A quiet hush filled Napoleon's office, interrupted only by the creak of the door.
Napoleon shifted his gaze from Necker to Beaumont, who had just entered.
"Your Excellency, I apologize, but the carriage awaits you outside," Beaumont announced.
Napoleon turned to Necker, breaking the silence. "This is our farewell, Necker."
Necker nodded respectfully. "Safe travels, Your Excellency," he said, bowing deeply as Napoleon walked past him.
Outside the Palace of Versailles, a procession awaited him. An opulent horse-drawn carriage, flanked by Elite Consular Guards, stood ready.
In the center of the convoy, a spacious stagecoach could hold up to ten passengers. Napoleon noticed his children peering out from the windows, beckoning him to join them.
With a warm smile, he approached the stagecoach, and one of the Elite Consular Guards opened the door.
Napoleon climbed into the stagecoach, settling himself beside his children.