Semua Bab The CEO's Midnight Remedy: Bab 1 - Bab 5

Aria's POVI stood in the dimly lit corridor of the Manhattan five-star hotel, my hands slightly trembling as they gripped the handle of the room service cart. The weight of the silver tray on top felt heavier than it should, laden with a bottle of expensive red wine and two crystal glasses that caught the soft overhead lights. My borrowed hotel uniform was a size too large, but I'd managed to make it work with a few safety pins and determination.Room 1507. This was it—the presidential suite where Devon Kane was staying.I took a deep breath and tried to steady my racing heart. The morning's events flashed through my mind once more: the unknown number that had texted me, the photo that appeared on my screen, and the sickening feeling that washed over me when I saw my boyfriend Ethan tangled in sheets with my step-sister Scarlett. Both naked. Both looking all too comfortable together."Breathe, Aria," I whispered to myself. "Just breathe."It hadn't been my first betrayal from Ethan B

Aria's POVI woke with a start, my eyes flying open to darkness. For a moment, I couldn't remember where I was until the weight of an arm across my waist registered. The events of the night before came rushing back in vivid detail, sending heat to my cheeks despite being alone with my thoughts.The digital clock on the nightstand glowed 4:17 AM in harsh red numbers. Beside me, Devon Kane slept soundly, his breathing deep and even. In sleep, his face had softened considerably. Without the intensity that usually radiated from him, he looked almost peaceful—the sharp angles of his jaw and cheekbones less severe, his lips slightly parted. I found myself staring longer than I should have, studying the fan of dark lashes against his cheeks and the way one lock of hair had fallen across his forehead.My body ached in unfamiliar places as I carefully slid out from under his arm. Time to go. I'd gotten what I came for—material for my revenge. No need to stick around for the awkward morning aft

Aria’s POVThree hours later, we were still deep in revision mode when Sophia finally broke the silence."You should ask your father for help," she said quietly, looking up from her laptop. "Harper Group has resources we could use, connections that could strengthen our position."I shook my head firmly. "Absolutely not. I didn't build this company to crawl back to my father when things get tough.""This isn't about pride, Aria. It's about survival." Sophia's voice softened. "I've been looking at our financials. If we don't land a major client soon, we won't make payroll next month."The weight of her words settled on my shoulders. Sixteen employees depended on us. Including Sophia, whose mother needed that heart surgery."I know what you're thinking," she continued. "But this isn't just about us anymore. Our employees—""I'll figure it out," I interrupted, my resolve hardening. "I won't let him control my life again, Sophia. I won't give him that power."She sighed, recognizing the st