The CEO’s Masked Secret Wife

Liam's POV

"But why are you all still here working?" I asked, surveying the bustling reception area where our entire team had gathered, including Hazel and Allen, fielding what seemed like endless inquiries.

"After everything that went down these past forty-eight hours, we're drowning in damage control," Hazel explained, her usually composed demeanor showing signs of strain. "We're rescheduling meetings with every client and supplier who got redirected to Clairemont's fake operation, plus dealing with our existing partners who caught wind of what happened and are demanding answers."

"Liam, I've drafted an official statement that needs to go out to all clients and suppliers immediately," Allen announced, his fingers flying across his tablet. "I'm forwarding it to both your and Damian's email right now."

"The faster you two approve and release that statement, the quicker we can start doing damage control," Chloe added, her voice carrying an edge of urgency.

"All of you need to go home and get some rest. That includes you, Allen," I said firmly, noting the exhaustion etched on their faces.

"We'll crash as soon as we get this disaster under control, boss," Stella assured me, then added with a slight smile, "Oh, and I've cleared your entire schedule for the rest of the week."

"Same goes for you, manwhore!" Chloe called out to Adrian, who responded with an exaggerated groan that had everyone chuckling despite the tension.

"Are you ever going to stop calling me that, Chloe?" Adrian asked, though his tone suggested he already knew the answer.

"Not a chance in hell!" Chloe shot back with a defiant grin that sent us all into laughter.

"Hey Owen, maybe we should start behaving ourselves so we can earn adorable nicknames like Noah's," Damian joked, referencing how Noah was often called prince by the women in our circle.

"Well Damian, if Liam gets labeled a clown and Adrian's stuck with manwhore, I'm terrified to imagine what creative names Chl might conjure up for us," Owen said with mock horror.

"You better start behaving then," Chloe warned, her smile promising mischief.

The elevator chimed and Dr. Evans emerged with two companions in tow.

"Good morning, everyone," Evans called out cheerfully.

After exchanging greetings, Evans introduced the pediatrician and nurse who had accompanied him.

"Let's head to Damian's office where Leo is waiting," I said, taking Hazel's hand and leading the group down the hallway.

Once inside, Evans greeted everyone warmly. Having practiced in Crestwood for years, he knew our entire circle and had been Hazel's doctor during her first pregnancy.

"So my sister-in-law turned into some kind of undercover operative?" Evans asked Noah's mother with an amused grin.

"I'm seriously considering a career change to private investigation, brother-in-law. The adrenaline rush was incredible!" she replied with infectious enthusiasm.

Leo was alert and sitting in his grandmother's lap. The moment he spotted me, his little arms shot up as he called out, "Daddyyyyy!"

"There's my boy! Daddy has missed you so much!" I said, scooping him up and holding him tight against my chest.

"I missed you too, Daddy! The scary lady took me away, and Caleb hurt Auntie Lygi really bad."

Leo launched into an animated account of his ordeal, describing how mean and loud the "scary ladies" had been throughout his captivity. I asked gentle questions to show I was listening while being careful not to let him dwell too deeply on the traumatic experience.

"Leo, those scary people will never be able to take you again. Daddy gives you his word on that."

"And nobody's going to hurt Auntie Lygi anymore either, right Daddy? I really didn't like seeing that!"

"That's absolutely right. Auntie Miranda is safe now and no one will hurt her again."

"Daddy, Mommy told me that you and her have jobs here." His curious little eyes sparkled with anticipation for my response.

"Yes son, that's exactly right. Would you like to see where Daddy works?"

"Yessss!" he squealed, throwing his little arms up in pure excitement. "Can I have a job here with you too, Daddy?"

"Absolutely you can, once you're all grown up. But until then, you can visit whenever you want."

This whole experience was as new and overwhelming for me as it was for him. I called Evans over to examine both Leo and Hazel in my office, then lifted my son into my arms to give him the grand tour as he peppered me with endless questions about everything he saw.

Back in my office, the pediatrician conducted a thorough examination of Leo and drew blood samples for testing, while Evans checked on Hazel and collected samples for her tests as well.

"Liam, you can breathe easy now. Both your son and girlfriend are in excellent health," Evans reported with a reassuring smile. "Hazel confirmed she wasn't physically assaulted or injured in any falls, so her pregnancy remains completely stable. The emergency room doctor who initially treated her is a colleague of mine who performed an ultrasound confirming everything looks perfect. She sent me the complete medical file. Crestwood hospital also forwarded Leo's records to me. He's showing mild dehydration, but that can be easily managed at home."

"Thank you so much, Dr. Evans. You can't imagine how relieved I am to hear that," I said, feeling a massive weight lift from my shoulders.

"My pleasure! Well, we need to head back to the hospital now. Hazel, I'm absolutely thrilled that everything turned out okay. I'll contact you as soon as the test results come back." He embraced Hazel warmly before turning to Leo, who was now settled comfortably in her lap. "And you, little champion, keep being such a good protector for your mommy."

"I will!" Leo replied with a bright smile, enthusiastically giving him a high-five.