That morning, the chateau of Count Henri du Villiers woke under the illusion of peace.
Silver trays clinked in the kitchen, servants lit fireplaces.
At exactly 8:12 a.m.
The Count descended in his silk robe, ready to eat breakfast.
He stopped cold at the sight of General Delon sitting at the far end of his oak dining table.
Around him, five soldiers in unmarked uniforms stood silently.
Du Villiers' personal security detail was on their knees, rifles pressed against their backs.
None of them dared move.
Du Villiers' face turned red.
"Delon! What the hell is this? How dare you violate my house?"
Delon didn't look up from the soft-boiled egg he was spooning.
He simply gestured to the chair opposite.
"Come. Sit. Eat."
"You are insane," the Count growled. "You'll hang for this."