The CEO's Midnight Remedy novel Chapter 164

Aria’s POV

“This is my mother’s beach house,” I said. “I won’t let anyone take it from me with these kinds of tactics.”

Jeremy watched me with concern as I quickly gathered my things. “I’m sorry, but we’ll have to continue our design discussion another time. There’s an urgent situation at the Hamptons property.”

076

Is everything okay?” Jeremy’s gray–green eyes narrowed with concern.

“Just some people trying to intimidate me with false claims. I shoved my laptop into my bag, already mentally calculating how quickly I could reach the Hamptons. “Nothing I can’t handle.”

‘I still need to take some measurements at the property, Jeremy said, standing and collecting his portfolio. “I’ll drive you.”

I paused, momentarily thrown by his offer. “That’s really not necessary-”

“Aria, I can tell something’s wrong.” His expression turned serious, a stark contrast to his usually relaxed demeanor. “Don’t refuse. I’m not just an architect who draws pretty plans.

Something in his tone made me hesitate. After a moment, I nodded. “Fine. Thank you.”

During the drive to Hampton, I called my lawyer and explained the situation. He promised to check if any liens had been filed against the property, but assured me that my ownership was solid.

“These are probably just intimidation tactics,” he said. “Don’t sign anything or admit to any debt.”

I ended the call and stared out the window at the passing scenery, Jeremy drove with quiet confidence, occasionally glancing in my direction.

“You want to talk about it?” he finally asked.

“Not particularly.” I sighed, then relented. “Someone is claiming my mother borrowed money using the beach house as collateral. It’s completely false, but it’s clear they’re trying to block the renovation.”

And you think your stepmother is behind it?”

I shot him a surprised look. “How did you know?”

A small smile played at his lips. “You mentioned some family complications when we first discussed the project. Plus, your expression when you got that call said everything.”

As we turned onto the private road leading to my mother’s beach house, my thoughts were interrupted by the sight of five burly men blocking the driveway. The leader, a heavily tattooed man with a shaved head, leaned against a black SUV with his arms crossed.

“Stay in the car,” I told Jeremy as we pulled up. “This could get ugly, and I don’t want to drag you into my problems.

Jeremy nodded, but his eyes remained alert.

I stepped out of the car, straightening my blazer and lifting my chin. Years of dealing with difficult clients had taught me that projecting confidence was

FAI

26

O

|||

O

77440

1/2

12:40 Fri, Dec 26 MJA.

Chapter 164

half the battle.

076

“Can I help you gentlemen?” I asked, approaching the group but maintaining a safe distance.

The tattooed man pushed himself off the SUV. “You must be Elizabeth Harper’s daughter. His voice was rough, like gravel under tires. “I’m Rex from Vegas Collections. Your mother borrowed two million from my employer. With interest, that’s now three million.

“My mother never borrowed money using this property,” I replied calmly. “And she certainly wouldn’t have dealt with anyone called ‘Vegas Collections.”

Rex pulled out a folded document from his leather jacket. “Papers say otherwise. See for yourself.”

I took the document, careful not to let my hands shake. The contract looked official at first glance, with my mother’s signature at the bottom. But I’d seen

enough of her signature on birthday cards and letters to know this wasn’t it. The loops were too tight, the slant wrong.

I took a photo of the document with my phone before handing it back. “This signature is forged. My mother never signed this. Additionally, this property

was legally transferred to me before her death, so even if this debt were legitimate–which it isn’t–you’d have no claim on the house.”

Rex’s smile disappeared. “Look, lady, we can do this the easy way or the hard way. Pay up, or we’ll make sure no renovation happens here. Maybe accidents

start happening to your workers. Maybe the house mysteriously burns down again.”

A chill ran down my spine at his words. “Are you threatening me?”

“Just stating facts.” His eyes traveled down my body in a way that made my skin crawl. “Though, you’re pretty hot. Maybe we could work out another

arrangement. Spend a few months with me, and I’ll wipe the debt clean.”

Comments

✔ LIKE

Write Comments

YES

SHARE

FRI