The CEO's Midnight Remedy novel Chapter 227

Chapter 227

Without waiting for his response, I closed the door behind me.

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Back in my room, I pulled out my phone and reviewed the security footage from my office once more. Julie Anderson’s face was clearly visible as she rifled through my desk drawers. After watching her methodically search my files yesterday, I’d been calculating my sext move. Now, after my confrontation with William, I was ready to act.

The next morning as soon as I went to work, I dialed her number. “Julie? It’s Aria Harper. Can you meet me at the coffee shop across from

the office in half an hour? I’d like to discuss something with you.” My voice was honey–sweet, betraying nothing of my intentions.

“Of course, Ms. Harper,‘ she replied, sounding surprised but pleased. “I’ll be there.”

“Wonderful. And Julie? Let’s keep this between us for now.”

I hung up and ignored the notification of a calendar invite from William’s assistant for the board meeting. Let him wait. I had an intruder

to confront.

Thirty minutes later, I walked into Evergreen Café and spotted Julie at a corner table, nervously fidgeting with her coffee cup. I approached the hostess and requested the VIP room in the back–a small, private space typically reserved for business meetings.

“Ms. Anderson,” I called, approaching her table. “Thank you for coming. Would you mind joining me in the private room? What I’d like to discuss requires some… discretion.”

Julie nodded eagerly, gathering her things and following me. Once inside the private room, I waited until the server had taken our orders and left before speaking.

“How are you finding the marketing department these days?” I asked casually, stirring my tea.

“It’s good,” she replied, visibly relaxing at the mundane question. “Busy with the new campaign launch, but I’m managing the team well.”

“I’m sure you are. You’ve always been ambitious.” I smiled, the expression not quite reaching my eyes. “Tell me, Julie, do you ever feel that your talents are underutilized at Harper Group?”

Her eyes lit up. “Sometimes, yes. I have ideas that could really elevate our brand positioning.”

“I imagine that’s frustrating,” I said sympathetically. “To have the skills but not the position to implement them.”

She nodded eagerly. “Exactly. I’ve been hoping for an opportunity to prove myself.”

“Is that why you broke into my office yesterday?” I asked, my voice still pleasant but my eyes hard as flint.

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17:18 Fri, Jan 2

Chapter 227

Julie froze, her coffee cup halfway to her lips. ‘I… I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

I pulled out my phone and slid it across the table. On the screen was a perfectly clear image of Julie using a key card to enter my office when she thought no one was looking.

“The security cameras have excellent resolution,” I remarked. “And there are several more images of you going through my files and copying information from my computer.”

All color drained from Julie’s face. “Ms. Harper, I can explain—”

“I doubt that,‘ I cut in. “Corporate espionage is a serious crime, Julie. The police would be very interested in this footage.”

“Please,” she whispered, her composure crumbling. “Please don’t call the police.”

“Give me one reason why I shouldn’t.”

Julie’s eyes darted around the room as if seeking an escape. Finding none, her shoulders slumped in defeat.

“It was just once,” she pleaded. “I was looking for information on the new marketing budget allocation. I thought if I could see your plans, I could position myself better for the next promotion.”

“By stealing confidential information?” I asked, my voice razor–sharp. “By violating trust and breaking company policy? That doesn’t sound like executive material to me.”

Julie’s eyes welled with tears, and suddenly she slid from her chair, kneeling beside my table. “Ms. Harper, I was wrong. I never should have done it,” she cried, her voice breaking. “If you report this, my career is over. I’ll never work in marketing again.”

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The CEO’s Midnight Remedy