The CEO’s Masked Secret Wife novel Chapter 11

11 The Boss’s Unmistakable Claim

Hazel’s POV

I was frozen in place, trapped between Liam Sterling’s hard chest and his strong arms around my waist. My heart hammered against my ribs as I looked up into those intense violet–blue eyes. They were hypnotic, drawing me in like a magnet.

“I–I’m sorry,” I whispered again, my voice barely audible.

Before either of us could move, the office door burst

the office door burst open. Isabella Clairemont stormed back in, her face twisted with rage.

“I knew it!” she shrieked, pointing an accusatory finger at us. “This is exactly what I was talking about!”

&

Liam’s arms tightened around me protectively rather than me. His jaw clenched, and his eyes flashed with anger.

“How did you get back up here?” he demanded, his voice dangerously low.

“That doesn’t matter,” Isabella spat. “What matters is I was right! You’re screwing your little secretary!”

Heat rushed to my face. I tried to pull away from Liam, but his grip remained firm.

“Ms. Vance tripped,” Liam said coldly. “I caught her. That’s all you’re seeing.”

Isabella laughed bitterly. “Do you think I’m stupid? The way you’re looking at her… the way you’re holding her now!”

“That’s enough, Isabella.” Liam’s voice was like ice. “You will apologize to Ms. Vance immediately.”

“Apologize?” Isabella’s eyes widened with disbelief.”

office slut trying to sleep her way-”

you serious? She’s just another

“I said ENOUGH!” Liam’s shout made me flinch. “You will apologize to Ms. Vance right now, or I will personally make sure you never set foot in this building again.”

Isabella’s face paled. “You can’t do that. My father is

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“I don’t care who your father is,” Liam cut her off. “Apologize. Now.”

Isabella’s lips pressed into a thin line. “I will not apologize to your whore.”

In one fluid motion, Liam released me and pressed a button on his desk. “Security to my office. Now.”

He then stepped forward, positioning himself slightly in front of me. The protective gesture wasn’t lost on Isabella, whose eyes narrowed to slits.

“You’re choosing her over me?” she hissed.

“There was never a choice to make,” Liam replied coldly. “We were never together,

Isabella.”

The door opened again, and Damian Knight stepped in, eyebrows raised at the scene

before him.

“Problem, boss?”

“Ms. Clairemont was just leaving,” Liam said. “Permanently. Please escort her out and make sure she doesn’t return.”

Isabella’s face contorted with fury. “You’ll regret this, Liam. My father-”

Can expect my call explaining his daughter’s disgusting behavior,” Liam finished for her. “Damian, get her out of here.”

Damian moved forward, gesturing toward the door. “After you, Ms. Clairemont.”

“This isn’t over,” Isabella snarled, glaring at me with pure hatred before allowing

Damian to usher her out.

As the door closed behind them, I could hear her continuing to make threats, her voice fading as they moved toward the elevator.

The office fell silent. Liam walked to the door and locked it, then turned to face me. His expression was unreadable.

“Are you alright?” he asked, his voice softer now.

I nodded, trying to regain my composure. “Yes, sir. I’m fine.”

“I’m sorry you had to experience that,” he said, running a hand through his dark hair.

11 The Boss’s Unmistakable Claim

Isabella has… boundary issues.”

“It’s not your fault,” I said quickly, smoothing my dress nervously. “These things happen.”

Liam’s lips twitched slightly. “Do they? Women bursting into your workplace and accusing you of inappropriate relationships?”

Despite everything, I felt a small smile form. “Well, not until today.”

“You handled yourself admirably,” he said, his gaze intensifying. “Most people would have crumbled under that kind of attack.”

“Thank you, sir.”

Liam walked back to his desk and picked up his phone. “Give me a moment.”

I stood awkwardly as he made a brief call.

“Charles? Liam Sterling. Your daughter just caused a scene in my office, verbally attacked my assistant with vulgar accusations, and refused to leave when asked. Yes. No. Lunderstand she’s your daughter, but this behavior is completely unacceptable. She’s banned from the building, effective immediately.”

He paused, listening.

“I’m not interested in her excuses, Charles. She’s an adult. Handle it, or we’ll be having a very different conversation about your position on the board.”

He hung up and looked at me again.

“That was… direct,” I said before I could stop myself.

Liam’s mouth curved into a half–smile. “I don’t waste time with diplomacy when it’s not warranted. Isabella crossed a line. Several, actually.”

I nodded, trying to maintain my professional demeanor despite my racing heart. The memory of being pressed against him was still seared into my brain.

“Should I apologize?” he asked suddenly.

I blinked in confusion. “For what, sir?”

His eyes darkened as they held mine. “For my body’s rather… obvious reaction when I

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caught you. It was unprofessional, but apparently beyond my control where you’re concerned.”

My face burned hot enough to melt steel. “I–I didn’t notice,” I lied.

“Liar,” he said softly, his eyes never leaving mine.

I swallowed hard. “It’s a normal physiological response. Nothing to apologize for.”

A surprised laugh escaped him. “A normal physiological response? That’s one way to put it.”

I couldn’t help the small smile that crept onto my face. “I have a two–year–old son. I’ve learned to use clinical language for uncomfortable situations.”

Something flickered in his eyes at the mention of Leo. “Right. Your son.” He cleared his throat. “Well, Ms. Vance, thank you for your… understanding of my physiological

response.”

Was Liam Sterling actually teasing me? The thought made my stomach flip.

“I should get back to work,” I said, gesturing toward the door.

“Not yet,” he replied, his voice returning to its businesslike tone. “I’d like you to wait for

‘yn to return. I need to brief both of you on an upcoming project.”

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