Karma Doesn’t Sleep: The Revenge Queen Rises novel Chapter 138

Amelia pulled up at the address Clive had texted her: The Hollow Beat.

From the outside, it looked pretty unremarkable—just a pair of carved wooden doors with nothing flashy about them. But Amelia knew that was just for show. This was Central Street, the heart of Alson Creek, where every square foot was worth more than most people’s yearly salary. The Hollow Beat had claimed a whole half-block here, its red brick walls and dark tiled roof keeping the world at bay. For most people, this was a place they’d never even dream of getting into.

Luxury cars lined the curb, most of them expensive sports models that practically shouted money.

Amelia grabbed a spot near the corner, rushing because she was worried Penny might catch a cold. She hurried across the sidewalk, her hair a mess, a sheen of sweat on her skin, and her big bag slung over her shoulder making her look a little worse for wear.

She didn’t have time to care about any of that. She reached for the door, but just then, a stretch limo pulled up behind her.

Amelia glanced back, her eyes going cool.

Kristen stepped out with the kind of effortless grace that made it clear she was used to being watched. She was dressed like she was headed to a movie premiere—a champagne-colored silk gown, a tiny silver clutch in her hand, her hair swept into an elegant rose-shaped bun at the back of her neck. Even the loose strands by her face seemed perfectly arranged, making her look soft and beautiful.

Kristen spotted Amelia and looked genuinely surprised. “Amelia?”

Amelia didn’t even bother to respond. She yanked the door open and headed inside, but Kristen wasn’t about to let her off that easy.

“It really is you, Amelia! But… you just came like that?”

Kristen always used that sweet, caring voice—so nice it almost made Amelia’s skin crawl.

Just looking at her was irritating. “What I wear isn’t your business. Move.”

“Kristen, who are you talking to?” Cameron’s voice came from behind.

He walked over with one hand in his pocket, immediately noticing Amelia standing there. His eyes swept over her, and she recognized that look in a heartbeat.

Kristen gave him a shy smile. “Cameron, stop teasing me.”

She slipped her arm through his and shot Amelia a look that was just a little too sympathetic before walking off with him toward the main hall.

There was only one way to go, so Amelia followed them.

At the end of the hallway, a pair of beautifully carved doors stood wide open, revealing a stunning ballroom that looked nothing like the low-key entrance outside.

The floor glowed a deep blue, almost black, with ring-shaped couches circling crystal tables. Everything here—tables, chairs—could spin any direction. The place was already buzzing, and Amelia recognized more than a few faces.

Everyone in this room was part of Clive’s world—people with money, power, or both.

“Hey, the leading lady’s here!” someone called out, and a spotlight swung over, landing right on Kristen.