The CEO's Midnight Remedy novel Chapter 126

“There’s chatter on Wall Street,” Marcus said as we settled into the Maybach. “George Dake is pulling strings to have the SEC investigate Stellar Impressions. He’s trying to apply economic pressure to force Miss Harper to back down.”

I stared out the window at Manhattan’s skyscrapers. The news didn’t surprise me, but it irritated me more than it should have. My finger tapped against the armrest as I considered the implications.

“Do you want me to intervene on Miss Harper’s behalf?” Marcus asked carefully.

“Mind your own business, Marcus,” I replied coldly. Then, after a pause, I reconsidered. “Have our security

team monitor Blake family movements. And strengthen the cybersecurity protocols for Stellar Impressions‘

servers. They’ll likely try to hack her systems next.”

Marcus nodded, making notes on his tablet. I continued staring out the window, unable to shake the image of Aria’s bruised neck from my mind. George Blake was a petty businessman who relied on his family name more than actual business acumen. If he wanted war, I’d show him what real power looked like.

Aria’s POV

By noon, I had showered in the guest bathroom and was about to search for something to eat when my phone rang. Sofia’s panic came through immediately.

“Aria, where are you? The SEC is here! And New York State tax auditors just si received an anonymous tip about financial irregularities. They’re demanding ac

laiming they

everything!”

My heart pounded against my ribs, but a strange calm settled over me. I recognized this attack for what it was. This wasn’t coincidence–either the Blakes, Victoria, or my father was striking back, trying to destroy

what I’d built.

“I’ll be there in twenty minutes,” I said, my voice steadier than I expected. “Tell them I’m on my way and we’ll cooperate fully. Don’t let anyone take any documents off–site until I arrive.”

I found clothes Devon had previously arranged for me in his closet–simple designer pieces in my size. I quickly applied makeup, hands shaking slightly. I stared at my reflection, straightened my shoulders, and practiced the professional mask I would need to wear.

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12:05 Wed, Dec 24 GO.

Chapter 126

When I arrived at Stellar Impressions, the atmosphere was chaotic. Several employe leave their desks, and Sofia looked near tears, her makeup smudged from stress a group of stern–faced investigators in suits. The sight of my company in disarray

hot and clarifying.

en asked to

manage a

se inside me,

I took a deep breath, squared my shoulders, adjusted my collar, and walked into the conference room with a professional smile that revealed nothing of the rage burning beneath.

“Good afternoon, gentlemen,” I said, my voice steady and controlled. “I’m Aria Harper, CEO. I understand you have concerns you’d like to address?”

The lead SEC investigator explained they needed to examine all client contracts, payment records, and financial ledgers–particularly anything related to Blake Fashion Group and possible insider trading.

I maintained an expression of poised cooperation while my mind raced through all the implications. “Of course. Sofia, please provide these gentlemen with physical copies of all the documents they’re requesting, and prepare a USB drive with the digital records.”

As I walked the investigators to the elevator later, I whispered to Sofia, “Don’t worry. We’ve done nothing wrong. Our operations are completely transparent. This is intimidation, nothing more.” I squeezed her arm reassuringly, though my own stomach was tied in knots.

But I knew this was just the beginning. My jaw tightened and a cold determination settled in my eyes as the elevator doors closed.

No matter who was behind this–the Blakes, my father, or Victoria–I would not back down. The thought of surrender didn’t even cross my mind.

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