The CEO’s Masked Secret Wife

Liam's POV

The morning sun filtered through my office windows as I stared at the message from Inspector Aurora that had arrived the night before. Clairemont remained at large, a shadow threat hanging over everything I held dear. While I had been wrapped up in Hazel's warmth, danger had been circling us like a predator waiting to strike.

I couldn't afford to be distracted anymore. Not when my family was at risk.

My first call went to Mitchell, my voice cutting through the early morning silence with military precision. "I need six of your most trusted men at my apartment within the hour. Full background checks, no exceptions."

"Already on it," Mitchell's voice came through crisp and assured. "These men have been with me for years. I'd trust them with my own life."

Within forty minutes, a team of professional security personnel arrived at my apartment. I watched as they efficiently assessed every entrance, every vulnerable point. Their presence should have been reassuring, but the knot in my stomach only tightened.

I gathered my family in the living room, Hazel holding Leo close while the tension radiated from every line in her body. The security team leader, a man named Stevens with sharp eyes and an economy of movement that spoke of military training, briefed us on the new protocols.

"Leo doesn't leave without two escorts," I instructed, my tone brooking no argument. "Hazel, you take three men minimum if you need to go anywhere."

Hazel nodded without protest, and I could see the fear she was trying to hide behind her composed facade. She understood the gravity of our situation as clearly as I did.

"I'll be at the office handling some business," I told her, pressing a kiss to her forehead. "I'll have my phone on me at all times."

The drive to the office felt longer than usual, every shadow seeming to hold potential threats. Once I arrived, I immediately called Inspector Aurora, my fingers drumming impatiently on my desk as the phone rang.

"Inspector, my apologies for the delayed response."

"No worries, Sterling. I figured you needed some time to decompress after yesterday."

"About Clairemont's escape," I said, cutting straight to the point. "Damian mentioned he left just before you arrived. That seems like more than coincidence."

Inspector Aurora's pause was telling. "I've been thinking the same thing. Sterling, I believe you still have a mole in your organization. Someone Clairemont's known associates aren't aware of. Someone who's been feeding him information."

The words hit me like a physical blow. "You're telling me that after everything we've uncovered, there's still a traitor in my company?"

"Look for someone who blends into the background," Aurora advised. "Someone with access to multiple departments, someone who listens more than they speak. The kind of person who becomes invisible because they're always there."

I rubbed my temples, feeling the weight of constant betrayal pressing down on me. "I'll figure out who it is."

"Be extremely careful, Sterling. Clairemont has already proven he'll stop at nothing. One more thing - this Ethan character who was involved in the kidnapping. He was Hazel's ex-boyfriend, correct?"

"Yes, they dated for about three years. She ended it when she discovered he was cheating with her cousin."

"Interesting. He claims he's known Clairemont for over three years. Does Hazel know about this connection?"

"Absolutely not. She was completely shocked to learn about his involvement in Leo's kidnapping."

"I suspected as much, but I had to ask. Speaking of Hazel, when can I get her official statement? I can come to your office or she can come to the station."

"Could we schedule it for Monday afternoon at my office? I'd prefer to keep her movements limited right now."

"Understood. I'll be there Monday afternoon."

After ending the call, I immediately contacted Allen. Despite telling him to take the weekend off, he'd insisted on working, claiming he had too much to accomplish. He arrived at my office within minutes, Evelyn at his side.

I explained the situation about the potential traitor, watching as Allen's expression grew increasingly serious. "We need to identify this person quickly. They're giving Clairemont a dangerous advantage."

"I'll start a comprehensive review of all employees immediately," Allen assured me. "I'll examine access logs, communication patterns, everything."

"Excellent. But Allen, there's something else I want to discuss." I leaned back in my chair, studying the man who had proven himself invaluable. "Your work here has been exceptional. You've solved not just the fraud issues but identified numerous other problems. I want you to stay permanently."

Allen's eyes widened in surprise. "Are you offering me a position, Liam?"

"I'm offering you a directorship. I want to establish an internal audit department with you as the head. You'd have complete autonomy and I'd also value your input as a business advisor."

The transformation in Allen's face was remarkable. "When I went bankrupt, I thought my career was over. The Larsons and Hazel threw me a lifeline, and when you called asking for help, it gave me purpose again. This audit work has restored my confidence, made me feel valuable again. But I was considering moving to Boston to be closer to Evelyn."

"Absolutely not!" Evelyn interjected quickly, causing Allen's face to fall. "I mean, Allen should accept your proposal, Liam. I have something to discuss with you too."

I looked at Evelyn expectantly, noting the determined set of her jaw.

"I want to come back," she announced. "Boston hasn't worked out for me. My daughters are settled there, but my life is here with you and Allen. I'd like to apply for the financial director position."

The smile that spread across my face was genuine and broad. Having Evelyn back was better than I had dared to hope. "Evelyn, you know you can have any position you want here. I just need to find someone to replace you in Boston."

"Already handled. Blake is more than qualified to take over the Boston branch. I don't even need to return to transition."

"Then it's settled. You're our new financial director, and we'll have a video conference with Blake on Monday."

As the team began filtering into my office for our meeting, I shared the news about Allen and Evelyn's new positions. The enthusiasm in the room was infectious, a bright spot in an otherwise tense situation.

As Evelyn and Allen prepared to leave, I confirmed their dinner plans for the evening. "You're both still coming tonight, right?"

"Wouldn't miss it for the world," Evelyn said, heading for the door. Then she paused, a mischievous glint in her eye. "Liam, don't forget to pick up the engagement ring and wedding bands from the bank."

I stared at her in astonishment. "How could you possibly know about that?"

"I know you better than you think, boy," Evelyn said with a knowing smile, blowing me a kiss before disappearing through the door.

I sat back in my chair, marveling at how well the people closest to me could read my intentions. Despite the threats surrounding us, despite the unknown traitor still lurking in my company, I felt a moment of pure anticipation. Tonight would mark the beginning of a new chapter, one where Hazel and I would face whatever came next as an officially engaged couple.

The ring was waiting for me at the bank, and soon it would be on Hazel's finger where it belonged.