measures, and graduated funding tranches.
As he wrapped up and the lights brightened again, silence settled over the room. In that brief moment, Luc allowed himself a little, fulfilled breath. But his expression remained composed.
Business, at the very least, is practicable. Unlike the charade of his private life.
Then came the applause. It was rousing, polite, and structured. He allowed himself a subtle nod of gratitude. His posture was straight and disciplined. Yet, inside, he felt like something was missing…
It wasn't his presentation. The feedback was positive. His data impressed the room. He craved a different kind of applause, not business appreciation.
"Congratulations, Monsieur," Audrey said again after all the investors were gone.
"Thank you, Audrey!" Luc smiled and nodded. "Please arrange a luncheon for two for next week. Hôtel Hermitage, private dining room."
"Of course," she replied, already entering the details into her tablet.
- Writer
