The CEO's Midnight Remedy novel Chapter 74

Chapter 74

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I turned to him with a practiced smile, one that didn’t reach my eyes. “Oh, Ethan,” I said softly. “This is just

the beginning.”

He mistook my meaning for affection and kissed me possessively in front of everyone. I endured it, thinking of the evidence gathering on my nanny cam, thinking of Devon’s words: “Don’t accept a gilded

cage when you’ve only just begun to spread your wings.

Another round! Christopher announced, signaling to a server.

What followed was a blur of toasts and congratulations. Each time I tried to set down my glass, someone would press another into my hand. Ethan kept his arm firmly around me, playing the devoted fiancé to

perfection. I noticed he barely drank, while ensuring my glass was never empty.

By my fourth–or was it fifth?-glass, the room had begun to spin slightly. The diamond on my finger caught the light from the crystal chandeliers, sending prismatic rainbows dancing across the walls. I stared

at them, mesmerized, as conversations flowed around me.

I think my fiancée needs some air, Ethan eventually announced, his voice sounding distant through the

champagne haze. The excitement’s been a bit much.”

There were knowing chuckles and suggestive comments that I chose to ignore. Ethan’s arm around my waist felt less like support and more like a restraint as he guided me toward the elevator.

“My purse, I murmured, realizing I’d left it on a chair.

I’ll have someone bring it up,” Ethan replied smoothly. You need to rest.”

I wanted to protest but found my usual sharpness dulled by alcohol. The champagne had been stronger than I’d realized, or perhaps I’d had more than I thought. I found myself in the elevator, watching the numbers climb as Ethan punched in a code for the top floor.

The VIP suite was opulent, exuding that distinctly masculine atmosphere that screamed old money–dark woods, leather furniture, and subtle lighting that flattered every surface.

I made my way to a velvet sofa and sank into it gratefully. “You should go back to your guests,” I said, slipping off my heels. “I just need a few minutes.”

“They can wait, Ethan replied, loosening his tie. He walked to a cabinet and retrieved a crystal decanter.

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14:37 Sat, Dec 20 G GA

Chapter 74

“Nightcap?”

1 shook my head, already regretting the champagne. No, thank you.”

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He poured me a glass of amber liquid anyway, offering to me. “To my beautiful fiancée, he said, a gleam in his eyes I didn’t particularly like. “Just a sip, to help you relax.”

I took a hesitant sip, the liquor burning my throat. Ethan sat beside me, his hand sliding to my thigh. “You were perfect tonight,” he said, fingers tracing small circles on my bare knee. “Everyone loves you.”

I summoned my most convincing smile, the one I’d practiced in the mirror for situations exactly like this. “It was a lovely evening. Thank you for the… surprise proposal.”

“Mmm.” He reached out to touch my face, his fingers tracing my jawline. “You know, when you’re tipsy, you’re even more beautiful. Your cheeks get this lovely lush.” His gaze turned heated, voice dropping lower. “I bet you’re that same shade of pink all over, aren’t you?”

I shifted slightly, creating distance between us. “I shoul freshen up before we go back down.”

“No rush.” His hand moved to my neck, then lower, to the top button of my blouse. “We have the suite for the entire night.”

The alcohol in my system made everything slightly delayed–my recognition of his intent, my response, my rising alarm. I watched his fingers work at my button as if they belonged to someone else.

“Ethan,” I said, my voice steadier than I felt. “We should get back to your birthday celebration.”

He smiled, but it didn’t reach his eyes. “This is my celebration.” The top button came undone. His hand moved to the second. “My fiancée, my birthday, my rules.”

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