There was less than a week before Conway was inaugurated and less than a day before the Senate voted on who would serve as his vice-president.

But within in that time, another leak came out about the White House.

Perhaps this one more damning than the last.

Frank Underwood was responsible for Zoe Barnes's death.

The Herald was the busiest it had been in decades. Sales had increased greatly; papers were being printed and sold in the masses.

Hammerschmidt's phone was ringing late into the night. He couldn't believe that just a few months earlier he was a recluse, living in total isolation.

Now it seemed as the universe decided to grant him a token of kindness. He was making huge leaps in his investigation through the aid of this unknown whistleblower.

To top it off, Frank had lost his presidency to Conway. It was only a matter of time before Frank was hit with several criminal charges and investigations.

Hammerschmidt knew he had to deliver the final blow to Frank; he had everything in his hands to do so.

But it seemed the universe wasn't finished with Hammerschmidt yet. Or maybe the Underwoods' had just burnt too many bridges and made too many enemies.

Aidan Macallan, who had been on the run from the authorities, decided to leak out NSA files. And what better place to leak information on the Underwoods' than in Russia?

"I bet you've been wondering how I've been holding up since the House vote. Well, to tell you the truth, I'm pissed as hell.

I haven't got a moment to waste. More leaks are coming out and are beginning to pile up. I thought by now we would be finished with Zoe Barnes. Apparently, no one can let the dead stay dead.

And Aidan, who I'm trying to get back on U.S. soil, released files that confirm what happened on Election Day.

I still have a few more days in office... unlike this leaker. I have my suspicions about their identity, which makes it all the more simpler on how to deal with them." Frank walked down the hallway, looking at each presidential painting as he passed by.

"Logically, I should be worried. I should be fearful. I should be considering resignation or impeachment. But as much as I value logic, it cannot be manipulated like emotion.

I cannot work with logic, but I can work with fear. I had already been creating chaos during the election. Now it's time to respond to chaos with even more chaos," He stated, gliding into the Oval Office.

"I just came out of the Situation Room after a briefing on ICO. Their objective right now is acquiring nuclear weapons or any sort of lethal weapons like explosives and gas. I also learned that there are many ICO sympathizers living in the U.S. as we speak."

Frank placed his hands on the Resolute Desk as he leaned forward, whispering:

"Screw logic. My legacy will be built on fear. Future historians will see me as America's protector. The country can be bombed for all I care. Countless more people can be beheaded. What truly matters is that I am the one left standing with the American flag draped around me."

Knock, knock.

A lanky and anxious young man was brought to Hammerschmidt's office since he claimed he had information on Doug Stamper.

Hammerschmidt was eager to hear this, but was sorely disappointed when he saw the man known as Gavin Orsay.

"What information do you have on Doug Stamper?" Hammerschmidt eyed the man skeptically.

"I helped him locate Rachel Posner. But before that, I was the one who got Lucas Goodwin locked up," The man lowered his head shamefully.

"...I knew your name sounded familiar...You're the one who- Did you come here out of guilt?" Hammerschmidt could feel his anger rising deep within him. "Did the news of what happened to Lucas finally reach you?"

"It took a while... but yes, it did," Gavin sighed. "I'm as responsible for his death as what drove him to assassinate the president."

"So where have you been this whole time? Why didn't you come sooner?"

"I was in Venezuela. Doug flew down there just to force me to give him Rachel's location. He beat me; he threatened me! What was I supposed to do? I wanted to say something, but I was scared. Doug... he's crazy. He's violent. I know he murdered Rachel. He was obsessed with her," Orsay murmured.

"Then I caught the news about Lucas and what he did. That was when I decided to come back and see if it was safe again. I saw you speaking to CNN about the investigation. I knew I could tell you." Orsay fumbled with his fingers, nervous that Hammerschmidt wouldn't believe him.

"About Rachel, her friend came here the other day. She believes Doug also killed her," Hammerschmidt flipped through his notes.

"Lisa?"

"You know her?"

"Yeah! I lied to her to get information about Rachel because Doug told me to. We became friends, but I had to leave. She would still recognize me, right? Even if I lied about my name?"

Hammerschmidt felt pity for Gavin in all honesty. He seemed to develop paranoia as he kept glancing behind his shoulder and picking his fingernails. He probably lost sleep thinking that one day Doug would appear to finish the job like he did with Rachel.

"Well, I believe so. But there's only one way to be sure of that. She'll have to come down here with you. I can call her and ask her too."

"Please. This needs to end. I'm so tired of everything," Gavin pleaded.

"It will. I'm going to call her back immediately. Everything with the Underwoods' ends now."

"It's expected that the Senate wouldn't take long in their decision.

Washington is just as jaded with politics as the American people. Ironic huh?

For once, Congress wanted to be known for progress.

But to everyone, the country is vulnerable right now. There has only been turmoil. I almost feel sympathy for how naïve they are. If they think this is bad, I'm about to raise hell on Earth." Frank went into the bedroom to see Claire in there. He made a quick U-turn when he saw her, but she called him back.

"Francis, wait."

"What is it, Claire?"

"These leaks... I feel like Doug is behind them," Claire slowly approached her husband.

"Really? Doug?"

"He would be the only logical one to do something like this. He's the only one who knows about-"

Frank laughed wickedly at his wife. "And here I thought it was Cathy. But she couldn't possibly know any of that!"

"Of course not. This is Doug's final act as chief of staff against us."

"You must really take me for a fool, Claire. Doug actually knows something of loyalty," Frank's eyes blazed. "What would he have to gain from this?"

"He's probably tired of the way we treat him. How we have taken him for granted through the years. A person's loyalty only extends so far."

"How dare you!" Francis yelled in her face. "How dare you have the nerve to speak of loyalty and being taken for granted! Just come out and say it, Claire! Passive-aggressiveness doesn't suit you! At least admit you were the leaker! You and Leann, thick as thieves!"

"I have no idea what you're talking about, Francis," She glared pointedly at him.

"You know exactly what I'm talking about," Francis's voice dropped down several octaves. "Is this what you want to hear? Congratulations. You cost us the election."

"If you're worried about our legacy, this can still be one nation, Underwood. Or is it just your legacy you're concerned about? My choices, my career, and my life have always been expendable for yours."

"We are supposed to be a team. But there's something I just realized. I can work from the shadows where the real power is."

"What are you suggesting?"

"We get rid of Conway, you become president and choose me to be vice-president, then you resign and hand me the presidency."

"I'm not giving up the presidency," Claire replied instantly.

Francis was taken back by this statement. He nearly shoved her against the wall for her insolence. But then a Secret Service agent knocked on the door and told them that the results were in.

They walked into the conference room to a round of applause.

Claire's eyes beamed as she heard many congratulations. She looked over to Leann who gave her a slight nod.

"You have officially made history, Mrs. Underwood," Leann smiled.

"Thank you, Leann. And you did a job well done."

"Thank you. Anyway, I wanted to tell you that Conway and his family are on their way here. Which should be interesting."

"Yes, it should."

While Claire and Leann talked, Frank made his way towards Doug, who looked deeply troubled.

"Sir, I failed you. I'm so sorry."

"Doug, you did more than enough for me. I appreciate it."

"I couldn't take care of the leaks or the articles..."

"I already have taken care of the leaks," He gestured towards Claire. But the articles... I wanted to discuss that with you over dinner."

"Isn't Conway coming over though, sir? Shouldn't you eat with him?"

"I don't want to see him anymore than I have to. You're the one who I need to make the most of my time with."

"Sir?"

"We'll talk later, Doug. Right now, I have to prepare for that narcissist. Make sure every reflection is clear enough for him," Frank grimaced.

Doug's mouth was pressed into a firm line as he watched Frank walk away from him. His mind was racing about what exactly they would talk about and if it could help them in any way.

He desperately wanted to stay by Frank's side; he wanted to continue assisting him. But that bitch, Claire, had ruined everything.

He was the only person Frank had left and he needed to protect him from Conway and Claire. He needed to protect the person he devoted most of his career to.

Bright camera flashes surrounded Will and Claire as they posed in front of the White House. Conway gave the media his winning grin while shaking Claire's hand. He felt so much in his element while Claire felt out of hers.

She was satisfied that she had won, but the reality of working with Conway hit her. Well, hopefully, it would not be for long.

"I can't wait to meet with my new VP," Conway glanced at her.

"We do have a lot to go over," Claire did not even turn to face him.

"Hopefully I can convince you that I'm not the bad guy here. That it would serve you better to actually work with me."

"Then I'll look forward to it later," Claire finally looked at him. He had a smile plastered on his face, but she knew there was a sociopathic nature behind it.

From the side, Frank never took his eyes off Conway. He wanted to see every move he made, hear every word he said to Claire, and study his every action.

Conway's eye briefly met Frank's and a shudder ran through his spine. He couldn't explain where this came from as Frank had never intimidated him before. He wouldn't allow him to.

A disturbed expression must have ghosted Conway's face as Claire asked, "What's wrong?"

"It's nothing," Conway responded, looking at the sadistic smile Frank was giving him.

Conway had been invited to stay the night at the White House while his family stayed at a nearby hotel. Claire decided that it would be better if he stayed since they had several things to discuss, which would take the remainder of the night.

"You don't mind, do you?" She questioned.

"No, I've stayed up later remember," He answered, walking beside her towards the Oval.

"That's what I thought. But I just wanted to make sure," Claire let him go first into the Oval. "I'll talk to you later in the night. Francis wanted to discuss something first with you. It shouldn't take long." She smiled wanly as if she wanted to say something more. But she decided against it and left.

Frank was seated at his desk as Conway stood by the door, frowning at him.

"Sit down, Will. You're making me anxious just standing like that," Frank ordered.

Conway took a few steps closer, but remained standing. "Me making you anxious? That's a first."

"It will certainly be entertaining to have you around," Frank chuckled, rising up. "Your humor never fails to amuse me."

"What is it you want, Frank?" Conway rolled his eyes as Frank opened a door in the wall. "I have better things to do than entertain you. And I know you're not going to congratulate me."

"Why would I congratulate you? You have won nothing," Frank gestured for Conway to enter.

"Ah, I see. You can't accept the fact that people actually voted me into this position. Something you couldn't possibly relate to because you manipulated and cheated your way to being president," Conway bit back, not budging an inch.

"Don't tell me the heroic and courageous Will Conway is scared to go inside?" Frank's smirk never left his pale face. Conway scowled, slowly walking into the dark passageway. He walked down the winding stairs, trying to avoid being close to Frank. The man seemed even more unhinged than usual.

"Were you aware that Claire was the leaker?" Frank stood at the top of the stairs; the light illuminating his silhouette.

"You're bluffing," Conway looked up in disbelief.

"I wish I was."

"Why would she even do that?"

"Because she's a treacherous and lying woman. I'm only telling you to warn you. If she could betray me, her partner, then she could easily do the same to you."

"I don't know why she even married you. It's only taken her thirty years to realize the type of man you are?"Conway retorted.

"The type of man? You mean a powerful, relentless, ambitious, intellectual and political mastermind?" Frank took heavy, drawn-out steps down the stairs.

"You give yourself far too much credit, Frank." Conway moved back on reflex as Frank approached him.

Frank's eyes seemed to glow in the dark as he stared at the man. "We're both the same type of men. Just on opposite ends of the spectrum and parties."

Conway realized how much of a mistake it was to be down here with this maniac. Frank looked like a snake about to lunge; it only took one thing to set him off.

"I'm going back upstairs," Conway tried to move past Frank, but Frank didn't allow him to get around. "I have to talk with Claire. It's important."

Frank suddenly snapped, pushing him against the wall. "More important than talking to the president?"

"What the hell, Frank?!" Conway shouted.

"The Boy Wonder has no idea what he's up against," Frank shifted his eyes to the side before turning his attention back to Conway. "Tell me, Will, just how much of this did you plan?"

"Get the hell away from me!" Conway pushed Frank off of him and tried to escape.

Immediately, Frank's hand wrapped itself around Conway's throat and tightened, preventing him from going anywhere.

"You want the presidency?" Frank hissed. "Then take it." As soon as he started to choke him, he released him.

Conway prepared himself for a fight, but Frank was already halfway up the stairs. He reached the door, letting the light shine in. He glanced down with a blank expression:

"You coming?"

Doug's knife cut into the tender steak as he listened to Frank. The president had been sure to serve Doug's favorite meal, which Doug greatly appreciated.

It was just the two of them in the dining room; each sitting on the opposite ends of the long table.

"I just finished explaining to Doug all of the day's events," Frank paused. "Well, most of them. I don't think he would like the part about Conway. And why would I want to ruin this lovely candlelit dinner?"

"I knew we shouldn't have brought in Leann," Doug stated angrily.

"Nothing we can do about her now...that is nothing except charge her for conspiring with Aidan," Frank took a sip of his drink.

"That could work, sir. It would leave Claire without a chief of staff, and one less person to rely on."

"Exactly."

"But, sir. What about the murder allegations? I worry that they will start filing charges against you."

"Doug, you know how important you are to me. I couldn't have gotten this position without you. I owe so much to you."

"Thank you, sir. But I feel like I owe a lot to you as well."

"Nonsense. You have always been at my side, through thick and thin. It would take a lifetime for me to repay you for your service. For your loyalty."

"But, Frank, you saved me from myself."

"Yes, and you saved me countless times," Frank took another sip from his glass. "What I'm about to ask from you makes this so much harder. Doug... would you confess to Zoe's murder?"

"...You want me to be arrested for a murder I didn't commit?" Doug's heart dropped.

"Doug, you would do anything for me? Isn't that what you led me to believe?"

"Yes... But... I might never be released...I wouldn't be there for you anymore."

"This hurts so much, Doug. More than you could imagine. But I guarantee you will be by my side again. This will just be temporary. I plan to get you pardoned... and myself as well."

"How, sir?"

"Claire. She will eventually be president. And she will pardon us because if not I will kill her."

"And Conway?" Doug practically spat out.

"He won't be here long. If everything goes correctly, he'll resign. If not, Claire or I will kill him."

Doug thought about this for a moment. He trusted Frank; he believed in him unconditionally. "Okay. I'll do it. But at least inform me of your plan?"

"Chaos. Pure and utter chaos. Before the inauguration, I will make sure this country knows what a mistake it was to lose an Underwood."

"Burn the capital down if you have to, Francis," Doug whispered, before standing up. He wiped his mouth and hands with the napkin. "I'll turn myself in, but what about Leann? She should be arrested too."

"Call the Herald. They seem to be the source now," Frank suggested, getting up from his chair.

"They won't be expecting this," Doug smirked.

"Certainly not," Frank's face mirrored Doug's as he strode towards him. "It has been a pleasure working with you, Doug."

"You as well, sir."

And Frank's hand grasped Doug's, shaking it for the last time.

"Ma'am, have you seen Tom anywhere?" Leann asked as she caught up with Claire on her to way to meet Conway.

"He left yesterday," Claire answered stoically.

"Oh? What happened?"

"He served his purpose here. I saw no reason to keep him here any longer."

"Well, that's good. I was actually going to suggest that you let him go since... well, you know, Conway."

"Yes, I understand," Claire looked at her almost gently. "Leann, I didn't properly thank you for everything you did for me. To be honest, I was worried it would backfire. I thought I might actually lose the vice-presidency because of the controversy."

"I thought of that possibility too. But then why did you want me to leak the information to the Herald?"

"I saw that the benefits outweighed the costs if it worked out. Which it has. It was a risk worth taking."

"Yes, I guess it was," Leann smiled tiredly. "Well, goodnight, Mrs. Underwood. Let me know

"One more thing, Leann. Can you send up a bottle of champagne?"

Conway had been staring blankly at the portrait above the table for several minutes. What had just happened between him and Frank was haunting him.

It was something more frightening than murder.

It was almost like Frank wanted to force himself-

No.

He didn't want to think about it any longer. It was really unnerving him.

But the memory kept replaying in his head.

The door swung open, revealing a Claire holding two champagne glasses and bottle.

"You're going to try and get me drunk?" Conway sneered.

"I thought we could start off with some champagne. Is there something wrong with celebrating tonight?"

Conway didn't answer her; only taking the glasses from her and popping the cork.

"Thank you," Claire took the glass he poured for her.

"It's a good thing those protestors finally left," Conway took a shaky sip of his glass.

"I thought they never would," Claire's blue eyes carefully analyzed his uneasiness.

"So..." Conway felt awkward suddenly. "Is there anything you're going to want from me? Like my soul?"

Claire snickered. "What use would I have with that? No, I want something more useful. I want to live in the White House too."

"Hell no!" Conway looked at her incredulously. "Especially not with Frank around."

"This is not too unreasonable, Will. I don't see the problem."

"I refuse to. Look, I can give you some time to move out. But you and Frank are not staying here permanently."

"Fine," Claire took a drink from her glass. "Now onto more important things like foreign affairs."

It seemed like hours passed as they both discussed relevant political topics and were surprised to find they agreed on many things.

They were actually working together unlike with Frank.

Then, their temporary peace was ruined by the Secret Service barging into the room.

"Excuse us, we're having a meeting," Conway declared.

"We apologize, but we need you both to come with us," the agent said.

Downstairs, Doug Stamper and Leann Harvey were being led out of the White House in handcuffs.

"What do you think you're doing? Release her!" Claire demanded.

"This woman is under arrest for conspiring with Aidan Macallan, tampering with an election, and stealing NSA files."

"That is not true!" Claire's usually calm demeanor had turned to one of frustration. "Where did you even get that from?"

"Claire-" Leann looked at the woman sadly.

"Have you seen the news lately? The Herald just broke the story. But even then, she admitted to it after questioning."

"What is going on here?" Frank walked in dressed in his robe.

"Lead these two to the car," one officer ordered. "Sir, Mr. Stamper and Miss Harvey are being taken into police custody after confessing to alleged crimes."

"No! Doug, I will provide you the best lawyer! Don't say anything else!" Frank exclaimed.

"Leann, I don't know what you said, but until your lawyer gets there you don't talk to anyone," Claire instructed.

Meanwhile, Conway was just wondering what he had gotten himself into. This administration was more dysfunctional than he thought.

Doug looked back at Frank with a sorrowful expression, knowing he had finally sacrificed all he had for the man. But even then, he held no regrets.

Leann hung her head in shame as she had been loyal to a fault. She couldn't keep lying anymore about what she had done. But she also couldn't throw Claire under the bus.

Now that these two sacrificial pawns had paid the ultimate price, it was all up to Frank and Claire to destroy each other without help from anyone else. They were all out of pieces and allies.

And somehow, Conway was stuck in the crosshairs.

"I know you set Leann up, Francis," Claire's eyes narrowed into slits.

"Just like you set me up? I only did what I had to. If I lost Doug, then you lost Leann," Frank circled her like a shark. "Actually that's not quite right. You set her up yourself when you decided to start leaking things."

"You are beyond despicable."

"That's coming from the wife that destroyed everything we worked for because of her selfishness!"

"Is what I did any different from what you've done before?"

"Yes, because I worked for both our interests! I made sure neither one of us was left behind to suffer!" Francis yelled, continuing to pace the Oval. "Even right now, I'm still trying to help! You can still pardon them from their crimes! You can even pardon me!"

"By taking the presidency from Conway?"

"That seems to be the one thing we agree on."

"Francis, are you jealous?"

"Of Conway? Please. Claire, you insult me."

"Not of him. Of me. Because I get to work with him," Claire was now the one circling him. "I have seen the way you look at him."

"I want him dead. And I want to be the one to do it," Frank didn't even blink as he said this.

Cathy Durant suddenly rushed in, looking frantic.

"Francis, there's been a chemical attack in Syria. ICO has claimed responsibility."

"How many casualties?" Frank never broke eye contact with his wife.

"Around 30,000 civilians. You're wanted in the Situation Room immediately."

"I'll be right there." Frank turned his attention elsewhere.

"We're rapidly reaching the conclusion of our tale. Oh, how frustrating it is to not have Doug here. But I'm still not done yet. I still have an ace up my sleeved. Once I get down to the Situation Room I am going to launch troops into Syria. Not because I want to destroy ICO. Quite the opposite; I want them to grow stronger and become even more formidable.

I want to see Sir Lancelot and Claire try to clean that mess up.

I want... them to know what real terror feels like when I slit their throats and let their blood run down the front steps as I walk out to greet the American people."