The CEO's Midnight Remedy novel Chapter 86

Chapter 86

He ignored my point, as usual. The Blake merger brings us exactly what we need–established luxury clientele, print distribution networks, and the capital to expand our digital platforms.”

“And all it costs is your daughter’s happiness, I said softly. Such a bargain.”

‘Don’t be dramatic. Millions of women would kill to mary into the Blake family.”

90%

“Then perhaps you should have offered Scarlett instead I countered. “She’s practically your daughter now anyway, isn’t she?”

His face flushed with anger. “I expect you to do whatever it takes to ensure Ethan invests in our new media project before the wedding. His family’s connections and financial backing are essential.”

I studied my father carefully, seeing the desperation behind his anger. The mighty William Harper was afraid–afraid of obsolescence, afraid of failure. And that fear gave me leverage.

“I can convince Ethan to invest,” I said slowly, a plan forming in my mind. “But I’ll need something in

return.”

My father’s expression turned wary. “What?”

“The Hampton beach house. I want it transferred back to my name. Legally. Irrevocably.”

He scoffed. “That’s out of the question. Scarlett uses that house for her social media content and weekend gatherings. It’s valuable for the Harper brand image.”

“And having a Harper marry into the Blake family isn’t? Think about it, Father. Once I marry Ethan, the beach house would essentially become Blake property anyway. I’m just asking for what’s rightfully mine-

what Mom explicitly left to me–to be returned before the wedding.”

I could see the calculations running behind my father’s eyes. He was weighing the cost against the benefit,

treating his daughter’s request like any other business proposition.

“I’ll consider it,” he said finally. “But I want to see concrete progress with Ethan first. A public reconciliation, increased visibility together, and his signature on the investment proposal.”

I rose from my seat, smoothing my dress. “I think that can be arranged.” I placed my hand briefly on his

shoulder, feeling him stiffen under my touch. “Thank you for the coffee, Father. I look forward to resolving

this… situation… to everyone’s satisfaction.”

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Chapter 86

As I walked away, I felt his eyes on my back, probably wondering when his compliant daughter had become such a shrewd negotiator. Little did he know, I’d learned from the best–watching him manipulate and maneuver people my entire life had been quite the education.

Back in my Brooklyn apartment, I tapped my fingers against my desk, waiting for the email from Ryan’s doctor friend. I’d called in a favor on my way home from the Harper estate, and within hours, the encrypted file arrived in my inbox.

I opened it quickly, scanning the medical report with growing satisfaction. There it was in black and white: Scarlett Harper, approximately 8 weeks pregnant. The report included hormone levels, ultrasound dates, and recommendations for prenatal vitamins.

This changed everything and nothing at the same time. I’d suspected Scarlett and Ethan were still involved, but this concrete evidence of their affair–and its consequences–gave me more leverage than I could have hoped for.

If news of this pregnancy got out before the wedding, the Blake family would be scandalized. Their precious heir having an affair with his fiancée’s stepsister? The tabloids would feast for months. Blake Fashion stock would plummet, and the carefully cultivated image of the Blake family as American fashion royalty would be tarnished.

I leaned back in my chair, considering my options. I could expose them immediately, bringing both our families into disrepute and effectively ending any chance of reconciliation. Or I could bide my time, use this information strategically to secure what I wanted most–the beach house, my independence, and justice for my mother.

I reached for my phone and texted Ryan: [Need a favor. Surveillance equipment. Discreet. Will explain

later.]

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