Chapter 33
“No, because he is a man of trust,” Chloe stated.
“And what makes him so?” Damien asked. The exaggerated arch of his eyebrows betrayed his feigned interest.
“On my honor,” she avowed, “Gilles would never fail us.”
Even when the Verdier estate had teetered on the edge of ruin, Gilles Watteau had staunchly refused to desert his post. His loyalty was unquestionable.
“So you stake your claim on the Thisse name,” Damien twisted her words, his gaze sharp and penetrating. Chloe understood his insinuation. He was challenging her suitability as a duchess—yet another reminder that their marriage of convenience was devoid of love.
“On my dearly departed mother’s grave,” Chloe corrected herself, then added, “I swear there is no scandalous liaison between Mr. Gilles Watteau and myself.”
“Poor Gilles would be disappointed to hear that.”