The CEO's Midnight Remedy novel Chapter 145

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“What’s wrong?” Devon asked, noticing my sudden tension. His voice had dropped lower, concerned rather than demanding. I felt his gaze scanning my face, reading me with that unnerving accuracy he sometimes

displayed.

Before I could answer, Owen looked up and saw me. His face broke into a wide smile as he handed the

plate to the blonde woman and headed our way.

“Aria Harper! I haven’t seen you since graduation!” he called out, his voice carrying the same charm that

had once captivated Sophia.

“What are you doing here?” I asked coldly, not bothering to return his smile. I felt Devon shift beside me,

his attention moving between Owen and me with careful assessment.

“I’m Devon’s cousin,” he explained, looking between us with curiosity. “Second cousin, actually, on his

mother’s side. I just got back from Tokyo.”

Of course. The universe had a twisted sense of humor. Sophia’s ex–boyfriend was related to Devon. Perfect.

I exhaled slowly, trying to maintain my composure.

“Would you like to try some of my famous grilled ribeye?” Owen offered, gesturing toward the barbecue.

“I’ve been told it’s quite exceptional.”

“I’m on a diet,” I replied flatly. Devon’s eyes narrowed slightly at my tone, his head tilting almost imperceptibly as he observed our interaction with increasing interest.

I pulled out my phone, typing a message to Sophia about Owen’s presence, then immediately deleted it. This information would only hurt her more. I should never have come to this gathering, especially knowing it was apparently some kind of welcome party for Owen My fingers hovered over the screen, indecisive.

Devon studied my face with unsettling intensity, his eyes tracing every microexpression. “You’re upset. Why?” The question wasn’t demanding but genuinely inquiring, as if my emotional state actually mattered

to him beyond our arrangement.

“If I’d known this was a welcome party for that cheating bastard, I wouldn’t have come,‘ I said quietly, not caring if my disdain showed. Devon’s eyes registered understanding, his posture shifting slightly closer to

me in silent solidarity.

Owen approached again, this time with two glasses of champagne. “Let’s toast to old friendships rekindled,*

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Chapter 145

he suggested, extending one glass toward me.

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“Mr. Wilson, no need for courtesy. I’ve stopped drinking I lied, avoiding the glass like it contained poison.

Owen’s smile faltered, confusion crossing his features. lave I done something to offend you, Aria?”

“Oh, Mr. Wilson, you’re joking,” I replied, my tone sickeningly sweet. “We hardly know each other well enough for you to have offended me.”

The tension was palpable. Owen glanced between Devo and me, then asked, “Could we speak privately for

a moment, Aria?”

Devon stepped closer to me, his shoulder slightly ahead of mine in a subtly protective stance. The movement wasn’t theatrical or possessive–just a quiet positioning that conveyed support. His eyes had cooled several degrees when they met Owen’s. “She doesn’t seem interested in talking to you.”

The simple statement carried a weight of authority that seemed to surprise even Owen. I felt an

unexpected warmth spread through my chest at Devon’s defense. It wasn’t part of our agreement,

protection.

this

Owen’s confusion deepened. “Since when are you two together? I thought-” He stopped himself, looking

genuinely perplexed.

He finally sat down across from me, his voice dropping ow enough that only I could hear. “Is she… is she

doing okay?”

The question wasn’t about me. It was about Sophia. Even while parading around with his new girlfriend, he

was asking about my best friend. The audacity made my blood boil. I stared at him, saying nothing, letting

my silence convey my contempt. I felt Devon’s eyes on me, observing, analyzing.

‘I never meant to hurt her,” Owen continued, his eyes pleading for understanding. “It just… things changed

while I was in Tokyo.”

“Things changed,” I repeated flatly, “How convenient.”