I had always believed that falling for Frederico Valente was the greatest mistake of my life. I never imagined that falling for Omero Rossetti would prove a far worse one.
……
"Just now, one of the maids from the compound came by. Your attendant turned her away, but I think I heard her say Penelope is pregnant..."
Omero's hand tightened around his teacup. It nearly slipped from his grip, but he was always composed. Within a breath, his expression smoothed over.
"I won't let her carry it to term."
"That's your own flesh and blood."
"Her womb carried another man's seed once. I find that repulsive. Besides, she spent her whole life handling corpses. Any child she bears could come out a freak."
Omero turned to the attendant standing nearby. "Tell Nora Bianchi to mix the poison into the lady's meals. Be careful about it. Don't let her find out."
His friend let out a sigh. "Penelope really is pitiful..."