The CEO's Midnight Remedy novel Chapter 17

**Dust Writes New Stories by Rei Holt Wilder**

**Chapter 17**

**Aria’s POV**

The moment I stepped off the elevator at Mount Sinai Hospital, the sharp, antiseptic scent enveloped me like an unwelcome shroud. Hospitals had always been my least favorite places—the stark, sterile corridors, the muted whispers of conversations, and that ever-present undercurrent of anxiety that seemed to seep into every corner. But I had made a promise to Marianne, and despite the whirlwind of emotions swirling within me, I couldn’t bear the thought of letting her down.

Navigating through the hospital’s maze, I quickly located Ethan’s private room. The Blake family name had afforded him one of the most luxurious suites, complete with expansive floor-to-ceiling windows that framed a breathtaking view of the East River. As I neared the doorway, I could hear Marianne’s voice, tinged with agitation.

“You can’t keep refusing treatment, Ethan. The doctors say you need—”

“I told you, I’m fine. I just need to see Aria.”

Taking a steadying breath, I crossed the threshold into the room. Marianne’s face lit up with palpable relief as she turned to me.

“Thank God you’re here!” she exclaimed, her arms wrapping around me in a tight embrace. “He’s been stubbornly refusing painkillers and any further tests until he lays eyes on you.”

Ethan was propped up against a mountain of pillows, his right arm encased in a sling, and a large bruise shadowing his left cheekbone. Despite his injuries, the moment our eyes met, his face transformed, brightening as if I had flipped a switch. With a visible effort, he shifted himself into a more upright position.

“Aria,” he murmured, his voice softening in a way that tugged at something deep within me. “You came.”

“I came for Marianne,” I replied, deliberately keeping my distance. “She was worried.”

Marianne squeezed my hand in gratitude before turning her attention back to her son. “Now that Aria’s here, perhaps you’ll finally tell us what happened? Who did this to you, Ethan? The police report was so vague.”

Ethan’s gaze flickered nervously between his mother and me, his lips parting as if he were about to speak but hesitating. I recognized the telltale sign—the way he licked his lips—indicating he was gearing up to twist the truth.

“It was… it was Devon Kane from Kane Technology,” he finally confessed, his voice barely above a whisper.

Marianne gasped, her eyes widening. “Devon Kane? The Devon Kane? Good heavens! How did this happen?”

I maintained a neutral expression, but inside, a flurry of thoughts raced through my mind. Devon had mentioned “accidentally” bumping into Ethan with his car outside Pantheon, right after that awkward proposal scene. I hadn’t realized it had escalated to the point of hospitalization.

“It was an accident,” Ethan rushed to clarify, his eyes darting nervously towards me. “He… didn’t see me. His assistant has already arranged for medical expenses and compensation.”

“Even if he is Devon Kane, he can’t just hit someone and walk away!” Marianne exclaimed, her protective instincts flaring to life. “We should press charges!”

“No!” Ethan interjected too quickly, the urgency in his voice palpable. “Like I said, it was an accident. Everything’s taken care of.”

Yet, Devon had seemed particularly irritated by Ethan’s interruption at Pantheon. Perhaps he simply disliked being disturbed during business matters. Or perhaps…

I shook my head, attempting to dispel the thought. I was overanalyzing the situation. Devon Kane might be a powerful and somewhat ruthless businessman, but the idea of him intentionally running someone over felt like a stretch, even for his cold calculations.

By the time I reached my apartment, I had just enough time to prepare for the evening ahead. I selected a midnight blue cocktail dress that struck a perfect balance between elegance and professionalism, its subtle shimmer catching the light with every movement. Pairing it with tasteful diamond studs, I swept my hair into a sleek chignon, feeling a sense of confidence wash over me. The portfolio containing my meticulously revised proposal sat ready on my coffee table, a testament to countless hours of hard work.

As I applied my lipstick, a flutter of nervousness danced in my stomach. Tonight’s meeting could very well determine the future of Stellar Impressions. If I failed to secure Devon’s support, my company might not survive the month. Sophia’s mother desperately needed expensive heart surgery, and my employees relied on their paychecks. I couldn’t let them down.

The taxi dropped me off at the entrance of the five-star hotel hosting Devon’s private gathering. The imposing limestone facade was illuminated by strategically placed lights, casting an almost ethereal glow against the darkening sky. A uniformed doorman greeted me as I approached, his demeanor professional yet warm.

Inside the lobby, I followed the discreet signage leading toward the private event spaces. A security guard stood at attention beside an elegant placard announcing “Private Event – Kane Technology.”

I approached with confidence, portfolio in hand. “Aria Harper for Devon Kane,” I stated, my voice steady.

The guard consulted his tablet before looking up with a respectful nod. “Yes, Ms. Harper. Mr. Kane informed us you would be attending. Please proceed directly to the main ballroom.”

I blinked in surprise. Devon had put my name on the guest list? After our last encounter, I had half-expected to argue my way in or at least wait while they confirmed my presence with him.

“Thank you,” I managed, trying to mask my confusion as I stepped forward, ready to face whatever awaited me.