The CEO’s Masked Secret Wife

Liam's POV

The meeting room buzzed with tension as I stepped inside. Bodies packed every available space. Along the back wall, a row of chairs held the company directors from accounting, sales, operations, and administration. These faces had been familiar fixtures in my professional life for years. Now they sat with downcast eyes, caught red-handed in Clairemont's elaborate fraud network.

My gaze moved to the single chair positioned opposite the others. Patterson Jackson slumped there, the weak link we had originally planned to use in our sting operation. Before Leo and Hazel's kidnapping forced us to accelerate our timeline, this man had been our secret weapon. His fatal flaw was his ego. He couldn't resist showing off his newfound wealth, purchasing luxury items that screamed fraud to anyone paying attention. His loose tongue and reckless spending had made him the perfect target.

The room held more than just corporate criminals. Allen stood near the conference table with Dalton and three members of Allen's audit team. The anti-fraud department had sent their best people, including the chief detective who was simultaneously investigating my parents' murders. Five additional officers completed the law enforcement presence. The overcrowded space felt suffocating.

"You wanted to see me, Allen?" I announced my arrival.

"Liam, perfect timing. We're finishing up the preliminary interviews, but I need your decision on how to proceed," Allen responded, his professional demeanor intact despite the late hour.

"My decision about what exactly?" Confusion colored my voice.

"Beyond Clairemont, we've confirmed four directors and twenty employees participated in the embezzlement scheme. Everyone you see here played a role." Allen's hand landed firmly on Patterson's shoulder. "Mr. Jackson has expressed willingness to cooperate fully. The question is whether you want maximum prosecution for everyone or if you're open to plea agreements for information. The chief detective wants your input before moving forward."

Rage burned through my chest as I surveyed the room full of traitors. "Arrest every single one of them. I'm pursuing civil litigation to recover every stolen penny down to the office supplies they pilfered." My voice carried the weight of betrayal and fury. "You people worked alongside my family for fifteen years minimum. Your theft wasn't just against me, it was against my father's memory. He trusted you, treated you with respect and generosity. You repaid his kindness by stabbing him in the back."

Patterson's voice cracked as he leaned forward desperately. "Mr. Sterling, please consider the arrangement. I can provide crucial information about the entire operation. My involvement started when my son needed expensive medical treatment. The hospital bills were crushing us financially. Once I took their money, Clairemont's people wouldn't let me walk away. They threatened my family."

"So stealing felt more reasonable than asking for help?" My laugh held zero humor. "You better possess information we don't already have, because our investigation uncovered plenty. If your testimony proves worthless, forget any deal."

"I guarantee my information will prove valuable," Patterson insisted, sweat beading on his forehead.

"Fine, Allen. Cut a deal with this scum, but he's permanently banned from my company." My conditions were non-negotiable.

Nathan from accounting suddenly spoke up, desperation making his voice shrill. "Mr. Sterling, I want to negotiate too. I have information worth trading."

"Really, Nathan? What could you possibly know that Patterson doesn't?" Sarcasm dripped from every word.

"I know Clairemont's current location," Nathan shouted, playing his trump card.

That got my attention. I crossed the room and grabbed Nathan by his suit lapels, pulling him close enough to see the fear in his eyes.

"You better not be lying to save your worthless skin." My stare bored into him. "Detective, can we detain this particular criminal until we verify his claims?"

The anti-fraud detective nodded approvingly. "Absolutely, Mr. Sterling. We've documented preliminary statements from the entire group. My team can transport the others to holding while I remain here with one officer to hear what this suspect has to offer. I also need to coordinate with the kidnapping task force detective in your office."

"He's waiting there now," I confirmed. "Let's see if this piece of garbage actually has useful intelligence before we make any agreements."

"Excellent. My transport team is standing by downstairs," the detective confirmed as Allen granted building access. "Mr. Jackson will be processed and held pending judicial review of his cooperation agreement. He should be released within twenty-four hours assuming the judge approves."

The uniformed officers moved efficiently through the room, securing handcuffs on pairs of defendants before escorting them toward the elevators. Watching these longtime employees led away in chains triggered conflicting emotions. Relief that justice was finally being served mixed with profound disappointment at their betrayal. These weren't strangers who had infiltrated my company. These were people I had shared coffee with, celebrated holidays with, trusted with sensitive information.

"What happens next, Allen?" The immediate crisis was handled, but massive challenges remained. "The company structure is completely compromised."

"I need to complete the comprehensive audit and prepare the final investigative report," Allen explained methodically. "Once that's finished, I can release the temporary staff we brought in, and you can begin rebuilding. The legal process will take time, but the courts should recover most of your embezzled assets through asset forfeiture and restitution orders."

A critical concern occurred to me. "What about the clients Clairemont diverted to his shell companies?"

Allen's quick thinking impressed me again. "I've developed a strategy for that situation. Since Clairemont's front operations will be dismantled, I recommend scheduling immediate meetings with affected clients. We'll explain the situation honestly and offer solutions to maintain their business. I can coordinate those meetings if you approve."

"Make it happen," I agreed immediately. "But don't dismiss your audit team yet. Keep everyone on payroll until we can discuss the next phase. I have an idea I want to run past you once this chaos settles."

"Understood. I'll await your instructions," Allen confirmed. "I'll also contact your personal attorney to handle the criminal proceedings. He has more experience with fraud cases than our internal legal department. Scarlett, would you mind organizing all the documentation for the lawyer?"

Scarlett beamed at the request. "It would be my pleasure, Mr. Allen."

Dalton, who had remained quietly observant throughout the proceedings, finally spoke. "Allen, I'm genuinely impressed with your work here. You've evolved into the most skilled corporate fraud investigator I've encountered in my career."

"Experience taught me hard lessons about blind trust," Allen replied with obvious gratitude. "Hazel deserves credit for my professional development. After my own company collapsed, she encouraged me to pursue advanced training in forensic accounting. She recommended specific courses that transformed my approach to investigations. Hazel is truly remarkable."

"Hazel is indeed special," Dalton agreed warmly. "Speaking of which, have Leo and Hazel returned safely, Liam? I'm eager to see them both."

"They're here, resting in Damian's room. Please, make yourself comfortable, Dalton." Despite everything, I managed a genuine smile.

Dawn was breaking over the city skyline when I returned to my office with the remaining detective, one patrol officer, and Nathan. The kidnapping task force had worked through the night searching for Clairemont, who seemed to have vanished completely.

After introductions and briefings on the investigation's current status, the moment arrived to hear Nathan's supposed bombshell information.