The CEO's Midnight Remedy novel Chapter 220

Chapter 220

Scarlett’s face flushed with anger. She turned back to me, speechless.

“Don’t worry,” I said, my voice saccharine. “You’ll get used to it eventually.”

My new office was adjacent to my father’s, separated by a glass wall with adjustable blinds. Currently, they were open, allowing me to observe him on the phone, gesturing angrily. I knew exactly who he was calling–likely legal counsel to find a loophole in the agreement.

Diana Thornton knocked lightly on my door, entering with a stack of files.

“These are the department reports you requested, Aria,” she said, placing them on my desk. She lowered her voice. “It’s good to see you

here. Your mother would be proud.”

The mention of my mother sent a familiar pang through me. “Thank you, Diana. How bad is it, really?”

Diana glanced toward my father’s office. “Worse than the numbers show. Scarlett has been running the social media division for the past year. Budgets inflated, results negligible. And she’s made quite a few enemies among the staff.”

I nodded, unsurprised. “I’ve called a meeting with middle management at three. Will you make sure everyone attends?”

At three–fifteen, I surveyed the conference room. Two department heads were conspicuously absent, and Scarlett had just sauntered in, ten minutes late, not bothering to apologize.

I stood, letting the silence stretch uncomfortably. “Thank you all for coming. As you know, I’m Aria Harper, and as of today, I’m your new

Vice President.”

I clicked to the first slide of my presentation. “These are our current performance metrics. As you can see, we have significant challenges

ahead.”

For the next thirty minutes, I outlined my assessment of each department. When I finished, I turned to face the room directly.

“Now, I notice Mr. White and Ms. Chen aren’t

here. Can anyone tell me why?”

Uncomfortable glances were exchanged. Finally, one brave soul spoke up. “I believe they were advised the meeting was optional.”

“I see.” I turned to Scarlett, who was examining her manicure with exaggerated interest. “And who might have given them that impression?”

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Before she could answer, I continued, “Effective immediately, Mr. White and Ms. Chen are relieved of their positions. HR will process their severance this afternoon.” I turned back to the group. “At Harper Group, when the VP calls a meeting, it’s not optional.

Scarlett’s eyes widened. “You can’t just fire people on your first day!”

“Actually, I can.” I smiled thinly. “Also effective immediately, Scarlett, your annual bonus is forfeit due to chronic tardiness and insubordination.”

“That’s ridiculous!” she sputtered. “Dad won’t allow-

“Dad doesn’t oversee HR anymore,” I interrupted. “I do. Along with Finance. That was specified in the restructuring agreement.”

One of the departing managers tried a desperate move. “Harper manager, we only followed your instructions when you told us not to

come.”

All eyes turned to Scarlett, whose face had gone pale.

My father chose that moment to enter the room. “What’s going on here? I heard shouting.”

“Just clarifying the new chain of command,” I replied calmly. “As stipulated in your agreement with Kane Technologies, I now directly

oversee HR and Finance.”

For a moment, my father looked like he might argue. Then resignation crossed his face. “That’s correct,” he conceded, the words clearly

bitter on his tongue.

By six o’clock, the office was abuzz with whispers. I overheard fragments as I worked late in my new office.

“Just like her mother…”

“…showed Scarlett who’s boss…”

“…wonder if it’s true about the battle of the Harpers…”

Scarlett had left in a fury hours ago, nearly falling in her haste to exit, which had prompted barely concealed snickers from staff who’d

suffered under her reign.

My phone vibrated with a text message: “Old place, 9PM.” From Devon–or as he appeared in my contacts, “Sponsor.” I couldn’t help the small smile that touched my lips.

Minutes later, Ryan called, his voice excited. “She did it, Aria. Victoria transferred the five million to my guy this morning. She was

terrified.”

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“Good,” I replied, feeling a cold satisfaction. “Transfer it to my mother’s charity foundation. Anonymous donation.”

“Will do,” Ryan agreed, “What’s the next move against Victoria?”

I looked out at the city lights, considering the chess board of my life. “Let me think about that. She’s weakened, but not beaten yet.”

My phone lit up with Devon’s call. I answered immediately, my voice shifting to a softer tone.

“Hello?”