Karma Doesn’t Sleep The Revenge Queen Rises novel Chapter 697

Zoe’s voice trembled with frustration. “They won’t let me in. Aaron, you—”

Aaron shifted, stepping right in front of her, completely blocking her way. “Then I’m definitely not letting you in.”

“I just want to see Ryan. I have something I need to ask him!”

Aaron didn’t bother to sugarcoat it. “But you’re not the one he wants to see. And honestly, he’s not in any shape to hear you out right now.”

Zoe’s eyes grew glassy. “I know he wants to see Amelia, but he’s the one who called me here, so I could help get her to leave! He’s sick, and scared Amelia will hate him for it, but I don’t! I love him. Even if Ryan lost everything and couldn’t take care of himself, I’d take care of him!”

Aaron looked down at her, taking in her pretty, sheltered face—still soft with youth, her feelings raw and almost childlike. He leaned in, lowering his voice, and cut right through her fantasy.

“What if the surgery leaves Ryan’s face scarred? Would you still want to marry him?”

Just like that, Zoe went silent, staring at him as if he’d slapped her. “Ryan—his face—he could be scarred?”

Zoe knew exactly what she liked about Ryan, and so did Ryan himself. With a face like his, it was no wonder women fell for him. Zoe was just another girl dazzled by his looks, her crush fed by too many sappy romance movies.

That’s why Ryan had asked her for help. He knew her feelings were just a surface thing. He didn’t have to worry about really breaking her heart.

Of course, Zoe couldn’t see the flicker of sarcasm in Aaron’s eyes. She pleaded, “How could something happen to his face? What’s wrong with him? Aaron, I’ll have my dad call in the best doctors—”

“The best doctor is already with him. Don’t make this harder than it is,” Aaron said, brushing past her. “Your flight is booked for this afternoon. Nathan will take you home himself.”

He didn’t wait for her answer. He just strode away, ignoring Zoe’s desperate calls behind him.

Aaron walked out of the hospital. His car was already waiting at the curb, his personal assistant standing by the door. As soon as Aaron appeared, the door swung open.

He’d barely stepped onto the first stair when his phone buzzed in his pocket.

Pausing, he pulled out his phone and checked the new message.

Diana had unblocked him—again—and sent a puppy-eyed emoji, clearly fishing for forgiveness.

Aaron gave a soft, amused snort, slipped his phone away, and got into the car.

The car sped off. During the drive, Aaron joined a quick call with his executive team. When it ended, he rolled his shoulders, rubbing the back of his neck.

Compared to Ryan, Aaron actually seemed pretty easygoing.

So she decided to swallow her pride and try to be friends.

She was about to give up hope when her phone buzzed and the screen lit up.

She grabbed it and stared—Aaron had replied, straight to the point.

Aaron: [Time? Place?]

—

In the Salmeron family’s living room, Clive shot up from the couch, gripping his phone. “What did you just say? The kidnappers want to swap hostages—and they want Amelia?!”

On the other end, Cameron sounded just as shocked. “I’m sure the info’s legit. Amelia’s already on a military flight. There’s a good chance Caroline is one of the hostages. You can relax for now—all the hostages are safe.”

But Clive didn’t look the least bit reassured. His frown only deepened.