Chapter 14
Aria's POV
The antiseptic smell hit me the moment I stepped off the elevator at Mount Sinai Hospital. I'd always hated hospitals—the sterile corridors, the hushed voices, the underlying current of worry that permeated every inch of space. But I'd promised Marianne I would come, and despite everything, I couldn't bring myself to disappoint her.
I found Ethan's private room easily enough. The Blake family name had secured him one of the best suites in the building, complete with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the East River. As I approached the doorway, I heard Marianne's agitated voice.
"You can't keep refusing treatment, Ethan. The doctors say you need—"
"I told you, I'm fine. I just need to see Aria."
I took a deep breath and stepped into the room. Marianne turned immediately, her elegant features relaxing into visible relief.
"Thank God you're here!" she exclaimed, rushing over to embrace me. "He's been refusing painkillers and additional tests until he sees you."
Ethan was propped up against a mountain of pillows, his right arm in a sling and a large bruise darkening his left cheekbone. Despite these injuries, his face brightened dramatically when he saw me. With what seemed like considerable effort, he pushed himself into a more upright position.
"Aria," he said, his voice softening. "You came."
"I came for Marianne," I clarified, keeping my distance. "She was worried."
Marianne squeezed my hand gratefully before turning back to her son. "Now that Aria's here, perhaps you'll finally tell us what happened? Who hit you, Ethan? The police report was so vague."
Ethan's eyes darted nervously between his mother and me. He licked his lips, a habit I knew indicated he was preparing to lie—or at least twist the truth.
"It was... it was Devon Kane from Kane Technology," he finally admitted.
Marianne gasped. "Devon Kane? The Devon Kane? Good heavens! How did this happen?"
I kept my expression carefully neutral, though inside I was piecing together what must have occurred. Devon had mentioned "accidentally" bumping Ethan with his car outside Pantheon after interrupting the awkward proposal scene, but I hadn't realized the incident had been serious enough to warrant hospitalization.
"It was an accident," Ethan hurried to explain, his eyes flicking to me nervously. "He... didn't see me. His assistant already arranged for medical expenses and compensation."
"Even if he is Devon Kane, he can't just hit someone and walk away!" Marianne exclaimed, her protective maternal instincts flaring. "We should press charges!"
"No!" Ethan said too quickly. "Like I said, it was an accident. All taken care of."
I studied Ethan's face, reading the embarrassment behind his insistence. He was lying through his teeth. Not about Devon being responsible—that part was true—but about the circumstances. He couldn't bear for his mother to know he'd been humiliated, that Devon had deliberately interrupted his grand proposal gesture and then offered me a ride home, leaving Ethan literally in the dust.
I found myself almost smiling at the pathetic picture. The Ethan Blake I once knew would never have allowed himself to appear so weak, especially in front of his mother. Perhaps I'd overestimated him all along.
"Well, I'm glad you're okay," I said flatly. "Now if you'll excuse me—"
"Wait!" Ethan reached out with his good arm. "You just got here. Can't you stay a while?"
I glanced at my watch pointedly. "I can't. I have an important business meeting tonight."
"With whom?" Ethan demanded, his eyebrows drawing together. "Don't tell me it's with the man who nearly killed me!"
The audacity of his possessiveness after everything that had happened between us was almost comical. I deliberately avoided answering his question.
"I'll try to stop by tomorrow," I offered instead, already backing toward the door. "Marianne, it was good to see you."
Marianne seemed disappointed but nodded in understanding. "Thank you for coming, dear."
I escaped into the hallway, feeling Ethan's eyes boring into my back. Once out of sight, I leaned against the wall and took a deep breath. The events of the last few days were starting to feel surreal—the betrayal, the deal with Devon, now this accident. It was like being caught in some bizarre soap opera.
As I made my way to the elevator, a thought struck me. Had Devon deliberately hit Ethan with his car? It seemed extreme, even for someone as intimidating as Devon Kane. But the timing was too perfect to be coincidental. Yet what reason would Devon have to target Ethan specifically? As far as I knew, they had no prior relationship or conflict.
Then again, Devon had seemed particularly irritated by Ethan's interruption at Pantheon. Perhaps he simply didn't like being disturbed during business. Or perhaps...
I shook my head, dispelling the thought. I was overthinking this. Devon Kane might be powerful and somewhat ruthless in business, but deliberately running someone over seemed beyond even his cold calculation.
By the time I reached my apartment, I had just enough time to prepare for the evening. I chose a midnight blue cocktail dress that managed to be both elegant and businesslike, with a subtle shimmer that caught the light when I moved. I paired it with tasteful diamond studs and swept my hair into a sleek chignon. The portfolio containing my revised proposal sat ready on my coffee table, reflecting hours of meticulous work.
As I applied my lipstick, I couldn't help but feel a flutter of nervousness. Tonight could determine the future of Stellar Impressions. If I failed to secure Devon's support, my company might not survive the month. Sophia's mother needed expensive heart surgery, and my other employees relied on their paychecks. I couldn't let them down.
The taxi dropped me at the entrance of the five-star hotel where Devon's private gathering was being held. The imposing limestone facade was illuminated by strategically placed lights, giving it an almost ethereal glow against the darkening sky. A uniformed doorman greeted me as I approached.
Inside the lobby, I followed the discreet signage toward the private event spaces. A security guard stood at attention beside an elegant placard announcing "Private Event - Kane Technology."
I approached confidently, portfolio in hand. "Aria Harper for Devon Kane," I stated.
The guard consulted his tablet, then looked up with a respectful nod. "Yes, Ms. Harper. Mr. Kane informed us you would be attending. Please proceed directly to the main ballroom."
I blinked in surprise. Devon had put my name on the guest list? After our last encounter, I'd half-expected to have to argue my way in or at least wait while they confirmed my presence with him.
"Thank you," I managed, trying to hide my confusion.