The CEO’s Masked Secret Wife

Hazel's POV

The world came back to me in fragments as I stirred on Liam's office couch. My vision cleared to reveal Stella gripping my hand, Fiona bustling in with a silver tea service, Damian barking urgent instructions into his phone, Owen pacing while talking rapidly into his cell, and Liam unleashing his fury on Mitchell, the head of security.

"Liam, she's conscious," Stella announced, and he abandoned his tirade to rush to my side.

"My angel, the police are already involved. Miranda and the others are en route." His voice cracked as tears streamed down his face. "It appears Caleb and Mitchell were working against us. Both have vanished without a trace. Dr. Evans is coming to examine you."

"Liam, my little boy..." The panic clawed at my throat, making it hard to breathe.

"We will bring him home safely, my angel. I swear it." His eyes burned with determination as he cupped my face. "I need you to remain calm for the baby you're carrying, but I refuse to let you out of my sight. Trust me to handle finding Leo."

"This will ease your nerves without making you drowsy, dear," Fiona said, offering me the steaming cup.

Within minutes, Liam's office transformed into chaos. Chloe, Scarlett, and Thea burst through the door with Adrian close behind. Noah arrived with his uncle and Miranda, who was sobbing hysterically and begging forgiveness from anyone who would listen. Dr. Evans pushed through the crowd to reach me, administering a mild sedative after his examination.

"Hazel, this medication will simply steady your nerves. Your blood pressure is fluctuating dangerously, which threatens your pregnancy," Dr. Evans warned. "You need to return home and rest immediately."

"Absolutely not. I'm staying until we have answers about my son," I said firmly.

"This environment is too chaotic. It will only worsen your condition," he pressed.

"My angel, move to Damian's office with the girls. I'll visit you regularly and keep you informed of every development," Liam said, framing my face with his hands. "I'm sending Miranda to our apartment. She's traumatized and needs care because of her head injury. George will look after her there."

I stood and embraced Miranda, assuring her that none of this was her fault. Dr. Evans escorted me to Damian's office and helped me settle onto the couch before returning to Liam, instructing the girls to summon him if necessary. The girls arranged themselves around the room as I recounted our happiness at the house and Miranda's frantic phone call. Stella disappeared to the reception area to clear all appointments and manage the steady stream of arrivals.

Allen appeared in the doorway, his face etched with guilt and sorrow.

"Sweetheart, please forgive me. I never imagined something like this could occur. I placed complete trust in the security team."

"Allen, you bear no responsibility. No one could have predicted this," I said, trying to ease his burden.

"Honey, I should have foreseen this, considering the magnitude of operations here. I should have been more vigilant. I'll move heaven and earth to help find Leo. Evelyn has booked a flight and is boarding now. She'll arrive early tomorrow morning and asked me to tell you she'll be by your side soon." The knowledge that Evelyn was coming provided some comfort.

Allen kissed my hands gently before departing. Shortly afterward, Owen entered carrying a meal tray, which he placed carefully on my lap.

"I realize you have no appetite and this is difficult, but we must protect your unborn child too. Dr. Evans emphasized that you need nourishment. Please try to eat something."

"Owen, thank you. Yes, I'll force myself to eat. I must remain strong for both my children," I replied, genuinely attempting to consume the food. I couldn't afford to be careless with my pregnancy and health.

"Girls, we've arranged a buffet in the reception area. Please get some food. Would you prefer I bring trays here?" Owen asked.

"No, darling, we'll go there," Thea replied gratefully. "Any updates?"

"Yes, a police task force has been established. Officers are briefing Liam now. They've already interviewed Miranda, and Damian's driver transported her to Liam's apartment. George is monitoring all communications there and will care for Miranda."

We thanked him as Owen returned to Liam's office, which had apparently become an emergency command center. Hours crawled by without news. Liam entered carrying a coffee mug, exhaustion written across his features.

"Sweetheart, how are you holding up?" I managed a weak smile as he kissed my forehead and settled beside me. "They discovered the abandoned vehicle on a dirt road at the city outskirts. They're processing it for evidence. Police are convinced another vehicle was waiting there."

"What happens now?" I asked, feeling dulled by the medication.

"Now we search everywhere, and every security team member is being interrogated. Allen is conducting thorough background investigations. He's consumed with guilt, just like Miranda." Liam looked completely drained.

"Neither of them deserves blame," I said, studying his haggard face.

"I understand. We're investigating the Clairemont family and Bianca thoroughly. I contacted Hayes and requested he speak with Victoria to see if she has information. Can you think of anyone else?" Liam asked. I shook my head.

Suddenly, Liam's attention shifted to a spot near the window where Chloe sat completely motionless, staring outside.

"How long has she been like that?" he asked.

"Hours," Scarlett answered. "I don't know how to help her."

Liam approached Chloe and knelt beside her chair, speaking softly until she broke down sobbing and collapsed into his arms. I realized she was as shattered as we were.

Owen returned with four maintenance workers who assembled ten folding beds throughout the room. Fiona followed immediately, efficiently making each bed with fresh sheets and pillows.

"Girls, if we're remaining here, you need proper rest," Owen commanded. "Thea, your supervisor granted you the entire week off, so you're staying with us. Chloe and Scarlett, Adrian has temporarily transferred you here until this situation resolves."

"Everyone, you don't need to disrupt your lives for this," I protested weakly.

"There's nowhere else I'd want to be," Thea smiled warmly.

"None of us is leaving until Leo comes home," Scarlett declared firmly.

"It wouldn't be different anyway, Hazel. Come, rest for a while." Owen helped me stand, but I needed the bathroom first.

"Owen, please call the Molinas," Liam requested.

I went to Chloe and embraced both her and my friend, whispering that everything would work out. Dr. Evans examined her, prescribing medication and providing guidance. Noah helped her into one of the beds while I settled into the adjacent one, and we clasped hands tightly in the darkness.