ARMAND DE LA ROCHE epitomized the archetype of a patriarchal employer, meticulously segregating his domestic life from his professional endeavors. He embodied the feudal model of leadership, exercising scrupulous discretion in selecting his employees. De La Roche compensated his staff with a remuneration that exceeded industry standards by a notable margin, yet he maintained an unforgiving stance: should they falter in their initial week, they would find themselves summarily dismissed, as he would unceremoniously deliver them a swift exit. There were no opportunities for redemption under De La Roche's regime; it was a matter of performance or expulsion.
In addition to overseeing his four expansive international and Pacific agencies—one of which proudly stands as the preeminent agency along the coast, soon to be managed by his sole heir, Julien De La Roche —Armand also ensured he held a substantial stake, approximately sixty-five percent, in various other international and Pacific advertising enterprises.
The De La Roche family was, of course, a prominent name, particularly noted for the formidable reputations of both Armand and his son. They were widely recognized for their adept stewardship of the agency, catering to a consortium of affluent businessmen, and had cultivated an exceptional establishment from their efforts.
Early that Saturday morning, Armand stood in the grand foyer of his opulent mansion, his eyes blazing with vehemence. All because his son had failed to return home the previous day, having spent the entirety of his time at work. His wife, Astrid, attempted to calm him down, her voice soothing and delicate.
"Come down, darling. Julien is a grown man; he likely had some pressing deadlines to meet, which may have caused him to work late and subsequently spend the night at his office. He will be home any moment now, I assure you. Now, please stop worrying and come eat your breakfast," remarked his wife, Astrid, in an effort to soothe his nerves as she delicately sipped her coffee.
Armand's gaze lingered on her, his expression unyielding. Astrid was a short and high-breasted woman. With long brown silky hair which hung on her crisp white collar in an ordered upward sweep. She had an interesting beautiful face with deep brown eyes and beautifully red painted lips. Her skin was clear and white, which was well and jealously taken care of. Her physical turnouts and appearance would leave any man seeing her for the first time drilling long before she had gone, her looks were expensively striking, the one you would expect from rich people. She seemed to be one person who enjoys the good things in life.
As the mother of Jason De La Roche , Diana exuded an air of elegance and poise, her physical appearance leaving a lasting impression on those who laid eyes on her. Her stylish attire and perfectly coiffed hair spoke of her wealth and status, and she seemed to revel in the luxuries that life had to offer.
Armand, however, was a different story. A self-made man who had built his empire through sheer force of will, he was known for his ruthless business tactics. As the patriarch of the De La Roche family, Armand was a figure of respect and fear in the business world. His agency, one of the largest and most prestigious on the coast, was soon to be managed by his only child, Julien. Armand's reputation as a shrewd businessman was well-deserved, and his son's skills as a manager would only add to the agency's success.
But despite his professional success, Armand's personal life was a different matter. His relationship with his son was complex, and his expectations often weighed heavily on Julien. As Armand paced back and forth in the foyer, his anxiety and worry for his son's whereabouts evident, Astrid's calm demeanor was a stark contrast.
"How do you honestly expect me to eat!?" Armand exclaimed with indignation. "Mon dieu, your son dedicates the majority of his life and time to his career. We possess far more than we could ever utilize; what more could he possibly desire? I have labored tirelessly for your sake, ensuring that you would never endure hardship or toil a single day in your lives, so there is no justification for his relentless work ethic. You must speak to your son, Astrid; implore him to have some bon sens, for heaven's sake."
At that precise moment, Carlos descended the broad staircase leading from the upper levels.
Carlos joined Armand and Astrid in the lounge. He was a humorous soft-spoken, impatient sort of a guy. He was wearing white trousers, a dark red shirt and sandals. He appeared strikingly handsome as he bounded down the stairs, a smile illuminating his face.
Carlos was the sole offspring of one of Armand's closest friends, who tragically perished along with his wife in a car accident when Carlos was merely ten years old. Upon his friend's untimely demise, Armand had taken it upon himself to assume full custody of Carlos, honoring his friend's final wish.
"Bonjour, beautiful family," Carlos greeted with exuberance. "Oh my, what a vision! You look absolutely stunning as always, Madame De La Roche. I must compliment you on that dress; it enhances your allure and makes me quite envious of your husband. Vous êtes ravissante" (You are ravishing).
Astrid shifted comfortably, a blush of contentment gracing her cheeks as she beamed cheerfully at Carlos. "Oh, thank you, dear Carlos. You are such a sweetheart; I am quite flattered. Vous êtes trop gentil" (You are too kind)Armand, however, was not to be distracted. He leaned forward, his hands on the table. "And would you care to tell me why Julien didn't return home last night?"
"Here we go again," lamented Astrid with a sigh. "Mon dieu," she added under her breath.
"Listen, uncle," said Carlos, carelessly waving a pancake in his hand, "Your son is a very high-spirited person when it comes to work, no doubt he learnt from the best and that's you. I tried persuading him to come home with me but the more I tried the more he gave me reasons why he should stay back and keep on working. And honestly, who am I to keep persuading such a highly spirited person? C'est trop difficile" (It's too difficult).
Astrid chuckled at Carlos' sardonic, whimsical humor. "You truly are one of a kind, young man. Your wit is far too entertaining for my taste. Vous êtes vraiment charmant" (You are truly charming).
On the other hand, Armand was getting frustrated by the minute. "Yes, keep laughing. I genuinely fail to comprehend the two of you," Armand retorted, retrieving his phone from his hip pocket. "Let me call this boy again, he better pick up this time around. C'est ridicule" (It's ridiculous).