The CEO's Midnight Remedy novel Chapter 33

**Dust Writes New Stories by Rei Holt Wilder**
**Chapter 33**

**Aria’s POV**

“Working late,” I replied curtly, attempting to sidestep him as I made my way toward the staircase.

But he stepped into my path, blocking my escape. “You smell like cologne. Expensive cologne.”

Inside, I winced at his observation, but I maintained a facade of indifference. “I was with a client.”

“Until midnight? What kind of ‘client’ work happens at this hour?” he pressed, his tone laced with skepticism.

“The kind that pays the bills,” I retorted sharply, instantly regretting the bite in my voice as I noticed his expression darkening further, a storm brewing behind his eyes.

“You’re not sleeping in that Brooklyn apartment anymore,” he asserted, his voice firm and unyielding. “If you want access to your mother’s inheritance, you’ll stay here where I can keep an eye on you.”

My heart raced at his ultimatum. “That’s ridiculous. I’m twenty-four years old, not sixteen,” I shot back, the indignation bubbling up within me.

“Your mother’s will clearly stated that I am to manage her estate until you turn twenty-five,” he reminded me, his tone unwavering. “This includes the trust fund. If you wish to continue receiving those payments, you will abide by my rules.”

The implications of his words hung heavy in the air, a palpable threat. Without my mother’s trust fund, Stellar Impressions would falter even with the reinstated Kane contract. The thought of losing that income sent a shiver down my spine; Sophia and our employees relied on it.

“Fine,” I relented, the word tasting bitter as it escaped my lips. “I’ll stay here.”

He nodded, a glint of satisfaction in his eyes that made my stomach churn. “Good. Now go to bed. You look exhausted.”

I trudged up the stairs to my childhood bedroom, each step feeling like a surrender. Once inside, I shut the door firmly behind me and leaned against it, shutting my eyes tight against the tears that threatened to spill over.

The encounter with Devon had left its mark—faint bruises on my hips and thighs, an ache that lingered between my legs. I caught a glimpse of the evidence in the mirror and felt a wave of regret wash over me. Had I made a grave mistake?

I had slept with Devon Kane to save my company, but in doing so, I had woven myself into a web far more intricate and dangerous than I had anticipated. He was not merely a wealthy playboy like Ethan; he was calculating, controlling, and used to getting exactly what he desired.

“Of course,” Sophia agreed readily. “But why the rush?”

“The sooner we finish, the sooner we get paid,” I replied, carefully sidestepping the real reason. “And the sooner your mom gets her follow-up treatment.”

“You’re right. I’ll start first thing tomorrow,” Sophia promised, her determination shining through. “Thank you, Aria. I don’t know how you pulled this off, but you’re a miracle worker.”

If only she knew the true cost of that miracle.

After we hung up, I stepped into the shower, hoping the hot water would wash away the lingering scent of Devon’s cologne and the memory of his hands on my body. But as the steam enveloped me, I realized that no amount of soap could cleanse the reality of what had transpired between us.

I had made a deal with the devil, and now I was bound to see it through.

The following morning, a gentle knock on my door roused me from a restless sleep. I blinked my eyes open to find Elsa, our devoted housekeeper, placing a breakfast tray on the bedside table.