The CEO's Midnight Remedy novel Chapter 225

I felt bile rise in my throat at her saccharine performance.

“Don’t start, Aria,” my father warned, his eyes hardening. “Not today,”

I smiled, a practiced curve of the lips that never reached my eyes. “Actually, I came to review some Harper Group documents. Now the f Vice President, I should be more familiar with our operations, don’t you think?”

The mention of my new position made his jaw tighten. Both he and Victoria exchanged a look that confirmed my suspicions one of was behind the office break–in. Something passed between them, a silent communication that sent a chill through me.

“The company isn’t a game, Aria,” he warned. “You may be VP now, but don’t push your fuck.

“I never rely on luck, Father. Only preparation.” I moved past him toward the house, feeling their eyes boring into my back. Til see you at

dinner.”

“Don’t be late,” Victoria called after me. “I’m making something special tonight.”

I didn’t turn around, but her words lingered in my mind. Everything she did had purpose–what was she planning now?

The evening meal was a battlefield disguised as civility. Victoria played the perfect hostess, serving my father his favorite scotch, her hand lingering on his shoulder as she poured. She turned her attention to me with exaggerated care.

“Lobster, Aria? And some of this lovely garden salad?” She held the serving spoons, her smile tight but eyes gleaming with something that looked disturbingly like anticipation. “I picked the herbs myself this afternoon.”

“No, thank you.” I pointedly took the dishes from her and placed them in my father’s plate instead, watching his face for a reaction. T think your kindness would be better appreciated by my father. I’m not hungry for anything you’ve prepared.”

Victoria’s smile froze, a flash of anger crossing her features before she recovered. “I was only trying to-

“Be the perfect wife and stepmother?” I finished for her, feeling a surprising surge of courage. ‘You’ve been practicing that role for years, haven’t you? Long before my mother was gone, from what I hear.”

My father slammed his glass down, droplets of scotch splattering the white tablecloth. “That’s enough, Aria! You will not speak to Victoria this way in her own home.”

“Her home?” I repeated, feeling heat rise to my cheeks. “This was my mother’s home first. Or have you conveniently forgotten that?

“Your mother has been gone for four years,” he said coldly. “It’s time you accepted reality.”

Victoria placed a hand on his arm, her wedding ring catching the light. “William, it’s all right. I understand Aria’s still processing her

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Chapter 225

feelings.” She turned to me with false sympathy. “Darling, I know today must have been stressid

so… on edge.”

The knowing look in her eyes confirmed everything. She knew about the break–in–she’d probably orkestrated

I took a deliberate sip of my water, fighting to control the trembling in my hands. “Strange, I mused, looking dently a few 1 oder order tea, yet there’s such a strong scent of it in the air.”

Victoria’s cheeks flushed with angry color as she understood my implication. ‘I don’t know what you’re taking abow, she sad dropping to a dangerous softness.

“Don’t you?” I countered. “Green tea, specifically. The kind that pretends to be something it’s not.”

My father looked between us, confusion and annoyance battling on his face. “What are you talking about? he demanded.

“Nothing important,” I replied, standing. “Just noting that some things aren’t what they appear to be. Like loyal wives. Or secure office Or honest business practices.” I met Victoria’s gaze steadily. “But don’t worry–I’m working on bringing everything to light. “Very soon”

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