The story recounts an ironic moment during Franck's surprise fortieth birthday celebration, which was attended by Hugh, Manuela, and Dario. A guest, who was a well-spoken mother of three, passionately expressed her dislike for the zoo at the Jardin des Plantes, arguing against the confinement of animals in small cages. Her tirade highlighted her concern for animal welfare, making her disdain for zoos quite clear throughout the evening.
However, in a moment of stark contradiction, she later opened her car trunk to let out her own golden retriever, who had been confined there for the past six hours. This incident underscores the irony of her criticisms, showcasing a disconnect between her proclaimed values and her actions, as the dog's confinement was left unnoticed while she condemned the treatment of zoo animals.