Chapter 3 Zoey's sudden arrival felt like a poison needle stabbing into Penelope's heart . A strange , metallic taste filled her mouth , and she started coughing so hard it felt like her lungs were being ripped apart . " You already know Penelope can't stand the sight of you . Why would you show up here again ? Are you asking for trouble ? " Caiden's eyebrows pulled together as he yelled , anxiously rubbing Penelope's back to help her breathe . He shot Zoey a deadly glare . " Get out ! " Zoey's eyes welled up as he looked down and said softly , " Penelope , please get some rest ... " ד וו Once her coughing calmed down , Penelope noticed Caiden staring blankly at his phone . Her chest tightened , and her tone turned cold . " If you're busy , just go . I need some sleep . " " I have an emergency meeting to attend . I'll come back as soon as I'm done . Just stay here and don't wander off , okay ? " He gently patted her head before leaving and quietly closed the door behind him . Struggling to her feet , Penelope silently followed . She saw Caiden hurry into the underground parking lot , catching up to Zoey just as she was about to drive off . He held her close and whispered gently , " Why are you freaking out ? I already told you . I'd never let Penelope carry my child . " Penelope felt like all the warmth in her body had vanished . 0.00 % 02:34 288 Vouchers Then came the next blow , worse than anything else . Caiden said calmly , " I had her eggs replaced with yours . In ten months , we'll have our daughter . " Zoey laughed out loud and playfully hit him . " You scared me ! I thought you changed your mind and were going to let her child inherit your family business . You better make it up to me with something good , or I won't let you see your son ! " " You're getting more spoiled by the day , " Caiden said with a smile , pulling an emerald bracelet from his pocket and sliding it onto her wrist . Zoey screamed in surprise and hugged him tightly . " Isn't this your family's heirloom ? Penelope guarded it like it was her most precious treasure . How did you even get it ? " He replied without emotion , " I switched it with a fake one while she was asleep . My mom's thrilled . You risked your life to give me a son . In her eyes , you're a hero to our family . This is your reward . " But remember , don't show it off . " Zoey grinned proudly , stood on her toes , and gave him a deep kiss . Penelope felt like she had fallen into a frozen pit - her whole body numb , her ears ringing painfully . With shaking fingers , she lifted her left hand . The bracelet she had once treasured - something that made her feel proud to be " Mrs. Henderson " - now looked cheap , fake , and meaningless in the dim lighting . So it was a fake . A cruel , mocking imitation - proof of how foolish and naïve she'd been . Her mind drifted back to their wedding day . She remembered Caiden 29.22 % 283 Vouchers placing that emerald bracelet on her wrist , looking serious as he promised , " Penelope , you are the one and only wife in my life . " The sound of the guests clapping still echoed in her memory . But now , the real bracelet was on her love rival's wrist . In the entire San Antonio area , she had become a complete joke . This is the heart - wrenching pain ! Snapping back to reality , tears flowed out uncontrollably . She pulled off the worthless bracelet and threw it straight into the trash . She turned around and walked away , as if running from a nightmare . She didn't go back to the fake and cold hospital room . Instead , she got in a taxi and went straight to her mother's grave . The tombstone was cold to the touch , yet her mother's gentle smile in the photo remained quiet and eternal . Penelope reached out with shaky hands and touched the photo . Her voice was weak and full of sadness , " Mom , you were wrong ... He never really loved me ... He has a son with another woman , and soon ... a daughter too ... " Tears rolled down her cheeks and landed on the hard stone . " I wish ... I had realized the truth about him sooner ... " " Mrs. Henderson , you figured it out just in time . " Startled , Penelope turned around and saw Julian Gatlin , Caiden's sworn enemy , standing in the shadows with a sly grin on his face . He stepped closer , noticing the hatred and pain in her eyes , and held out a business card . " Why not join my revenge camp ? I will give you an 62.15 %%% Chapter 3 unexpected surprise . " 17 ZRB Vouchers She quickly wiped her tears . Her expression turned cold and serious as she took the card . She said , " I'm leaving San Antonio the day after tomorrow . Help me vanish completely . I never want him to find me again . " " Deal . " Title: Crown of Vengeance In "Crown of Vengeance" by CrushReel, delve into a gripping tale of betrayal and redemption. Unravel the intricate web of deceit as a woman's life is shattered by family secrets and a tragic twist of fate. Amid themes of revenge, family dynamics, and dark revelations, this ongoing drama unfolds within the walls of a mysterious mansion where past wrongs resurface to haunt the present. Discover the depths of human emotion as our protagonist navigates a world filled with deception and hidden agendas. What sets "Crown of Vengeance" apart is its nuanced exploration of complex relationships and the quest for justice in the face of overwhelming odds. Available to read at CrushReel, this story promises a riveting journey through the shadows of the past towards a future where truth may ultimately prevail.