Chapter 21
“Do you require anything else, Your Grace?” inquired the steward.
“Did I grant you permission to ask me questions?” Damien snapped.
The steward’s mouth immediately clamped shut. Damien drew closer to him, looking him in the eye as he patted him once on the shoulder before dropping his hand.
“Paul.”
“Y-Yes, Your Grace?”
“I value competence above all else. Incompetence, however…”
The Duke was known to share a glass of wine and engage in cordial conversation even with untitled businessmen, but he now wore an expression so far removed from his usual demeanor that Paul could hardly believe he was the same man.
“I expect nothing less than the flawless execution of your duties.”
Damien’s lips twisted into a semblance of a smile, though his eyes remained cold. Drawing upon all his years of experience as a steward, Paul understood that this would be his master’s final and only warning.
“Yes, Your Grace. I shall keep that in mind.”
Part 9. Damien
