The CEO's Midnight Remedy novel Chapter 28

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

**Chapter 28**

**Aria’s POV**

The golden rays of sunlight filtered through the slightly parted curtains, casting warm patterns across my face and gently rousing me from a profound, dreamless slumber. As I blinked against the sudden brightness, a wave of disorientation washed over me until I recognized the sumptuous suite at The Pinnacle. My body was still clad in the clothes I had worn the day before, but someone—Devon—had taken the liberty of removing my shoes and tucking me snugly under the covers, a small but thoughtful gesture.

Just then, the bathroom door swung open, and out stepped Devon, clad only in a towel that was wrapped low around his waist. Water droplets glistened on his toned chest and broad shoulders, his dark hair damp and tousled, giving him an effortlessly alluring appearance. Even though I had seen him like this on multiple occasions, the sight still took my breath away and sent a flutter of excitement through me.

However, the shadows beneath his eyes and the tight line of his jaw suggested he had not enjoyed a restful night, despite his earlier claims that he found solace only when I was by his side.

“You were quite the disappointing companion last night,” he remarked, his tone flat as he moved toward the closet, his back turned to me. “Passing out before I even arrived.”

I slowly propped myself up on my elbows, a dull throb in my head reminding me of the whiskey I had indulged in. “I wasn’t feeling well,” I admitted, running a hand through my tousled hair, trying to shake off the remnants of sleep. “Did you… did we…?”

Devon shot me a cold glance as he rifled through his clothes, his expression unreadable. “No, Ms. Harper, we did not. I have standards about consent, despite what you might think of me.” With that, he disappeared back into the bathroom, the door closing with a firm click that echoed in the silence.

I stared down at my still-clothed self, a mix of relief and disappointment swirling within me. Checking my phone, I noted the time—just past 8 AM. I needed to return to my father’s house, change into something presentable, and make my way to the office.

When Devon finally reemerged, impeccably dressed in a tailored suit that accentuated his athletic build, I was perched on the edge of the bed, scrolling through emails on my phone.

“I have meetings all morning,” he stated, not bothering to meet my gaze as he gathered his watch and wallet from the nightstand. “There’s breakfast in the dining area if you want it.” Without waiting for a reply, he strode out, the door clicking shut behind him, leaving me in a haze of confusion.

I remained seated for a long moment, my eyes fixed on the closed door. Whatever had prompted Devon to summon me here last night, it clearly hadn’t aligned with the terms of our contract. Now, he seemed almost irked that nothing had transpired between us.

Men, I thought, shaking my head in exasperation, were utterly impossible to decipher.

As I entered my father’s house with my key, I hoped to sneak upstairs to my old room without running into anyone. But fate had other plans.

“Aria,” Victoria’s voice rang out from the sitting room, cool and composed as ever. “How nice of you to finally grace us with your presence.”

I turned to find my stepmother seated elegantly on one of the antique French sofas, a delicate cup of tea cradled in her perfectly manicured hand. Already dressed for the day in a pale blue Chanel suit, her blonde hair was swept into a flawless chignon, exuding an air of unshakeable confidence.

“Good morning, Victoria,” I replied, keeping my tone neutral. “I’m just here to change clothes.”

“Your father was quite concerned when you didn’t come home last night,” she remarked, setting her teacup down with a soft clink. “It’s becoming quite a pattern with you, isn’t it? These unexplained absences, staying out all night…” She sighed dramatically, her eyes narrowing. “It’s not good for the family’s image, Aria. People talk.”

A surge of indignation flared in my chest, and the image of her and my father from years ago flashed in my mind, a memory I couldn’t shake.

I rolled my eyes, unable to suppress my smile. “Always the flirt, Ryan.”

“Not flirting if it’s true,” he shot back, leaning forward. “Half the guys in our circle have been waiting for you to realize Ethan was a waste of your time.” He paused, studying my face as his demeanor shifted to something more earnest. “But something tells me this isn’t a social call. What’s up, Aria?”

Taking a deep breath, I prepared to share my request. “I need a recommendation for a private investigator. Someone discreet, thorough, and not easily intimidated.”

Ryan’s eyebrows shot up in surprise. “Planning to catch Ethan in another compromising position? Because I think you already have enough evidence there.”

I shook my head vehemently. “It’s not about Ethan. It’s… something else. Something personal.”

Ryan leaned back, his interest piqued. “This sounds serious.”

“It is,” I admitted, reluctant to divulge too much, even to Ryan. “Can you help me?”

He nodded slowly, his expression turning thoughtful. “I know someone. An old family friend who transitioned from NYPD to private work. Very discreet, very thorough.” He reached for his phone. “I’ll text you his information.”

“Thank you,” I said, a wave of relief washing over me.

Ryan tucked his phone away and took a sip of his coffee, his expression shifting to one of concern. “Speaking of Ethan, though… he’s been quite the sad sack on Instagram lately. All moody black-and-white photos and cryptic quotes about regret and second chances.” He grimaced. “It’s pathetic, really.”