Karma Doesn’t Sleep: The Revenge Queen Rises novel Chapter 89

Clive still wasn’t home, even though it was getting really late.

Amelia honestly didn’t care. She never wasted her energy worrying about what he was up to.

Penny, though, was another story. She sat on her bed, clutching her phone, calling Clive again and again like she had something super urgent to talk to him about.

Amelia knocked on the door to the kids’ room.

“Timmy, Penny, I’m coming in.” The door wasn’t closed all the way, so she pushed it open. She caught Penny hurriedly hiding her phone behind her back, those big, shiny eyes darting with guilt.

“What do you want?” Penny’s voice was flat and unfriendly.

She’d just been sending Dad a voice message—telling him all about her plans to go to the aquarium with Momma Kristen tomorrow. No way was she letting this mean lady find out about it.

And for some weird reason, even though she knew this “bad woman” couldn’t see, every time Penny looked at her, she couldn’t help but remember that mango cupcake she’d tossed in the trash…

Amelia definitely noticed Penny hiding the phone. Not that it didn’t sting, but she knew better than to push.

“Penny, it’s late. Time for a bath and bed, okay?”

She’d already gotten the rundown from Marian. Timmy had always been independent—he started bathing himself earlier this year.

But Penny? She was spoiled and stubborn. She hated baths unless the tub was overflowing with bubbles and toys, and someone was there to tell her stories. The only person she’d ever willingly listen to was Kristen.

So, as expected, the second Amelia suggested bath time, Penny shot her down.

“I don’t want to take a bath.”

Amelia tried again, softer this time. “How about I help you get cleaned up a little? You’ve been at school all day. You must be a little sweaty, and we don’t want you to smell, do we?”

“I don’t—” Penny started to argue, but then she remembered: tomorrow she’d be with Momma Kristen all day at the aquarium.

If Momma Kristen thought she smelled, that would be a disaster.

She hesitated, looking annoyed.

“Fine. But only if Marian helps me.”

Amelia was ready. She smiled and said, “One of my friends introduced me to a really great eye doctor. My eyesight’s a little better now, but I still have to wear sunglasses because my eyes are sensitive to light.”

She’d faked being blind long enough. With her going back to work next week, it was time to let everyone know she was “better.”

Penny pulled her hand back, hesitating. She still wasn’t sure if she wanted Amelia to help her with her bath.

Amelia coaxed, “Penny, I’m really good at telling stories. You can pick any one you want tonight.”

“…Really?” Penny actually looked tempted. Besides, if she didn’t get clean, what if Momma Kristen thought she was gross tomorrow?

She thought about it for a few seconds, then finally nodded, still acting like she was doing Amelia a favor.

“Okay, but just this once.”

Amelia smiled, went to the bathroom, and started running the bathwater. Penny went to pick out her pajamas, then started heading for the bathroom. But halfway there, she suddenly spun around and ran up to Timmy.

“Don’t you dare tell Momma Kristen I let the mean lady help me with my bath, okay?”