The CEO's Midnight Remedy novel Chapter 219

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Chapter 219

Aria’s POV

I straightened my charcoal gray blazer as I looked up at the gleaming Harper Group headquarters across the street. The building had always seemed imposing, but today it felt different. Today, it was about to become mine–at least partly.

“You seem confident, Ms. Harper,” Mr. Miller observed, stirring his espresso meticulously.

I turned my attention back to the man sitting across from me in the upscale coffee shop. Miller was the epitome of corporate precision in his tailored navy suit, not a hair out of place.

“Actually, you don’t need to be here, Mr. Miller,” I said, taking a sip of my latte. “I could handle this on my own.”

Miller offered a measured smile. “Mr. Kane was very clear about his instructions. Since I was the one who signed the contract with your father, I should be present today.” He glanced at his watch. “To ensure there are no… misunderstandings.”

I nodded, appreciating Devon’s thoroughness. “Fair enough.”

Looking back at the Harper building, I felt a mix of anticipation and vindication curl through me. The weight of my mother’s absence, my

father’s betrayal, and all the years of Scarlett being favored were about to be balanced—at least a little.

“It’s almost time,” I said, checking my watch. “Shall we?”

Miller nodded, leaving a generous tip as we exited the café.

The executive floor of Harper Group was exactly as I remembered it–all chrome, glass, and hushed efficiency. Employees looked up as I walked past, their curious glances following me. I recognized some faces from family events, saw the surprise in their eyes at my presence.

William Harper–my father–stood in the conference room doorway, his expression shifting from expectant to frozen when he saw me.

“Aria? What are you doing here?” His voice was clipped, controlled.

I smiled, enjoying the moment more than I probably should have. “I’m here for work, Father.”

Before he could respond, the elevator doors opened behind us, and Mr. Miller stepped out, carrying a leather portfolio. My father’s face tightened as recognition dawned.

“Mr. Harper,” Miller greeted smoothly. “I believe you’re expecting us. Or rather, you’re expecting the new Vice President of Harper Group.”

My father’s face drained of color. “This is absurd. There must be some mistake.”

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“No mistake.” Miller opened the portfolio, extracting a document. “As per the terms of the share transfer you signed last week, the new stakeholder has the right to appoint a Vice President with immediate effect. That appointment is Ms. Aria Harper.”

I watched my father’s expression transition from disbelief to fury to resignation in the span of seconds. He’d signed those papers, likely without reading the fine print, too desperate for the cash infusion Kane Technologies had provided.

“This is… irregular,” my father managed, his voice strained.

“But entirely legal,” Miller countered pleasantly. “Now, I believe you have a meeting scheduled to introduce the new VP to your executive

team?”

The conference room fell silent as my father introduced me. Ten pairs of eyes studied me with varying degrees of surprise, skepticism, and curiosity.

“As some of you know, this is my daughter, Aria,” my father said, each word clearly costing him. “Following our recent restructuring, she will be joining Harper Group as Vice President, effective immediately.”

I stood, smoothing my skirt as I addressed the room. “Thank you, Mr. Harper. I’m pleased to join Harper Group officially.” The formal address wasn’t lost on anyone. “I look forward to working with each of you to strengthen our market position and develop new opportunities.”

My gaze caught Diana Thornton’s–the HR director and my mother’s old friend. Her slight nod and barely perceptible smile told me I had

at least one ally in the room.

The doors suddenly swung open, and Scarlett entered, moving gingerly but trying to hide her discomfort. Despite her careful makeup, I

could see bruises on her face. Our eyes met briefly before she looked away, taking a seat near my father.

“Sorry I’m late,” she announced with practiced sweetness. “Traffic was terrible.” Her eyes scanned the room, landing on Miller with a smile.

“You must be the new VP everyone’s talking about.”

A ripple of uncomfortable shifting moved through the room.

“Actually,” I said, unable to keep a hint of satisfaction from my voice, “that would be me.”

Scarlett froze, her mouth slightly open. The silence in the room was absolute.

“What?” she finally managed, turning to my father. “Dad, what is she talking about?”

structure ”

Chapter 219

“No mistake.” Miller opened the portfolio, extracting a document. “As per the terms of the share transfer you signed last week, the new stakeholder has the right to appoint a Vice President with immediate effect. That appointment is Ms. Aria Harper.”

I watched my father’s expression transition from disbelief to fury to resignation in the span of seconds. He’d signed those papers, likely without reading the fine print, too desperate for the cash infusion Kane Technologies had provided.

“This is… irregular,” my father managed, his voice strained.

“But entirely legal,” Miller countered pleasantly. “Now, I believe you have a meeting scheduled to introduce the new VP to your executive

team?”

The conference room fell silent as my father introduced me. Ten pairs of eyes studied me with varying degrees of surprise, skepticism, and

curiosity.

“As some of you know, this is my daughter, Aria,” my father said, each word clearly costing him. “Following our recent restructuring, she will be joining Harper Group as Vice President, effective immediately.”

I stood, smoothing my skirt as I addressed the room. “Thank you, Mr. Harper. I’m pleased to join Harper Group officially.” The formal address wasn’t lost on anyone. “I look forward to working with each of you to strengthen our market position and develop new

opportunities.”

My gaze caught Diana Thornton’s–the HR director and my mother’s old friend. Her slight nod and barely perceptible smile told me I had

at least one ally in the room.

The doors suddenly swung open, and Scarlett entered, moving gingerly but trying to hide her discomfort. Despite her careful makeup, I could see bruises on her face. Our eyes met briefly before she looked away, taking a seat near my father.

“Sorry I’m late,” she announced with practiced sweetness. “Traffic was terrible.” Her eyes scanned the room, landing on Miller with a smile. “You must be the new VP everyone’s talking about.”

A ripple of uncomfortable shifting moved through the room.

“Actually,” I said, unable to keep a hint of satisfaction from my voice, “that would be me.”

Scarlett froze, her mouth slightly open. The silence in the room was absolute.

“What?” she finally managed, turning to my father. “Dad, what is she talking about?”

My father cleared his throat. “Aria has been appointed Vice President as part of our new corporate structure.”

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