The CEO's Midnight Remedy novel Chapter 358

Chapter 358

Aria’s POV

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In the end, I decided to go downstairs to see Eleanor. The black Cadillac Escalade sat outside Harper Group’s entrance like a predator waiting to strike. Two bodyguards flanked the rear door, their earpieces glinting in the afternoon sun, their expressions carved from stone.

I paused on the building’s steps, my hand instinctively moving to my stomach before I caught myself. Not here. Not where anyone can see.

The rear window lowered with mechanical precision. Eleanor Kane sat inside, perfectly composed in a tailored Chanel suit, an emerald bracelet catching the light at her wrist. Her smile was the kind

that never reached the eyes.

“Miss Harper.” She beckoned with one manicured finger. “We need to talk. About your future. And

your father’s company.”

My throat tightened. This wasn’t a request–it was a summons. If I refused, she could apply immediate pressure to Harper Group. William’s bail, his pending trial, the company’s precarious position… Eleanor held too many cards.

I smoothed my skirt, buying myself three seconds to think. My fingers trembled slightly, and I curled

them into fists.

“Of course, Mrs. Kane.” I descended the steps, keeping my spine straight, my expression neutral.

The bodyguard opened the door. The leather interior smelled of expensive perfume and power, I slid onto the seat furthest from Eleanor, creating as much distance as the confined space allowed.

“Drive,” Eleanor instructed. The Escalade pulled away from the curb with barely a whisper.

I watched Manhattan blur past the tinted windows, my heart hammering against my ribs. Where was she taking me? What did she want?

Eleanor’s eyes studied me with clinical precision. “You’re wondering why I insisted on this meeting.”

“The thought crossed my mind.”

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“My son has… developed an attachment to you. One that’s proving remarkably difficult to sever.”

I kept my face blank, but my pulse spiked. Attachment. Not affection. Not care. Attachment–like Devon was addicted to a drug he needed to quit.

“Devon and I have a business arrangement,” I said carefully. “One that benefits both parties.”

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“Does it?” Her smile sharpened. “Because from where I sit, you’re the only one benefiting. My son barely sleeps, he’s neglecting family obligations, and he’s making enemies of important allies–all for

you.”

The car turned into an exclusive residential area I didn’t recognize. Gated properties sprawled behind high walls, each more opulent than the last.

“I didn’t ask Devon for anything he wasn’t willing to give.”

“No, you’re far too clever for that.” Eleanor’s tone dripped with contempt. “You let him think it was his idea. Very skilled manipulation, Miss Harper. I almost admire it.”

The Escalade stopped in front of a stunning modern villa, all glass and white stone. But Eleanor didn’t move to exit. Instead, she gestured to the property across the street.

“You only need to wait here. Very soon, you’ll understand exactly why I wanted to see you.”

Ice flooded my veins. “What-”

“Patience.”

Ten minutes crawled by. I counted my breaths, trying to calm my racing heart. My hand kept drifting to my stomach, and each time I forced it back down,

Then the door to the facing villa opened.

Devon emerged first, his dark hair slightly disheveled, wearing casual clothes I’d never seen him in- jeans and a simple black henley that hugged his frame. He looked… relaxed. Unguarded in a way I’d rarely witnessed.

But it was the woman beside him who made my breath catch.

Evelyn Smith. The mysterious woman from the elevator, from the boutique. She wore a pale blue

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Chapter 358

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sundress, her black hair loose around her shoulders. She was walking–slowly, carefully, but walking

without the wheelchair.

“She’s recovering nicely,” Eleanor commented. ‘Devon visits her every day. Sometimes twice.”

I couldn’t speak. Couldn’t breathe, I watched Devon’s hand hover near Evelyn’s elbow, protective but not quite touching, as they moved down the garden path.

Then Evelyn stumbled.

Devon caught her instantly, scooping her into his arms with practiced ease. She laughed–a bright, genuine sound that carried across the distance–and looped her arms around his neck. Her cheek pressed against his chest.

And Devon smiled.

Not the cold, calculated smile he gave business associates. Not the predatory smirk he wore when he wanted something. This was… soft. Real. The smile of a man who’d dropped every defense.

My fingernails dug into my palms hard enough to leave marks.