The CEO's Midnight Remedy novel Chapter 156

Chapter 156

Aria’s POV

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Devon’s hand traced the curve of my waist, sending electric currents through my body as we remained on the floor where we’d fallen. The plush carpet cushioned us as his gray eyes locked with mine, intensity

radiating from his gaze.

“Do you really want to continue?” I whispered, my voice barely audible.

His lips curved into that rare smile that transformed his stern features. “Perhaps,” he murmured. “Or perhaps I just wanted to make sure you didn’t suffer a concussion when you fell.”

Just as quickly, his smile vanished, replaced by that cool, aristocratic mask. He untangled himself and stood, extending a hand to help me up.

“Your ex–fiancé has been safely escorted home,” he stated, straightening his tie. “He won’t be troubling you

tonight.”

I winced as I accepted his help, my bandaged wrist throbbing in protest. My ribs sent sharp stabs of pain through my torso with each breath. “Thank you for handling that situation.”

Devon reached for his suit jacket. “I don’t particularly care for verbal gratitude, Aria.”

The implication hung between us, heavy and unmistakable. He expected more tangible forms of thanks–a thought that both irritated and intrigued me.

After he left, I leaned against the door, exhaling slowly. Devon Kane was proving just as dangerous as Ethan Blake, perhaps more so–because with Devon, I was starting to forget why I should keep my guard

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My phone’s ring interrupted my thoughts. My father’s name on the screen made me tense immediately.

“Hello, Father,” I answered neutrally.

“Aria,” he said, his tone clipped. “I need you at the house. Now.”

“It’s late, and I’ve had a long day-” I glanced down at the bandage on my wrist, knowing I should be

resting.

“This concerns Harper Group shares,” he interrupted. “Your mother’s shares. I suggest you make time.”

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12:25 Thu, Dec 25

Chapter 156

My interest piqued despite my reluctance. “I’ll be there in thirty minutes.”

As I gathered my things, I couldn’t shake the feeling I was walking into another trap. But if this truly concerned my mother’s legacy, I couldn’t ignore it.

The Harper family mansion stood imposing against the night sky. I barely had one foot in the foyer when I felt Victoria’s cold stare from the living room, where she sat perched on a French settee.

“Well, look who finally remembered she has a home,” Victoria remarked, her voice dripping with false sweetness. Her eyes briefly flicked to my bandaged wrist, but showed no sympathy.

I refused to engage with her obvious provocation. Victoria took a sip from her teacup, then grimaced.

“What is this?” she demanded, glaring at Elsa. “It’s revolting.”

Elsa’s hands trembled slightly. “I prepared it exactly as you requested, ma’am.”

“Well, it’s awful. Make it again. Keep making it until you get it right.”

I felt anger flare at Victoria’s treatment of Elsa, who had served our family–my mother–for thirty years.

“Compared to tea, I suggest you pay more attention to your daughter. How’s Scarlett doing on social media these days?” I asked casually, leaning against the doorframe to ease the pressure on my injured side. “I noticed her follower count took quite a hit after that… unfortunate video leaked.”

Victoria’s face tightened almost imperceptibly before she coldly directed me to my father’s study.

As I approached the grand marble staircase, a ghostly figure appeared at the top. Scarlett stood there, her normally vibrant features haggard and pale, dark circles shadowing her eyes as she gripped the banister.

“Don’t think you’ve won,” she hissed, her voice raspy. “This game between us–it’s not over.”

I straightened my spine, meeting her hostile gaze with cool detachment. “Comparing myself to you would be stooping too low, Scarlett. I’m not interested in your games.”