The CEO’s Masked Secret Wife novel Chapter 43

43 An Unexpected Lifeline

Hazel’s POV

I sat at Clara Dalton’s kitchen table, staring into my tea as if the answers to my life’s problems might suddenly appear in its amber depths. The house was quiet except for the occasional sound of Leo playing with blocks in the adjacent living room.

“You’ve barely touched your sandwich, dear.” Clara placed a gentle hand on my shoulder.

I forced a smile. “Sorry. Not very hungry.”

“Understandable.” Clara sat beside me. Unlike her daughter Chloe, who was all fire and quick words, Clara was calm waters-steady, nurturing.

“I just feel so… stupid.” The admission burned my throat. “I should have known better

than to trust him.”

“You’re many things, Hazel Vance, but stupid isn’t one of them.”

The doorbell rang, interrupting our conversation. Clara answered it while I remained slumped at the table.

“Hazel?” Clara’s voice carried an odd note. “Someone’s here for you.”

A young man in a Sterling Group uniform stood awkwardly in the doorway, clutching an envelope. My stomach dropped.

“Ms. Vance?” He offered the envelope. “Mr. Knight asked me to deliver these personally.”

I took it with trembling hands. “Thank you.”

After he left, I tore open the envelope. Inside were termination papers, already filled out, and a check for my final payment plus severance.

“Those bastards.” Clara peered over my shoulder. “Don’t they have any decency?”

I shook my head, grabbed a pen from my purse, and signed the termination papers. Then I folded the check and tucked it back into the envelope.

43 An Unexpected Lifeline

“What are you doing?” Clara asked.

“I’m returning the check.” I sealed everything back up. “I don’t want a penny from Liam Sterling.”

“Hazel-”

“No.” My voice was firm. “My pride is all I have left right now.”

Clara nodded, though her eyes reflected concern. “What will you do now?”

“I need to call my parents.” I pulled out my phone. “I was thinking… maybe Leo and I could move back home. Just until I get on my feet again.”

The call connected after three rings. “Hello?”

“Mom?” My voice cracked slightly.

“Hazel! What perfect timing! Your father and I were just about to call you with the big

news!”

My brow furrowed. “News?”

“We did it, sweetheart! We finally retired and sold the house!”

My heart plummeted. “You… sold the house?”

“Yes! We bought that little farm we’ve been eyeing for years. We’re moving next week!”

The last piece of my backup plan crumbled before my eyes. “That’s… wonderful, Mom. I’m so happy for you both.”

“You sound strange, honey. Is everything okay?”

I caught Clara’s concerned gaze and forced brightness into my voice. “Everything’s fine! Just surprised, that’s all. I’ll call you later, okay? Love you.”

I hung up and promptly burst into tears.

Clara wrapped her arms around me. “Oh, honey.”

“I have nowhere to go,” I sobbed. “No job, no savings. I spent everything I had on that apartment deposit.”

“You’ll stay with us,” Clara said firmly.

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43 An Unexpected Lifeline

“I can’t impose-”

“Nonsense. It’s already decided.”

From the living room came Leo’s voice. “Mama? Are you crying?”

I quickly wiped my tears and turned to find my son standing in the doorway, tiny brows drawn together in worry.

“Just a little sad, baby. But I’m okay now.” I knelt and opened my arms.

He came to me, his small hands patting my cheeks. “Don’t be sad, Mama.”

“I’ll try, sweetie.”

Leo pulled back, his expression suddenly brightening. “When is Mr. Liam coming back? He promised to show me his big boat.”

The innocent question made my heart clench. I opened my mouth, unsure how to explain that Liam would never be coming back, when the front door burst open.

“Honey, I’m home!” Chloe sang out, striding into the kitchen with shopping bags dangling from her arms.

Leo immediately ran to her. “Auntie Chloe!”

“There’s my favorite little man!” She scooped him up and spun him around before setting him down. “I brought you a surprise. Look in the blue bag”

While Leo eagerly dug through the bag, Chloe assessed my red eyes and tear-streaked

face.

“Oh, Haze.” She dropped her remaining bags and pulled me into a fierce hug.

“An employee came by with termination papers,” Clara explained quietly.

Chloe’s eyes hardened. “That coward couldn’t even fire you in person?”

“Actually, Damian sent them.” I sank back into my chair. “And I just found out my parents sold their house. I can’t go home.”

“Good thing I have amazing news then.” Chloe’s face transformed with a dazzling smile.

I eyed her suspiciously. “What did you do?”

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