Karma Doesn’t Sleep The Revenge Queen Rises novel Chapter 663

Clive caught the flicker of hesitation in Liana’s eyes.

He let out a soft laugh and dropped the subject. It had only been a spur-of-the-moment thing anyway. He’d cast his bait and, since this fish wasn’t biting, he could always try elsewhere.

“Thanks for the soup,” Clive said. “I’ll have someone drop your library card off at school another day. Take care on your way home.”

With that, he turned and headed for the elevator.

He stepped inside and pressed the button for the floor where Amelia used to live. Just as the doors were about to close, a hand shot out, stopping them.

“Wait!”

The doors slid open again, and there was Liana—her face tight with nerves, but her eyes full of determination.

Clive didn’t look the least bit surprised.

Liana bit her lip. “Mr. Salmeron, I… I’ll go up with you.”

A little smile tugged at Clive’s lips.

The elevator doors slid shut again. When they opened, both of them stepped out.

Clive led the way, unlocking the door to the apartment Amelia used to rent. He walked in without turning on the lights.

Thinking he’d forgotten, Liana reached for the switch, but Clive’s cold voice cut through the darkness. “Don’t turn on the lights.”

Startled, she pulled her hand back right away.

“Close the door,” he said.

She’d already come this far. There was no use pretending anymore, so Liana quietly closed the door behind her. The room was dim, only the city’s neon glow slipping in from outside, barely lighting up the place.

Looking around, Liana thought the apartment really did look like it had once belonged to a woman with a kid.

“Come here.” Clive’s voice came from the master bedroom.

Liana went, her heart thudding in her chest. Clive stood in front of a closet filled with women’s clothes. She blinked in surprise but stayed silent. He pulled out a slinky red nightgown and tossed it on the bed.

“Put it on,” he said, his voice low and rough. The quiet in the room made every word feel heavy.

“Mr. Salmeron…”

“Either change or leave. Your choice.” He didn’t bother hiding his impatience now.

Clive knew exactly what Liana wanted—and what he wanted, too.

“Mr. Salmeron… mmph—!”

Clive covered her mouth, his breath cold against her ear. “Remember, call me Clive.”

She nodded frantically. “Clive…”

“Good girl, Amelia,” he said, sounding satisfied.

He’d remade this place just the way it had been when Amelia lived here—her clothes, her things, everything. Now, he’d found himself a replacement.

Clive closed his eyes, letting the alcohol, the setting, and his own desire pull him under, like he could turn back time.

Liana tried to act brave, but she was young, inexperienced. Her innocence reminded him so much of Amelia that, for a moment, his touch softened.

As if he could fix anything that way.

He kept whispering Amelia’s name, eyes shut, but all he could see was Amelia with Ryan. The jealousy twisted inside him, until finally, he lost control and bit down hard on Liana’s shoulder.

***

When Liana woke up, Clive was already gone. There was a set of keys on the table, held down by a check. Looking closer, she realized the keys were for the apartment downstairs.