The Ex-con Queen Strikes Back novel Chapter 12

Chapter 12

Freya stared at the empty ICU, her mind spinning. “Did they forgot to tell me, or do they just not care about their adopted daughter now that their real one’s back?”

She stomped her foot, stung her bag over her shoulder, and stormed home, steaming,

Walking through the door, she stopped cold. Yana was on the couch, chatting warmly with Skylar, their hands clasped.

Carles sat nearby, his face pale but his eyes bright, a content smile softening his features.

The three of them looked like a perfect family, making Freya feel like an outsider in her

Her grip tightened on her bag, nails digging into the leather.

Forcing a smile, she called out, “Dad, Mom,” her voice sugary sweet.

home.

She strolled to the couch and plopped down beside Yana, looping her arm through her mother’s with ease. “Dad got discharged and nobody told me?i went all the way to the hospital for nothing.”

Yana laughed, patting her hand. “Skylar agreed to come home, so we brought her back right away. We forgot to let you know.

She gave Freya a sorry look. “Don’t be mad, okay?‘

Truth was, Freya hadn’t been the most present daughter.

Since starting college, she rarely came home, spending more time partying with friends. No wonder the Lamberts didn’t think to call her

Freya’s blood simmered, but she kept her smile glued on ‘Two–faced snake, she thought, glaring inwardly at Skylar. ‘Said she didn’t want to come back, and here she is

Swallowing her anger, she chirped, “No big deal, Mom. It’s awesome that Skylar’s here.

Yana’s face softened, relieved. “I’m glad you feel that way,” she said. She’d worried Freya might resent Skylar’s return, but she seemed to be taking it well.

Maybe she’d overthought it.

Yana squeezed Freya’s hand, her voice sincere. “You’re both our daughters. Skylar’s return doesn’t change how much we care about you.”

“I know, Mom,” Freya said, forcing a tight smile, her jaw aching from the effort.

Her eyes flicked to Skylar. “Since she’s new here, why don’t I show her around?”

it was the perfect chance to size Skylar up, and Yana didn’t hesitate. “That’s a great idea. Go on, you two.”

Freya stood, looking down at Skylar with a smile that didn’t reach her eyes. “Come on, Skylar.”

Skylar’s lips curved into a faint, knowing grin as she got up, meeting Freya’s gaze head–on. “Thank you.”

Freya led Skylar upstairs, straight to her own room.

The Lambert family obviously spoiled Freya, and her room was proof a pink princess dreamland.

To the right, a huge walk–in closet overflowed with designer clothes and bags.

Freya gestured widely, her voice smug “Mom says I’m her little princess, so she had two extra rooms knocked out to make my closet. This room’s south- facing–best in the house.”

1/2

weo, 18 Jun G’A Q

Chapter 121

Skylar glanced around, her voice casual but pointed. “Nice setup”

Freya preened, soaking up her victory. “Obviously. I’m their only daughter; they’d do anything to spoil me

She caught hersell, pressing a hand to her mouth with lake embarrassment. “Oh, sorry…

She was saying sorry, but her eyes were showing anything but.

Skylar saw through the act right away, unfazed by the weak jab.

She didn’t bite, her gaze wandering elsewhere in the room.

Freya’s smugness v

swavered–her shot had missed, and it annoyed her,

Following, Skylar’s line of sight, she sneered. “Bet you’ve never seen stuff this nice before”

She grabbed a few dresses and some cheap jewelry she didn’t want, shoving them at Skylar. “Here, a welcome gift from me. Need anything, just ask”

Skylar didn’t budge, letting the items drop to the floor in a pile.

Freya’s face darkened, her voice tight. “What’s that supposed to mean?”

She glared at the scattered pile. “I’m trying to be nice, and you just trash my stuff? You don’t have to take it, but don’t be a jerk about it.”