The CEO's Midnight Remedy novel Chapter 14

**Dust Writes New Stories by Rei Holt Wilder**
**Chapter 14**

**Aria’s POV**

The sting of dismissal cut deeper than Ethan’s earlier accusations. I felt as if the ground had shifted beneath my feet, leaving me unsteady and vulnerable. Devon was walking away, the woman in red clinging to his arm like a trophy, her laughter echoing in my ears as they vanished into another section of the club, leaving me in the wake of my lost opportunity.

“Look at what you’ve done,” I snapped at Ethan, fury coursing through my veins as I yanked my portfolio off the table, the sound of it slapping against the wood reverberating in the tense air. “How did you even find me here?”

“I had you followed,” he said, his tone unapologetic, almost proud. “I was worried about you.”

“You had me FOLLOWED?” My voice rose, disbelief mingling with anger. “That’s not concern, Ethan. That’s stalking.”

“It’s protection,” he countered, his voice firm as I pushed past him, my heart pounding as I made my way toward the exit. “Kane is dangerous, Aria. You don’t understand what he’s capable of.”

Humiliation surged within me as I stormed through the main lounge, my cheeks burning with a mix of anger and embarrassment. Ethan trailed behind, his voice a persistent hum of worry and insistence as we neared the entrance.

“Aria, please. Just stop and talk to me.”

Finally, I turned to face him outside on the sidewalk, the cool night air offering a stark contrast to the heat of my emotions. “There’s nothing to talk about, Ethan. We’re done. My business with Devon Kane is none of your concern.”

“I love you,” he blurted out, his voice rising above the noise of the city, drawing curious glances from passersby. “I made a mistake with Scarlett, but it meant nothing. You’re the one I want to be with.”

“Lower your voice,” I hissed, acutely aware of the growing crowd of onlookers, their eyes boring into us like hot coals.

Instead of quieting down, Ethan dropped to one knee right there on the bustling Manhattan sidewalk, his actions bold and unexpected.

“What are you doing?” I gasped, mortified, my heart racing for all the wrong reasons.

“Proving how serious I am,” he declared, his gaze unwavering. “Aria Harper, I love you. I’ve always loved you. Will you forgive me and give me another chance?”

The impact sent Ethan tumbling sideways onto the sidewalk, a cry of pain escaping his lips as the crowd gasped collectively, the atmosphere shifting from tense to chaotic. Devon emerged from the car, adjusting his cuff links with an air of casual indifference, as if he were stepping out of a fashion show rather than a vehicle involved in an accident.

“Mr. Blake,” Devon said, his voice dripping with feigned concern, the kind that only someone like him could muster. “My apologies. You were kneeling there, and I didn’t see you. Kneeling too long can strain the knee joints—perhaps you need more design inspiration rather than these outdated romantic gestures.” He glanced dismissively at his driver. “I’ve already called an ambulance for Mr. Blake. It looks quite serious.”

A security guard materialized from the car, immediately checking on Ethan while expertly keeping the crowd at bay, his presence authoritative and calming amidst the chaos.

Devon turned to me, his expression inscrutable as he held my gaze, a silent challenge passing between us. “Ms. Harper, I believe I owe you an apology for my rudeness earlier. You’ve had too much to drink to drive yourself home. May I offer you a ride?”

I glanced at Ethan, who was now clutching his knee, his eyes filled with fury directed at Devon. The crowd remained, their phones still recording the unfolding drama. Devon’s offered escape felt like my only dignified way out of this nightmare.

“Thank you,” I said quietly, accepting his outstretched hand and stepping into the luxurious interior of the Maybach.

As the Maybach glided through Manhattan’s late-night streets, the interior enveloped me in a cocoon of silence, the soft hum of the engine a stark contrast to the chaos I had just left behind. I sat as far away from Devon as the spacious backseat allowed, my body still tense from the earlier scene at Pantheon. Ethan’s unexpected appearance had transformed what was meant to be a straightforward business meeting into a complete disaster, leaving me grappling with a whirlwind of emotions.