The CEO's Midnight Remedy novel Chapter 152

Chapter 152

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“Mr. Kane,” I said quickly, my voice higher than normal as I switched to my professional smile. My fingers trembled against the hospital sheet. “Thank you so much for your help.”

Devon’s gaze lingered on my face for three uncomfortable seconds. I watched as whatever emotion had flashed across his features disappeared, replaced by a glacial calm. His jaw locked, his shoulders straightened, and his eyes–those expressive eyes–emptied of all feeling.

“I have company matters to attend to,” he said, each word perfectly spaced, perfectly controlled. “I’ll be in

touch later.”

He turned without another word. The sound of his expensive shoes against the marble hallway seemed to punctuate his departure. Even, measured steps. Nothing betraying the emotion I’d glimpsed.

Sophia looked from me to the empty doorway, her brow furrowed. “I think he heard us,” she whispered,

concern etching her features. “And he didn’t look happy, Aria. Not at all.”

A hollow feeling spread through my chest. I swallowed hard, trying to ignore it. This was always the

arrangement–a business transaction, nothing more. So why did I feel this unsettling guilt?

“It doesn’t matter,” I said, my voice steadier than I felt. focused on the bandage around my wrist, avoiding Sophia’s knowing gaze. “We have a contract, nothing more.”

But as I said it, I couldn’t help remembering the flash of what looked like genuine hurt in his eyes before the wall came down. Had Devon Kane, the man who supposedly felt nothing, actually cared about what I thought of him?

The X–ray results confirmed a minor fracture in my wrist and a hairline crack in two ribs. Dr. Phillips recommended overnight observation, citing concerns about potential concussion symptoms.

“I’ll arrange everything at the company,” Sophia immediately offered. “I’ll stay with you.”

“The Westwood proposal is due next week,” I worried aloud. “And the Meridian presentation-”

“We can video conference,” Sophia assured me, already pulling out her iPad. “The design team will

understand.”

As a nurse wrapped my wrist and wrote out prescriptions, I asked about insurance details, mentally

calculating costs. Devon might have brought me here, but I wasn’t about to become financially indebted to

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Chapter 152

him too.

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The next morning, I was scrolling through emails one–handed when a knock interrupted me. Owen stood in the doorway, clutching an ostentatious flower arrangement, with a sheepish–looking Chloe behind him.

“These won’t cover your medical expenses or company losses,” I said coldly before either could speak.

“I really didn’t mean to,” Chloe began, her apology contradicted by the hostility in her eyes.

“The security footage from the restaurant shows you deliberately pushing me,” I replied evenly. “That’s assault in a court of law.”

Owen shifted uncomfortably. “I’ll cover all expenses, Aria. Please don’t take legal action.”

“Please let me rest now,” I said with polite firmness. “My lawyer will contact you about compensation.”

They had barely left when Sophia arrived with breakfast and fresh juice. She passed them in the hallway, walking straight past Owen without acknowledgment, though Chloe gave her a contemptuous once–over.

“Owen,” I called out as he followed Chloe, “don’t forget about that compensation, or our next meeting will

be in court.”

After they left, Sophia asked if I would attend their engagement party. “Absolutely not,” I replied without hesitation.

While Sophia unpacked breakfast, I snapped a photo of my bandaged wrist for Instagram, captioning it: “Manhattan dinner adventures… costly #BattleScars #WorthIt”

Not long after I posted, the door opened again. My father stood there, impeccably dressed as always, looking tired but authoritative.

“Why am I finding out about my daughter’s injuries from Instagram?” William Harper demanded.

I met his gaze coolly. “You’re such a busy man. I wouldn’t want to burden you.”

“Regardless, you should notify family,” he said, his expression complex. “We are family, Aria.”

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