The CEO's Midnight Remedy novel Chapter 344

Chapter 344

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Before I could ask what he meant, he was gone, leaving me alone in his vast apartment with nothing but questions and designer shopping bags for company.

For the next several days, Devon remained unreachable. Marcus occasionally texted to check on me, but provided no information about Devon’s whereabouts

or when he might return. I threw myself into work, desperate to save Harper Group from the fallout of my father’s arrest, but the distraction was only partially effective.

By the morning of Caroline’s wedding, I’d moved back to my Brooklyn apartment unable to justify staying in Devon’s empty penthouse any longer. As I applied makeup to cover the lingering shadows under my eyes, I wondered if he would even attend the wedding.

The Four Seasons ballroom had been transformed with thousands of white roses and crystal chandeliers. New York’s elite filled the space, many of whom I recognized from charity galas and business functions. Under normal circumstances, this would have been a networking goldmine. Today, however, I felt their stares like physical touches–curious, judgmental, pitying.

“Aria!” Caroline called, waving me into the bridal suite. She looked stunning in her custom Vera Wang gown, her happiness evident despite the chaos of last- minute preparations.

“You’re glowing, I told her honestly.

And you look gorgeous,” she replied, guiding me to join the other bridesmaids. “Thank you for coming despite everything.”

Throughout the pre–ceremony photos and preparations, Caroline kept me close, introducing me to important guests not as “Aria Harper, daughter of the disgraced William Harper,” but as “my good friend Aria, founder of Stellar Impressions.” It was a small kindness that didn’t go unnoticed.

As guests began taking their seats for the ceremony, I found myself scanning the crowd for Devon. The ceremony was about to begin, and he still hadn’t appeared.

‘Looking for someone?”

I turned to find Mandy Stevens watching me, her white dress somehow managing to be more revealing than the bridesmaids gowns without technically breaking wedding etiquette.

‘Just admiring the decorations,” I lied.

‘Poor Aria,” she said, her voice dripping with false sympathy. “Losing your father and your boyfriend in the same week. How tragic.

I kept my expression neutral. “I wasn’t aware I’d lost either.”

‘Oh? Her eyebrows rose. “Then where’s Devon? Certainly not by your side.” She leaned closer, her perfume overwhelming. Perhaps he’s finally grown tired of his latest charity case.”

Before I could respond, the wedding coordinator called for the bridal party to ling up. I took my place, grateful for the reprieve, but Mandy’s words had found their target. Where was Devon?

The ceremony proceeded flawlessly, with Caroline and Noah exchanging vows beneath an arch of white roses. I performed my bridesmaid duties mechanically, my mind elsewhere. It wasn’t until the cocktail hour began that I spotted Eleanor Kane, Devon’s mother, across the room–regal in midnight blue, her eyes coolly assessing the crowd.

Mandy materialized at my side again, champagne in hand. ‘Mrs. Kane looks magicent, doesn’t she? She’s been so supportive of my relationship with Devon

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21:11 Mon, Jan 12 T

Chapter 344

“Is that so? I kept my voice level.

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“Oh, yes. She believes I’d make an excellent addition to the Kane family. Mandy smile was triumphant. ‘Devon values her opinion above all others.”

I took a sip of champagne to hide my reaction. How interesting, considering Devon told me you were nothing more than an unfortunate business

obligation.”

Her smile faltered slightly. He’s obviously trying to spare your feelings.”

Is he? Then why isn’t he here with you right now?”

As if summoned by our conversation, Eleanor Kane approached, her gaze landing squarely on me.

‘Ms. Harper, she said, her voice cultured and precise. “I really didn’t expect to see you here.”

Mandy straightened immediately. “Mrs. Kane, how lovely to see you.”

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