The CEO's Midnight Remedy novel Chapter 19

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

“Schedule the surgery,” Sophia’s voice trembled, her words barely a whisper as they broke against the weight of her worry. “I don’t have that kind of money, Aria. I’m at a loss here.”

As I mentally rifled through our company accounts, a sinking feeling settled in my stomach. The numbers danced in my head, revealing a bleak reality—we were barely scraping by, just enough to cover this month’s payroll for our small, dedicated team. My personal finances were not much better; after paying rent for both my Brooklyn apartment and contributing to the office space, I was left with little more than crumbs.

“Don’t worry,” I heard myself say, my voice emerging with a confidence I was far from feeling. “I’ll find a way. Your mom will get that surgery, I promise.”

“But how—” Sophia’s voice wavered, uncertainty lacing her words.

“Just stay with your mom. I’ll take care of the rest,” I insisted, my resolve hardening as I reached for the key card in my other hand. “I’ll call you back soon with the details.”

After ending the call, I found myself staring into the abyss of a moral dilemma. The burden of responsibility weighed heavily on my shoulders, knowing that my employees depended on me just as much as Sophia did.

With a deep, resigned sigh, I stood in the penthouse level, contemplating the plastic rectangle nestled in my palm. Devon Kane’s offer loomed large, no longer just an opportunity but a desperate lifeline. Sophia needed me. Her mother needed me. I needed to figure this out, and fast.

As I adjusted my dress, I steeled myself for what lay ahead. This was a business transaction, I reminded myself—a simple exchange of services. I had survived worse situations before; surely I could navigate this one.

Standing before suite 1507, I hesitated for a fleeting moment before knocking firmly on the door. The sound reverberated in the plush hallway, marking a point of no return in my mind.

When Devon opened the door, he was clad in a black bathrobe that hung open just enough to reveal the chiseled contours of his chest and abs. His dark hair was tousled, as if he had just run his fingers through it in a moment of frustration or perhaps contemplation. Despite the late hour, his eyes sparkled with a clarity that was a stark reminder of his relentless insomnia.

“Ms. Harper,” he greeted smoothly, his expression inscrutable. “I see you’ve given my offer some thought.”

His voice was rich and smooth, reminiscent of aged whiskey, and I forced myself to meet his gaze, steadying my nerves. “I have conditions.”

A smirk danced at the corner of his mouth, as if he found my assertiveness amusing. “Of course, you do.”

“The funds need to be transferred today. Not after the contract is signed, not tomorrow. Today,” I insisted, my voice firm and unwavering.

Devon leaned casually against the doorframe, his penetrating gaze assessing me. “That’s unusually urgent.”

“It’s non-negotiable,” I replied, my heart racing with each word.

Heat surged to my cheeks. “I’m not afraid of you.”

“Liar,” he whispered, a predatory smile curling his lips. “Lying has consequences, Aria.”

In one fluid motion, he lifted me, my legs instinctively wrapping around his waist as he carried me toward the bedroom. The suite was expansive, adorned in soothing shades of gray and blue, with floor-to-ceiling windows offering a breathtaking view of the Manhattan skyline, glittering under the night sky.

Devon laid me gently on the king-sized bed, looming over me with an expression that sent my heart racing. “You were quite adamant downstairs about not accepting my proposal,” he said, slowly shedding his robe to reveal his perfectly sculpted body. “What changed your mind? Is the money that crucial?”

I swallowed hard, weighing my words carefully. Honesty felt like the best path forward. “Yes… I need money to help pay my employees, to support my best friend in covering her mother’s medical bills. So, thank you for agreeing to the contract.”

A soft chuckle escaped him as he joined me on the bed, his fingers tracing a tantalizing path from my collarbone down between my breasts. “I agreed to a contract, yes,” he said, his voice low and sultry. “But that doesn’t mean I accepted your terms as they were presented.”

Confusion flickered across my face. “What do you mean?”

Devon leaned in closer, his lips brushing against my ear. “Your proposal needs several revisions,” he murmured, his hand sliding beneath my dress. “For instance, this clause here…” His fingers pressed against me, finding a spot that made me gasp, “needs to be much more… detailed.”