"It's not the same thing.
"No.
Camille returned to sit down.
"That's why I'm here."
Antoine took another file.
"What did you see during these two days?"
Camille began.
A head waiter asking a waitress to clock in before the end of tidying up.
A young woman refusing to report a burn because she wanted to be called back for the next season.
A manager joking about a commis chef's accent in front of guests.
A manager asking the staff to never contradict certain customers, "even if they cross the line".
Then Victoire's gesture.
And especially the reaction of others.
The waitress was restrained.
The security guards hesitant.
The managers are waiting to know Camille's identity before intervening.
Antoine closed his eyes.
"My daughter doesn't work in the company.
"I know.
— It has no operational powers.
"Officially."
He understood.
"What does that mean?"
Camille opened another document.
Three testimonies mentioned Victoire.
A receptionist said that she had been asked to change her schedule because Victoire wanted "certain people" during a stay.
A valet said that he had driven a friend of Victoire's to Nice outside of his duties.
An event employee explained that her manager had told her:
"With Mademoiselle Delacroix, we don't argue."
Antoine turned pale.
"I have never given that instruction."
"I believe you."
He looked up.
Camille continued:
"But your company has understood that satisfying your family is a form of professional protection.
The silence became heavy.
Antoine asked:
"What do you propose?"
"Thirty days."
— Impossible.
"Thirty days."
"We have banks.
"Me too.
— Recruitment launched.
"I know.
— Investors waiting.
"I know.
Antoine placed both hands on the table.
— Camille, this partnership should structure our next ten years.
"That's exactly why I refuse to sign it blindly.
He was silent.
Camille continues.
Independent social audit.
Checking the hours.
Interviews with seasonal workers.
Analysis of internal complaints.
Control of service fees.
Review of practices concerning the ruling families.
Antoine looked at Helene.
"And if I refuse?"
Helene replied:
— Laurent Patrimoine withdraws the mandate.
He returned to Camille.
"You cancel everything?"
"If you refuse the audit, yes.
"And if I accept?"
— Partnership is still possible.
Antoine se leva.
He walked to the library.
Then he returned.
"You know that we could lose millions with this delay.
Camille replied:
"You could lose more with a culture that no one wants to look at.
Antoine stopped.
This time he could find nothing to say.
The meeting ended at two o'clock in the morning.
In the corridor, Camille found Victoire sitting on a step.
Still in her blue dress.
Without Sophie.
Without champagne.
Without an audience.
She stood up.
"I want to speak to you."
Camille remained standing.
"Speak."
Victoire inspired.
"I'm sorry.
Camille did not answer.
"I shouldn't have pushed you."
Still nothing.
Victoire clenched her fingers.
"I didn't want you to hurt yourself.
Camille tilted her head slightly.
"You would have preferred me to fall without cutting myself?"
Victoire turned pale.
"That's not what I meant.
"I know.
She looked down.
"I had been drinking."
Camille asked:
"You would have pushed my lawyer?"
Victoire raised her head.
"No.
"My uncle?"
"No.
"Your father?"