The CEO’s Masked Secret Wife novel Chapter 14

14 The Scars He Carries

Hazel’s POV

The strange tension from Evelyn’s reaction hung in the air. I couldn’t shake the feeling that she was holding something back. She sat perfectly still, her elegant posture. betraying nothing, but her eyes–they looked troubled.

“Evelyn? Is everything okay?” I asked cautiously.

She set her wine glass down with a small clink. “I think it’s time I told you more about Liam Sterling”

Chloe perked up instantly, leaning forward. “Ooh, I’m all ears for this.”

Evelyn smiled sadly. “Most people only see the powerful CEO, the demanding boss. But the man I’ve known since he was a boy is much more complex.”

“How long have you worked for the Sterling family?” I asked.

“Almost thirty years. I started working for Liam’s father when Liam was just five years old.” Her eyes softened with the memory. “Such a serious little boy, always following his father around with a toy briefcase.”

I couldn’t help but smile at the image.

“His parents, Robert and Eleanor Sterling, were extraordinary people. They built Sterling Group from nothing, but they always made time for their son.” Evelyn’s voice grew quieter. “Until the accident.”

Chloe reached for the wine bottle, refilling our glasses. “What happened exactly?”

“Three years ago, they were flying to their lake house for the weekend. The helicopter crashed in bad weather.” Evelyn’s fingers tightened around her glass. “They died instantly.”

My heart ached for Liam. No wonder he seemed so closed off.

“Liam was only twenty–seven when he suddenly had to take over the entire company.” Evelyn continued. “He wasn’t ready, but he didn’t have a choice.”

“That’s a lot of responsibility to shoulder so young,” I said softly.

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14 The Scars Ho Carries

Evelyn nodded. “He changed after that night. Before the accident, he was different- charming, lighthearted even. He dated, he laughed…”

“Wait,” Chloe interrupted. “You mean he used to be a normal human being?”

I shot her a warning look, but Evelyn chuckled.

“More than normal. He was quite the social butterfly” Her expression clouded. “But that night changed everything.”

“The night his parents died?” I asked.

Evelyn hesitated. “Yes, but there was more to it. Earlier that same evening, Liam had attended a charity masquerade ball. He met someone there–a woman. According to Damian, they had an immediate connection.”

My stomach tightened inexplicably.

“When Liam got the call about his parents, he had to leave immediately. He never even got her name.” Evelyn’s gaze drifted to the hallway where Leo slept. “He tried to find. her afterward, but it was impossible. A face hidden behind a mask, no name exchanged…

The room

suddenly felt too hot, too small. My pulse quickened, but I forced myself to stay calm. Coincidences happened all the time, right?

“So he lost his parents and this mystery woman on the same night,” Chloe summarized. “Talk about terrible timing

Evelyn nodded. “Liam took it as a sign. He shut down emotionally, threw himself into work. The Sterling Group became his entire life.”

“And that’s why you’re leaving?” I asked, grateful for the change of subject. “Because he’s all work and no play?”

“Partly.” Evelyn smiled gently. “But mostly because I have grandchildren in London who barely know me. It’s time I focused on my own family.”

I reached over and squeezed her hand. “They’re lucky to have you.”

“Thank you, dear.” Her eyes crinkled warmly. “And Sterling Group is lucky to have you. Liam needs someone who won’t back down when he’s being unreasonable.”

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14 The Soars He Carlos

Chloe snorted into her wine. “Then he hit the jackpot with Hazel. She might look. sweet, but she’s stubborn as hell.

“I prefer determined,” 1 corrected with a laugh.

Later, after Evelyn had gone home with promises to visit again soon, Chloe helped me clean up.

“So,” she said, loading the dishwasher, “are we going to talk about the elephant–sized coincidence in the room?”

1 dropped the takeout containers I was gathering, “What do you mean?”

Chloe rolled her eyes. “Oh please. Mysterious guy at a masquerade ball three years ago, same night Sterling’s parents died, same violet–blue eyes your son has…

“It’s not possible,” I insisted, though my voice lacked conviction.

“The timing fits perfectly. Chloe pressed. “And those eyes–how many people have ever seen with that color?”

you

“Just Leo and… Liam.” My heart was pounding so hard I could hear it. “But it has to be a coincidence. The universe isn’t that cruel.”

Chloe leaned against the counter, studying me. “Would it be so terrible if Liam Sterling was Leo’s father?”

“Yes! No… I don’t know.” I sank onto a kitchen chair. “It would be so complicated, Chloe. He’s my boss. And he’s so cold, so different from the man I met that night.”

“According to Evelyn, he wasn’t always like that.”

I buried my face in my hands. “This is insane speculation. We have no proof.”

“Except those eyes,” Chloe reminded me gently. “And the timing

Lifting my head, I fixed her with a serious look. “Even if–and it’s a massive if–Liam was the man from that night, it doesn’t matter. He’s my boss now. That’s all.”

“Is it?” Chloe’s eyebrow arched. “Because I’ve never seen you so flustered about a boss before.

Heat rushed to my face. “I’m not flustered.”

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14 The Scars He Comes

“Oh really?” She smirked. “Then why do you turn five shades of red whenever you talk about him?”

I groaned. “Fine. I’m physically attracted to him. Who wouldn’t be? The man looks like. he stepped out of a GQ magazine.”

“Finally, some honesty! Chloe clapped her hands. “So what are you going to do about

“Nothing! Absolutely nothing. I stood up, pacing the small kitchen. “I need this job, Chloe. I need the stability for Leo. I can’t risk everything because my body goes haywire whenever Liam Sterling walks into a room.”

Chloe crossed her arms. “You know, you don’t have to be a martyr. If you’re worried about job security, I could get you interviews at a dozen companies tomorrow”

“I know, and I appreciate that. But this isn’t just about a paycheck.” I sighed, trying to articulate my feelings. “Working at Sterling Group feels… right. Like I’m where I’m supposed to be.”

“Even with Mr. Hot–and–Cold as your boss?”

“Even with him.” I smiled ruefully. “I just need to keep my distance and remember that

he’s off–limits.”

Chloe flopped dramatically onto my couch. “Fine, deny yourself. But we both know you’re playing with fire.”

“Speaking of playing,” I said, changing the subject, “I’m worried about Leo. My hours at Sterling are so long, and now with these social events…”

Chloe sat up straight, her expression brightening. “I was hoping you’d bring that up! I found the perfect solution.”

“Please don’t tell me you’re offering to babysit. The last time you watched Leo, you taught him to say ‘corporate overlords.”

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