The CEO's Midnight Remedy novel Chapter 63

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

**Chapter 63**

**Aria’s POV**

The atmosphere in the conference room was electric, filled with a mixture of anticipation and nervous energy as my team scrambled to finalize every detail for the upcoming presentation. I stood at the forefront, introducing Devon and his cadre of executives to the essential members of my creative team, all the while maintaining a professional facade. Yet, beneath that surface, a tumultuous storm brewed within me, the memory of his hands on my body just hours prior lingering like a whispered secret.

With a deep breath, I launched into the presentation, my voice steady and filled with conviction as I began to outline the comprehensive marketing strategy we had meticulously crafted for Kane Technology’s new blockchain integration system.

“Our research has clearly shown that the primary demographic for this innovative product consists of financial technology professionals aged between 30 and 45,” I stated, advancing the slide with a practiced motion. “With this in mind, we have developed the tagline ‘Seamlessly Connect the Future.’ This not only highlights the integration aspects but also captures the forward-thinking essence of the technology itself.”

As I delved deeper into our proposed social media matrix strategy, I emphasized the importance of targeted placements on professional platforms, steering clear of the more generic consumer channels. I elaborated on our partnerships with influential tech figures and outlined an exciting experiential demonstration event planned for the Financial District, a pivotal location for our target audience.

“Are there any questions so far?” I inquired, pausing deliberately before transitioning to the implementation timeline.

Devon leaned forward, his expression unreadable, a mask of impassivity that sent a shiver down my spine. “This is essentially a carbon copy of every blockchain project marketing campaign launched in the past year,” he stated bluntly.

The room fell into a hushed silence, the air thick with tension. I blinked, momentarily taken aback by the sheer directness of his critique.

“We’ve analyzed data from the most successful blockchain promotions over the past six months,” I replied cautiously, trying to hold my ground. “These strategies have proven effective—”

“Kane Technology doesn’t do ‘proven effective,'” he interrupted, rising from his seat with an air of finality. “We define markets; we don’t simply follow them.”

He began to pace around the table, his presence commanding the attention of everyone in the room. “This proposal offers nothing innovative, nothing that sets our technology apart from the myriad of other blockchain solutions available in the market.”

“Let me handle Kane,” I replied, gathering my materials with purpose. “Take the rest of the day to brainstorm some unconventional approaches. We’ll regroup tomorrow morning to share ideas.”

As my team began to disperse, my gaze fell upon something resting on the conference table—a sleek black smartwatch adorned with a custom Patek Philippe face. It had to be Devon’s. I picked it up, feeling the weight of it in my hand, a tangible reminder of him. This was my opportunity to speak with him privately, to perhaps gain some insight into his expectations.

**Devon’s POV**

As the elevator descended to the parking garage of Stellar Impressions, I pinched the bridge of my nose, the tension of the presentation still coursing through me. The outcome had been disappointing—competent yet uninspired, precisely what I had anticipated from a second-rate marketing firm. I had expected more from Aria Harper, someone I had hoped would bring fresh ideas to the table.

“Boss,” my chief of staff, Marcus, said, breaking the silence beside me, “Stellar’s proposal wasn’t bad. Several companies have leveraged similar marketing strategies and seen substantial gains in market share.”

“Marcus,” I replied, my voice steady but laced with frustration, “we’re not here to replicate what others have done. We need to carve out our own path, not follow in the footsteps of those who came before us.”