The CEO's Midnight Remedy novel Chapter 226

Chapter 226

Aria’s POV

“Enough, Aria! Come to my study. Now.” William slammed his hand on the dining table, making the silverware jump and the crystal glasses tremble. His face had turned a dangerous shade of red, the vein at his temple pulsing visibly.

Victoria’s lips curled into a satisfied smirk as she dabbed her mouth with a napkin. She’d won this round, and she knew it.

I stood slowly, deliberately taking my time to fold my own napkin before placing it beside my half–eaten dinner. “Of course, Father,” I

replied, my voice a perfect blend of compliance and defiance. My eyes met Victoria’s, making it clear that this battle was far from over.

The walk from the dining room to William’s study felt like a march to an execution. I kept my head high, my shoulders squared. Whatever

he had to say, I wouldn’t cower.

William didn’t speak until the heavy oak door closed behind us. He strode to his imposing mahogany desk but remained standing, his fingers gripping the back of his leather chair.

“Sit down, Aria,” he commanded, gesturing to the chair across from his desk.

I chose the one farthest from him, crossing my legs and meeting his gaze directly. I wouldn’t give him the satisfaction of seeing me

intimidated.

“You’ve always lacked discipline,” he began, his voice measured but sharp. “Even as a child, you refused to follow rules. Your mother indulged that rebellious streak, but I’ve always known it would lead to trouble.”

I bit back a retort about my mother. Bringing her into this would only escalate tensions.

“Is there something specific you’d like to discuss?” I asked instead. “I have work to finish.”

His eyes narrowed. “You’ve been spying on your stepmother and your sister, haven’t you? If Scarlett’s incident two days ago had nothing to do with you, why would she blame you? And you’ve been defiing Victoria tonight, it’s so ridiculous.”

I refuted automatically, “I have no idea what you’re talking about. If you think Scarlett being bullied is related to me, we can call the

police.”

His jaw clenched, and for a moment I thought he might explode with anger. Instead, he switched tactics.

“Is that how you like to call the cops, embarrass our family?,” he asked, watching me carefully for a reaction. “Since you have such a strong sense of prevention, why is your office still being broken into?”

I kept my expression neutral. “News travels fast.”

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Chapter 226

“It does when you’re the vice president of a major corporation.” He paused. “Strange that someone would target your office specifically,

don’t you think?”

“Not really. New executive, potential access to sensitive information… it makes sense.” I shrugged, though internally I was analyzing his every word, wondering if he knew more than he was letting on.

“I want you to stop digging into the company’s financial records,” he said abruptly.

So that was it. The real reason for this summons.

“That’s part of my job as VP,” I replied coolly. “Due diligence requires-”

“It’s not your place,” he cut in. “Some matters are better left alone.”

I leaned forward, dropping the pretense of casualness. “Why? What are you afraid I’ll find?”

His expression hardened. “This isn’t about fear. It’s about respecting boundaries and chain of command.”

“Boundaries?” I repeated incredulously. “I’m the vice president of Harper Group now. Those financial records fall under my purview.”

“A position you’ve held for all of forty–eight hours,” he snapped. “A position given to you as a courtesy.”

“A courtesy?” My voice was quiet but dangerous. “Is that what you call it? Then tell me, why were you so willing to hand Harper Group over to an outsider rather than your own daughter?”

The question hung in the air between us, heavy with years of unspoken resentment. William’s face flushed with anger, but before he could respond, his phone buzzed. He glanced at it, jaw tight.

“This discussion isn’t over,” he warned, dismissing me with a wave of his hand.

I stood, smoothing my skirt. “You’re right about that, I agreed, turning to leave. At the door, I paused. “By the way, I’ll be skipping the board tomorrow. I have more pressing matters to attend to.”

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