The CEO's Midnight Remedy novel Chapter 133

I attempted to help him with his tie, my fingers fumbling with the silk. The intimacy of the gesture felt

important somehow, a small way to bridge the sudden gulf between us. “I didn’t mean to pry. I just

thought…”

52%

“What did you think, Ms. Harper?” His tone was detached as he gently but firmly removed my hands from

his tie. His fingers lingered on my wrists for a heartbeat longer than necessary. “That we would spend the

evening together? The contract doesn’t specify that.”

“No, I-” I stepped back, unsure how to navigate this sudden coldness. The rejection stung more than it

should have. “Should I wait for you to return?”

“That’s entirely up to you.” He checked his watch, the gesture signaling his impatience. Yet there was

something in his eyes – a flicker of emotion that contradicted his dismissive tone.

I watched him leave, the door closing with a soft click. stood there for a long moment, trying to

understand what had just happened, and why it left me feeling so unexpectedly hollow.

Devon’s POV

I settled into a secluded corner of Pantheon’s VIP section, letting the familiar burn of single malt wash

down my throat. The exclusive club hummed with activity, but I barely registered the people around me.

My mind kept replaying the moment Aria casually mentioned Ethan Blake’s name.

Why had it bothered me so much? The slight curve of her lips as she said it, the casual comparison.

Something had twisted inside me, sharp and unexpected. I took another sip, hoping the alcohol would dull

this unfamiliar feeling.

Christopher dropped into the seat across from me, his usual smirk already irritating me.

“Woman troubles?” he asked, signaling for his usual drink. His eyes were too perceptive, reading more in my expression than I wanted to reveal,

I didn’t answer, just took another sip of my scotch. I couldn’t stop thinking about Aria sitting on my bed, her honey–colored eyes looking up at me with a mix of uncertainty and desire.

“The Kane Technologies stock jumped three points today,” Christopher continued, undeterred by my

<

1/3

12:08 Wed, Dec 24 G

Chapter 133

silence. “That merger in Silicon Valley is looking promising.”

<352%

Business talk was usually my refuge, but tonight even that couldn’t hold my attention. Christopher’s persistence was becoming grating.

“So… Aria Harper. How’s that going?” His voice dropped slightly as he leaned in. “She certainly made a spectacle of the Blakes. I have to admire her style.”

The mention of her name sent an unexpected wave of irritation through me. Her name in his mouth felt wrong somehow. I set my glass down harder than intended.

“You talk too much,” I said, standing and buttoning my jacket. My fingers felt stiff, uncooperative.

As I walked away, I heard Christopher call after me, “Come on! At least tell me if she’s fixed that insomnia

problem of yours!”

My steps faltered for a fraction of a second. The question hit closer to home than I cared to admit, even to myself. I’d slept deeply last night, without waking every hour. I had woken with her scent on my pillows, feeling more rested than I had in days. But I didn’t turn back.

In the back of my sedan, I closed my eyes, feeling the alcohol warm my bloodstream. Her words echoed in my mind: “compared to someone like Ethan Blake…” The contract was clear–this was a business arrangement, nothing more. And yet, the casual comparison had triggered something possessive that I

hadn’t anticipated.

I tapped my fingers against the leather seat, trying to redirect my thoughts to the Silicon Valley deal, but Aria’s amber eyes kept intruding. The soft curve of her neck, the hesitant touch of her fingers on my tie. I hadn’t meant to be so cold, but her mention of Blake had caught me off guard. I didn’t like the idea of her

thinking of him while with me, comparing us.

I barely registered the car stopping or Marcus opening the door. I kept my eyes closed, not ready to face the emptiness of my penthouse, wondering if she had stayed or gone. Part of me hoped for the former,

though I’d never admit it aloud.

“Sir?” Marcus’s voice seemed distant. “Mr. Kane?”

|||