The CEO's Midnight Remedy novel Chapter 73

The chaos was immediate. The pyramid of champagne glasses collapsed in a spectacular cascade, sending crystal and liquid spraying across the marble floor. Gass and exclamations filled the air as guests jumped back to avoid the deluge. Servers rushed forward with towels and dustpans, their practiced efficiency suggesting this wasn’t the first champagne disaster they’d handled at Pantheon.

I stood frozen, the weight of Ethan’s ring suddenly heavy on my finger as I watched Devon’s broad shoulders disappear through the doorway. The moment felt symbolic somehow–the carefully constructed façade I’d been building shattered as completely as those champagne flutes.

“What an asshole,” Ethan muttered beside me, his hand possessively gripping my waist. “That’s going to

cost him.”

I forced a smile, though my eyes remained on the door. It was probably an accident.”

“Like hell it was.” Ethan’s fingers dug deeper into my side. “Kane doesn’t do anything by accident.”

Before I could respond, Ethan steered me away from the mess, toward a quiet corner of the room. The

remaining guests had already begun gossiping, their voices a symphony of speculation and judgment. I

caught fragments of conversation-“jealousy,” “rivalry,” hostile takeover“—as we moved through the crowd.

Once we were relatively alone, Ethan’s expression darkened. He leaned in close, his cologne suddenly

cloying and overwhelming.

“Aria, listen to me,” he said, his voice low and intense. “Stay away from Devon Kane. He clearly has designs

on you.”

I arched an eyebrow. “Designs?”

“Don’t play innocent. I’ve seen how he looks at you.” Ethan’s eyes narrowed. “He wants what’s mine. Always

has, since business school. But he won’t get it this time

The possessive language made my skin crawl, but I kept my expression neutral. “I’m hardly a corporate

asset to be acquired, Ethan.”

“Of course not, baby.” His tone softened, though his eyes remained hard. “I’m just saying he’s dangerous.

Kane Technologies has been trying to move into fashion tech, and Blake Fashion would be a perfect

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Chapter 73

acquisition. He’ll use any means necessary–including you.”

Before I could respond, Christopher Quinn–one of Ethan’s college friends–approached us with two fresh glasses of champagne. There’s the golden couple! Don let Kane’s little tantrum ruin the night. He handed us each a glass, then called out to the room: “Everyone! A proper toast to the future Mr. and Mrs.

Blake!

Just like that, the awkward moment was smoothed over with wealth and alcohol–the universal solvents of

high society problems. Ethan’s friends gathered around glasses raised, momentarily forgetting the

shattered crystal still being swept up in the center of the room.

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Ethan’s grip on my waist relaxed as he slipped back into the role of gracious host. He introduced me to several fashion industry heavyweights, presenting me as “the woman who will help take Blake Fashion into

the digital era.” Each introduction was punctuated with my fiancée” or “my future wife,” as if repetition

could make the lie more convincing.

“Aria Harper,” a silver–haired woman in Chanel said, clasping my hand. “I remember when you were just a

little thing at your mother’s gallery openings. Elizabeth would be so proud to see you finally getting your

happily ever after with Ethan.”

I smiled through gritted teeth. “Thank you.”

“We all knew it was just a matter of time,” another woman chimed in, this one dripping in diamonds that

probably cost more than my company’s quarterly revenge. “The way you always looked at him–even as

teenagers. So devoted.”

The champagne suddenly tasted bitter on my tongue. I took another sip anyway, needing the liquid

courage.

“To Aria,” someone called out, “for finally getting what she’s always wanted!”

“To the future Mrs. Blake!”

“To perseverance paying off!”

I raised my glass mechanically as toast after toast followed, each one more nauseating than the last. They

all painted the same picture: poor, lovesick Aria, who had finally managed to catch New York’s most

eligible bachelor. If only they knew the truth–that I was here to destroy him, not marry him.

“Finally got what you always wanted, didn’t you?” Ethan whispered in my ear, his breath hot against my

skin. “You should thank me. I’ve made you the envy of very woman in this room.”

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The CEO’s Midnight Remedy