The CEO’s Masked Secret Wife

Liam's POV

When Allen mentioned uncovering details about my parents' accident, my stomach clenched with dread. The metallic taste of anxiety flooded my mouth as every instinct screamed that whatever he'd discovered would shatter something inside me.

"What did you find?" The words came out rougher than intended.

Allen's expression grew grave. "We identified the officer Clairemont bought. Once Tobias Victor had the name, tracking his corruption became straightforward. This guy lives like royalty on a cop's salary - massive house in an exclusive neighborhood, three luxury imports in his driveway, kids at elite private academies, wife drowning in designer shopping bags. He's terrible at hiding his dirty money and even worse at living modestly. We discovered he's collecting from drug dealers too. With all that evidence, I contacted my friend in Internal Affairs. They've quietly reopened your parents' case with a skeleton crew, which slows things down but keeps it under the radar. They've already confirmed that key evidence from the original investigation vanished. It'll take time, but we're going to expose the truth."

Relief flooded through me like cold water. "That's incredible news, Allen."

"There's more." Allen's tone sharpened. "We tracked down those investigators you hired to find that woman. They played you completely - took your money while Clairemont paid them to feed you lies. We've reported them to the National Association of Private Detectives. The disciplinary hearing is confidential, but they'll lose their licenses. You can also sue for damages. I know money isn't your priority, but it's another weapon against Clairemont and strengthens the fraud case. This could put him away for decades."

"If you think it helps, then yes, let's sue them."

"Your attorney is Albuquerque, right?" I nodded. "He's a personal friend and an absolute shark in court. I can coordinate with him if you'd like."

"Please, Allen. I need all the help I can get right now. Everything feels like it's falling apart," I admitted.

"Of course, son. Happy to handle it." Allen's smile was paternal. "But I need to know - do you want my team to search for that person?"

His careful phrasing didn't fool Hazel. Her eyes locked onto mine, waiting for my answer with barely concealed tension.

"No, Allen. That's finished." But then a wild thought struck me like lightning. "Actually, wait. Find her. I need closure, and I need answers. She could have gotten pregnant for all I know. Track her down and find out what happened to her."

The moment those words left my mouth, I watched disappointment crush Hazel's features.

"Absolutely," Allen confirmed.

As the meeting broke up and everyone filed out, I caught Hazel's arm. "Give me one minute."

When we were alone, I studied her ashen face with growing concern. "My angel, you look terrible. I should take you to the hospital."

The tea had helped earlier, but now she appeared even worse than before.

"I'm fine, Liam. Just something I ate. I'll rest at home and feel better tomorrow."

"Are you certain?"

"Completely. What did you want to say?"

I guided her to the couch, taking her cold hands in mine. "My angel, I decided to find that woman because pregnancy is a real possibility. I never considered it before, but with everything happening, including your situation, I realized it could have occurred. Since she vanished without explanation, investigating makes sense."

"You're right. It's the responsible thing to do," Hazel sighed heavily. "Is that all?"

"Yes. I want you to understand that my only concern is ensuring I don't have a child somewhere in the world. This woman means absolutely nothing to me since you entered my life."

"Thank you for clarifying." Hazel managed a fragile smile, pressing her palm against her forehead. "I should leave. I feel awful."

"Let me drive you home."

"Damian's driver is waiting for me."

"Stay with me longer?"

"I can't, Liam."

Tears gathered in both our eyes. As she turned away, I pulled her back and pressed my lips to hers desperately. When we broke apart, she fled from my apartment without looking back.

After Hazel left, I headed to Damian's house for his poker night with the guys. We were deep into a hand when Owen suddenly grabbed his phone and exploded into hysterical laughter. He slammed it onto the table, pointing at the screen like it was the funniest thing he'd ever seen.

The image showed Clairemont in a elaborate wedding gown with the caption "The most beautiful bride in the world. Dress successfully purchased."

"What the hell is this?" I demanded in shock.

The guys erupted into the same insane laughter as Owen, clearly finding Clairemont's delusion far more entertaining than I did.