The CEO's Midnight Remedy novel Chapter 341

Aria’s POV

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Devon’s eyes narrowed, a muscle working in his jaw. “No.”

“Be reasonable. This could hurt your business relationships. Your investors won’t

“I said no. His voice was quiet but firm. ‘You’re not leaving.”

‘Devon, please. I can’t be responsible for damaging your reputation too.”

“You think I care what these tabloids print?” His voice remained even, but his eyes when they met mine were fierce, almost desperate. “Kane Technology

doesn’t need scandal for publicity. And I don’t need anyone’s approval to keep you here.”

He stood and crossed the room in three long strides. His fingers brushed against the fading bruise on my neck, his touch unexpectedly gentle despite the

tension radiating from him.

“This is what matters to me.” His voice dropped lower, vulnerability breaking through his controlled exterior. “Not what they write. Not what anyone thinks.”

I saw it then–the fear beneath his anger. Fear of losing me. Fear that I would walk away like everyone else probably had. His controlling behavior wasn’t

just about power; it was about keeping safe the few people he actually cared about.

Before I could respond, he lifted me effortlessly, setting me on the edge of his desk. His body pressed against mine, trapping me between the hard wood and

his frame.

“Thinking too much won’t help,” he murmured, his lips hovering just above mine his breath warm against my skin. “Focus on what’s real. Here. Now.”

His mouth claimed mine with an intensity that spoke of more than desire–there was possession, yes, but also a desperate need to connect, to confirm I was

still there with him. As I surrendered to his touch, the headlines, the scandal, my father’s betrayal–all of it receded into the background.

Tomorrow would bring new crises to manage. But tonight, I would allow myself this escape.

I woke late the next morning, the sunlight streaming through Devon’s floor–to–ceiling windows. The space beside me was empty, the sheets cold. I stretched, feeling oddly well–rested despite everything. For a few precious moments, I allowed myself to forget the nightmare my life had become.

Then reality crashed back. My father was in custody. The company was in crisis. And according to the tabloids, I was nothing more than Devon Kane’s ‘transactional girlfriend.”

I showered and dressed in clothes I’d left here on previous visits, trying not to think about how many of my things had gradually migrated to Devon’s- penthouse. When I descended the stairs, I found Caroline in the living room, perhed elegantly on Devon’s Italian leather sofa. She wore an impeccable Chanel suit, her blonde hair pulled into a perfect chignon.

“Well,’ she said. “It seems I’ve arrived just in time, darling.”

Caroline Hayes sat elegantly on Devon’s Italian leather sofa, her Chanel suit impeccably tailored, blonde hair pulled into a perfect chignon. I stood frozen at the bottom of the stairs, acutely aware of my sleep–rumpled appearance and the hint bruise still visible on my neck.

‘Caroline,‘ I managed, attempting to match her polished tone. “This is… unexpected.”

She crossed her legs and smiled. ‘Devon mentioned you were staying here. I thought I’d stop by before we discuss the wedding plans. Her eyes took in my

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Chapter 341

borrowed t–shirt. Though perhaps I should have called first.”

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I heard Devon’s voice coming from his study, along with Noah’s. Though they spoke in hushed tones, the tension was unmistakable. I caught fragments

about “media control‘ and ‘board interference.”

“Don’t worry about them, Caroline waved dismissively. ‘Business as usual. Come sit with me.”

1 reluctantly took a seat across from her, feeling suddenly defensive. “What wedding plans would involve me?”

“Why, my wedding to Noah, of course. Her eyes sparkled with amusement.

I blinked in surprise. ‘But Caroline…we barely know each other.”

‘Devon Kane finally being tamed by a woman is notable enough, but that woman also happens to be interesting in her own right. She leaned forward. ‘Besides, it would give the tabloids something positive to write about you, considering… She trailed off delicately.

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