Karma Doesn’t Sleep: The Revenge Queen Rises novel Chapter 84

“Whatever you want,” Timmy said with a shrug. “I’m off to play on the computer. Don’t bug me.”

He slipped into the computer room and shut the door, but left it open just a crack—on purpose. Through the tiny gap, he peeked out and watched Penny, silently counting down in his head.

Three… two… one.

Right on cue, Penny—unable to resist temptation—made her move. Trying to look casual, she shuffled over to the little table. Timmy had totally called it, so he’d already opened the box of mango cupcakes just for her.

Penny wasted no time. She took a quick, greedy bite, her face lighting up with pure joy as she did a little happy dance right there on the spot.

Timmy pressed his lips together, holding back a laugh. That smug, I-knew-it look was written all over his face.

Satisfied, he finally closed the door, popped on his headphones, and dove into his game.

Out in the living room, Penny used both hands to tuck her hair behind her ears, just about to go in for a second bite when her phone suddenly rang.

Her heart skipped. That ringtone—she’d set it especially for Momma Kristen.

Penny froze, hovering between cupcake and phone. She shot one last longing look at the treat, then dashed off to answer.

“Hi, Momma Kristen,” she said, trying not to sound guilty.

“Hey, Penny. What are you up to?” Kristen asked.

“I…” Penny glanced at the cupcake, now missing a bite, and suddenly felt like she’d been caught doing something bad. She mumbled, “I was just practicing piano with Timmy.”

If Momma Kristen knew she’d eaten that mean woman’s cupcake, she’d be so sad.

Kristen didn’t press. Her voice was as gentle as ever. “Tomorrow’s Saturday, right? Didn’t you say you wanted to go to the aquarium? I can take you. We’ll bring your brother too.”

“Yes!” Penny squealed, instantly brightening up. “You’re the best, Momma Kristen! Let’s ask Daddy to come, too. We haven’t all gone out together in forever!”

Kristen laughed, warm and affectionate. “Of course, sweetheart. Whatever you want. We’ll be out all day, so I’ll bake your favorite cupcakes and pack some fruit for the trip.”

Desperate, Penny rushed to make herself clear. “I only want Momma Kristen! I don’t want that mean woman to be my mom. I don’t like her at all—none of us do! She even got in a fight with Auntie today, and Daddy was super mad!” The words tumbled out, fast and frantic.

On the other end, Kristen listened quietly, watering her windowsill plants as she took in everything Penny said.

When Penny finished, Kristen’s hand froze mid-air.

“She hit someone?” Kristen repeated, sounding surprised, though her expression was flat, her lips curling in a dry, almost mocking smile.

“Yeah, she’s terrible. Nobody likes her. Not like you, Momma Kristen—everyone loves you. I just want you!” Penny said, her voice sweet and determined. “So, we’re meeting at the aquarium tomorrow morning, okay? It’s a plan!”

She said it all in one breath, and then, scared Kristen might say no, hung up right away.

The moment she hung up, Penny called her dad, hoping he’d join her, Timmy, and Momma Kristen for a fun day at the aquarium. It had been so long since the four of them had gone out together.

But this time, unlike every other call, her dad didn’t answer. The phone just rang and rang, until finally it went to voicemail.