The CEO’s Masked Secret Wife novel Chapter 107

107 The Elevator Ambush

Hazel’s POV

Friday. Finally. The week had been a whirlwind of paperwork, meetings, and trying to reestablish my routine at Sterling Group. After yesterday’s dramatic takedown of Bianca, I’d hoped today would be calmer.

The office buzzed with whispers about the “marketing floor fight.” I kept my head down, focusing on the pile of contracts Liam needed reviewed by end of day.

“Hey stranger,” Jessica popped her head into my office. “Lunch?”

I smiled at my friend, grateful for the distraction. “God, yes. Let me finish this paragraph.”

Ten minutes later, we were heading toward the elevators, chatting about weekend plans.

“Leo wants to go to the park,” I said, pressing the down button. “He’s obsessed with feeding ducks.”

Jessica laughed. “That kid is too cute. Maybe I’ll join you guys.”

The elevator doors opened, and my stomach dropped. Julian Clairemont stood inside, alone, his thin lips curving into what could only be described as a predatory smile.

“Going down, ladies?” he asked, his voice dripping with false politeness.

I hesitated, every instinct screaming to wait for the next one. Jessica gripped my arm, clearly thinking the same thing. But showing fear would only make things worse.

“Yes,” I replied firmly, stepping inside.

The doors closed with a quiet ding, trapping us. Julian stood too close, his expensive cologne suffocating in the small space.

“Ms. Vance,” he said, his eyes cold despite his smile. “And Ms. Thorne. How…

convenient.”

Jessica shifted closer to me. “Mr. Clairemont.”

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The elevator began its descent. One floor. Two floors. The tension made each second stretch painfully.

“I hear congratulations are in order, Julian said suddenly, breaking the silence. “You’ve certainly climbed the corporate ladder quickly. Or should I say, climbed into the CEO’s bed quickly?”

My cheeks burned. “That’s inappropriate, Mr. Clairemont.”

“Is it?” His eyebrows rose in mock surprise. “I think what’s inappropriate is how two secretaries with barely any qualifications suddenly find themselves in executive positions.”

Jessica straightened her spine. “Our qualifications are none of your business.”

Julian’s eyes hardened. “When it affects my business relationships, it becomes my

business.”

“Your business relationships?” I asked, unable to stop myself.

“Sterling Group and Clairemont Industries have worked together for decades,” he snapped. “Long before you gold-diggers showed up.”

The elevator seemed to slow, each floor taking an eternity to pass.

“You should watch your language, Mr. Clairemont,” Jessica warned.

His laugh was ugly. “Or what? You’ll run to Sterling? That’s exactly what I’d expect from tramps like you.”

My heart hammered against my ribs. “Stop the elevator. I want to get out.”

“Oh, I don’t think so,” Julian moved slightly, positioning himself in front of the control panel. “We’re having such a nice chat. You should know that you’re both temporary. Liam may be… distracted by you now, but he’ll come to his senses.”

“You don’t know anything about us,” I said, trying to keep my voice steady.

Julian leaned closer. His breath smelled of coffee and mint. “I know everything about you, Hazel Vance. Single mother with no real qualifications. How long do you think Liam will play daddy to someone else’s brat?”

The words hit like physical blows. Jessica grabbed my hand, squeezing hard.

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107 The Elevator Ambush

“You’re disgusting,” she spat at him.

“And you’re fired,” he replied coldly. “Both of you. You just don’t know it yet.”

“You don’t have that authority,” I said, though my voice shook.

He smiled again, the expression chilling. “Don’t I? The board listens to me. And they’re not happy about Sterling’s little office romances.”

The elevator continued its descent, now nearly at the lobby. Julian wasn’t finished.

“My daughter Victoria is perfect for Liam. Beautiful, educated, from the right family. She’ll be running Sterling Group alongside him while you’re back answering phones.”

I struggled to breathe. Jessica’s hand tightened around mine.

“Did Victoria tell you how good Liam is in bed?” Julian asked viciously. “They have history, you know. Deep, passionate history. She told me all about his… talents.”

Tears pricked my eyes. The cruelty was calculated, designed to hurt where I was most vulnerable.

“That’s enough,” Jessica snapped.

“The truth hurts, doesn’t it?” Julian’s smile widened. “Enjoy your position while it lasts, Ms. Vance. Both your professional one and your… horizontal one.”

The elevator doors opened at the lobby. Julian stepped back, gesturing grandly for us

to exit.

“Ladies first,” he said mockingly.

I stumbled out, legs shaking. Jessica’s arm wrapped around my waist, supporting me.

“Hazel? Jessica? What’s going on?”

Liam’s voice cut through the fog of humiliation. He stood near the elevator bank, concern etched across his handsome face. Before I could respond, Julian stepped out

behind us.

“Ah, Liam! Just the man I wanted to see,” Julian called cheerfully, as if our elevator encounter had never happened.

Liam’s eyes narrowed, moving from my tear-streaked face to Julian’s smug expression.

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107 The Elevator Ambush

“What happened?” he demanded, his voice deadly quiet.

Jessica answered before I could gather myself. “Your business partner just spent an elevator ride calling us gold-diggers and tramps. He threatened our jobs and made crude comments about you and his daughter.”

The color drained from Liam’s face, replaced by a dangerous flush of anger. His hands clenched into fists at his sides.

“He also said some vile things about Leo,” Jessica added, still supporting me.

Liam’s eyes found mine, filled with a fury I’d never seen before. “Is this true?”

I nodded, unable to repeat Julian’s words.

Julian stepped forward, his expression calculated. “Now, now. Just having a friendly conversation about company loyalty. These girls are very sensitive.”

“Sensitive?” Liam’s voice was terrifyingly controlled. “You cornered my employees in an elevator and verbally assaulted them.”

Julian shrugged. “Business discussions can be uncomfortable for some.”

Liam turned to me, his expression softening briefly. “Are you okay?”

I wasn’t, but I nodded anyway.

He addressed the security guard at the front desk. “Thompson, from now on, I want a security escort for Ms. Vance and Ms. Thorne whenever they use the elevators. No

exceptions.”

“Yes, sir,” Thompson replied immediately.

Liam turned back to Julian, his voice ice-cold. “This isn’t over, Julian. Not by a long shot.”

“Looking forward to our board meeting Monday,” Julian replied smoothly before walking away.

Jessica squeezed my arm. “I’m going to get you some water.”

As she left, Liam stepped closer, his eyes searching my face. “What exactly did he say to you?”

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107 The Elevator Ambush

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