Karma Doesn’t Sleep: The Revenge Queen Rises novel Chapter 11

A moment later, his voice broke the silence, as relaxed as ever. “I’m going to wake up the kids.”

Just as he reached the door, Clive paused and turned back. “Oh, by the way, I called Marian. She’ll be here soon to help out. She’s been our housekeeper for two years. Super reliable. If you need anything, just ask her.”

Amelia nodded, playing the part. “Okay.”

As soon as the door closed behind him, the softness on her face vanished. Her eyes turned sharp and cold.

She couldn’t shake the feeling that Clive didn’t want her anywhere near the kids. And Marian? She wasn’t here to help; she was here to keep an eye on her.

Downstairs, in the dining room, Timmy and Penny sat side by side with their breakfasts. Timmy kept sneaking glances at the staircase, clearly waiting for someone.

He tried to hold back, but finally, he couldn’t anymore. “Dad?”

Clive looked up from his phone. “Yeah?”

Timmy hesitated, chewing on his lip. He felt awkward—he couldn’t bring himself to say “Mom.”

“Why isn’t... she coming down to have breakfast with us?”

This morning, he’d gone all out. He picked his favorite little plaid jacket, even managed to tie his own tie, and sprayed on his best cologne. He figured, even if she couldn’t see him, maybe he’d let her hug him and feel his tie, just this once.

But she didn’t show up at all.

Timmy’s disappointment was obvious.

Clive noticed, but kept his tone even. “Timmy, your mom just got out of the hospital. She really needs to rest right now. Promise me you won’t bother her, alright?”

“Oh.” Timmy replied, deflated. He pouted, trying to sound casual. “It’s not like I especially wanted to have breakfast with her anyway.”

Penny hated it when her brother got mad at her. She stuck out her tongue and grumbled, “Fine, I won’t call her Momma Kristen in front of her.”

Timmy finally looked satisfied and went off to grab his backpack. As soon as he was out of sight, Penny sneakily used her smartwatch to call Kristen. Kristen picked up right away.

“Penny, sweetheart.”

“Momma Kristen, why aren’t you coming to take me to school today?” Penny whispered.

There was a pause before Kristen sighed. “Sorry, Penny. Your real mom is back now. I can’t come pick you up anymore—she’d be upset.”

Penny felt even angrier at this mom who had suddenly appeared out of nowhere.

Because of her, her brother scolded her, and now she wouldn’t even get to see Momma Kristen in the mornings. She was sure of it—this new mom was nothing but trouble.