The Perfect Wife's Perfect Revenge

Chapter 117

Hearing that it was her daughter calling, Victoria let out a small sigh of relief.

For a moment, she'd thought McNeil was up to some new mischief again.

"Mummy, tomorrow's my birthday. Will you come?"

Gwyneth's voice was plaintive and hopeful.

Victoria paused, realizing it had been nearly five days since she last heard from Gwyneth-the longest stretch since she'd promised her that new video game.

She must have grown tired of asking. Every time, Victoria told her, "Wait until your birthday."

Now, at last, the day had come.

"Yes, I'll bring your game over tomorrow," Victoria replied.

Gwyneth squealed with delight on the other end, but as soon as the words left her mouth, Victoria regretted it.

Gwyneth was almost certainly staying at Winding Peak Lane with Violet. Bringing her birthday present meant Victoria would have to go there too.

And that house-Violet's house-was the one place Victoria dreaded most.

and McNeil's home for six years, their private haven—until he went and bought an identical one for

signed and she told herself she no longer cared,

as if someone had spat into her favorite dish. No matter how many times

best,

her joy

McNeil, I cut up some fruit. Come have some. Gwyn, I made your favorite cupcakes too—but don't eat too many sweets

Gwyneth finished celebrating, Violet's voice drifted over faintly from

tone dropped to a whisper. Victoria guessed she was covering the phone with her

have to go

a big yawn, trying

emotionless.

of anything, didn't ask about school.

eager to get to the fruit and cupcakes

After being jolted awake by Gwyneth's call, Victoria's tiredness was starting

then slipped gratefully under her

room was the one she'd grown up in, the one

though she were wrapped in her mother's arms. For the first time in a while, Victoria's mind was blissfully

asleep the moment her head hit

***

morning, Victoria woke to find a text from Gwyneth waiting on her phone. "Mummy, I'm home!

slept all night. The moment