The CEO's Midnight Remedy novel Chapter 174

Chapter 174

Aria’s POV

Connor leaned against the elevator doorframe, effectively blocking my exit. His eyes–similar to Devon’s in color but lacking the warmth–traveled down my

body with undisguised interest. My pulse quickened as I recognized the danger in his stance.

“So you’re the latest distraction,” he said, flipping a gold coin between his fingers. His voice carried a hint of mockery. “My brother always did have excellent

taste in… temporary companions.”

I kept my expression neutral, though my heart hammered against my ribs. “Mr. Kane, I need to leave.”

Connor’s smile widened, revealing perfectly whitened teeth. “Oh, we’re being formal? Interesting, considering what you were probably doing with Devon last

night.” He stepped closer, invading my personal space. The cologne he wore was too strong, almost suffocating. “You know, Devon and I have shared

interests before. Perhaps when he’s done with you…”

‘I’m not interested,” I said coldly, fighting to keep my voice steady. “Please move.”

His smile vanished instantly. The transformation was terrifying–playful arrogance replaced by cold menace in a heartbeat. With surprising speed, he

maneuvered me back into the hallway, away from the elevator. I retreated, maintaining distance between us, my back pressed against the wall.

“Pretty girls like you always say no at first,” he said, his voice dropping an octave. “It’s part of the game.” He pulled out his phone, tapping the screen before

turning it toward me. “Speaking of games–this is you at Eden Club, isn’t it? In that lovely little black lace number?”

My blood froze. On his screen was a video of me from last night, looking vulnerable and exposed in the outfit Devon had selected. I discreetly activated the

emergency contact function on my phone, pressing the side button three times while maintaining eye contact with Connor. My only hope was that Devon

would see it in time.

‘Connor,” I said, trying to sound reasonable while watching for any sudden movements, as a Kane family member, you understand the importance of

reputation. I don’t think-”

“Don’t lecture me about the family name,” he snarled, suddenly grabbing my wrist with bruising force. His fingers slid toward the buttons of my blouse,

rough and demanding. “I know exactly how to handle stubborn women who think too highly of themselves. Devon might treat you like you’re special, but we

both know what you really are.”

Before I could respond, he ripped my blouse open with a violent jerk and slapped me hard across the face. The sting brought tears to my eyes, but also

triggered something primal—a surge of adrenaline and rage. I grabbed a crystal paperweight from the decorative console table and smashed it against his

forehead with all my strength.

Connor stumbled backward, blood trickling down his face, shock momentarily replacing his arrogance. “You fucking bitch!” he growled, rage contorting his

features as he lunged toward me. “I’ll make you regret that!”

I braced myself, the paperweight still clutched in my hand, knuckles white. My breathing came in short gasps as I prepared to defend myself again. The

hallway suddenly felt narrower, the walls closing in.

Then the elevator doors slid open with a soft chime. Devon stepped out, his posture relaxed but his eyes instantly assessing the situation. His gaze took in

my torn blouse, the reddening mark on my cheek, Connor’s bleeding forehead, and the paperweight in my hand. His expression remained eerily calm, but his eyes darkened with controlled fury.

“What an unexpected visit, brother,” Devon said, his voice like ice. “I don’t recall inviting you.”

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Chapter 174

I quickly moved behind Devon, clutching my torn blouse closed. The relief I felt at his appearance was immediate and overwhelming. I hated myself for that feeling of dependency, but in that moment, Devon represented safety.

Connor pressed his hand against his bleeding forehead, glaring at both of us. “This whore attacked me,” he spat, blood dripping between his fingers.

Devon’s face remained impassive, but I noticed his jaw tighten slightly–the only visible sign of his anger. He pressed the intercom button without looking

his eyes briefly softening before returning to their usual away from Connor. “Marcus, arrange for a doctor. And notify security.” He then turned to me, detached state. “Go with Marcus when he arrives.”

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