The CEO's Midnight Remedy novel Chapter 67

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

**Chapter 67**

**Aria’s POV**

As soon as the words left my lips, he was already making his way to the door, moving with a speed that belied his casual demeanor. I stood there, watching him slip out into the bustling street, a swirl of thoughts cascading through my mind. In my hand, I clutched the small drive, its potential weighty enough to alter the course of everything I knew.

With a sigh, I settled my bill and left the café, my thoughts racing like wild horses. The moment I stepped onto the sidewalk, something caught my eye across the street—a glint of familiar blonde hair that sent a shockwave through my chest. I froze, rooted to the spot.

It was Devon Kane, and he was walking into a posh French restaurant, his arm entwined with Caroline Hayes. She looked absolutely radiant in a pale blue dress that hugged her figure just right, the color accentuating her fair skin like a delicate flower in bloom. Devon leaned in close, whispering something into her ear, a gesture that seemed intimate and effortless.

An unexpected surge of jealousy pierced through me, and I quickly tried to stifle it. After all, Devon and I had an arrangement—one that was strictly business with a few physical perks. I had no ownership over his choice of dining companions. Yet, witnessing the two of them together, especially so soon after our charged conversation in his car, left a bitter taste that lingered unpleasantly on my tongue.

Before I could fully process my thoughts, I found myself crossing the street, my feet moving almost of their own accord toward the restaurant. I told myself it was mere curiosity—an academic interest in observing how Devon interacted with the woman his mother had chosen for him. It wasn’t jealousy; it was… research.

The French restaurant was one of those exclusive spots where tables were booked months in advance. However, I put on my most charming smile and casually mentioned my father’s name to the maître d’. The Harper media connections still had a way of opening doors, even if my relationship with my family was currently strained.

I soon spotted them nestled at a cozy corner table by the window, surrounded by soft lighting and fresh flowers that lent an air of romance to the setting. Devon sat across from Caroline, his expression softer than I had ever seen, as he listened intently to her animated chatter. The sight twisted something uncomfortably in my chest, a feeling I wasn’t sure I wanted to dissect.

Before I could reconsider my impulsive decision, I was weaving my way through the maze of tables, each step fueled by a mix of determination and uncertainty.

“What a coincidence!” I exclaimed, forcing a brightness into my voice as I reached their table. “Devon, Caroline—what a lovely surprise to see you both here!”

Caroline looked up, her surprise momentarily flashing across her perfectly composed features before she settled into a polite smile. “Aria, what an unexpected pleasure to see you.”

I couldn’t help but notice how her demeanor toward me felt different this time—less guarded, more genuinely friendly. It was disconcerting and made me question her motives.

“Devon mentioned you two had a business meeting earlier,” Caroline continued, her curiosity piqued. “He said your company is doing some innovative work in marketing.”

I glanced at Devon, surprised that he had even brought me up in conversation with her. “Did he? How flattering. Though Mr. Kane can be quite demanding as a client.”

Caroline laughed lightly, a sound that seemed to brighten the table just a little. “Oh, I can imagine. Devon expects perfection in everything he does.”

Throughout the meal, I observed their interactions with a keen eye. Devon was attentive to Caroline in a way I had never witnessed before—refilling her wine glass without waiting for her to ask, leaning in as she spoke passionately about her charity work. Yet, there was something almost rehearsed about it, as if he were playing a role he had mastered rather than expressing genuine emotion.

After dessert, Caroline excused herself to the ladies’ room, leaving Devon and me alone at the table.