The CEO's Midnight Remedy novel Chapter 278

Aria’s POV

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The morning light filtered through Devon’s floor–to–ceiling windows, gently pulling me from sleep. I reached across the bed, finding only

cool sheets where Devon’s warmth should have been. He’d already left. A small pang of disappointment flickered in my chest, though I

quickly pushed it away. I shouldn’t expect anything more.

I winced as I sat up, my body tender from last night’s activities. My throat felt raw, and when I caught my reflection in the bathroom

mirror, I couldn’t help but notice the constellation of marks decorating my neck and collarbone. Devon had been particularly… thorough. I

traced one mark with my fingertip, memories of the previous night sending an involuntary shiver down my spine.

My phone buzzed on the nightstand. Anna’s name flashed on the screen.

“Ms. Harper, I’m sorry to disturb you so early, but there’s a situation at Harper Group,” she said, her voice tense. “Your father has canceled

the nine o’clock meeting and instructed security not to allow you into the conference room.”

I closed my eyes, inhaling deeply. The initial shock quickly gave way to a familiar burning anger that settled low in my stomach. “Of

course he did,” I replied, my voice steady despite the rage building inside me.

“Everyone’s confused. The employees are already arriving, and-”

“Tell everyone to meet at the coffee shop across the street from the building,” I interrupted, already moving toward the closet where I’d

hung a spare outfit. “The one with the blue awning. We’ll hold the meeting there.”

“But what about-”

“My father can sit alone in his empty conference room.” My voice hardened, the words coming out with icy precision. I gripped the phone tighter, surprising myself with the intensity of my resolve. “And Anna? This is the last time William Harper interferes with my work. I’m done playing his games.”

The coffee shop wasn’t ideal for a business meeting, but the investors seemed amused by the improvisation rather than put off. I kept my presentation concise, focusing on the digital marketing strategies that had secured the Reed Group contract. Throughout the meeting, I felt the tension radiating from the attendees–loyalty to William battling with recognition of my results.

I watched their faces carefully, noting the shifting expressions, the sideways glances. Some still saw me as William’s rebellious daughter, while others were beginning to see me as a force in my own right. The power balance was shifting, however slightly.

When the last investor filed out, Anna approached, clutching her tablet to her chest.

“That went better than expected,” she said cautiously,

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16:54 Wed, Jan 7

Chapter 278

“People follow success, Anna.” I gathered my materials, feeling a small glow of satisfaction beneath my professional demeanor. “They’re still uncomfortable with the situation, but they can’t argue with the numbers.”

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“What are you going to do about your father?” she asked, concern evident in her voice.

I paused, choosing my words carefully. The question brought a wave of conflicting emotions–anger, hurt, determination, and beneath it all, a sliver of the little girl who still wanted her father’s love. I pushed that weakness down. “Let’s just say I’m exploring my options.”

I found a quiet corner of the coffee shop and pulled out my phone. My fingers hovered over Devon’s name for a moment before I began

typing:

“Need security detail today. Going to speak with Marianne Blake at the hospital about my father’s meetings with the Blakes. How many

men can you spare?”

I stared at the message, wondering if I was crossing another line in our complicated relationship. Was I using him again? The thought made me uncomfortable, but I pressed send anyway. I needed his resources, and after last night… well, things between us were far beyond business now, weren’t they?

His response came less than a minute later: “How many do you need?”

No questions about why. No attempt to dissuade me. Just that simple question. Something warm unfurled in my chest that I didn’t want

to examine too closely.

“Enough to make an impression. Ten would be ideal. Professional–looking but intimidating.”

Three dots appeared, disappeared, then appeared again. “Done. Marcus will call you with details. Be careful, Aria.”

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