Karma Doesn’t Sleep: The Revenge Queen Rises novel Chapter 90

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Penny hooked her pinky around Timmy’s, insisting on their secret handshake and sealing it with a dramatic stamp. Only then did she skip off, ponytail bouncing as she headed for the bathroom.

Timmy watched her go, helplessly amused. He climbed into bed, grabbed his book from the nightstand, and settled in for a little reading before sleep.

Bath time with Amelia took almost an hour. She washed Penny’s hair and spun out a story so long and magical that Penny was completely swept up in it—she forgot the time, and even that she’d been annoyed with Amelia in the first place.

Even after she was tucked into bed, Penny lay there, still lost in the story’s glow.

Amelia smoothed the blankets and said softly, “Next time, I’ll tell you an even better story. Deal?”

Penny was about to say yes, but her phone—face down by the pillow—started to ring. The ringtone was unmistakable: Momma Kristen’s.

Amelia couldn’t see the caller ID, but Penny’s reaction said it all. She grabbed the phone, pressing it tight to her chest, eyes wide and anxious.

Amelia’s smile faded.

Penny rushed her toward the door. “I’m going to sleep now! You should go!”

Amelia’s heart twinged, but she just nodded and left quietly.

On her way out, she noticed Timmy, already fast asleep, his book still clutched in his hand.

Amelia walked over, gently easing the book from his grasp and setting it aside. She pulled the blanket up around him, watching his peaceful, angelic face.

She brushed a kiss to his forehead and whispered, “Goodnight, baby. Mommy loves you.”

Whatever else happened, Timmy was always her biggest comfort.

As soon as the door closed, Penny hurried to call Kristen back, her voice sweet and quick. “Hi, Momma Kristen! Sorry, I was in the bath and didn’t hear your call…”

…

Amelia headed to her own room, taking a moment to collect herself.

Instead of going straight to bed, she reached for her old research notes on Alzheimer’s. Seven years had passed, but everything she’d learned was still etched deep in her mind. She flipped through her notes, quickly mapping out her next steps.

A long time ago, she would have rushed to comfort him, desperate to make things better. One tiny frown from him would keep her up all night, worrying herself sick and trying to solve his problems.

Now? She just felt tired. She could hardly bring herself to care.

Clive set his glass down with a heavy clink. “Both of Dad’s companies got hammered today. Some fund shorted the stocks. We lost a lot.”

That actually sparked Amelia’s curiosity.

She put on her best concerned face. “What happened?”

Whoever was behind it, she silently thanked them for finally giving the Salmeron family what they deserved.

Clive didn’t answer.

He leaned against the bar, half-hidden in the shadows, the usual warmth in his eyes replaced by something much colder.

“Caroline said some guy helped you out today. She saw you get in his car. Want to tell me what that was about?”