The CEO’s Masked Secret Wife

Liam's POV

I collapsed onto my living room couch, a crushing weight settling deep in my chest. Each breath felt like drowning, my heartbeat thundering against my ribs while tears burned tracks down my face. This agony was familiar - the same devastating emptiness I'd felt when my parents died. That kind of loss that carves out your insides and leaves you hollow. Without Hazel, I was slowly bleeding out.

"Liam, man, those vultures are camped out in the lobby downstairs. I know you're torn apart, but they're not budging," Damian said, his voice cutting through the fog in my head.

"Damian, she ended it. Said there's no path forward now. She won't tear me away from my son, and she's going back to Adrian's division," I said, the words tasting like ash in my mouth.

"Hold on, Liam. We managed to fix one piece of this mess - she's staying with the company." I stared at Damian, trying to process his meaning. "She'll work under me, and Owen stays with you, effective Monday. Not ideal, but it keeps her within reach. Owen's brainstorm, and honestly, it's brilliant."

"Thanks, brother. At least I'll still see her," I said, grasping at this thin thread of hope. "Tell security to escort that witch and her father to the first-floor conference room. I need to handle this. Come with me?"

"Always, Liam. We're family - I've got your back no matter what. Afterward, you're coming to my place. We're all rallying around you," Damian said, gripping my shoulder while the others nodded their support.

"What about Hazel, Damian? And my boy?" I asked, anxiety clawing at my throat.

"Relax, the women organized a girls' night at my place and they're looking after her," Owen said reassuringly. "And Miranda's staying with Leo."

"Fine then, let's go face these demons," I said, forcing myself to stand.

I pushed through the conference room doors to find those two parasites practically gloating. Clairemont and his daughter looked like predators savoring their kill.

"Why's he here? This is family business," Clairemont snarled, jerking his chin toward Damian.

"Cut the crap, Clairemont. This is corporate business. Damian's my partner and my brother," I said coldly. "Sit down."

"Darling, aren't you thrilled about the baby? I just know they'll have your gorgeous eyes." That snake slithered toward me, reaching for my neck.

"Don't you dare touch me. Sit," I commanded with arctic fury. Her smug smile wavered but didn't disappear as they took their seats.

"Let's cut to the chase. I seriously question whether this child is mine..." I started, but Clairemont cut me off.

"How dare you insult my daughter, you arrogant bastard!" Clairemont shot to his feet, jabbing his finger at me.

"Sit down and shut your mouth!" I roared. "We're doing a paternity test."

"I won't let anyone harm my baby. While they're inside me, I refuse that test. It could kill them!" Clairemont shrieked like a banshee.

"Perfect, that just confirms my suspicions. No problem, when this kid arrives, we're testing, even if I need a court order," I replied with icy calm. I was managing to stay rational despite the rage burning in my veins.

"Liam, you will not disgrace my daughter. You have a duty to marry her," Clairemont demanded.

"What century are you living in, Clairemont? Nobody gets shotgun weddings anymore," Damian interjected.

"My daughter deserves respect, and you won't treat her like trash," Clairemont said. "I demand you marry her, Liam."

"I'm not marrying her. If the child is mine, I'll support the baby, but I won't marry your daughter. I love Hazel and I always will - she's the only woman I'll ever marry," I stated firmly.

That fraud Clairemont burst into theatrical tears and collapsed dramatically across the table. Clairemont panicked, frantically trying to revive the creature sprawled before us.

"Look what you've done. You've made my daughter ill. Quick, get water, help me!" Clairemont barked orders.

Damian filled a glass from the table pitcher and handed it to Clairemont. He patted his daughter's face gently, calling her name. Gradually, the pest stirred, accepted the water, sipped it, then resumed her wailing performance.

"You can't abandon our child, Liam. You must marry me, give our baby a proper home. They need both parents together."

Clairemont looked absolutely grotesque while crying - mouth gaping, drooling, snot streaming down her face. The sight transfixed me for a moment, and I felt hellfire coursing through my veins. It actually made me shudder. I seriously needed to start attending church.

"Don't delude yourself, Clairemont. These days, co-parenting works perfectly fine," Damian said, snapping me from my demonic reverie.

"My decision is final, Clairemont, and you should accept it gracefully. I'm not marrying you. Monday, my attorney will contact you to establish terms for the pregnancy, child support, medical appointments I'll attend, and everything else," I said, laying down the law.

"Lawyers, Liam? I'm carrying your child - you should be celebrating. This isn't some business deal," Clairemont raged.

"Oh, but it absolutely is a contract, everything properly documented. I'm not celebrating having a child with a woman I despise," I said harshly.

"Don't say that - our baby will feel rejected by their father," the harpy protested.

"I'm being honest. We're done here. Damian, call security to remove these two," I said, completely done with their presence.

"This is ridiculous, Liam. I work here. And she's carrying the future heir to this empire," Clairemont protested.

"Yeah, Clairemont, unfortunately you do work here, but you're off the clock now. And this creature might be carrying my child, but inheriting anything here is entirely different," I said, standing and turning away. At the door, I faced them one last time. "Oh, one more thing - you no longer have parking privileges in my building, Clairemont." I left them both sputtering indignantly.