The CEO's Midnight Remedy novel Chapter 62

**Dust Writes New Stories by Rei Holt Wilder**
**Chapter 62**

**Aria’s POV**

The morning sun poured through the expansive windows of Stellar Impressions, casting a warm glow over the sleek interior as I confidently stepped through the front doors. The rhythmic click of my heels echoed on the polished concrete floors, a sound that filled me with a sense of purpose. Just moments ago, Devon’s driver had dropped me off after a brief ride from his penthouse, and I could still feel the lingering warmth of last night’s intimacy. I had chosen a deep burgundy pencil skirt from the collection he had curated for me; the rich color enveloped me in confidence, while the cream silk blouse I paired it with added a touch of elegance. I needed to reclaim my sense of control and professionalism, even if my attire served as a reminder of our connection.

As I approached the reception desk, I spotted Sophia waiting with two steaming coffee cups cradled in her hands. She flashed me a playful grin as she handed one over, her eyes sparkling with curiosity as they roamed over my outfit.

“My dear CEO,” she teased, her tone light and playful as she followed me toward my office. “Do I need to book an appointment just to have a chat with you these days? Your calendar seems to be mysteriously packed lately.”

I rolled my eyes, unable to suppress a smile that tugged at the corners of my lips. “Very funny, Sophia. You know you always have a standing invitation.”

“Speaking of invitations,” she lowered her voice conspiratorially as we entered my office, “your stepsister was here yesterday, looking for you.”

My heart sank at the mention of Scarlett’s name. “Scarlett? What did she want?”

“She wouldn’t say,” Sophia replied, her expression shifting to one of concern. “Just kept asking when you’d be back and acting all… sweet and concerned. It was unsettling.”

“Ignore her,” I said firmly, settling into my chair behind the desk. “If she shows up again, she is not welcome. Whatever she wants, it can’t be anything good.”

Sophia leaned against the doorframe, her gaze penetrating as she studied me. “You seem different today. More… I don’t know, energized? Did something happen with—”

Before she could finish her thought, a knock at the door interrupted us, and my assistant poked her head in. “Ms. Harper, the creative team is ready for the Kane Technology presentation review whenever you’re available.”

“I’ll be right there,” I responded, grateful for the distraction. The last thing I wanted was to delve into my night with Devon; I was still trying to process my own feelings about it.

“We’ll chat later,” Sophia said with a knowing smile as she slipped out of the office. “You can’t hide forever, Aria.”

After one final review of the presentation, I felt a wave of confidence wash over me. The blockchain integration system promotion strategy we had crafted was robust, grounded in thorough market research and proven methodologies. I had meticulously overseen every detail, ensuring it met the high standards I knew Devon would expect.

Just as I was about to send a crucial email, my office door burst open without warning. There stood Scarlett, clad in a pale pink sundress that made her appear as though she had just stepped out of a sorority recruitment brochure.

“Dear sister,” she said with a saccharine smile that made my skin crawl, “why have you blocked Dad, Mom, and me on your phone? That’s not very family-oriented of you.”

I inhaled deeply, reminding myself to remain composed. “Professional people knock before entering, Scarlett. What do you want?”

“I wanted to check on you,” she pouted, stepping further into my office without invitation. “Dad’s not feeling well, and he’s been asking about you.”

“Is that so?” I replied, keeping my voice flat and disinterested. “Funny how his health only becomes a concern when he wants something from me.”

“He misses you, Aria. We all do.” Her wide-eyed innocent act might have deceived others, but I was not so easily fooled.

“Cut the act, Scarlett. If there’s nothing else, please leave my office. I have real work to do.”

“Not at all, Mr. Kane. We were just wrapping up a personal matter.” I shook his hand, trying to ignore the electric jolt that coursed through me at his touch.

Scarlett, never one to miss an opportunity, immediately shifted her demeanor. Her shoulders slumped slightly, her eyes widened with a hint of unshed tears, and her voice took on a tremulous quality.

“I’m so sorry to intrude on your business, Mr. Kane,” she said, stepping forward with an extended hand. “I’m Scarlett Harper, Aria’s sister. I just came to tell her that our father is unwell and asking for her, but she’s…” She glanced at me with an expression of perfect wounded innocence, “she’s insisting I leave.”

Devon’s gaze flicked from Scarlett to me, then back to her. “Ms. Harper,” he said, his tone neutral as he addressed her. “Family matters are undoubtedly important, but perhaps they’re better discussed outside of business hours.”

“Of course,” Scarlett nodded eagerly, her voice dripping with feigned understanding. “I completely understand. I just worry about my sister. She works so hard, and with Dad being sick—”

“Scarlett,” I cut in sharply, “do you need me to call building security to escort you out? Or can you find the exit yourself?”

Her eyes narrowed for a fleeting moment before she regained her mask of concern. “Aria, I just wanted—”

“Security it is, then,” I said, reaching for my phone.

“That won’t be necessary,” Scarlett said quickly, her voice laced with urgency. “I’ll go. It was lovely meeting you, Mr. Kane. Perhaps we’ll meet again under better circumstances.”

As she sauntered away, deliberately accentuating the sway of her hips, I caught Devon watching her with an unreadable expression.

“Shall we proceed to the conference room?” I said, redirecting his attention, eager to move past the uncomfortable encounter.