The CEO's Midnight Remedy novel Chapter 217

Chapter 217

Aria’s POV

“We need to get her to a hospital,” Elsa said urgently.

My father shook his head. “No. No hospitals. The press would have a field day. The Harper name can’t be associated with whatever happened at that club.”

I stared at him in disbelief–not because I was surprised by his callousness, but because even after all these years, his concern for the family image still managed to shock me.

“Father, she’s coughing up blood,” I pointed out.

“Elsa, help her upstairs and clean her up,” my father instructed, ignoring me. “Call Dr. Reynolds if necessary. He’s discreet.” He turned to

me, his eyes cold. “Aria, my study. Now.”

I hesitated, watching as Elsa and another maid helped Scarlett toward the stairs. The look Scarlett gave me as they passed was pure

venom, promising retribution. I met her gaze steadily before following my father to his study.

The moment the heavy oak door closed behind us, he rounded on me.

“What do you know about this?” he demanded, his voice low but dangerous.

“Nothing,” I replied calmly. “I told you, I’ve been home all evening.”

“Then why is Scarlett saying this is your fault? Why would you know Ethan in the Eden?”

I leaned against his desk, a position I never would have dared take before tonight. “I don’t know what Scarlett believes or why. But I’d like

Father?” to know what she meant when she said ‘this was meant for you.‘ What exactly was meant for me,

He seemed taken aback by my direct question and the subtle shift in my demeanor. For years, I had been the dutiful daughter, accepting his preference for Scarlett, swallowing my hurt when he dismissed my achievements while celebrating her mediocrity. But something had changed in me. Perhaps it was the sight of Scarlett finally facing consequences, or perhaps it was simply time.

“She’s obviously confused and traumatized,” he said dismissively.

“Is she? Because it sounded to me like she knew exactly what she was saying.” I straightened, meeting his gaze directly. “Maybe we should ask her to explain what she meant.”

My father’s eyes narrowed. “Are you suggesting we interrogate her in her condition?”

“I’m suggesting we get to the truth, rather than automatically assuming I’m somehow responsible for whatever happened to her,” I replied,

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Chapter 217

surprised by my own boldness.

Without waiting for his response, I turned and walked out of the study, heading toward Scarlett’s room. My father followed close behind, his footsteps heavy with anger.

When we reached Scarlett’s door, I knocked firmly before entering. She was sitting on her bed, now wearing a silk robe, her hair still damp from being hastily washed. She flinched when she saw me.

“Get her out of here!” she screamed at my father.

“Scarlett,” I said, my voice steady despite the adrenaline coursing through me. “You said what happened to you was meant for me. What

did you mean by that?”

“Nothing! I was confused!” she insisted, her eyes darting nervously to my father.

“I don’t think you were,” I pressed. “I think you knew exactly what you were saying.”

“Aria, that’s enough,” my father warned.

I turned to face him. “No, it’s not enough. I want to know what she meant.” I looked back at Scarlett. “Were you planning something for

me, Scarlett? Something that backfired on you instead?”

Scarlett’s face paled further. She shrank back against her pillows, looking to my father for protection.

“This is ridiculous,” my father said. “You’re upset and looking for someone to blame, Aria. Scarlett needs rest, not accusations.”

“What she needs is to answer my question,” I insisted. “Or perhaps I should call the police and let them ask her.”

“You wouldn’t dare,” my father hissed.

I pulled out my phone. “Wouldn’t I? Someone assaulted my stepsister. As a concerned family member, shouldn’t I report it?”

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