The CEO's Midnight Remedy novel Chapter 41

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

**Chapter 41**

**Aria’s POV**

“I’ve been tailing you all day,” Scarlett confessed, her voice trembling with a mixture of disbelief and emotion. “When I found out you were out shopping for an engagement ring for her, I just couldn’t wrap my head around it.”

With a swift motion, I hit the record button on my phone, determined to capture every single word of this shocking revelation.

“Keep your voice down,” Ethan cautioned, his discomfort growing palpable. “We don’t want anyone overhearing this.”

“Is it true?” Scarlett pressed, her eyes glistening with unshed tears. “Are you really going to marry her?”

Ethan raked a hand through his hair, his agitation evident. “It’s complicated. The merger—”

“I don’t care about the merger!” Scarlett’s voice escalated, filled with a mix of anger and desperation. “What about us? What about everything you promised me?”

In a swift motion, Ethan grasped her arm, pulling her closer to whisper something that was lost to my ears. For a fleeting moment, Scarlett’s expression hardened, but just as quickly, she masked it, slipping back into her role of the heartbroken lover.

“I understand,” she said, her voice loud enough for me to catch. “If this is truly what you want, I won’t stand in your way. I don’t expect you to acknowledge me publicly or give me a ring. I just… I just want to see you sometimes.”

Ethan’s posture visibly softened, relief washing over him. “That’s my good girl,” he replied with a smile that seemed to ease the tension. “We can still meet at our old place. Nothing has to change.”

“Promise?” Scarlett asked, her eyelashes fluttering like a hopeful bird.

“Promise,” Ethan assured her, and with a glance around to ensure no prying eyes were nearby, he leaned in and pressed his lips against hers.

A wave of nausea rolled through me as I recorded the moment. This kiss was anything but innocent; it was a passionate connection between two people who shared a deep intimacy. When they finally separated, Scarlett let out a giggle that felt like a dagger to my heart.

“I should go before she comes back,” Scarlett said, adjusting her dress as if to regain some semblance of composure. “Call me later?”

“Of course,” Ethan replied, his demeanor now noticeably more relaxed than it had been while he was with me.

I waited until Scarlett was out of sight before I stopped the recording and took a moment to steady myself. My hands trembled not from shock, but from a simmering rage—not just at the betrayal, which I had already suspected, but at their sheer audacity. Ethan was ready to marry me while still carrying on an affair with my stepsister.

Inhaling deeply, I made my way back to the private viewing area where Ethan was now engaged in light conversation with the consultant.

“Sorry about that,” I said, forcing a cheerful tone that felt foreign to me. “Actually, I’m not feeling too well all of a sudden. I think it might be something I ate at lunch.”

Concern flickered across Ethan’s face, though I had a hunch it was more about maintaining appearances than genuine care. “Do you want me to take you to a doctor?”

“No, I just need to lie down. Would you mind taking me back to my father’s place?” I replied, keeping my voice steady.

“Of course,” Ethan said quickly, relief evident in his tone as he welcomed the chance to escape the ring shopping. He turned to the consultant. “We’ll have to continue this another time.”

“Certainly, Mr. Blake. The rings will be here whenever you’re ready,” the consultant replied, her voice professional.

The ride back to the Harper residence was blissfully quiet, with Ethan assuming my “illness” warranted a peaceful atmosphere. Upon our arrival, he assisted me to the door, playing the role of the concerned fiancé flawlessly.

“I’ll call you later to check on you,” he promised, pressing a gentle kiss to my cheek.

“Don’t bother,” I responded coolly, the words slipping out more harshly than I intended. “I’ll be busy.”

“Well, since I’m fulfilling your wishes—reuniting with Ethan and supporting the merger—I thought perhaps we could discuss transferring ownership now rather than waiting until my twenty-fifth birthday.”

Before William could respond, the sound of heels clicking on marble announced Victoria’s arrival. She descended the grand staircase with an elegance that seemed rehearsed, her face a perfect mask of feigned interest.

“Discussing real estate, are we?” she asked lightly, though her eyes were sharp and calculating.

“Aria was inquiring about Elizabeth’s beach house,” William explained, his earlier warmth dissipating like mist in the sun.

Victoria’s smile tightened almost imperceptibly. “Oh, that old place? It needs so much work, darling. The property taxes alone are astronomical, and there are some… complications with the deed that need sorting out.”

“Complications?” I echoed, suspicion flaring within me. “What kind of complications?”

William’s face hardened. “This isn’t the time to discuss it. The house will be yours when you turn twenty-five, as stipulated in your mother’s will. Until then, the subject is closed.”

“But—”

“I said the subject is closed, Aria,” William snapped, his voice rising with irritation. “You’d do well to focus on your engagement and the Blake merger instead of constantly reaching for more from this family.”

Without another word, he turned sharply and strode back into the house, leaving me standing alone with Victoria and a growing sense of unease.

Victoria’s smile morphed into something more predatory as she approached me. “New car? How lovely. William is always so generous with his gifts.”

“It’s an engagement present,” I replied stiffly, my heart heavy with the weight of unspoken truths. “For agreeing to marry Ethan.”

“How fortunate for you,” Victoria purred, her tone dripping with condescension. “Most daughters would be grateful for such generosity instead of immediately asking for more.”