Paris awakens in a climate of unease: a lightning‑fast rumor announces Napoleon’s death. Seizing the chaos, General Malet launches a daring coup, armed with forged decrees and an icy composure. As the authorities waver, Schulmeister catches the scent of deception and plunges into a tense pursuit, where every clue could tip the Empire into ruin. In this night of confusion, he must unmask the conspirators before the fraud becomes irreversible.