The CEO's Midnight Remedy novel Chapter 224

Aria’s POV

The security chief stood beside me, his military posture rigid with professional embarrassment.

“We’ll conduct a full investigation, Ms. Harper,” he assured me, his voice grave. “Whoever did this bypassed our security protocols with precision.”

“Send the footage to my phone,” I said, proud that my voice remained steady despite the tremor I felt inside. My office had been ransacked, financial documents were missing, and someone was clearly moving against me. “I’d like to review it more carefully.”

I swallowed hard, remembering how I’d felt walking into my office this morning–that moment of frozen disbelief before the anger set in Someone wanted to intimidate me on my second day as Vice President. The thought hardened something inside me.

“Of course, Ms. Harper. Right away.”

I gathered my things, slipping my phone into my tote. “I’ll be leaving early today. Personal matters.” The lie slid easily from my lips as I

adjusted my blazer. Let whoever did this think I was rattled–it would make their next move more predictable.

The ride home felt interminable, my thoughts spinning between suspects. Victoria, always circling like a vulture. Scarlett, desperate to please her mother. My father, perhaps realizing I was getting too close to something. Each possibility made my stomach twist tighter, but

beneath the anxiety grew a steady, cold determination.

As I approached the Harper family mansion, I spotted Victoria in the garden, clipping roses with silver shears. She looked up at my approach, and I caught a flash of something cruel in her eyes before it was masked with practiced warmth. My heart rate quickened–there was something different in her confidence today, something that put me on edge.

“Aria, darling! Home so early?” she called, setting down her basket of freshly cut flowers.

“Just wrapping up some things from home today,” I replied, my tone carefully neutral while I studied her face. “I see you’re back from your… apartment.” I let the word hang between us, watching her reaction.

Victoria’s smile tightened, but her eyes gleamed with triumph. “Yes, I’ve moved back from the Madison Avenue apartment. Your father insisted.” She touched the necklace at her throat, fingers caressing the stones, “He even gave me this lovely welcome–home gift. Isn’t it exquisite? He always knows exactly what I desire.”

The way she emphasized the last word made my skin crawl. “How generous of him,” I said, unable to keep the edge from my voice. I hope you’re… settling in well. It must be quite an adjustment.”

She stepped closer, her perfume–too sweet, too cloying–enveloping me. “Everything always works out for me in the end, Aria. You should remember that.” Her voice dropped to a near whisper. “No matter how things may appear temporarily.”

“Is that a promise or a threat?” I asked, feeling my pulse quicken.

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Chapter 224

“Oh, darling,” she laughed, the sound like breaking glass. “I never threaten. I simply… arrange things. Le gestured to the roses, some vibrant and blooming, others cut and dying in her basket.

“I’ll keep it in mind,‘ I replied. “I do hope you continue to… weather all your storms so successfully. Though the foremen mit

you.”

The double meaning wasn’t lost on her. Her eyes narrowed slightly, but before she could respond, my father’s voice boomed tom

terrace.

“Aria!” William stood there, martini in hand, his silver hair catching the sunlight. I didn’t expect you home to exty

“Evidently not,‘ I murmured, climbing the stone steps to meet him.

He frowned at my tone, his eyes darting briefly to Victoria. “You should show Victoria more respect. She’s my wife, and this is her home

too.”

“Is it? I thought she preferred the Madison apartment.” I kept my voice light, but the challenge was clear. ‘Or was that just a temporary arrangement while you sorted out your latest… disagreement?”

Victoria’s smile didn’t falter, but her knuckles whitened around the shears. “Your father and I never truly disagree, Aria. We simply have passionate discussions sometimes. That’s what real love is–finding your way back to each other, always.”

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