My eyes traveled back to Eva. She looked as pale as a ghost.
"Sir, please… have mercy," she pleaded, falling to her knees.
"You know the rules. You have two minutes to get out of my house," he commanded, not even sparing her a glance as he walked away.
I immediately stood up and hurried to Eva, who was crying. I couldn't even touch her—my hands were burning, and the pain and guilt inside me were too heavy to bear.
"I'm sorry," I whispered.
She raised her head. Wiping her tears, she said,
"You don't have to apologize, ma'am… I'll start packing immediately, then face my trial."
I frowned. Trial?
"Eva, what do you mean by trial?" I asked, worried. She smiled bitterly.
"If you get fired under any circumstances, two of your fingers will be chopped off— from each hand."
My hands flew to my mouth, and I gasped, eyes widening.
"Why?" I breathed in horror.
"It's a reminder never to betray him," she said, sadness clouding her eyes.
Oh no. I couldn't let that happen. This was my fault. She was getting punished because of me.
"Do you have another source of income?"
"No ma'am. I'm a single mother with two kids."
I sighed in despair. No wonder she accepted a job this dangerous.
"Don't worry. I'll find a way. You're not going anywhere," I assured her.
But her smile only grew more bitter.
"I appreciate it, ma'am, but you have no idea who Mr. Grey is or what he's capable of. He doesn't go back on his words. Please don't put yourself at risk."
"No." I held her hands. "I can do this. Don't you trust me?"
"Yes ma'am, I do, but—"
"Then don't worry. I've got you. Just stay. I'll talk to him."
She stared at me, unsure whether to believe me.
"Just trust me," I insisted.
"I'm scared, ma'am…" she whispered, looking ghost‑like, tears forming in her eyes.
It took more reassurance before she finally agreed. I followed her out of the room and waved goodbye before going to find Mr. Grey.
I had no idea what I was going to say, but one thing was clear—I wasn't letting that innocent woman get fired.
I found him in the garden, smoking and staring into the distance.
How could he be so calm after firing a helpless single mother over something so absurd?
I walked closer and lightly tapped his shoulder.
He turned, stared at me for a moment, then returned his gaze to the sky.
I tapped him again.
"What?" he asked coldly, not turning.
"Mr. Grey…"
Damn it—my mind suddenly went blank. I shook my head, trying to think of something. He finally turned around to look at me. Leaning against the iron bars decorated with flowers, one leg crossed, he said nothing.
I instinctively moved back.
"If you have nothing to say, then get out. Your presence alone is annoying," he remarked, looking at me with disgust.
"Mr. Grey, please… she was only trying to help. It's not her fault. Punish me instead, not her, please," I begged, my voice trembling with hope.
He scoffed.
"Who said I wasn't going to punish you also?"
My eyes widened.
"Please, double mine and just forgive her. Please."
"Forgiveness…" He exhaled smoke calmly. "That word means nothing to me. Instead of wasting your time here, worry about yourself. About your revenge. Now get out."
His tone was calm, but his decision was set in stone.
"I said get out!" he shouted.
I swear my heart almost jumped out of my chest. I quickly turned toward the door, my heart racing as I walked away.
Then an idea hit me.
I spun back around and stood in front of him. Rising on my toes, I gave him a light kiss on the lips.
I pulled back, staring at his shocked face—yes, shocked. But his expression shifted back to unreadable almost instantly. Still, I knew what I saw.
"Let's go all through the night," I whispered, hope shining in my eyes. "No stopping. No breaks."
He just laughed.
"You can't even last an hour," he said, turning away.
Xavier's POV:
The kiss caught me off guard. I wasn't expecting it. As small as it was, it actually felt good.
And now she wants us to go all night—for a maid?
She must be joking.
I turned away from her. Her adorable eyes were filled with hope, like a child waiting for candy at a neighbor's door. But I didn't care. She should've followed my instructions.
Then she said something that almost made me choke.
"Don't tell me you're scared, Mr. Grey," she whispered, bold and seductive.
Oh. Now she was daring me.
"Scared of what exactly?" I asked, turning back to her.
She leaned in, wrapping her hands around my neck. Since I was taller, she slowly pulled me down to her level, our faces aligned.
"Scared that you're not man enough to take me all through the night," she said, her tone laced with challenge and seduction.
Did she really just say that?
Fine then—let's play your little game, pony.
"I hope you understand," I murmured, "that I can tie you up and have you all day… fucking you nonstop. And you wouldn't be able to stop me."
I watched her confidence drain instantly, dropping to zero.
A satisfied smile tugged at my lips as fear returned to her eyes.
I removed her hands from my neck and shoved her aside.
To my surprise, she broke down—crying loudly, like someone mourning a loved one.
But I didn't care.
I crushed my cigarette, tossed it away, and walked off.
It was her damn business.
She could cry all night—I didn't give a fuck.