Karma Doesn’t Sleep: The Revenge Queen Rises novel Chapter 218

The night was quiet and deep, the cool breeze outside kept away by the closed window.

In the bedroom, only a single floor lamp lit the space with a soft golden glow. It was the color of a sunset’s last light—warm and gentle, not harsh at all.

Amelia sat at the edge of Penny’s bed, keeping a silent vigil over her daughter. One arm wrapped around Penny’s small shoulders, holding her close.

Amelia had her eyes closed, pretending to nap, but she never really slept. Whenever Penny stirred or whimpered in her arms, Amelia would gently pat her back, soothing her without a word.

Slowly, Penny calmed down, instinctively snuggling closer. She was still uncomfortable, her little face puckered in a frown, her tiny hand gripping Amelia’s shirt, rubbing it absentmindedly.

It smelled nice.

Not like Momma Kristen’s fancy perfume, but something else—something softer, like grass warmed by sunlight. It wrapped around her, cozy and safe, and for the first time all night, Penny’s tense eyebrows relaxed.

She struggled to open her eyes, everything blurry, and saw Amelia’s tired face, her head drooping, almost asleep.

This bad woman.

Penny froze.

Then she remembered Momma Kristen, and right away her chest tightened with resistance. This woman was from Momma Kristen’s side!

She tried to pull away, weakly, but the bad woman looked even more tired than she was. Still, her hand moved automatically, gently patting Penny’s back, slow and steady, never stopping.

“Don’t be scared, sweetheart. Mommy’s right here,” Amelia mumbled softly.

Penny hesitated. The unease in her heart faded a little with each gentle pat. When she noticed Amelia’s eyelids twitch, as if she might wake up, Penny quickly shut her own eyes tight.

Then she felt a warm hand press softly against her forehead.

She heard Amelia let out a quiet sigh of relief.

“Thank goodness, no more fever.”

Penny stayed quiet.

This bad woman’s hand felt different from Momma Kristen’s. Momma Kristen’s hands were always so soft, but this woman’s palm was rough, with hard patches.

Penny’s thoughts swirled, making her head feel heavier. She’d only meant to pretend she was asleep, but before long, she drifted off for real, her head nestled on Amelia’s lap, breathing soft and even.

Amelia didn’t dare fall into a deep sleep, worried Penny’s fever might come back. Any little sound made her open her eyes right away.

So when her phone buzzed with a message from Cameron, she woke up instantly, grabbing her phone and checking the time.

It was already ten past midnight.

She remembered Clive’s promise—he’d sent her a message, swearing he’d be home before midnight.

Clive was a jerk, but he treated the kids okay. If he’d come home, he would’ve at least peeked in on Penny. But he hadn’t, which meant he wasn’t back yet.

A wave of bitter sarcasm filled Amelia’s eyes.

Typical. Just more empty promises from that lying dog.

But when she unlocked her phone, she was surprised. The message was from Cameron.