I thought the weight of hundreds of dead souls from Millhaven on his conscience would be enough to buy one life. I still underestimated how shameless he was.
"Penny, stop. I can't help you this time."
"Chloe's been through a trauma. She's always been sensitive and stubborn. If Ruby doesn't die, Chloe won't be able to sleep."
And then I finally understood. In Omero's heart, the lives of ordinary people weren't worth as much as one good night's rest for Chloe Volpe.
I shoved him away and dragged my broken body across the floor toward the courtyard. The compound was silent around us, the household staff pressed against walls, eyes averted, the way people in this world learned to become invisible when blood was on the ground. I collapsed at Chloe's feet, clutching the hem of her skirt. "Signora, please spare Ruby. It was all my fault."
Chloe looked down at me with a satisfied smirk. Her fingers traced the edge of her sleeve with slow, almost loving precision. "Your fault how?"
"I'm lowborn. I should never have troubled the Family doctor."
"I should never have displeased you."
"Enough. The sight of you covered in blood is revolting."