Karma Doesn’t Sleep: The Revenge Queen Rises novel Chapter 18

“So, Penny, who are you giving that little gold star to?”

Penny didn’t even have to think. “Of course it’s for you! You came all the way just for me. Besides my brother and Daddy, you are my favorite person in the world!”

Listening to her daughter call Kristen “Momma” again and again, her voice so sweet and happy, Amelia felt like a hundred tiny needles jabbing right into her heart. The pain was sharp, stealing her breath.

“I love you the most, too,” Kristen replied with a warm smile. “I’ll keep this star forever. Come on, let’s hurry back. Daddy and everyone else are waiting for us.”

Kristen’s “Daddy” meant Clive, of course.

Her casual, affectionate tone made it sound like they were one big, happy family—like nothing could ever go wrong.

Amelia squeezed her cane so hard her hand ached, desperate to keep her emotions from boiling over. The click of Kristen’s heels drew closer and closer. Without thinking, Amelia ducked into the stairwell next to her, pressing herself into the shadows.

Peeking through a crack in the door, she watched as Kristen strolled by, holding Penny’s hand.

Penny wore a frilly princess dress, skipping along and swinging Kristen’s hand, every now and then looking up at her with a beaming, adoring smile.

Amelia’s eyes blurred with tears. That was her daughter, the little girl she’d nearly died to bring into the world. She’s now calling another woman “Momma” with so much trust and love.

Almost against her will, Amelia found herself following after them.

Kristen led Penny to the door of a private room. She opened it and slipped inside, but Amelia hung back just outside, listening. Laughter and playful voices spilled out. Someone called, “Mrs. Salmeron is here!”

Amelia would know that voice anywhere. It’s Michael. Clive’s childhood friend and college roommate.

“Daddy!” Penny’s bright voice rang out. She ran right into Clive’s arms. The guy next to Clive quickly stood up and said, “Oops! Sorry, didn’t mean to take Mrs. Salmeron’s seat.”

Kristen just smiled shyly and didn’t protest, slipping in close next to Clive, their shoulders almost touching.

Penny giggled, grabbing Clive’s big hand and putting it on top of Kristen’s. “Daddy, your hand is so warm! Momma Kristen’s hands are cold. Can you warm them up for her?”

The scene made Amelia’s heart ache, the pain twisting inside her.

While she’d spent five years trapped in a coma, Kristen had taken her place, making Penny believe she was her real mom. And Clive—her so-called loving husband—just let it happen.

No. Amelia realized, maybe this was exactly what Clive had wanted all along.