Karma Doesn’t Sleep: The Revenge Queen Rises novel Chapter 137

Amelia took the phone from Donna, her fingers tightening around it.

“Hey,” she said, her voice flat.

“Hang on,” Clive replied. There was a lot of noise in the background on his end, but then he must have moved somewhere quieter because the line went almost silent. Amelia could hear the faint click of his lighter as he lit a cigarette.

“Are you still mad about earlier?” Clive sounded tired, a little defeated. He dropped his voice, trying to explain. “My personal phone was charging. Somehow it got put on silent, so I missed your call.”

He almost never bothered to explain himself like this.

He was definitely trying to make things right.

“I’m not mad. Are Timmy and Penny with you?” Amelia’s tone was still cool, holding him at a distance.

To Clive, it was obvious she was still upset. He frowned a little but kept his patience. “Amelia…”

“Daddy!” Penny burst into the room.

Clive quickly crushed out his cigarette, waving away the smoke.

“What’s wrong, sweetheart?”

Penny looked miserable. “I spilled juice on myself. My dress is all wet. I think my shoes are wet too—I probably stepped in a puddle when we went out.”

Amelia heard everything through the phone, her worry spiking.

Penny was always a little delicate. She’d just gotten over a cold, and now her shoes and socks were soaked. If she caught another chill, she’d be sick all over again.

“Why don’t you sit down for a bit? I’ll have someone bring you new shoes and clothes,” Clive told her gently.

“No need to buy anything.” Amelia was already heading upstairs, making her way to Penny’s room. “I’ll bring her fresh clothes and shoes myself.”

Apparently, bringing their daughter into the conversation was enough to calm things down.

Clive tried for a small smile. “Alright. Drive safe. And hey, I’ve got a surprise for you tonight.”

Amelia didn’t even blink. She’d given up believing in his surprises a long time ago.

“I’m hanging up,” she said, ending the call.

She quickly gathered clothes for Penny, grabbed a light jacket from Timmy’s closet for good measure, and headed downstairs. She made some hot tea for the kids, sweetening it with honey so it wouldn’t taste bitter, poured it into thermoses, and finally, loaded down with bags, rushed out the door.

Meanwhile, Penny had no idea Clive had been talking to Amelia. She bounced over, her eyes big and hopeful.

The bracelet was meant for Amelia.

Ever since her accident, she’d been acting different—more anxious, as if she was afraid of losing him. He’d wanted to make her feel better, to show her she still mattered. Amelia had always been there for him, never asking for much, always supportive, always giving.

As long as she stayed this way, he was happy to keep her as Mrs. Salmeron.

He knew Amelia always wanted to fit into his world, and that’s why he’d insisted she come tonight.

It was supposed to work out perfectly.

But now…

“Daddy, is this for Momma Kristen?” Penny pressed, still bouncing with excitement.

Clive didn’t answer. He just reached out and ruffled her hair, lost in thought.

He stared at the diamond bracelet, his expression darkening. After a long moment, he pulled out his phone and called Aiden.

“Aiden, I need you to pick something up for me. Bring it to The Hollow Beat as soon as you can…”