Chapter 31

EMILIANA

“And what about your children?” I asked. Polienni’s jaw tensed; I had touched another sensitive nerve. I leaned back in my chair, feeling like we were finally getting somewhere. “It must have been tough for them to get used to having an intruder living in their house.”

The mayor adopted an offended attitude; it seemed like my words had struck a chord with him, and it was clear that he was deeply affected. “Roberto and Lilianne adored their cousin. From the moment Venice walked through the door, they treated her like one of their own. And my wife and I made sure not to show any favoritism among the three,” he stated defensively.

To be honest, I was starting to feel quite fond of the Polienni siblings. It would be natural for them to harbor some resentment towards the victim, especially at the beginning of their relationship, and even more so if they were children.

“So... were they close?” I repeated to make sure I understood correctly. He nodded in ag