The CEO's Midnight Remedy novel Chapter 99

Aria’s POV

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The pristine marble floors of the Harper family mansion seemed to gleam with silent judgment as I pushed open the heavy door. My arms were laden with shopping bags–Gucci, Jimmy Choo, and Tiffany’s–visible evidence of my afternoon’s retail therapy at Devon Kane’s expense.

Victoria was arranging fresh roses in the foyer, her perfectly manicured fingers pausing mid–stem as she spotted me. Her eyes darted to the luxury shopping bags, a flash of naked envy crossing her features before she could mask it with her practiced maternal concern.

“Aria, darling,” she cooed, her voice dripping with false sweetness. “It seems you’ve been quite successful lately.” She stepped closer, lowering her voice to a conspiratorial whisper. “I hate to ask, but could you perhaps help the Harper Group with some… financial concerns? William is too proud to ask, but we’re facing some cash flow issues with the merger preparations.”

I set my bags down deliberately, enjoying the soft thud they made against the marble. “At least I’m spending money I’ve earned myself, Victoria. Unlike some people who only know how to spend others‘.”

The barb landed exactly as intended. Victoria’s smile froze, the corners of her mouth tightening imperceptibly.

William emerged from his study, his silver–streaked hair impeccably combed, his face a mask of controlled irritation. “Victoria, what are you doing?”

“Just catching up with Aria,” she replied smoothly.

“I heard you asking for money.” His voice was sharp. “Don’t ask her for anything.”

I gathered my shopping bags, heading toward the sweeping staircase. At the third step, I paused and turned. “Dad, time is running short. You should seriously consider my proposal about the Hampton house.” I met his eyes steadily. “I won’t compromise on this one”

The muscle in his jaw twitched–a tell–tale sign of his discomfort that I’d learned to recognize years ago. Without waiting for his response, I continued up the stairs, the click of my heels against marble echoing through the vaulted ceiling.

In my bedroom, a large white box tied with an elegant lue ribbon waited on my bed. My phone pinged with a message from Marianne: [The Pierre Montagne wedding gown and jewelry just arrived at your place.

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Chapter 99

Hope you love them. You’ll be the most beautiful Blake pride ever.]

I opened the box, revealing a stunning white gown with delicate lace overlay. Beside it, nestled in blue. velvet, lay a Tiffany diamond necklace. The craftsmanship was exquisite–exactly what I would have chosen myself if this wedding were real.

Guilt squeezed my chest as I ran my fingers over the fire fabric. “I’m sorry, Marianne, I whispered to the empty room. “You’ve always been kind to me, just like Mom’s best friend should be. But I can’t marry Ethan. Not after what he did.”

The exhaustion of maintaining so many facades–the dutiful daughter, the excited bride–to–be, Devon’s temporary lover–settled into my bones. After a hot shower that did little to wash away my troubles, I collapsed onto my bed, quickly falling into a restless sleep where Devon’s steely eyes haunted my dreams.

“Could you pass the salt, Aria?”

The strained politeness in my father’s voice broke the silence at breakfast the next morning. I slid the crystal salt cellar toward him, noticing how the table had been arranged to isolate me–Victoria and William at one end, Scarlett beside them, and me alone at the far side.

William barely touched his eggs before pushing his chair back. “The stock dropped another two points yesterday. I need to return some emails.” Victoria immediately stood to follow him, her hand possessively resting on his shoulder.

Once they left, Scarlett’s saccharine smile emerged. “Looks like Daddy is still deeply disappointed in you.” She delicately cut a small piece of her fruit. “Your proposal about the beach house isn’t going anywhere.”

I continued eating calmly, cutting my medium–rare steak with surgical precision. “The stairs have been

quite slippery lately. You should be careful going up and down, Scarlett.” I looked up, meeting her eyes. “Especially in your… particular condition.”

My voice was quiet enough that it wouldn’t carry to the study where my father had retreated, but the

message was crystal clear.

Scarlett’s fork clattered against her plate, her face draining of color despite her attempt to maintain her

smile. “I have no idea what you’re talking about, sister.

I allowed myself a small, cold smile. “Let’s hope it stays that way.”

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Chapter 99

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Later that night, a sharp knock at my bedroom door jolted me from my review of the wedding timeline. Without waiting for my response, my father pushed the door open, his imposing figure silhouetted against

the hallway light.

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