The CEO's Midnight Remedy novel Chapter 214

Chapter 214

Aria’s POV

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I closed Scarlett’s bedroom door behind me, feeling lighter than I had in weeks. The image of my stepsister’s mascara–streaked face, her golden hair plastered to her forehead, her designer silk pajamas soaked through–it was better than therapy. A smile tugged at my lips as I descended the grand staircase, my footsteps echoing through the Harper family mansion.

My stomach growled, reminding me I hadn’t eaten since yesterday. Revenge, apparently, worked up quite an appetite.

“Elsa?” I called out, spotting our longtime housekeeper dusting the antique vase in the foyer. “I’m starving. Could you make me something to eat? Anything will do.”

Elsa looked up, her experienced eyes taking in my satisfied expression. “Of course, Miss Aria. I’ll prepare something right away.” She nodded and headed toward the kitchen, her steps brisk and efficient as always.

I settled into the plush sofa in the living room, scrolling through emails on my phone. The corner of my lips remained curled in a subtle smile. Few things in life felt as satisfying as confronting those who had wronged you–especially when they weren’t expecting it.

The peaceful moment didn’t last long. The sound of wet, angry footsteps pounding down the stairs announced Scarlett’s arrival before I could see her. She appeared in the doorway, hair dripping, face contorted with rage.

“Aria, if I get a cold or my skin breaks out because of this, I swear to God you’ll regret it for the rest of your life!” she snarled, standing over me with clenched fists.

I didn’t even look up from my phone. “Your skin is too thick to be damaged by a little cold water, Scarlett.”

Her face flushed an ugly shade of red. “You psychotic bitch! Dad will hear about this!”

“I’m sure he will,” I replied calmly, tapping out a text to Ryan: “Tell your people to increase pressure on Victoria. I don’t want to let either

of them off the hook.”

Scarlett continued her tirade, but I tuned her out, focusing instead on the satisfaction of setting my plans in motion. Eventually, she

stormed off, presumably to dry her hair and repair her image.

Elsa appeared with a tray of elegantly arranged finger sandwiches and a small bowl of mixed greens. “Here you are, Miss Aria. I made your

favorite cucumber sandwiches.”

“Thank you, Elsa.” I smiled genuinely at her. Among all the staff in this house, Elsa was the only one who remembered my preferences,

not just Scarlett’s.

Elsa lingered for a moment, her expression troubled. “Will Mr. William be upset about what happened with Miss Scarlett?”

I bit into a sandwich, savoring the fresh taste. “Probably. But he’ll get over it.”

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Chapter 214

“He always favors her, Elsa said softly, then immediately looked regretful. “I’m sorry, I shouldn’t have

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It’s okay, Elsa. We both know it’s true.” I waved away her concern, then added, “Has he always been like this? Even when my mother was

alive?”

A shadow crossed Elsa’s face. “No. He was different then. Before everything with the Blake family…” She trailed off, then added hastily, “This reminds me of when Miss Scarlett sabotaged your mother’s”

“Elsa,” I cut her off, my voice suddenly ice–cold. “Please don’t mention the Blake family in my presence. Ever.” I set down my sandwich, appetite vanishing at the mere mention of that name.

Elsa nodded apologetically and retreated. I sat alone, staring at my plate but seeing nothing. Memories of my mother, of betrayal, of loss -they swirled in my mind, leaving a bitter taste that no amount of cucumber sandwiches could erase.

I retreated to my bedroom, needing to focus on work to clear my head. My laptop displayed the latest marketing plans for Stellar Impressions‘ newest client. I lost myself in the details, reviewing designs and campaign strategies, grateful for the distraction.

Without warning, my door flew open with a bang. Scarlett stormed in, her face a mask of panic and fury. She slammed her palm against my desk, knocking my laptop sideways.

“Where is he?” she demanded, her voice trembling. “What have you done with Ethan?”

I straightened my computer, taking my time before answering. “I have no idea what you’re talking about.”

“Bullshit! I’ve been calling and texting him all morning. He’s not answering!” Her eyes were wide with genuine fear. “What did you do?”

I leaned back in my chair, studying her. “Ethan took me to Eden last night, actually. Said he wanted to reconcile.” I watched her face carefully. “Your boyfriend is surprisingly easy to seduce, Scarlett.”

“You lying whore!” she spat, tears forming in her eyes. “Tell me where he is!”

“I suggest you check your own messages,” I replied coldly. “Though I doubt he’ll be responding to anyone anytime soon.”

Understanding dawned on her face, followed by horror. She backed away, then fled my room without another word. I smiled to myself, knowing she had connected the dots–Devon Kane was involved, and that meant Ethan was in serious trouble.

Downstairs, I heard the front door open and close. My father’s voice drifted up the stairs as he called for Scarlett. When no one answered, his footsteps headed toward the dining room.

I continued working, not bothering to go down and greet him. Our relationship had been strained for years, and there was little point in pretending otherwise.

Maybe an hour later, my phone buzzed with an incoming message. Devon Kane’s name appeared on the screen:

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Chapter 214

“Little thing, you’re quite brave. Sending me such garbage to deal with?”

A second message followed immediately:

“What vermin she is. Don’t worry–I won’t be gentle with her out of any consideration for you.”

I smiled, feeling a dark satisfaction spread through me. My reply was simple:

“Please don’t show Scarlett any mercy. Especially don’t treat him gently on my account.”

I set my phone down, feeling a sense of completion. Using Devon to punish Scarlett–it was a perfect plan. The game was just beginning,

and for once, I held the stronger hand.

My phone buzzed again. Devon’s reply was brief:

“Little thing, you’re quite vicious.”

I smiled. He had no idea.

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