Karma Doesn’t Sleep: The Revenge Queen Rises novel Chapter 14

If Cloudcrest’s fortune could land them in the top ten of Alson Creek, then the Packman family was on a whole different level—the kind of wealth that made even the top ten look irrelevant.

Clive frowned, a little confused. “I thought the Packmans never touched anything in pharmaceuticals. Why are they suddenly buying up West Medicine?”

Michael just shrugged and flashed a helpless grin. “No idea. Maybe the pharma business finally looked too good to pass up. Who’s going to say no to more money, right?”

He checked his watch, got up to leave, and paused at the door. “Oh, by the way. Don’t forget Cameron’s back tonight, and it’s his birthday. We’re meeting at Blue Plate Special at seven.”

Cameron Henson was one of Clive’s college roommates. Skipping out on his welcome dinner wasn’t an option.

Clive thought for a moment, then pulled out his phone and called home.

“Salmeron residence,” Marian answered.

“Is my wife there?”

“She’s in her room, sir.”

“Put her on.”

The house phones were connected, so Marian transferred the call. Clive waited—not patiently—almost ready to hang up when Amelia finally picked up.

She used to answer his calls instantly.

“Clive? Hello?”

His tone was a little sharp. “What are you doing? Took you long enough to answer.”

Amelia looked down at her legs, silver acupuncture needles sticking out everywhere. She didn’t bother to hide it. “I’m doing acupuncture on my legs. I want to start walking normally again as soon as I can.”

She still had to pretend to be blind, but her recovery couldn’t wait. She had plans, and she needed her legs to cooperate.

Growing up in a family of doctors, Amelia could handle a needle as easily as a fork. Even if she couldn’t see, she could find every pressure point by feel alone.

Clive didn’t press.

“Tonight, I—” He hesitated for a second, then lied easily, “I’ll probably be working late. Don’t wait up. Get some rest.”

He wasn’t about to tell Amelia he’d be out with Cameron and the guys. It was just easier this way.

For years, Amelia had done everything she could to fit in with his friends. She even learned their birthdays, putting thought into every gift weeks ahead of time.

However, her gifts were always little herbal blends or traditional remedies she’d mixed herself. His friends, meanwhile, were all trust-fund kids and heirs. Every gift they gave was a designer bag, rare whiskey, or something equally flashy.

He’d seen the looks on their faces when Amelia handed over her carefully wrapped herbal packets—barely hidden smirks, a bit of a joke at her expense.

He knew they didn’t care for her, or her gifts.

If Amelia knew he was going to Cameron’s birthday dinner, she’d insist on coming too, and in her current state, she’d just give his friends more to snicker about.

But Amelia didn’t care at all about whether Clive was working late. All she wanted was to see her two kids.

All because Clive once said, “Amelia, I just became CEO. I need a killer financial report. Can you help me out?”

So she’d cut costs, starting with her own six-figure salary.

Clive had been so moved. “Amelia, what’s mine is yours. I’ll never let you down. You’ll never have to worry about money.”

He’d even handed her a supplementary credit card.

Amelia dug out that card from the bottom of her closet and called the bank.

“I’m sorry, ma’am. That card was deactivated by Mr. Salmeron five years ago.”

Staring at the useless piece of plastic, Amelia let out a bitter, humorless laugh. “Clive, is this your idea of ‘never letting me down’?”

She’d once loved him with everything she had, trusted him completely, and in the end, he left her with nothing.

Her private phone buzzed twice. At this hour, only one person would message her.

Diana: [Amelia, you wanted dirt on Kristen? I found something big! When do you want it?]

Clive wouldn’t be home tonight. Perfect excuse to sneak out and meet Diana.

Amelia: [Tonight at Blue Plate Special. Usual spot.]