Karma Doesn’t Sleep The Revenge Queen Rises novel Chapter 653

Clive leaned back and closed his eyes, letting the soft scent of lavender laundry detergent drift over from the girl next to him. For a split second, he was back in those days with Amelia. She always had this gentle herbal smell—hard to describe, but it made him feel grounded, safe.

Every so often, Clive cracked one eye open and glanced in the rearview mirror. He could see Liana’s legs, knees together, hands resting politely on her lap. Always so proper. He let his eyes fall shut again.

The car pulled up at the subway station and rolled to a stop. Liana got out, pausing to say, “Thank you, Mr. Salmeron.”

Clive didn’t bother opening his eyes. “Yeah,” he replied, his voice low and tired.

The door closed. The driver turned the car around and headed for the old Salmeron family house. When they finally reached the underground garage and the car settled to a stop, Clive opened his eyes. Just as he was about to get out, something on the seat caught his attention. He picked it up—it was a library card.

Liana, Greenwood College, School of Medicine, Junior.

He stared at the photo of her smiling face and couldn’t help but let out a small, cynical laugh. Always scheming, aren’t you?

He tossed the card into one of the pockets by the door and got out. As he stepped into the house, he nearly ran smack into Caroline, who was clearly trying to sneak out.

“Hey, Clive…” she started, already looking guilty.

He stared her down. “What are you doing out here this late?”

She straightened up, defensive. “I couldn’t sleep. I’m just meeting some friends, that’s all.”

Clive knew better. He reached for her bag, and sure enough, found her passport tucked inside.

“You need your passport to meet friends now?” His head was starting to ache. “You’re going after Felix again, aren’t you? He’s already on assignment.”

“Clive!”

He grabbed her by the arm and hauled her back to her room. He grabbed her passport on the way out. “You’re not going anywhere,” he said, not even bothering to hide his annoyance.

He ignored her protests and went straight to his own room, locking the door behind him. Caroline started kicking up a fuss in the hallway, loud enough to wake Mrs. Salmeron, who came out to try and calm her down. The two of them talking over each other made Clive’s head pound and his stomach twist up.

Amelia was right—Caroline really was spoiled rotten. Twenty-something and still acting like a giant baby.

After lying there for a while, Clive finally got up and stepped out onto the balcony, letting the cool air clear his head. He stood there for a moment, thinking, then pulled out his phone and dialed a number.

“Richard, it’s Clive. I need a favor. There’s someone I want you to look into. Yeah, it’s important. A few years back, he was infamous at one of the underground boxing clubs in your city—total maniac, name’s Ryan.” Clive paused, his jaw tight. “He’s gotten close to my ex-wife and the kids. I’m worried he might cause trouble. Just let me know what you find. Thanks.”