The CEO's Midnight Remedy novel Chapter 159

Chapter 159

Aria’s POV

51%

Ryan leaned forward, his familiar cocky smile dimming as he recognized the seriousness in my expression.

“So what’s this important matter that couldn’t wait?” he asked, swirling his scotch. “Family drama again? Or is it the ever–fascinating Devon Kane?” His eyes glinted with curiosity.

I opened my mouth to explain when the blonde draped across Ryan’s lap shifted, looking up with feigned discomfort.

“I’m not feeling so well, baby,” she murmured, her sharp eyes flicking between Ryan and me despite her pout. She adjusted her position, causing her martini to accidentally” slosh over the rim, splashing across my silk blouse.

“Oh! I’m so clumsy,” she said, not sounding sorry at all. My bad.”

The cold liquid seeped through the fabric. I suppressed a sigh, familiar with Ryan’s tendency to prioritize his flavor of the week. His fingers reflexively tightened around the blonde’s waist, his expression showing mild annoyance that didn’t translate to any actual correction.

“I’ll go clean this up,” I said, standing carefully to avoid jostling my tender ribs. “We’ll talk later.”

As I headed toward the restrooms, I felt more irritated than hurt. Ryan had always been this way- charming, unreliable, and easily distracted. I should have known better than to expect a serious conversation with a girl in his lap.

As I rounded the corner into the dimly lit hallway, I collided with a solid wall of expensive tailoring. Strong hands gently caught my shoulders before I could stumble backward, the touch careful and steady. My breath caught as I looked up into Devon Kane’s granite face, his gray eyes darkening as they met mine.

“We need to stop meeting like this,” I said, wincing slightly as the sudden movement sent a twinge through my ribcage.

His gaze sharpened, noticing my discomfort immediately. “You shouldn’t be out with your injuries,” he said, his voice low. His eyes dropped to the wet stain on my blouse, then back to my face.

“I could ask you the same question,” I countered.

“Business dinner,” he replied curtly, gesturing toward a private room whose door had just opened, revealing

1/3

12:25 Thu, Dec 25

Chapter 159

an elegant gathering inside. His hands remained lightly on my shoulders, as if he wasn’t certain I was

stable on my feet.

51%

A stunning brunette appeared in the doorway. “Devon, are you coming back? Oh-” She noticed me and smiled with practiced charm, though her eyes assessed me with clear territorial interest. “A friend of yours?

She’s welcome to join us.”

“Thank you, but I was just leaving,” I responded smoothly, feeling Devon’s eyes on me.

“So was I,” Devon said unexpectedly, buttoning his suit jacket with deliberate movements. “Marcus, bring

the car around.”

In the parking lot, Devon walked beside me at a measured pace, matching my slower, more careful steps. When we reached my car, his hand hovered near the small of my back but didn’t make contact, seemingly aware of my injuries.

“I’ll take you home,” he said, his voice lower, more intimate than it had been inside.

I knew I should refuse, maintain boundaries, but the thought of driving with my aching wrist made the offer tempting. “Alright,” I heard myself say.

Inside his Bentley, the privacy partition rose silently as Marcus pulled away from the club.

“You and Jeremy Pierce seem friendly,” Devon stated, breaking the silence.

“We’re discussing the renovation of my property,” I replied carefully, watching his reaction. “He has some interesting ideas.”

Devon’s jaw clenched. “Pierce isn’t as straightforward as he appears.” His fingers drummed once on his knee, then stilled deliberately. “You’d be better off with a different designer. I can recommend several.”

“And if I don’t want a different designer?” I challenged, raising an eyebrow and turning to face him more fully, ignoring the dull ache in my side.

His eyes darkened as they fixed on mine. “Then I hope you’re prepared for complications.”

“Unless…” I let the word hang between us.

“Unless what?” His voice dropped lower, the words barely above a whisper.

12.25 Thu, Dec 25 @

Chapter 159

514

I shifted toward him, wincing slightly as the movement pulled at my tender ribs. “Unless you’re willing to

help me instead.”

His eyes flickered with concern at my discomfort before his lips curved into a careful smile. That depends

entirely on your performance.”

When we reached his penthouse, Devon’s demeanor changed. He moved with deliberate slowness, his usual commanding presence softened by attentiveness. In the elevator, he stood close but not touching, his body angled toward me protectively.

Comments