Hugo Fairholt took a glass of champagne to the face

As Marcus left, the heavy oak door of the study opened again. Giselle stepped inside, and Hugo’s breath hitched slightly in his chest. She was no longer wearing the sophisticated black maid dress. Instead, she wore a beautifully tailored, emerald-green silk blouse and dark trousers, clothes Hugo had ordered for her before the sun rose.

"Did you sleep at all, Giselle?" Hugo asked, closing the distance between them.

"A little," Giselle answered softly, stepping into his waiting arms. "The house is quiet now."

"Do you believe the savior of the Fairholt family should ever wear a maid's uniform again?" Hugo asked, a faint, almost imperceptible smile touching his lips as he offered her his arm.

"I think I look better in silk," Giselle whispered, a small smile playing on her lips.

"Shall we go remind my cousin of the penalty for treason in my house?" Hugo asked, turning away from the window and leading her out of the study.

They descended into the cold, concrete labyrinth of the sub-basement. The air grew damp, smelling of earth and iron. Marcus unlocked the heavy steel door to Casper's cell, pulling it open with a loud groan.

Casper was huddled on the metal cot, his expensive formal suit ruined beyond recognition, stained with dried blood and dirt. When he saw Hugo, he scrambled to the floor, his eyes wild with terror.

"Hugo! Please!" Casper sobbed, crawling toward his polished leather shoes. "The commission... where is the commission? They were supposed to intervene!"

"Do you truly believe men who hide behind locked doors could save anyone?" Hugo asked, looking down at him with absolute, unwavering disgust.

"A slaughter?" Casper gasped, his face turning pale as he noticed the soot still clinging to Hugo's shoes. "No... no, you're lying! Falcone had an army!"

"Did you think an army of cowards could defeat a man fighting for his life?" Hugo inquired, his voice echoing in the small, concrete room.

Casper looked past Hugo, his eyes widening as he registered Giselle standing beside him, wearing silk instead of a maid's apron.

"You!" Casper shrieked, pointing a trembling finger at Giselle. "You ruined everything! You are nothing but a servant!"

"Is she a servant, or is she the woman who will wear the ring you so desperately coveted?" Hugo asked, stepping protectively in front of Giselle.

Casper collapsed, sobbing hysterically as the reality of his total defeat crushed him. "What are you going to do to me? Please, Hugo, just let me go!"

"Do you believe you will ever see the sun again, Casper?" Hugo asked quietly.

He didn't wait for his answer. He turned his broad shoulders, leading Giselle out of the cell. As the heavy steel door slammed shut, cutting off Casper's screams, Hugo looked down at the beautiful woman holding his arm.