The CEO's Midnight Remedy novel Chapter 34

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

“Good morning, Miss Aria,” Elsa said gently, her voice barely above a whisper. “Your father insisted I ensure you were awake by eight o’clock.”

With a groan, I buried my face deeper into the soft, cool pillow, wishing I could disappear into its comforting embrace. “But it’s Saturday, Elsa,” I protested, my voice muffled and thick with sleep.

“Indeed, miss,” she replied, her tone unyielding yet understanding. “However, Mr. Harper was quite adamant about it.” She paused, her brow furrowing slightly as she leaned closer. “If I may suggest, it might be prudent to humor him for the time being. The atmosphere around here has been… rather tense of late.”

A heavy sigh escaped my lips as I reluctantly sat up, wincing at the dull ache that coursed through my muscles. “Has he always been this controlling?” I asked, my voice tinged with frustration.

Elsa met my gaze with a knowing look, her eyes reflecting years of understanding. “Your father has undergone a transformation since your mother’s passing. And you, too, have changed.” She moved to straighten the curtains, allowing the morning light to flood the room. “You used to be more gentle, more eager to please. Now, it feels as though you challenge him at every opportunity.”

“Because he’s wrong, Elsa. About everything,” I shot back, my heart racing with indignation.

She shook her head slowly, her expression both patient and firm. “Men like your father do not respond well to direct confrontation, especially not from their daughters. Sometimes, it’s wiser to appear to yield while maintaining your own strength beneath the surface.” She glanced toward the door, her voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper. “You might take a lesson from your stepmother and stepsister in that regard.”

“What? You want me to play the damsel in distress like they do?” I retorted, incredulous.

“I’m suggesting you need to be more strategic in how you approach him,” Elsa replied, her tone steady. “They manipulate him by presenting themselves as needing his protection and guidance. You confront him head-on, which only fuels his desire to control you further.”

I pondered her words as I took a sip of the steaming coffee she had brought me, its warmth a small comfort against the growing tension. Elsa had been part of our family for as long as I could remember; she understood the intricate dynamics better than anyone else.

“I’ll think about it,” I finally conceded, my voice softer.

“Good,” she said, a hint of satisfaction dancing in her eyes. “Now, you should get dressed. Victoria and Scarlett are already at breakfast with your father.”

Twenty minutes later, I stepped into the formal dining room, clad in a simple white blouse and a pair of well-worn jeans. My father occupied the head of the table, engrossed in the Wall Street Journal, while Victoria meticulously sliced into a perfectly poached egg. Scarlett sat nearby, her face unusually pale as she scrolled through her phone, her demeanor lacking its usual vibrancy.

“Good morning,” I greeted, taking a seat across from Scarlett, who barely acknowledged my presence.

“It’s a surprise,” he replied, his tone leaving no room for further inquiry.

“I have plans today,” I lied, my heart racing at the prospect of being dragged to yet another family event I had no interest in attending.

“Cancel them,” he commanded, his voice firm and unyielding.

I opened my mouth to protest, but then I caught Elsa’s meaningful glance from her position by the sideboard. Swallowing my objections, I nodded instead, feeling the weight of resignation settle upon my shoulders.

“Fine. What should I wear?” I asked, my voice lacking enthusiasm.

For a moment, my father appeared taken aback by my unexpected compliance. “Something appropriate for a business lunch,” he said after a brief pause, his eyes narrowing slightly. “Nothing too provocative.”

I clenched my jaw at the implication, but I managed to keep my expression neutral. “Of course,” I replied, a hint of defiance bubbling beneath the surface.