The CEO's Midnight Remedy novel Chapter 70

**Dust Writes New Stories by Rei Holt Wilder**
**Chapter 70**

**Aria’s POV**

The dawn of a new day greeted me with an unexpected sense of rejuvenation, a stark contrast to the less-than-ideal accommodations I had endured the night before. After a brisk shower that washed away the remnants of fatigue, I slipped into a spare outfit I had stashed in my office for emergencies—something comfortable yet professional. The morning slipped away as I immersed myself in the preliminary concepts for Devon’s marketing campaign, the creative ideas swirling in my mind like a vibrant palette waiting to be painted. By mid-morning, a surge of confidence coursed through me, compelling me to step away from the office for a few hours.

As I made my way to New York-Presbyterian Hospital, I decided to stop by a nearby florist. The delicate fragrance of fresh blooms enveloped me as I perused the arrangements, finally selecting a stunning bouquet of white lilies—my father’s favorite. A wave of irony washed over me; here I was, bringing flowers to a man who might have played a role in my mother’s tragic demise. The thought lingered in my mind, twisting like a knife.

Upon entering the executive wing of the hospital, I was struck by its opulence. The polished marble floors gleamed under the soft lighting, making the space feel more like a luxurious hotel than a medical facility. I exited the elevator and adjusted my grip on the flower arrangement, my heart pounding as I approached my father’s suite.

Outside his door, I spotted Victoria, engaged in what appeared to be a heated discussion with a man I recognized as one of the hospital’s board members. She was dressed in an impeccably tailored navy suit, her hair slicked back into a chignon, embodying the image of a devoted and concerned wife. I couldn’t help but wonder how much of that devotion was genuine.

As I drew closer, she noticed me and swiftly concluded her conversation, turning to face me with a smile that was polished yet devoid of warmth.

“Aria, what a delightful surprise,” she purred, her voice smooth like honey but with an underlying chill. “Your father will be so pleased to see you.”

“Will he?” I replied, mirroring her artificial smile with one of my own. “Given how our last conversation ended, I wouldn’t hold my breath.”

Victoria’s eyes narrowed slightly, but her smile remained unwavering. “Family disputes are common, my dear. Remember, blood is thicker than water.”

“Interesting you should mention blood,” I shot back, unable to resist the jab. “Considering you’re not actually family.”

Her perfectly manicured hand flew to her throat, a theatrical gesture of feigned innocence. “I have been your father’s wife for nearly four years, Aria. That makes us family whether you choose to accept it or not.”

I stepped closer, lowering my voice so only she could hear. “Caring for an ill person must come naturally to you, Victoria. After all, serving others was your specialty before you married up, wasn’t it? Fetching tea, administering medication—all those little tasks a personal assistant does.”

For a fleeting moment, her mask slipped, revealing a flash of genuine animosity before she regained her composure. “I suggest you watch your tone, Aria. Your father is unwell, and stress is detrimental to his recovery.”

“Oh, I’m well aware of how stress impacts health,” I replied coolly, my gaze unwavering. “And how certain substances can affect it too.”

Before she could retort, I brushed past her and pushed open the door to my father’s room. William Harper sat propped against pillows, looking more fragile and aged than I remembered. A wave of conflicting emotions washed over me; despite the anger I harbored, seeing him in such a weakened state tugged at my heartstrings.

“Aria. I didn’t expect to see you here,” he said, glancing up from the tablet he had been engrossed in. His expression shifted from surprise to a guarded wariness.

I placed the lilies gently on his bedside table, their delicate fragrance filling the air. “I thought I should check on you. Apparently, you’re ill enough that Scarlett felt the need to track me down at my office yesterday.”

He set the tablet aside, his brow furrowing. “Your sister was concerned.”

The shift in conversation seemed to ease his tension significantly. “That’s excellent news. The sooner we can formalize the merger between Harper Group and Blake Fashion, the better it will be for everyone.”

“Of course,” I agreed smoothly, masking my true feelings. “Business first, as always.”

My father reached for my hand, his grip surprisingly firm despite his frail condition. “This match is important, Aria. The Blakes are one of the few families in New York with the heritage and influence to complement ours. Don’t jeopardize it with your… impulsiveness.”

I squeezed his hand, forcing down my disgust. “I understand perfectly, Dad. I won’t let anything stand in the way of this engagement.”

Not even the fact that my fiancé was sleeping with my step-sister, or that my step-mother had likely murdered my mother to take her place. But those were details he didn’t need to know—not yet.

Just then, Victoria entered, her timing as impeccably suspicious as ever. “The doctor will be making rounds soon, William. Aria, perhaps you should come back another time? Your father needs his rest.”

I stood, smoothing my skirt with deliberate calmness. “Of course. I wouldn’t want to overtax him.” Leaning down, I placed a gentle kiss on my father’s cheek, whispering, “Get well soon, Dad. We have so much to discuss when you’re better.”

As I walked toward the door, I noticed Victoria hovering just outside, clearly having eavesdropped on our conversation. I flashed her a sweet smile as I passed. “Eavesdropping is such an unattractive habit, Victoria. But I suppose old personal assistant tricks die hard.”

Her face flushed with barely contained fury, yet she maintained her composure as I strode away, the sound of my heels clicking decisively against the marble floor, each step echoing my resolve.