The CEO's Midnight Remedy novel Chapter 102

“These are the photos and messages I’ve collected over the past two months, Ethan and Scarlett have been sleeping together since before our engagement announcement.”

Devon turned, taking the phone. His fingers brushed mine, and I pulled my hand back too quickly. He noticed, his eyes tracking the movement before returning to my face. He scrolled through the evidence, his jaw tightening, the muscle there flexing beneath his skin.

“So I’m just a pawn in your chess game? Part of your revenge strategy?” His voice was quiet, but there was an edge to it that made my nerves tingle.

“I need your tech team to push this information to select guests‘ phones during today’s ceremony,” I admitted, holding his gaze. “In exchange, I’m willing to extend our… arrangement.”

He stepped closer, closing the distance between us. I stood my ground though every instinct told me to step back. He was close enough now that I could smell his cologne–woody and expensive. His finger reached up, gently tracing the healing wound on my forehead. The touch was light, almost tender, but I felt it everywhere.

“Your injury is healing nicely,” he murmured.

My breath caught. The room suddenly felt too warm, too small. “Don’t confuse business with pleasure. Our agreement was

clear,” I said, my voice steadier than I felt.

Devon’s eyes darkened. He moved forward again, backing me against the wall without touching me. His hands came to rest

on either side of my head, caging me in. I could feel the heat of him, see the rise and fall of his chest beneath his suit.

“That night in my car went well beyond our agreement, wouldn’t you say?” His voice dropped lower, the words for me alone. “You trembled against me. Your skin flushed. That wasn’t acting, Aria,”

My lips parted to respond, but his phone vibrated in his pocket. The moment fractured. Devon pulled back slightly, checking the screen. His expression shifted from intense to calculated in an instant.

“Blake and younger Harper entered Suite 1712,” the message read.

I immediately texted Garrett to activate the listening devices I’d had installed days earlier. Devon moved to stand beside me, his shoulder pressing against mine as we both looked at my phone screen. The close proximity sent warmth spreading across my skin. Through the speaker, Scarlett’s voice came through clearly.

“I know you’re getting married today, but I can’t help feeling so sad… I love you, Ethan.”

“Shh, don’t say that.” Ethan’s voice was soothing. “The Blake and Harper merger involves tens of millions of dollars. I have

to do this.”

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Chapter 102

I know… I just…” Scarlett’s voice was pathetic, calculated. “I don’t need a title or public recognition. I just want to be w

you.”

Ethan’s tone brightened. “That’s why I care about you. Aria never understood sacrifice.”

The sounds of kissing followed, clothes rustling. “After this… I have a surprise for you,” Scarlett whispered breathlessly.

More intimate sounds followed. Heat rushed to my face–not from embarrassment but from rage. My fingers trembled as I

shut off the audio, unable to listen further.

I looked up to find Devon watching me intently. His pupils had dilated, nearly swallowing the gray of his irises.

“Your groom seems to have interesting priorities on your wedding day,” he said quietly. His voice was controlled but tight

with tension.

“Exactly what I plan to make everyone aware of today,” I replied. I was surprised at how steady I sounded.

“Aria,” he said, my name different somehow when he spoke it. “Are you sure this is what you want? There’s no going back.”

I turned to face him fully. We stood close, too close. His eyes searched mine, and for a moment, I saw something beyond the calculating businessman–concern, perhaps even care.

“Some betrayals can’t be forgiven, Devon. Only exposed.” My voice was quiet but resolute.

He held my gaze for a long moment before releasing my wrist. His thumb brushed over my pulse point once more before letting go, the touch deliberate. “Then let the storm begin.”

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