The CEO's Midnight Remedy novel Chapter 317

Chapter 317

Devon’s POV

The next day, I stood at my office window, watching Manhattan stretch out before me in the morning light. The city looked so small from up here, as manageable as the pieces on a chessboard. Behind me, I heard the soft click of heels against marble. Mandy Stevens had arrived.

I didn’t turn around immediately. “The engagement announcement came from your side. I kept my voice deliberately cold. “I’m curious about how that decision was reached.”

I could hear Mandy adjust her posture behind me, the soft rustle of fabric as she smoothed down her designer skirt.

“Your mother Eleanor and my parents felt the timing was right, she replied with a practiced smile.

ter

Finally, I turned to face her, studying her with clinical detachment. Her confidence wavered

all, a Kane–Stevens merger benefits both families.”

under my gaze. “And what about my opinion on the matter?”

“I know about you and Aria Harper,” she said, eyes flickering with something shrewd. “I don’t mind. This is just business, after all.”

I felt a cold smile touch my lips. “The Stevens family raised quite the daughter. How… unexpected.”

After Mandy left, I immediately turned to Marcus, who had been waiting silently in the corner. “Freeze all collaborative projects with Stevens Industries. Effective immediately.”

“Sir, that could impact quarterly-” he began.

“Now, Marcus.” My tone left no room for discussion. Nobody made decisions for me–especially not about my personal life. And nobody threatened what was mine.

Aria’s POV

I woke alone, sunlight streaming across an empty bed. A sharp, throbbing pain shot through my shoulder as I tried to sit up, reminding me of the bullet wound from Miami that still hadn’t fully healed. Devon was gone, no trace of him except the red marks circling my wrist and the lingering pain from when he’d aggravated my injury last night in his possessive frenzy.

Reaching for the prescription bottle on the nightstand was my first challenge of the day. The doctor had me to keep the arm immobilized as much as

possible, but Devon hadn’t exactly been gentle. I swallowed two pills dry, waiting for the edge to come off the pain.

In the bathroom, I stared at my reflection. The woman looking back seemed paler than usual, dark circles under her eyes. “In whatever this is with Devon, I

seem to have no control,” I whispered, adjusting the sling that held my right arm against my body. The navy fabric made my business attire look even more

severe.

My phone buzzed with notifications–endless comments about Devon and Mandy’s engagement announcement. As I scrolled through them one–handed, a

new message appeared: “8 PM. I’ll send a car. Wear something formal. -D”

I leaned against the shower wall, letting the hot water pound against my left side while keeping the injured shoulder dry. Thoughts swirled with the steam. “He’s engaged to someone else, and what am I doing? Continuing to be his mistress? Where does this end?”

The offices of Stellar Impressions buzzed with the usual morning energy when Jeremy knocked on my door, carrying a latte and meeting reports. His eyes widened at the sight of my sling.

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20:01 Fri, Jan 9

Chapter 317

“Morning, Aria. I didn’t realize you were should you even be here today?” His concern was immediate, brow furrowing as he set down the coffee and

reports.

I reached for the coffee with my left hand, awkwardly spilling some as I wasn’t used to being left–handed. The hot liquid splashed against my fingers. I bit

my shoulder. back a curse, the small pain barely registering compared to

‘I’m fine, I said, more sharply than intended. “The doctors.

cleared

me

for desk

work. Let’s discuss the Westfield account progress.”

My phone vibrated on the desk. Devon: “Awake yet?

You

wore

ine

out

night.”

The brief message carried an intimacy that made my pulse quick

my

er judgment. Did he even remember aggravating my injury?

“You seem distracted,” Jeremy leaned against my desk, his posture casual but eyes watchful. And honestly, in pain. Is everything alright for the meeting later? I could handle it if you need to rest.”

My head snapped up, causing a twinge in my shoulder that

fought not show. “Are you questioning my ability to do my job?”

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