The CEO’s Masked Secret Wife

Liam's POV

I paced across the hotel suite floor when my phone rang. The detective handling Hazel's case was calling. My pulse hammered against my ribs as I answered.

"Inspector Rodriguez speaking."

"Good evening, detective." My voice came out rougher than intended.

"Hold on, Mr. Sterling. Please, have a seat." The detective's voice faded as he spoke to someone off-camera. Then the screen shifted, and my world stopped.

Hazel's face filled the frame.

"Liam! Thank God!" I choked out, my vision blurring. "Everyone, we found her!"

The room erupted in cheers and applause behind me.

"I'm safe, Liam, but please tell me about Leo. Have they found our son?" Her voice cracked with desperation.

"He's safe, my love. They found him in Crestwood. He's flying here now with Jasper's parents." I watched her shoulders collapse with relief, tears streaming down her face.

"Oh thank God. I was so scared, Liam. I thought I might never see him again."

"It's over now. Let me talk to the detective." She handed the phone back to Rodriguez. "Inspector, when can you bring her home?"

"We need to stop at the hospital for a medical examination, then the police station for her statement. After that, she's free to go."

"Does this all have to happen tonight? She's carrying our child."

"Given her condition, I'll take her for the medical check, but we can postpone the statement until tomorrow. How does that sound?"

"Perfect. Thank you, detective."

"She'll be with you within four hours."

"Four hours seems like forever."

"Mr. Sterling, we're nearly two hundred kilometers from Haven Harbor, plus the hospital visit. Call me if you need anything."

"Understood."

"One more thing. We arrested the two men who took her. Brothers named Caleb and Mitchell."

"Excellent. Now we just need to catch that snake Clairemont."

I ended the call and immediately phoned the house to update George and the staff.

"Liam, now that Hazel and Leo are safe, I'm restructuring our operations here." Chloe approached with a new tactical map. "The detective said Clairemont is still at large, so he's our primary target now."

"Agreed." I collapsed onto the sofa, burying my face in my hands. "Can you handle the coordination for now? I won't be able to focus until I have them both in my arms."

"Leave it to me, drama queen." Chloe jabbed my shoulder playfully.

"I'm actually starting to enjoy that nickname."

"And I like being your resident psychopath." She grinned. "We make a hell of a team protecting Hazel and the kids."

"Damn right we do."

"Alright, people!" Chloe turned to address the room. "The hired muscle has been arrested. Hazel and Leo are safe and coming home. Now we hunt down the mastermind himself. Everyone focus on tracking Clairemont and his wife."

I stood and walked to the coffee station. In the early morning hours, Inspector Aurora called to update me that Hazel was finishing her hospital examination and would be with me soon. Shortly after, Damian informed me that Inspector Carlos had sent word they'd just landed. They were here!

I headed to the reception area and began pacing again. I couldn't go collect Leo because I was waiting for Hazel. I couldn't go find Hazel because I was expecting Leo. I felt completely helpless.

I was practically wearing a groove in the marble floor when the elevator chimed. The doors opened and Hazel rushed out, flying into my arms. I held her tight, unable to stop the tears.

"Are you hurt? Did they touch you? Is the baby okay?" The questions tumbled out.

"We're both fine. No one hurt me." She clung to me like I might disappear.

When we finally separated, I turned to the officer who'd accompanied her.

"Good morning, Mr. Sterling. Inspector Aurora. Sorry for the delay getting her back to you."

"Good morning, detective. What matters is she's here and safe."

"I heard my colleague from Crestwood did outstanding work with help from a very impressive woman." Aurora had clearly been briefed on everything.

"She puts secret agents to shame." I smiled. "Inspector, please make yourself comfortable. There's coffee and food. You must be exhausted."

"Much appreciated, Mr. Sterling. I never refuse good coffee." Aurora was an older man, probably sixty, with an almost infectious calm about him. "I'd also like to check in with my team."

"Of course. Stella, please escort the detective to my office and get him whatever he needs."

I watched Stella wipe away tears as she hugged Hazel.

Felix also rose from the table to embrace her friend, but kept it brief, saying she had an important call to take.

I pulled Hazel close again when the elevator opened once more. A tall man in black tactical gear stepped out, followed by Jasper's parents. His mother held my sleeping son. Leo looked peaceful in the arms of the woman who'd saved his life. Hazel immediately ran to them. I couldn't move. My body was finally beginning to release the tension that had gripped me for the past two days.

"Liam." Jasper's father greeted me with his family's characteristic dignity. He was Dr. Evans's brother. "Allow me to introduce Inspector Damon Carlos from Crestwood."

"Inspector, I owe you everything." I shook his hand firmly.

"Just doing my job, Liam. That's reward enough for me. Besides, Damian's a good friend, which makes you one too."

I thanked him and asked Stella to escort the detective to my office for refreshments.

I walked over to Hazel and wrapped my arms around her and my sleeping son, then embraced Jasper's mother.

"Melody, how can I ever repay you? What you did today, saving my son, I have no words."

"Sweetheart, I'm a mother. This little angel wins over everyone he meets. I would never let anyone harm him." Melody's smile was warm and genuine.

"You're the world's greatest undercover agent." I made her laugh.

Chloe and Noah approached, both emotional, wanting to see Hazel and Leo and confirm they were truly safe.