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."

Chloe kicked me away in disgust and turned to Omero. "Omero, I'm tired. Walk me back?"

Omero looked at me sprawled on the ground. He hesitated for a moment. But in the end, he chose Chloe.

I reached for Ruby beside me, her breath barely there, and called after him one last time. "My lord, could you at least send for Dr. Pastore?"

Omero opened his mouth to give the order, but Chloe cut him off. "No one calls for any doctor. I've already spared her life. Whether she survives is her own fate."

Omero looked back at me, something unreadable churning behind his eyes. His jaw tightened. Then he walked away.

Everything I had held together shattered in that moment. I screamed at his retreating back, "Omero Rossetti, I want an annulment!"

Chloe had just reached the doorway. She laughed out loud and nudged Omero playfully. "She says she wants an annulment. Aren't you going to go coax her?"

Omero glared at me, visibly annoyed.

No need to coax her. She's just throwing a tantrum. She'd never survive outside this compound.

Besides, she's been pregnant twice and she's a second-time bride. Who else would want her but me?