The CEO's Midnight Remedy novel Chapter 113

Ariss POV

After Devon left my apartment, I took a moment to collect myself. The encounter with Ethan in the elevator had left me shaken, but Devon’s unexpected appearance and gentle care for my injuries had provided a strange comfort. My invitation for dinner tonight had surprised us both, but it felt like the right gesture to thank him for his intervention.

I changed into a navy pencil skirt and cream silk blouse, adding a silk scarf to conceal the bruising on my neck.

As I grabbed my laptop bag and headed out, I couldn’t help but replay Devon’s words: “Your address was at the top of the list. The idea that he had people monitoring Ethan’s movements should have disturbed me, but instead, I felt an unsettling mix of protection and intrigue.

At the office, I handed my phone to my assistant. “Melanie, hold my calls and messages today. I can’t deal with any more Blake or Harper family crises.”

“Of course, Ms. Harper,‘ she replied, taking my phone with a sympathetic smile.

I buried myself in marketing strategy documents, grateful for the distraction. But barely an hour later, Melanie knocked hesitantly on my office door.

“I’m sorry to interrupt, but Mrs. Marianne Blake has been trying to reach you. She’s asked if you could meet her at Brew House in Sollo. She says it’s urgent.”

I froze, pen hovering over my notepad. Marianne. Despite everything Ethan had done, I couldn’t bring myself to hate his mother. She’d been my mother’s closest friend, had practically helped raise me after mom died. The thought of facing her now, after I’d publicly humiliated her son, made my stomach twist.

“Tell her I’ll be there, but I’ll be half an hour late. Family emergency.”

In the car, I tried to prepare myself. What could Marianne possibly want? Whatever it was, I knew this meeting would be painful for both of us. I fingered the small box in my purse, containing the Tiffany necklace and the Blake family heirloom emerald bracelet she’d given me as her “future daughter–in–law.” At least returning these would provide some closure.

1/2

The private back room at Brew House was dimly lit and quiet. Marianne sat alone at a corner table, elegant as always in a Chanel suit, but the shadows under her eyes told a different story. When she saw me, she straightened, her posture impeccable despite her obvious exhaustion.

“Aria,” she said, her voice softer than I expected.

“Marianne.” I slid into the seat across from her and placed the small box on the table between us. “These belong to your family.”

Her perfectly manicured fingers trembled slightly as she accepted the box. “These were meant for my future daughter–in–law. I never thought I’d receive them back this way.”

“Neither did I,” I admitted, keeping my voice steady.

She opened the box, staring at the glittering emerald bracelet. “I know Ethan has been… friendly with Scarlett. But Aria, I think you might be misunderstanding the situation. Scarlett can be very manipulative

“Friendly?” I interrupted, raising an eyebrow. “Is that what we’re calling it?”

Marianne sighed, her shoulders dropping slightly. “I admit, I noticed some attention between them at family gatherings. But Ethan assured me it was nothing serious. He said he was committed to you.”

“Well, he lied,” I stated flatly. “And it’s been going on for months.”

“He’s under tremendous pressure from his father and the board,” Marianne said, her maternal instinct to defend her son evident in her voice. “The merger with Harper Group means everything to our family

business. I’m not excusing his behavior, but-”

I hesitated before adding, “He came to my apartment this morning. Drunk. He tried to force himself on me

in the elevator.”

Marianne’s face drained of color. “Oh my God. Aria, I… I had no idea he would…” She seemed genuinely

shocked. “That’s inexcusable. I promise you, he will face consequences for this.”

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