The CEO's Midnight Remedy novel Chapter 242

I heard Devon giving Marcus instructions about Owen before drifting back to sleep. When I woke again, sunlight streamed through the floor–to–ceiling windows, and it was nearly ten in the morning. The penthouse was quiet and empty, the space beside me on the bed showing no sign of Devon–the sheets cool to the touch. He had been gone for some time.

A strange emptiness settled in my chest. I hadn’t expected to feel disappointed by his absence. Running my fingers over the spot where he’d slept, I forced myself to remember that this was nothing more than an arrangement between us.

In the bathroom, I found new toiletries arranged neatly on the counter–my preferred brands of face wash, moisturizer, and even the exact shade of lipstick I favored. A bottle of ibuprofen sat next to a glass of water, thoughtfully placed for the soreness I now felt. On a chair in the bedroom hung a distinctive dress- deep burgundy with subtle asymmetric details that would perfectly complement my figure.

My stomach tightened. Devon knowing my preferences with such precision unsettled me. I picked up the lipstick, examining the exact shade I always wore. No one had ever paid such close attention to these details about me–not even Ethan during our years together. This silent care made my heart race in a way I didn’t want to acknowledge.

I swallowed the painkillers and dressed quickly, examining myself in the mirror. The woman who stared back looked both familiar and strange–my features were the same, but something in my eyes had changed. A vulnerability I’d never allowed myself to show before. I blinked hard, trying to regain my composure. Was I becoming dependent on Devon? The thought sent a chill through me, followed immediately by a warmth I couldn’t explain.

When I emerged from the bedroom, I found Marcus waiting outside the door, his posture rigid and professional.

“Mr. Kane asked me to ensure you arrived home safely, Marcus said formally.

I nodded, not trusting my voice. In the elevator, I caught him studying me with curious eyes before quickly looking away. The silence between us felt heavy with unspoken questions.

As the elevator descended, my thoughts raced. What had begun as a simple arrangement had evolved into something I couldn’t control. Devon’s possessiveness last night, his declaration that I was “his woman,” had stirred something primal within me–a desire to be claimed that frightened me with its intensity.

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19:34 Sat, Jan 3 GOI

Chapter 242

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When I arrived at the Harper family mansion, Elsa opened the door with visible relief washing over her

face.

“Miss Aria, thank goodness.” Her eyes widened slightly as they fixed on a point at my neck, and I instinctively raised my hand to cover the mark Devon had left there. Elsa’s expression shifted from relief to worry, her voice dropping to a whisper. “I was beginning to worry.”

“Is everything alright, Elsa?” I asked, trying to redirect her attention.

She glanced nervously over her shoulder, then leaned closer. “Your father has been… handling Ms. Victoria in the basement since last night.” Her voice trembled. “It doesn’t sound good. The screaming stopped hours ago.”

My stomach clenched, a mix of satisfaction and unease washing over me. “Handling?”

“I’m afraid the mistress might not last the day,” Elsa whispered, fear evident in her eyes. “The police will ask questions if…”

I felt a cold resolve settle over me. “She can’t die in the Harper house. Especially not now.”

With determined steps, I headed toward the basement door. My heart hammered against my ribs, but my face remained impassive. The house felt unnaturally quiet, each step I took echoing in the silence. The staircase leading down was poorly lit, the wooden steps creaking under my weight as I descended into the damp chill of the basement.

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