 Bank executive Rainier allows his firm to deliver adventurous investor Chevalier d Aven a huge loan, with what he thinks is his employer Mirement s total backing. Chevalier s business proves indeed to be disastrous, which forces the bank to cover up its high deficits. News of the scandal breaks out, and the bank now sees Rainier as the one being responsible for it - he is laid off. Wife Celine and union representative Arlette suggest he should sue his former boss.