Karma Doesn’t Sleep The Revenge Queen Rises novel Chapter 480

Amelia stepped out of the private dining room and headed straight for the nearest elevator.

Out on the terrace off the hallway, Clive was half-listening to Aiden on the phone, a cigarette between his fingers. Out of the corner of his eye, he caught a glimpse of someone slipping into the elevator—a figure that looked way too much like Amelia.

He jerked in surprise, ash scattering onto the back of his hand, stinging a little, but he barely noticed. He hurried over, but the elevator doors had already slid shut.

Clive pressed his palm against his eyes, the cigarette still smoldering between his fingers. Maybe he was seeing things. There was no way Amelia would show up here.

“Clive.” Kristen found him a second later, her voice low. “Are you still on the phone? Dad’s looking for you.”

“I’m done. Let’s go.”

Kristen hooked her arm through his, and Clive didn’t bother to pull away. Their relationship was out in the open now, so little gestures like this felt normal—nothing to hide.

Kristen stole a quick, icy glance back at the elevator. Of course she’d seen Amelia leave, backpack slung over her shoulder. She probably just got chewed out by Dr. Borgen. Kristen’s lips twitched in a barely-there smirk. Amelia really thought that just because Will made her team lead, she could act superior?

As long as Kristen stayed on Dr. Borgen’s good side, she knew she’d end up in the center of the project. And if Amelia ever messed up, taking over as team lead wouldn’t be out of the question.

—

Amelia had barely stepped out of the elevator when she noticed two young women at the entrance, both sneaking looks in the same direction, stars practically shining in their eyes.

“Oh my god, he’s so hot! Is he some celebrity or an idol?”

“He’s coming this way! Seriously, he’s so handsome I’d pick up trash just to feed him!”

They whispered and giggled, trying to keep it together.

Amelia couldn’t help but overhear, curiosity getting the best of her. Could someone really be that attractive?

She reached the doorway and glanced over—instantly regretting it when her cheeks went hot with embarrassment.

The guy the girls were swooning over? Of course, it was Ryan.

He was dressed simply: crisp white shirt, black trousers, but somehow he made it look expensive.

Amelia realized on the spot—this had to be the guest her professor mentioned. Ryan.

He was carrying a red gift box, probably a present for the professor’s wife.

“You’re not late at all. The food just arrived. Come, have a seat,” Dr. Borgen said, beckoning him over.

Ryan handed Mrs. Borgen the gift.

It was a rare, centuries-old ginseng root—something you couldn’t find even if you had the money.

“You and Amelia are both so thoughtful,” Mrs. Borgen said warmly.

Dr. Wade chimed in, “When Jared told me, ‘Mr. Packman was my student,’ I thought he was joking! But it’s true! And you and Ms. Sadinton have known each other for a while, right? Green Wall’s biggest investor is Mr. Packman here. With you two knowing each other, there’ll be plenty of chances to work together.”

Green Wall. Ryan was the investor?

Amelia choked on her water.

Susie, sitting next to her, patted her on the back while Robert poured a fresh glass and slid it over.

“What’s the rush?” Robert said gently.

He was seven years older than Amelia, and he’d always looked out for her like a big brother. Old habits died hard—his voice was warm, familiar, and just a little bit protective.