Karma Doesn’t Sleep The Revenge Queen Rises novel Chapter 652

Clive squinted, quietly studying the young woman in front of him. There was a fresh innocence in her eyes—just like Amelia at twenty—but beneath it, something else simmered, something restless she couldn’t quite hide. To a man pushing thirty, a girl her age was an open book. All her little secrets and reckless hope were plain as day.

He let out a soft sigh and leaned back, a lazy smile tugging at his mouth. “Liana, huh? Pretty name.”

She perked up at that, clearly pleased. “Mr. Salmeron…”

Before she could say more, Clive pulled out a wad of bills and dropped them on the table. “That’s your tip. Thanks for your help tonight. You can go.”

Liana paused, her smile faltering for a beat, but she knew when to take the hint. She scooped up the cash, nodded politely, and murmured, “Thank you, Mr. Salmeron,” before slipping out.

Cameron shot Clive a look from across the table. “Didn’t catch your eye?” he teased. “What, planning to stay loyal to Amelia even after the divorce?”

Clive just kicked him under the table.

A few minutes later, Clive grabbed his jacket and said a quick goodbye to Michael, ready to call it a night.

“Clive.” Cameron’s voice stopped him at the door. “About Ryan… just forget I mentioned anything. Stay clear of him, alright? No point making trouble with that guy over an ex-wife.”

Clive didn’t answer, just waved him off and headed outside.

The night air was sharp, sobering him up a bit, but he still called for a driver. Leaning against his car, he reached for a cigarette, but when he checked his pockets, he realized his lighter was still back in the room.

Just then, a slim hand appeared, holding out a lighter already flicked to life.

Clive turned and found Liana standing beside him. She’d changed into a gray coat and a soft green scarf, her makeup wiped away, her skin pale and clear under the streetlights. Without all the powder and color, her delicate features stood out even more—almost painfully familiar.

He let her light his cigarette and took a drag. “Off work?”

She nodded. “Yeah. Got to catch the last subway back to campus.” She didn’t leave though, just stood there, eyes bright and unafraid, watching him like he was the most interesting thing she’d seen all night.

“Alright.”

He watched her walk away, her ponytail swinging with every step. And it hit him—it wasn’t just her face. Her whole build, slim but not fragile, reminded him of Amelia. There was a quiet strength in the way she moved.

Clive got in the car. As they drove past Liana, he asked the driver to stop and rolled down the window. “It’s a long walk to the subway. How are you getting there?”

She looked surprised and a little flustered. “I’ll see if there’s a bike around… If not, I’ll just run.”

“Hop in. I’ll drop you at the station—it’s on my way.”

Delight flashed in her eyes, but she tried to play it cool, biting her lip. Clive felt his fleeting interest fizzle out. He wasn’t in the mood for a young girl’s shy act. If she turned him down, he’d just leave.

But Liana didn’t hesitate. She hurried around to the other side of the car and climbed in.