The CEO's Midnight Remedy novel Chapter 79

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I gathered my purse and phone, checking the time. It was still early enough that I might avoid the walk of

shame past too many hotel staff.

I’ll be going then,” I said, pausing at the door.

Devon covered the phone’s microphone. “The valet has our car ready,” he said briefly.

“Thank you.”

He nodded, already returning to his call.

I hesitated, feeling like there should be more–a goodbye kiss, perhaps, or at least acknowledgment of what had happened between us. But Devon’s focus had shifted entirely to business, as if I were already gone.

I let myself out, closing the door quietly behind me.

He nodded, already returning to his call.

I let myself out, closing the door quietly behind me..

The elevator ride down to the lobby was mercifully empty. I checked my reflection in the mirrored walls, making sure I looked composed and not like someone who had spent the night being thoroughly pleasured

by one man while wearing another man’s ring.

The doors opened onto the marble expanse of Pantheon’s grand lobby. I was halfway to the exit when I spotted them–Ethan and Scarlett, emerging from the elevator bank on the opposite side.

Scarlett wore the same white dress from last night, slightly wrinkled now. She was leaning into Ethan, one

hand possessively on his arm. They hadn’t noticed me yet.

I slipped on my sunglasses and continued toward the door, ensuring my left hand was clearly visible, Ethan’s ring catching the light with every movement. Just as I reached my car, I heard Ethan’s sharp intake

of breath.

“Aria?” His voice was panicked, confused.

I pretended not to hear, sliding into the driver’s seat of my Porsche. Through the rearview mirror, I watched as he hastily pushed Scarlett away, his face a mask of alarm.

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Scarlett’s expression flickered from annoyance to sugar sweetness we she tried to recapture his attention. But Ethan’s eyes were fixed on my car, his posture radi og guilt and tear.

1 pulled away from the cub, a small smile playing on my lips.

My phone rang before I’d gone three blocks. Ethan’s name flashed on the screen, connected through my car’s Bluetooth. I considered ignoring it, but that would serve my purpose, Instead, I adopted a sleepy,

slightly confused tone.

“Hello?”

“Aria, baby, where are you?‘ Ethan’s voice was strained with forced casualness.

“On my way home. I needed to clear my head after last night.”

“I was worried sick. The lie came easily to him. “I woke up and you were gone,”

I suppressed a snort. “I’m sorry about that, I just needed some space after… everything that happened.”

“I’m so sorry about last night,” he said, his voice dripping with rehearsed remorse, I had too much to

drink. I didn’t mean to pressure you.”

“It’s fine, Ethan. I understand.” I made my voice soft, forgiving.

“Can I see you tonight? Let me make it up to you with dinner at Per Se.”

I pretended to consider. “I don’t think I can tonight. I have deadlines for the Kane account.”

“Tomorrow then? Please, Aria. I need to see you.”

The desperation in his voice was real, at least. Not because he missed me, but because he was terrified I might have seen him with Scarlett.

“I’ll check my schedule and let you know,” I said, deliberately vague.

“Aria, I love you,” he blurted out. “You know that, right?

The words hung in the air, hollow and false. Once upon a time, I would have given anything to hear them.

Now, they meant nothing.

“I know, Ethan,” I lied smoothly. “I’ll call you later.”

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14:38 Sat, Dec 20 GGA

The CEO’s Midnight Remedy