The CEO's Midnight Remedy novel Chapter 24

**Dust Writes New Stories by Rei Holt Wilder**

“And for everything else,” she added, her voice trailing off, leaving a weighty silence hanging between us.

I squeezed her hand tightly, my heart racing as I struggled to articulate a response. The hospital’s rooftop garden was desolate at this late hour, a serene oasis amid the frantic world of medical emergencies. It was a space crafted for patients and their families, designed to offer a fleeting respite from the chaos below. Wooden benches nestled among vibrant potted plants and delicate string lights twinkled overhead, casting a soft glow that mimicked the stars scattered across the Manhattan sky.

Sophia rummaged through her purse, her fingers brushing against the fabric until she produced a pack of cigarettes. Instinctively, I placed my hand over hers, halting her motion before she could pull one out.

“You can’t smoke here—it’s a hospital,” I reminded her gently, my voice low. “And besides, it’s not good for your mom.”

She let out a heavy sigh, frustration evident in her posture as she tucked the pack away, the motion almost defeated. “It’s just a habit I fall back on when I’m feeling overwhelmed,” she admitted, leaning against the railing. Her gaze drifted out towards the shimmering city lights, a reflection of her own inner turmoil. “So, the financial department says the payment for Mom’s procedure came through,” she continued, her tone deceptively casual, but I could sense the underlying tension in her words.

“That’s good,” I replied, attempting to mirror her nonchalance, though my heart was racing.

“That’s a significant amount of money, Aria.” She turned to face me, her expression serious, piercing through the facade. “How did you manage to get it?”

I had anticipated this moment during the taxi ride, mentally rehearsing my answer. “I convinced Devon Kane to sign that contract we’ve been working on. The first payment came through just yesterday,” I explained, trying to sound confident.

Sophia’s brows furrowed in skepticism. “The contract is indeed valuable, but it’s not nearly enough for you to hand over such a large sum so quickly.” She crossed her arms, her gaze unwavering. “Even if you did get the contract signed, where did the funds you gave me actually come from?”

Sophia’s expression darkened. “But he’s always refused to—”

“How could he?” I interrupted with a forced laugh, trying to lighten the mood. “It’s my money.”

Before she could pursue the topic further, the elevator doors slid open with a soft chime, and Scarlett emerged, pushing Ethan in a wheelchair. She looked ethereal in a pristine white sundress, radiating an angelic quality that belied her true nature. Her voice rang out deliberately loud, slicing through the tranquility of the rooftop garden.

“Darling, are you certain you want to walk around up here? Doesn’t your leg hurt?” she asked, her hand resting possessively on Ethan’s shoulder, as if to stake her claim. Then, her gaze landed on us, and she feigned surprise, her smile too bright to be genuine. “Oh! Big sister’s here too!”