The CEO’s Masked Secret Wife novel Chapter 58

58

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58 An Unspoken Connection

## Liam’s POV

The airport was bustling with travelers as I walked Evelyn to her gate. Her flight to London would be boarding soon.

“You’re sure about this move?” I asked, helping her with her carry-on bag.

Evelyn smiled, her elegant features softening. “My grandchildren are growing up

without me there. It’s time.”

I nodded, fighting the lump in my throat. Evelyn had been more than just an assistant over the years. She’d been family.

“Promise me one thing before I go,” she said, turning to face me.

“Anything”

“Don’t give up on Hazel.” Her eyes were serious. “What you two have is rare.”

I sighed, running a hand through my hair. “She won’t even talk to me, Evelyn.”

“Then make her listen.” She squeezed my arm. “And Liam? That little boy adores you.”

The mention of Leo made my chest tighten. I couldn’t explain the instant connection I’d felt with him. Those familiar violet-blue eyes. His laugh. The way he fit so perfectly when I lifted him up.

“Final boarding call for flight 347 to London,” announced the overhead speaker.

Evelyn hugged me tightly. “Don’t be stubborn. You’ve found your family. Fight for

them.”

With one last squeeze of my hand, she was gone, disappearing through the gate.

On the drive back to the office, my phone chimed. A text message. I checked it at a red light.

It was from Leo’s tablet, sent to the number I’d given Hazel for emergencies: “Mr Liam

wen can u come play train? Leo.”

My heart clenched. The message was obviously typed by a four-year-old, with Hazel

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likely unaware he’d sent it.

I made a sudden decision and called Damian.

“I need a favor,” I said when he answered.

“What’s up, boss?”

“Meet me at Northridge Mall in twenty minutes. I’m buying a gift for Leo.”

Two hours later, Damian and I stood outside Hazel’s apartment building, a large wrapped package between us. The doorman eyed us suspiciously.

“We’re here to see Hazel Vance and her son,” I explained, showing him my ID.

“Ms. Vance doesn’t have any visitors on her list today,” he replied firmly.

Damian stepped forward with his charming smile. “It’s a surprise visit. Leo sent a text asking us to come play.”

The doorman hesitated. “Let me call up.”

He picked up his phone, but before he could dial, Noah Evans stepped out of the

elevator.

“Liam? Damian?” Noah looked surprised. “What are you guys doing here?”

“Leo invited me,” I said, showing him the text. “I brought a gift.”

Noah glanced at the doorman, then back to us. “Come on up. Chloe and I are visiting

too.”

The doorman nodded, apparently satisfied with Noah’s approval.

The elevator ride to the fourteenth floor felt endless. My palms were sweating. What if

Hazel refused to let me in?

Noah must have sensed my anxiety. “She’s been better this week. Less angry, more sad.” He paused. “That’s progress, believe it or not.”

When the elevator doors opened, Noah led us down the hallway. “Just let me go in first, okay?”

He unlocked the door and stepped inside. “Hey guys, look who I found downstairs!”

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I heard small feet running before I even entered the apartment.

“Mr. LIAM!” Leo’s excited voice filled the hallway. As soon as I stepped through the doorway, he launched himself at me.

I caught him mid-air, hefting him up against my chest. The familiar scent of children’s shampoo and that inexplicable “Leo smell” wrapped around me. Something inside me settled into place.

“Hey, buddy,” I whispered, my voice rougher than I’d expected. “I got your message.”

Leo’s small arms tightened around my neck. “You came! Mommy said maybe you were too busy.”

“Never too busy for you,” I promised, meaning every word.

That’s when I saw her. Hazel stood frozen in the hallway, eyes wide and glistening with unshed tears. She was wearing simple jeans and a sweater, her dark hair loose around her shoulders. She’d never looked more beautiful.

“Hazel,” I said her name like a prayer.

She didn’t move, just stared at me holding her son. Then, without warning, she rushed

forward and threw her arms around both of us.

I felt her tears soaking into my shirt as she pressed her face against my chest, careful not to disturb Leo, who was still clinging to my neck.

“You came,” she whispered, echoing her son’s words.

I held them both, feeling more complete than I had in weeks. “I’m here.”

Damian cleared his throat behind us. “I, uh, brought a present too, little man.”

Leo’s head popped up. “A present? For me?”

The tension broke as Leo wiggled out of our embrace to investigate the large package Damian was holding. Hazel quickly stepped back, wiping her eyes and composing herself.

“What do we say first, Leo?” she reminded him.

“Thank you, Mr. Damian and Mr. Liam!” Leo bounced excitedly.

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Chloe appeared from the kitchen, giving me a guarded nod. “Well, this is unexpected.”

“Leo invited him,” Noah explained, showing her the text.

“Can I open it now, Mommy?” Leo was already tugging at the wrapping paper.

Hazel nodded, her eyes still on me.

Leo tore into the package, revealing a deluxe wooden train set with tracks, buildings, and trees. His eyes grew impossibly wide.

“A TRAIN!” he screamed in delight. “Mommy! Look! It’s just like in the book!”

“It’s beautiful,” she agreed softly. “That was very thoughtful.”

“Want to help me set it up?” I asked Leo, crouching down to his level.

He nodded enthusiastically. “Can we build a big city?”

“The biggest,” I promised.

For the next hour, Damian, Noah, and I sat on the floor constructing an elaborate train system while Leo directed our efforts with surprising authority. Hazel and Chloe watched from the couch, occasionally exchanging whispers I couldn’t hear.

“Pizza’s here!” Chloe announced when the doorbell rang.

“Can Mr. Liam and Mr. Damian stay for pizza?” Leo asked, looking at his mother with pleading eyes.

Hazel hesitated only briefly. “If they’d like to.”

“Wouldn’t miss it,” I said quickly.

Dinner was surprisingly comfortable. Leo dominated the conversation, telling us all about his preschool adventures and his new friends. He insisted on sitting next to me, occasionally leaning against my side as he ate his pizza.

After dinner, as we were cleaning up, Leo climbed onto my lap on the couch and snuggled against my chest. Within minutes, his breathing deepened, and he fell asleep. “He’s exhausted,” Hazel said softly, sitting beside us. “He was so excited all afternoon.”

I looked down at the sleeping child in my arms, this boy who had so quickly claimed a piece of my heart. “I can put him to bed if you want.”

She nodded, something vulnerable in her eyes. “His room is down the hall, first door on the right.”

I carried Leo carefully, savoring his warm weight against me. His room was painted blue with stars on the ceiling. I gently laid him in his bed, tucking the covers around

him.

“Goodnight, buddy,” I whispered, brushing his dark hair from his forehead.

When I returned to the living room, Chloe and Noah were saying their goodbyes. Damian caught my eye.

“I’ll wait in the car,” he said tactfully, following the others out.

Finally, we were alone.

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