Karma Doesn’t Sleep The Revenge Queen Rises novel Chapter 494

There was no use pretending—Amelia had loved Clive, once. Loved him enough to throw herself in front of a train for him. But those days were long gone, and now, she’d finally let it all go.

After everything she’d been through, Amelia was running on empty, both inside and out.

“Shane, I’m heading out. If you need anything, just call,” she said quietly.

“Alright. Take care,” Shane replied.

Without another word, Amelia slipped away, not realizing Clive had just stepped out from around the corner. He’d caught every word she’d said to Shane.

Over all these years, Amelia had never used the fact that she’d saved his life to ask for anything. Not even once. She never tried to guilt-trip him. Even when everything fell apart, even during the divorce, she’d never used it as a bargaining chip. When she loved, she loved with her whole heart—never expecting anything in return. She just wanted him to be happy.

Clive shut his eyes for a moment, a mess of feelings twisting in his chest.

He watched Amelia’s figure disappear down the hallway. He almost called out to her, but his phone suddenly blared to life.

It was Kristen.

Clive sighed and answered, “Kristen?”

Her voice was shaky with tears, making his headache even worse. “Clive, what’s going on with my dad? This is just a misunderstanding, right?”

He took a breath. “I’ll explain when I get home. Please don’t cry.”

—

Instead of going home, Amelia drove straight to the Salmeron estate to pick up the kids.

The whole Hank situation was bound to drag out and get ugly. Amelia didn’t want her kids anywhere near the mess, so she decided to bring them home with her for a while.

She and Clive had already agreed on custody, so it wasn’t like she was sneaking around. And with Clive tied up at the station, she could avoid running into him. That alone made everything easier.

On the way, Amelia called Donna. “Donna, could you help the kids pack a few things?”

Donna sounded thrilled. “Of course, ma’am!”

Amelia grinned. “Actually, Donna, would you like to come stay with us? I’ll bump your salary up by five hundred. You can help watch the kids while I’m at work. They’re used to you. I’ll talk to Mrs. Salmeron about it.”

Donna hesitated for half a second, mostly worried about the old lady. But when Amelia said she’d handle it, Donna agreed right away.

“Absolutely! Thank you, ma’am!”

Amelia added, “The place will be a bit cramped for a few days, but I’m planning to buy back the old Saddington house and get it fixed up. We’ll move in next month.”

“No problem at all, ma’am. Whatever you need.”

She stared at her lap and mumbled, “I don’t want to go…”

Momma Kristen had warned her—if she ever left with Amelia, it would be betrayal. Bad kids who betrayed their family ended up alone. If her mom ever got remarried and didn’t want her, and if Dad and Momma Kristen didn’t want her either, she’d be an orphan. Just the thought made her chest squeeze tight.

The scent from the pouch seemed to fill her nose, and Kristen’s words echoed again and again in her head, making her fear swell until she could barely breathe.

Timmy figured Penny was just nervous about moving somewhere new.

He put down his things and moved closer. “Penny…”

Suddenly Penny let out a loud, panicked cry. “I don’t want to be an orphan! I don’t want to go with her! I just want Momma Kristen!”

Timmy’s little brow furrowed, worried. “Penny, what’s wrong?”

She’d been acting off for days—every time anyone mentioned their mom, Penny got upset and angry. But not long ago, she’d actually started warming up to her mom again.

“I don’t want Amelia! I only want Momma Kristen! She’s the only mom who really loves me!” Penny shouted, and in her panic, she tossed the scented pouch. It landed right at Timmy’s feet.

He stared at the little sachet, frowning.

Kristen had given it to Penny, saying it would help her sleep. There was another one just like it on her backpack…