New Boss Is My One-Night Stand's Baby Daddy novel Chapter 32

32 Chapter 32 – Strategic Alliance Formation

Chapter 32 – Strategic Alliance Formation

Hazel’s POV

I stood before Liam’s towering glass building, its sleek modern facade reflecting the morning sun like a mirror. After identifying myself to the doorman, I stepped into the elevator, my mind racing with all the ways I planned to torment my insufferable boss today.

Chloe and I had spent half the night plotting what she dramatically called my “seduction strategy.” She’d convinced me to wear this orange dress that hugged every curve, claiming the vibrant color made my pale skin glow and my dark hair look richer. The knee–length fabric clung to my body, with dangerous slits on each side that would reveal far too much when I sat. The square neckline and wide straps gave it an elegant edge that screamed confidence. Underneath, I wore the white lace lingerie set Chl had picked out, complete with delicate ribbons that made me feel like a wrapped present. My black strappy heels added inches to my height, and she’d styled my hair in that effortlessly sexy half–up style with face–framing strands. The natural makeup completed the look that Chloe insisted would “drive any man to his knees.” Now here I was, ascending to the top floor while fantasizing about how I’d make Liam squirm instead of focusing on actual work.

Camed

The elevator opened directly into his penthouse, and I couldn’t help but be impressed. Everything power and sophistication without being flashy. The space was bright and elegant, perfectly capturing Liam’s commanding presence.

A distinguished man in his fifties approached me with a warm smile. “Miss Hazel, good morning. I’m George. They’re waiting on the terrace.”

I followed him through the hall, already hearing Damian’s familiar laughter echoing from outside. Liam, Evelyn, Owen, and Damian were gathered around a table when I appeared. The moment I stepped onto the terrace, their conversation died.

Damian let out a low whistle while Owen started humming “Pretty Woman” under his breath. This was becoming their standard greeting.

“Good morning. Were you discussing me?” I asked with a playful smile.

“Hazel, that dress is absolutely stunning on you,” Damian said, his eyes appreciative.

“If I weren’t married, Hazel, I’d never let you out of my sight, Owen added with a grin. Liam’s jaw tightened as he stood up. “If you weren’t married, Owen, and if I didn’t know you’re completely devoted to Thea, you’d be looking for a new job right now.” His smile didn’t reach his

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32 Chapter 32 – Strategic Alliance Formation

eyes. “And

you, miss, are going to start wearing a burqa to work.”

He moved toward me with predatory grace, pressing a kiss to my cheek before taking my hand in a possessive grip that sent electricity up my arm.

After greeting Evelyn, I sat down and crossed my legs. Liam leaned close, his breath hot against my ear. “I’m going to have George bring a blanket to cover those incredible legs.”

Before I could respond, Mr. Allen’s cheerful voice filled the terrace. “Good morning, everyone!”

He approached me with genuine warmth, kissing both my cheeks. “Hazel, dear, how wonderful to see you again. How are you feeling?”

“Very well, Mr. Allen, thank you. And yourself?” The genuine affection in his eyes always made me smile.

“Thanks to you, I’m getting back on my feet, my dear.”

“Please, I barely did anything. But I’m so glad things are improving for you.”

He squeezed my hand before turning to Liam. “Take good care of her, Liam. This young lady is a

rare treasure.”

“I know exactly how precious she is, Allen. I’m watching her very closely,” Liam replied, his eyes finding mine with an intensity that made my pulse quicken.

Mr. Allen’s attention shifted to Evelyn, his expression growing wistful. “And you, Evelyn, are you truly going to Boston?”

“Yes, I am, Albert. I want to be closer to my daughters and grandchildren,” she replied with a soft smile.

The way they looked at each other made me wonder if there was unfinished business between them. I knew Mr. Allen had been widowed for years and hadn’t been with anyone since his wife passed.

“This city will feel much sadder without you,” he said with old–world gallantry.

My romantic speculation was interrupted by Liam’s voice. “So that’s the situation, Allen. Hazel suggested you might have experienced something similar and recommended we ask for your guidance.”

Mr. Allen’s eyes sparkled with determination. “Liam, your father was one of my dearest friends. Helping you will be my pleasure, especially since it was recommended by this remarkable young lady who’s become like a daughter to me.” He paused, his voice growing serious. “Hazel was the one who alerted me about my accountant’s dishonesty when we started reviewing the documents. I’d been completely blind to what was happening under my nose.”

“Sometimes you need fresh eyes from the outside,” I said gently. “When you’re too close to

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32 Chapter 32 – Strategic Alliance Formation

something, it’s impossible to see the whole picture.”

We spent the morning mapping out our strategy. When George announced lunch was ready, Liam invited everyone to join us. The conversation continued over the meal, with Mr. Allen outlining his plan.

“After our discussion yesterday, Liam, I contacted Evelyn. We had lunch together, she briefed me on the situation, and I’ve developed a comprehensive strategy for relocating the finance department,” Allen explained with military precision.

“Yes, Albert will be supervising that transition,” Evelyn confirmed.

“How exactly will this work?” Damian asked, leaning forward with interest.

“I’ve already assembled a team of completely trustworthy individuals. Evelyn and I will go to your building this afternoon, and the team will meet us there. While we’re executing the move, we’ll copy every single document. Every paper in that sector, plus everything from accounting and the commercial department. These copies will go directly to our secure new location.” “Impressive work, Allen. You don’t waste time,” Liam said with genuine admiration,

“We can’t afford to waste time, son. It’ll be intensive work until Monday morning, but when business hours begin, everything will be operational. Another crucial element is the strategic hiring of specific employees. I’m already screening candidates, but the first is Tobias Victor. He’s a technological genius, essentially a professional hacker. He’ll install monitoring software on all giving us complete access. But you’ll hire him as a awkward tech guy who supposedly just fixes and updates machines.”

company com

“I could make him

department head,” Liam suggested.

“That would be a mistake. If you give him too much authority, it’ll raise suspicions and no one wili trust him,” Allen cautioned. “All the employees you need will be hired for seemingly unimportant positions. This

“What’s the reasoning res they remain invisible and unnoticed. You’ll also add an

and custodian on each floor.”

behind that?” Damian asked, puzzled.

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