The CEO's Midnight Remedy novel Chapter 192

Aria’s POV

The sleek corridors of the Artemis Medical Center seemed to stretch endlessly as I followed Marcus’s hurried footsteps.

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“This way, Miss Harper,” Marcus said, his voice tight with strain. The bruising on his face looked worse under the hallway lights, and I noticed him favoring

his left leg with each step.

Several people in expensive–looking medical attire stood huddled at the end of the corridor, their voices low but urgent. Their tense expressions made my

stomach clench. When they spotted us, a woman in a tailored white coat stepped forward, her expression grave.

“Thank you for coming, Ms. Harper. I’m Dr. Winters,” she said, extending her hand. Her grip was firm, professional. “Mr. Kane needs immediate attention, but

he’s refusing treatment. Perhaps you can help.”

My heart pounded against my ribs. “What happened to him?” I asked, trying to keep my voice steady even as my mind raced through worst–case scenarios.

Dr. Winters hesitated, glancing at Marcus. “Mr. Kane sustained a gunshot wound to his abdomen. The bullet needs to be removed immediately, but he’s…

uncooperative.

“A gunshot wound?” I repeated, my voice rising. The words felt thick in my throat. “Why isn’t he in a regular hospital?”

“Given Mr. Kane’s… position, and the circumstances of the injury, discretion is paramount,” she replied carefully. “The person who did this might be

monitoring emergency rooms.”

The implication sent a jolt through me. This wasn’t just an accident; someone had deliberately tried to harm Devon. And judging by Marcus’s injuries, he

otective. had been caught in the crossfire. The thought of Devon being targeted made me feel unexpectedly protective.

The doctor led me to a door at the end of the hallway. “He’s asked for you specifically. No one else can approach him.”

When I stepped into the room, the sight of Devon knocked the breath from my lungs. He lay on a medical bed, his white shirt soaked crimson. His face was ashen, eyes closed, dark lashes stark against his pale skin. My hand instinctively flew to my mouth, and for a terrifying moment, I thought he might already

be dead.

Then his eyes snapped open, finding mine instantly. The gray of his irises seemed almost silver in the harsh lighting, and the intensity in them made me freeze in place. Even wounded, he radiated power,

‘Everyone out,‘ he commanded, his voice hoarse but still carrying that unmistakable authority. “Except her.”

The medical staff exchanged worried glances but complied, filing out silently until only Devon and I remained.

I approached the bed slowly, conscious of my uneven breathing. “You need treatment,” said, my voice softer than intended. “They need to remove the

bullet.”

A cold smile twisted his lips, though it didn’t reach his eyes. “Do you actually care if I die, Aria? His fingers gripped the edge of the bed, knuckles white with pain he refused to acknowledge. “After all, you spent quite a cozy evening with Jeremy while I was away.”

The jealousy in his voice contrasted sharply with his physical vulnerability. I felt a strange mix of irritation and concern wash over me.

“Is this really the time?” I asked, stepping closer. “You’re bleeding out, and you want to discuss who I spend time with?”

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17:42 Tue, Dec 30 RM

Chapter 192

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I forced myself to look directly at his wound. The sight of so much blood made my head swim, but I kept my expression neutral. My fingers trembled slightly as I reached for his hand, surprising both of us.

“Yes, I care if you die,” I said, meeting his gaze directly. “If only because you just acquired shares in my father’s company.”

Something in my blunt honesty seemed to cut through his defenses. The tension in his face eased slightly, and he exhaled a shaky breath. For a brief moment, his eyes revealed raw pain–not just physical–before he masked it again.

I’ll allow treatment on one condition,” he said, his voice quieter. “You stay. The entire time.”

“That’s absurd,” I protested, though I didn’t pull my hand away. “I’m not medical staff.”

Dr. Winters chose that moment to reenter, clearly having listened at the door. “Mr. Kane has an extreme adverse reaction to anesthesia. We need to perform the procedure while he’s conscious, and having someone he… trusts… might help keep him stable.”

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