I let out a bitter laugh. "Was it really about the Commission? Or were you afraid your precious Chloe would lose her position?"
Omero's brow creased. Whatever guilt had been in his eyes vanished, replaced by cold displeasure. "That was all my decision. Chloe had nothing to do with it. Leave her out of this."
Even now, he was still shielding Chloe. The last thread of hope in me snapped.
"Then what about my children? The first one, fine. I'll blame myself for grieving too hard to protect it. But the second?"
Omero saw that I had ripped away the final veil, and he stopped pretending. "Yes. I had someone take care of it."
"I wasn't ready to be a father."
"Even now, you're still lying to me..."
"Penny, stop this. Whatever I've done, I owe you. I've sworn a blood oath. I'll make it up to you. I'll give you a life of wealth and protection, secure in your place as my wife for the rest of your days."
I didn't want to hear another hollow promise. "Omero, I don't want any of it. I'll give up everything. Just grant me the annulment and set yourself free."
"If you're worried I'll expose the massacre, you can have my life too."
"All I'm asking is that you save Ruby."