The CEO’s Masked Secret Wife novel Chapter 80

80 Desperate Measures, Furious Rejection

## Liam’s POV I

The parking lot seemed to stretch endlessly as I watched Hazel disappear with her friends. My chest felt like it might collapse in on itself.

“Fuck!” I slammed my fist against a nearby car, setting off its alarm.

“Man, calm down,” Damian grabbed my shoulder. “We need to think clearly.”

Adrian paced beside us, running his hands through his hair. “This is a complete disaster. Did you see Stella’s face? She just agreed to work for you, and now…”

“They won’t answer,” Carter said, phone pressed to his ear. “None of them are picking

up.”

My own phone showed six failed attempts to reach Hazel. Each unanswered call twisted the knife deeper.

“I’m going to destroy Isabella,” I growled, my voice barely recognizable. “I’ll ruin her family’s company.”

Noah shook his head. “That won’t help with Hazel.”

He was right. Vengeance wouldn’t fix what had just been shattered. Three months of carefully building trust with Hazel, gone in an instant.

“Let’s head back to my place,” Damian suggested. “We need a plan.”

heav

An hour later, we gathered in Damian’s living room. The atmosphere was heavy with desperation and defeat.

“So none of them are answering?” Adrian asked, though he already knew the answer.

“Not a single one,” Carter confirmed. “Thea blocked my number.”

Noah sighed. “Chloe texted me. She said, and I quote, ‘Don’t contact me again, you lying piece of trash.”

I stared at my phone, willing it to light up with Hazel’s name. Nothing.

“Isabella planned this,” I said. “The way she mentioned the couch specifically…”

“It’s like she knew exactly what would hurt Hazel most,” Damian agreed.

The memory of Isabella’s unwanted kiss made me want to scrub my skin raw. I could still taste her sickeningly sweet lipstick.

“What now?” Adrian asked. “Stella was finally warming up to me, and now…”

“We need to find a way to explain,” I stated firmly. “They need to hear the truth.”

Carter laughed humorlessly. “You really think they’ll listen? They’re united in hating us right now.”

I stood up abruptly. “I’m not losing her over Isabella’s lies. Not when I just found her.”

“Wait,” Noah said, checking his phone. “I just got a text from Evelyn. Apparently, Scarlett messaged her for confirmation. Evelyn’s trying to smooth things over.”

A small flicker of hope ignited in my chest. “What did she say?”

“She told Scarlett the truth-that you were working in your office that night and she brought you dinner herself. That Isabella was never there.”

“Will they believe her?” Damian asked.

I paced the room. “I don’t know. But it’s something.”

Adrian’s phone chimed. “It’s from Alan in IT. He says Stella dropped her friend request. Deleted him from all social media.”

“Same with Chloe,” Noah added glumly.

My jaw tightened. “We need direct contact. The Apex World contract signing is

tomorrow.”

“Hazel and Scarlett will both be there,” Damian recalled.

For the first time since watching Hazel drive away, I felt a surge of determination. “Then that’s our chance.”

Morning brought no improvement. No returned calls. No texts. Just silence that screamed louder than any words.

2/6

80 Desperate Measures, Furious Rejection

I arrived at Sterling Group headquarters early, checking security to confirm Stella’s badge was ready. My assistant confirmed that Apex World representatives would

arrive at ten.

At 9:45, I spotted Stella entering the lobby alone.

“Stella,” I called, approaching cautiously.

Her expression hardened. “Mr. Sterling.”

“I know you have every reason to hate me,” I said quickly. “But I still want to offer you the job. Completely separate from what happened.”

Suspicion flashed across her face. “Why?”

“Because you deserve it. Your skills shouldn’t be wasted in retail.”

She studied me for a long moment. “This isn’t about trying to get to Hazel?”

“The job offer stands regardless of what happens between Hazel and me,” I assured her. “This is about your career.”

Something in my expression must have convinced her. “Fine. I’ll take the job. But don’t think this means I’m on your side.”

“Fair enough.” I handed her the employee badge. “Human Resources will contact you about paperwork.”

As she turned to leave, I added, “Stella? Is she okay?”

The look she gave me was withering. “What do you think?”

The conference room filled with executives from both companies. My eyes immediately found Hazel, looking professional but distant in a navy business suit.

Beside her, Scarlett wore an equally frosty expression.

Throughout the meeting, I tried to catch Hazel’s eye. She steadfastly avoided my gaze, focusing intensely on the contract details.

When the signing concluded, I seized my chance.

“Ms. Vance, could I have a word?” I asked as people began filing out.

12-22

3/6

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80 Desperate Measures, Furious Rejection

She stiffened. “I don’t think we have anything to discuss, Mr. Sterling.”

“Please,” I said quietly. “Just five minutes.”

Scarlett stepped protectively closer to Hazel. “I think you should leave her alone.”

“It’s about work,” I lied smoothly. “A matter regarding the implementation schedule.”

Hazel’s professional pride won out. “Fine. Five minutes.”

Once the room cleared except for our friends hovering uncertainly by the door, I spoke urgently.

“Hazel, what Isabella said was a complete lie. I wasn’t with her that night.”

Her green eyes flashed with anger. “Really? Then why did she know about couch? The same night you stood me up?”

your office

“Because she’s been to meetings in my office before,” I explained desperately. “I was working late that night. Evelyn brought me dinner. You can ask her.”

“How convenient,” Hazel scoffed.

“It’s the truth,” Damian interjected. “Isabella’s making everything up to cause trouble.”

Hazel’s jaw tightened. “And I’m supposed to believe you? All of you knew and covered

for him.”

“There’s nothing to cover!” I insisted. “Isabella is lying. She saw us together and

decided to interfere.”

“She knew about the couch,” Hazel repeated, her voice trembling slightly. “She knew it was the night of Evelyn’s party.”

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