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.

private

papers were signed and she told herself

dish. No matter how many times you wiped it clean, you'd

best, Mummy! You're

her

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

finished celebrating, Violet's voice drifted over faintly from

guessed she was covering the

it's late. I have to go

big yawn, trying her best

flat, emotionless. "Alright. Get some

Gwyneth of anything, didn't ask about school. She just

exactly what was happening-Gwyneth was eager to get to the fruit and cupcakes Violet had

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

then slipped gratefully under her warm

in, the one her

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

asleep the moment her

***

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

slept all night. The