The CEO's Midnight Remedy novel Chapter 37

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

**Chapter 37**

Aria’s POV

The air was thick with tension as Devon paused, his gaze locking onto mine for a fleeting moment before shifting to Ethan. His face remained an impassive mask, revealing nothing of the clandestine encounter we had shared just hours before.

“Mr. Blake,” Devon acknowledged with a subtle nod of his head, his tone cool and collected. “I see you’ve made quite a remarkable recovery. My legal team has informed me that the hospital bills have been taken care of.”

“Thanks for not finishing the job,” Ethan shot back, his voice laced with sarcasm. “Though I suppose that’s standard procedure for Kane Technology executives—hit someone with your car and then just drive off.”

Beside Devon, a blonde woman raised an eyebrow, her curiosity evident as she glanced back and forth between the two men.

“It was hardly a hit-and-run,” Devon replied, his voice smooth and unflappable. “My driver remained with you until the ambulance arrived, and my assistant has been in constant communication with your legal team regarding compensation.”

Just then, William and Marianne approached us on the sidewalk, the palpable tension wrapping around us like a thick fog.

“Mr. Kane,” William greeted, his tone stiff and formal. “What a surprise to see you here.”

“Mr. Harper,” Devon responded, his expression inscrutable, though I could have sworn I caught a glimmer of amusement flickering in his eyes. “Mrs. Blake. I was merely assuring Mr. Blake that should he experience any lingering discomfort from his injuries, my legal team is at his disposal.”

“How generous of you,” Marianne replied, her voice icy as she leveled a glare at him. “But perhaps you should consider taking driving lessons before offering legal services.”

Devon’s companion let out a soft laugh, placing a perfectly manicured hand on his arm. “Devon is actually an excellent driver. His collection of Ferraris is quite impressive, you know.”

I struggled to suppress the urge to roll my eyes at her sycophantic tone.

“Caroline Hayes,” she introduced herself, extending her hand toward William. “I don’t believe we’ve had the pleasure of meeting before.”

As they stepped into the restaurant ahead of us, I released a breath I hadn’t realized I had been holding. Ethan’s hand found the small of my back, his touch possessive and reassuring.

“I still can’t believe that guy nearly killed me and is acting like nothing happened,” he muttered, frustration evident in his voice.

“Let it go, Ethan,” I replied, my tone weary. “The last thing we need is another scene.”

Inside the restaurant, we were led to a private dining room that overlooked the Hudson River. The atmosphere was intimate and elegant, with fresh flowers and crystal glassware meticulously arranged on the table. In another time and place, I might have found it romantic. Now, it felt like a carefully laid trap.

Once we were seated and had placed our orders, Ethan leaned closer, lowering his voice to a conspiratorial whisper. “Aria, I was thinking… next weekend, why don’t we go to the Hamptons? Just the two of us. We could stay at your mother’s beach house, like we used to.”

The mention of my mother’s beach house sent a jolt through me. That same house Scarlett had been using for her weekend parties. The very place my father was using as leverage to push me back into a relationship with Ethan.

“I can’t,” I replied, keeping my voice low and steady. “I have a new project at Stellar that’s consuming all of my time. The Kane Technology campaign is critical for us.”