The CEO’s Masked Secret Wife novel Chapter 136

136 Old Flames and New Schemes

“Victoria,” I acknowledged, tension gripping my shoulders.

Liam’s POV

They were right. I’d been in a foul mood since leaving Haven Harbor–since leaving Hazel. The memory of her face when I announced my trip haunted me.

Victoria Hayes stood before me, stunning in a skin–tight black dress that left little to the imagination. Her auburn hair cascaded over one shoulder, her red lips curved in a smile that once drove me wild.

The mention of my son’s name twisted the knife of guilt deeper.

“With Victoria?” His voice dripped with disgust. “Tell me you

didn’t.”

“Business, same as you.” Her finger traced circles on my forearm. “Though I never mix business with pleasure. At least, not anymore.”

The ride to the hotel was a blur of self–loathing. What had I done? One night of weakness could cost me everything–the Harrington deal, my friends‘ respect, and worst of all, any chance with Hazel. If she ever found out…

“This is Liam Sterling. I need to schedule a paternity test immediately.”

Damian’s expression softened slightly. “Just don’t see her again. We’ll fix the Harrington situation, close this deal, and get you back to Haven Harbor and your family.”

“I missed an important meeting,” I said coldly.

Victoria’s smile widened. She knew she had me.

I sank into a chair, head in my hands. “I know.”

“You stupid son of a bitch,” Damian snarled. “Get your ass back here now. We had to stall Harrington, but he’s furious.”

Then panic hit me. Sunlight. Morning. The Harrington meeting.

“Aren’t you going to introduce me to your friends?” she purred, placing a manicured

136 Old Flames and New Schemes

hand on my arm.

The next day, we successfully closed the Harrington deal. I threw myself into work, answering every question, addressing every concern. By the time we boarded the private jet back to Haven Harbor, I’d almost managed to bury the shame of my night

with Victoria.

Damian stopped pacing. “You’re damn right it won’t. Because if Hazel finds out about this-”

“You need to lighten up, Sterling,” Damian said, loosening his tie. “We closed the Peterson deal. That calls for a celebration.”

I ended the call, guilt crushing my chest as I dressed. Victoria watched from the bed, a satisfied smile playing on her lips.

I grunted. “We still have the Harrington meeting tomorrow.”

“Where the hell are you?” he growled when I answered.

“Tomorrow,” I said firmly:“Both parties will be available.”

Almost.

Family. The word resonated within me. Hazel and Leo were my family now, even if Hazel didn’t know it yet.

“I need some air,” Damian muttered, walking away. Owen quickly followed.

Owen looked up from his laptop. “One/drink won’t kill you. You’ve been insufferable this whole trip.”

She laughed. “I’ve got plenty of my own now. What I miss is you. Us.”

“Isabella,” I said when she answered. “We need to meet tomorrow morning. It’s time for the paternity test.”

“She won’t,” I interrupted. “No one needs to know.”

“Shit,” I hissed, jumping out of bed.

Owen spoke up, his voice unusually serious. “You need to get your head straight, Liam, Victoria is poison. Always has been.”

10:10

136 Old Flames and New Schemes

“Fine,” I conceded. “One drink.”

I picked up my phone again. One more call to make.

“One more drink,” I said, signaling the bartender.

I should have walked away. I had Hazel. I had a son. I had everything I ever wanted waiting for me back home.

The receptionist’s tone switched to professional. “When would you like to come in, Mr. Sterling?”

“We salvaged it,” Owen said quietly. “Barely. Harrington’s giving us another chance tomorrow morning”

Memories flashed through my mind–Victoria in my bed, Victoria screaming my name, Victoria walking out my door with half my assets. The divorce had been messy, public, and painful.

“What are you doing here?” I asked, keeping my tone even.

She stretched, purposely exposing her body. “Call me later?”

But more pressing was the Isabella situation. If I was ever going to have a real chance with Hazel, I needed to resolve all loose ends once and for all.

“I should join them,” I said, but didn’t move.

“I fucked up,” I admitted. “Victoria—”

grabbed my phone. Eight missed calls from Damian. Three from Owen. It was 10:17 AM. The meeting had started at 9:00.

I didn’t answer, didn’t look back as I left.

Hours later, I woke in unfamiliar sheets, my head pounding. Victoria’s naked form curved against me, her breathing deep and even. Sunlight streamed through floor–to–ceiling windows, illuminating a luxury apartment I didn’t recognize.

“Stay.” Her voice dropped to the husky whisper I once couldn’t resist. “I’ve missed you, Liam.”

Owen shifted uncomfortably beside me.

136 Old Flames and New Schemes

I drained my whiskey, feeling it burn down my throat. “There is no us.”

“Do you? Because it seems like you’re hell–bent on self–destruction.” Damian paced the room. “What about Hazel? What about Leo?”

But Hazel wasn’t really mine, was she? She’d made that clear. The image of her with Levi Montgomery flashed in my mind–him touching her, kissing her. The jealousy burned hotter than the whiskey.

Victoria smiled. “Alone at last.”

“Dr. Evans‘ office,” a cheerful voice answered.

“There could be. For tonight.” Her hand slid up my chest. “My apartment is ten minutes

away.”

“Right,” Victoria said, unfazed by his coldness. “The loyal best friend. Always so protective.”

“Well, well. Look who’s in town.”

“I overslept,” I said, scrambling for my clothes!

Damian’s glare could have melted steel. “Care to explain?”

“You missed my money,” I corrected.

After ending the call, I stared out at the city below. Tomorrow, I would finally know the truth about Isabella’s child. The child that had kept me trapped in a loveless engagement while the woman I truly wanted–the mother of my son–slipped further

away.

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