The CEO's Midnight Remedy novel Chapter 182

Chapter 182

Aria, I’m so glad you’re joining us tonight,” she said, her voice dripping with false sweetness. “You’ve been so busy lately, I feel like we never see you.”

“Work keeps me occupied,” I replied coolly.

“Of course, your little marketing company,” she said with a dismissive wave. “Daddy was just telling me how impressed he is with your dedication.”

My father nodded absently, his attention on his steak.

Throughout the meal, Scarlett dominated the conversation, expertly showcasing her charm for my father’s benefit. I watched the performance with detached amusement, saying little and finishing my meal as quickly as politeness allowed.

“If you’ll excuse me,” I said, folding my napkin beside my plate. “I have some work to finish before tomorrow.”

Without waiting for a response, I retreated to my room and stepped out onto the small balcony, needing fresh air. The night was clear, the distant sounds of traffic a soothing backdrop to my thoughts.

A car’s headlights swept across the driveway below, and I froze as a familiar black Audi pulled up. Ethan Blake stepped out, his tall figure unmistakable in the security lighting.

Scarlett rushed from the house, not bothering to close the door behind her. She threw herself into his arms, her white dress glowing in the darkness. He caught her, spinning her slightly before setting her down. His hands moved to her waist, intimate and possessive.

Then, as if sensing he was being watched, Ethan looked up. Our eyes met across the distance, his expression changing from surprise to something unreadable. For a moment, neither of us moved.

Scarlett followed his gaze and saw me. Rather than appearing embarrassed, a slow smile spread across her face. She turned back to Ethan,

deliberately pulling him closer and whispering something in his ear.

I should have turned away. Instead, I watched as Ethan guided Scarlett toward his car, opening the door for her with exaggerated gallantry. Once inside, the windows quickly fogged, leaving little doubt about their activities.

The display was so obviously for my benefit that it would have been laughable if it weren’t so pathetic. I turned and went back inside,

closing the balcony door firmly behind me.

The next morning, I was reviewing contracts in the study when Scarlett found me. She was wearing another white dress, this one with

delicate lace trim–her perpetual innocent facade.

“Good morning, Aria,” she said, perching on the edge of the desk. “I wanted to personally invite you to my birthday celebration nex

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Chapter 182

werkend. It’s going to be an intimate zatiating at the Hayes w

“No, thank you Frestled without looking ay from my sugars.

Her smile faltered sightly. Please recondder, 1 kove www hnd ow fillaempas, be 14 wally it you to

I finally met her gaze, “Would le? Or are yous five following Vetor’s on any w

“That’s not fate the protested, her eyes widening in practiced but I getely want to sayr owding dress, all-

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“What plane?” she pressed, “Sorally nothing that cave be rescheduled for familly

I set down my pen and regarded her conlly, “Scatter, let’s not protand, You don’t wine me they may miss that I want to be there

“That’s not true; she insisted, teaching for my hand. I pulled it away before she could work me. I are a note masies, but the trying here. Here, Aria, just think about

Her persistence was suspicious. Something about this birthday party was imparte to key, and then alone made the E

FW consider it, I said finally, knowing I had no intention of attending

Thank you, she beamed, bouncing off the desk, te se wonderful, I promise

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