C4

"Oh, I almost forgot. Shame, really. I was starting to enjoy the view."

"Cut the crap, Mikhail. You’re lucky I’m still standing. What is this garbage?"

"Don't look at me, princess. This came straight from Isabella Voss. She said since you want to act like a common street walker, you might as well dress like the help. It’s your new uniform for tonight’s board meeting."

"I’m a lead analyst for the Voss Syndicate's tech division. I don't wear polyester lace and micro-skirts. This has to be a joke."

"The only joke is thinking you have a choice, Valeria. Put it on, or stay as you are. Viktor and I certainly won't complain if you choose the latter. You’ve got a body that was made to be looked at, glitch or not."

"You’re a sick, perverted bastard, Mikhail. Don't think I’ll forget that comment when the power dynamic shifts."

"Stomp all you want. Just make sure you’re decent before the Morettis arrive. The Boss doesn't want his 'charity case' looking like she’s been living in a dungeon, even if she has. Or maybe Isabella wants them to see exactly how we treat assets that lose their value."

"Is that the play, Viktor? Humiliation as a corporate strategy? Isabella is more desperate than I thought if she needs a French maid costume to exert dominance over me."

"It’s not just the dress, baby. Check the silk stockings and the lace. Isabella wants everyone to know you’re nothing but a servant at the Voss Estate. A pretty little thing to fetch drinks while the real players discuss the Moretti merger."

"She’s making a mistake. She wants me to be an object? Fine. But she forgot that objects can be very, very dangerous when they're underestimated. Tie this ribbon, Mikhail. And try not to drool on my spine."

"Careful, Valeria. That attitude is going to get you sent right back to the Undercellar once the guests leave. You look like a high-end escort. Maybe that was the point."

"The point is that Isabella wants a war. She just doesn't realize I’ve already hacked her perimeter. Tell the 'Luna' of this house I’ll be up shortly. I wouldn't want to keep the Moretti Empire waiting for their refreshments."

"Valeria, could you move any slower? We have the heads of the Moretti Empire in the dining hall and you’re walking like you’re in a funeral procession."

"My apologies, Isabella. These five-inch heels weren't exactly designed for efficiency in a high-tech estate. I’m doing my best to adapt to my 'new status'."

"Whose idea was this, Isabella? She looks like she’s auditioning for a role in a very different kind of industry. It’s unprofessional."

"It was mine, Vincent. I wanted to ensure there was no confusion among our guests. Valeria needs to understand her place is serving the Syndicate, not partaking in it. It’s a uniform befitting a girl with no Nero identity and even less respect."

"I’m just here to provide top-tier service, Mr. Voss. Would you like more of the vintage red? Or perhaps I should lean in closer so you can check the labels?"

"Valeria, that’s enough. Just serve the plates."

"She looks like a common hooker, Father. It’s embarrassing for the Voss name to have her in the room with Seraphina and the Voss Circle."

"Seraphina, hush. It’s not appropriate to discuss the help’s appearance at the table."

"Why not, Isabella? At least this way Valeria has a backup career for when you finally kick her out of the company. She could make a killing on the side with that cleavage."

"Enough, Brynn! Valeria, go serve Luca. He’s been waiting for his glass to be refilled for five minutes."

"Of course, Mr. Voss. I wouldn't want the Beta's son to go thirsty. He’s had his eyes on me since I walked in, haven’t you, Luca? Is the view from there to your liking?"

"I... I’m fine, Valeria. Just the water is okay."

"Are you sure? You look a little flushed. Maybe you need me to lean over and check the temperature for you? I’d hate for the Voss Syndicate’s golden boy to be uncomfortable."

"Valeria, fetch the condiments for the center of the table. Now."

"Certainly, Mr. Voss. I’ll just reach right across here... oops, did my skirt ride up? My apologies. It’s just so difficult to keep everything in place in such a 'functional' uniform."

"Isabella, I think we’ve made our point. This is becoming a distraction."

"Oh, is it, Vincent? I thought you wanted me to stand out. Is there anything else you need from the help? Or perhaps Luca needs another... personal touch with his service?"