The CEO's Midnight Remedy novel Chapter 188

Chapter 188

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Devon finally removed his arm from my waist, using his free hand to accept the folder. “Thank you. That

will be all.”

Miller’s gaze darted between us, lingering on me with confusion before Devon’s icy glare sent him

retreating.

As the door closed, I released his arm, shame and confusion mingling with my anger. I stared at the clear impression of my teeth on his skin, a perfect half–moon of indentations turning red against his tanned

forearm.

“What contract?” I asked, my voice hollow. “What have you done?”

“See for yourself,” Devon said, opening the folder and placing it in my trembling hands.

I scanned the document, my eyes growing wider with each line. Devon Kane had purchased 40% of Harper Group shares at a fair market value. The contract specified that he would gain voting rights and would appoint the vice president of operations.

“You… you bought the shares?” I looked up, bewildered. “But why? Is this some kind of takeover?”

Devon studied me, his expression unreadable. “The shares are effectively a private loan from me to you, Aria. When you repay the money, we’re done. Until then, I maintain oversight to ensure the company

remains stable.”

The realization hit me like a wave. He hadn’t been watching my family legacy crumble–he’d been saving it, keeping it from falling into unknown hands, giving me time, to reclaim it.

“You did this for me?” I whispered, unable to fully process his unexpected intervention.

Devon’s eyes darkened. “Don’t misinterpret business for sentiment.”

But something in his tone didn’t match his dismissive words. A lump formed in my throat

at his arm, where my bite mark stood out starkly against his skin.

“Thank you, Devon,” I said softly, sincerity replacing anger in my voice.

He raised an eyebrow, nodding toward the bite mark. “Now, shall we discuss how you plan to make up this little act of violence?”

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Chapter 188

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Heat rushed to my face. In a moment of brazen impulse I extended my wrist toward him. “Fair’s fair. You can bite me back.”

A rare, genuine smile flickered across his lips, transforming his severe features. Without breaking eye contact, he took my offered wrist, but instead of biting, he pressed his lips gently against my pulse point.

“I have more creative ways for you to make it up to me he murmured, sending an involuntary shiver down my spine.

Devon’s phone buzzed in his pocket. He checked the message, his expression instantly hardening into the businesslike mask I knew so well.

“I’m afraid we’ll have to cut this short,” he said, rising to his feet in one fluid motion. “I have some unexpected business to attend to.”

I nodded, gathering my purse and the folder containing the contract. “I should get back to my home

anyway.”

“You can see yourself out,” Devon said, already typing something on his phone. “I’ll be in touch about the

Harper Group arrangements.”

I stood up, straightening my skirt and preparing to leave. But something made me hesitate at the door- perhaps the realization of what he’d done for me, or the lingering warmth where his lips had touched my

wrist.

On impulse, I turned back, crossing the room in quick steps. Before Devon could react, I wrapped my arms

around him in a quick, firm embrace.

“Thank you,” I whispered against his chest, feeling his body stiffen in surprise. “Not just business, Devon.

Whatever you say.”

I pulled back to find his gray eyes wide with something I couldn’t quite name–shock, confusion, or perhaps something deeper. For a split second, his carefully constructed facade slipped, revealing a glimpse of vulnerability that took my breath away.

Then it was gone, replaced by his usual controlled expression, though a slight flush colored his

cheekbones.

“Good day, Ms. Harper,” he said, his voice slightly rougher than before.

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