The CEO's Midnight Remedy novel Chapter 117

Chapter 117

Aria’s POV

After the security escorted Scarlett out, I threw myself into work, desperate for the familiar rhythm of campaign planning and client calls to drown out the chaos of my personal life. For hours, I moved from one task to another, barely registering as the afternoon sun shifted to early evening shadows across my office floor.

When Melanie handed me my phone with an apologetic look, I realized I’d been so absorbed I hadn’t even noticed it buzzing.

I stared at my phone screen, watching as Marianne Blake’s fifth message appeared within the hour. The latest one was more direct than the previous attempts at small talk: [Was the Ethan news your doing?]

My fingers hovered over the keyboard. After successfully exposing Ethan and Scarlett’s affair and weathering the media storm that followed, I’d gained a certain clarity. Devon’s influence had made the negative stories about me vanish overnight, but Scarlett’s pregnancy announcement added a new layer of complexity to an already tangled situation.

I typed my reply with cool precision: [Was I being blacklisted by the press your doing?]

Marianne’s response? Complete silence. I smiled grimly. In the business of protecting family interests, my former almost–mother–in–law- who had also been my mother’s college friend–would cut ties without hesitation.

“Ms. Harper, Blake Fashion Group just put our spring campaign on hold,” Melanie announced from the doorway, her expression strained.

“Reach out to Hermes about moving up our timeline,” I replied, my voice steady despite the pounding in my temples. “And see if Sophia can join me for the Vogue digital meeting tomorrow.”

Melanie nodded and closed the door just as my phone rang. The caller ID displayed “George Blake.”

“This is a surprise,” I answered, keeping my tone neutral.

“Aria, dear,” his voice was uncharacteristically warm, this unfortunate situation has gotten out of hand. Perhaps we could meet? I believe I can help with your father’s financial troubles. Blake Group is still willing to invest in Harper Media–with the right mediator.”

I closed my eyes briefly, seeing through his thinly veiled attempt. “I’m afraid my father doesn’t need my mediation now, Mr. Blake.” Without waiting for his response, I ended the call.

The office fell silent again as I gathered my things. Devon had messaged earlier, an invitation to his lakeside home in the Emerald Cove district. After the week I’d had, the prospect of an evening away from Blake family drama seemed like oxygen to a drowning woman.

The setting sun cast golden hues across the modern glass structure as my Uber pulled up to Devon’s lakeside home. Unlike his Manhattan

penthouse with its steel and concrete minimalism, this place seemed warmer, more personal–all clean lines and natural materials.

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11:23 Tue, Dec 23 M…

Chapter 117

blending with the landscape.

Devon opened the door himself, no staff in sight. His gray eyes held an unreadable glint as they took me in.

“You’re punctual,” he said, stepping aside to let me enter.

The interior was breathtaking–soaring ceilings, floor–to–ceiling windows showcasing the tranquil lake beyond. Everything spoke of understated luxury, from the custom furniture to the abstract paintings I recognized as originals from artists whose exhibitions I’d attended.

“This is… unexpected,” I admitted, accepting the whiskey he offered. “I didn’t know you had a place out here.”

“There’s a lot you don’t know about me,” Devon replied, the corner of his mouth lifting slightly. “You can go prepare while I finish something upstairs.”

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He gestured toward a hallway before climbing the floating staircase, leaving me slightly confused. Prepare what? I assumed he meant freshen up before dinner.

I wandered down the hallway, finding several closed doors before locating what appeared to be a guest bathroom. After quickly touching up my makeup, I approached a uniformed woman who seemed to be arranging flowers.

“Excuse me, could you tell me where the master bedroom is?” I asked. “I need to prepare for dinner.”

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11:24 Tue, Dec 23 M