The CEO’s Masked Secret Wife

Drake's POV

After Evelyn and Allen departed, I shifted my focus to the guys. I filled them in on Inspector Aurora's call and the harsh reality that we still had another traitor lurking somewhere. I explained Allen's upcoming role at the company and Evelyn's return as financial director.

"Finally, some damn good news!" Damian burst out with genuine relief. "Dude, you and I were completely buried without Evelyn handling the finances!"

"Absolutely, Damian, but I had to respect the arrangement she made with my father," I said, running a hand through my hair.

"Good thing she couldn't stay away from us either!" Owen grinned with satisfaction.

"Hey, check this out - Damon got transferred here. He's partnering with Aurora," Damian mentioned casually. "If it's cool with you, I'd like to bring him into our poker games."

"You don't need permission for that, Damian. Damon's more than welcome!" Adrian jumped in immediately, and we all nodded in agreement. "Just as long as he keeps his hands off Stella. And remember, you promised to help me since I agreed to let Felix and Scarlett go."

"Chill out, Adrian, we've got your back. Actually, I think Damon might be interested in Felix anyway. He was asking questions about her," Damian revealed with a knowing look.

"Really?" I raised an eyebrow. "When's he getting here?"

"Sunday, I think. Why?" Damian's curiosity was obvious.

"Hold on." I pulled out my phone and sent Hazel a quick message, unable to suppress my smile at her response. "Damian, I need to talk to Damon. Can you set that up?"

Damian called Inspector Carlos, and after exchanging pleasantries, he handed me the phone. I wanted to express my gratitude for rescuing my son, and Hazel was thrilled about adding another member to our tight circle. So I asked the detective to be one of my groomsmen and mentioned he'd be paired with Felix. He was genuinely excited, accepted without hesitation, and insisted on arriving Friday to join my bachelor party.

"Well, that solves a major headache for Chloe and me," Owen said with obvious relief, and we all stared at him blankly. "A partner for Felix, guys! Chloe made it crystal clear that fixing this was my job."

"Hazel was stressing about that too," I admitted.

Owen dove into explaining everything already arranged for my engagement dinner. He'd secured a catering service, elegant decorations, and a string quartet for ambient music during the meal. He also confirmed that George would spend the entire day at the house coordinating services and receiving deliveries. Everything was perfectly positioned for me to ask Hazel's father for her hand in marriage.

Evelyn's warning echoed in my mind, so I called the bank to schedule time for accessing the safe deposit box to retrieve the wedding bands and engagement ring. Owen had also booked an appointment at the tailor for selecting my wedding suit.

Then Clairemont's menacing presence crept back into my thoughts, and I realized we needed enhanced security at the house. The property sprawled across acres with extensive outdoor areas. A dedicated security team was essential for the coming days. I called Mitchell into my office.

"Mr. Sterling, first, I must apologize for my failure in assigning Caleb and Mitchell to protect Miss Hazel and your son," Mitchell said as he entered, clearly mortified by recent events.

"Mitchell, stop right there. You have nothing to apologize for. We were all deceived. Your performance has always been exemplary, so don't worry. This situation doesn't reflect poorly on your abilities whatsoever," I assured him firmly.

"Even so, sir, I apologize and would appreciate the opportunity to apologize to Miss Hazel personally," Mitchell persisted with professional dignity.

"That's fine," I said. "Hazel returns Monday, and you can speak with her then, but I guarantee she'll tell you the same thing." Mitchell offered a professional smile and respectful nod. "But I called you here because I need you to assess a situation and provide appropriate security measures."

"Absolutely, sir, I'm at your complete disposal."

"I'm hosting dinner at my parents' former residence tonight. Hazel and I are marrying Saturday in the house's garden, and we're relocating there permanently. I want ironclad protection for my family, especially since Clairemont remains at large."

"Congratulations, sir. You need a permanent security team stationed there. I'll assemble a team without compromising company staffing," Mitchell proposed.

"That sounds perfect. Can you have this team ready today?"

"Yes, sir. I can assemble and deploy the team. They'll arrive before your dinner, conduct comprehensive sweeps of the entire property inside and out, then begin continuous surveillance," Mitchell suggested, and I found his approach excellent. "I'll have Jerome lead the team we place there."

"The same Jerome who headed security during my parents' time?" I asked, genuinely surprised.

"Exactly. He spent considerable time in Europe completing advanced security and technology training. Then he provided protection for an American politician before returning home," Mitchell explained.

"That's absolutely perfect! I trust Jerome completely, just like I trust you," I declared with confidence.

Mitchell withdrew, assuring me he'd handle everything, which significantly eased my anxiety. After that, I accompanied the guys to the bank as our scheduled appointment approached, and punctuality was crucial.

At the bank, we were escorted to a private room adjacent to the vault, where I entered the password and used my key to open the safe deposit box. The drawer was promptly brought to the room for my inspection.

Opening that drawer felt like unleashing a flood of emotions. I traced my fingers across those numerous velvet boxes and couldn't contain the tears that escaped. There were my mother's precious jewels, my father's watches and cufflinks, and various small treasures. Items deeply personal to my family, each carrying tremendous history.

Despite my happiness about marrying the love of my life, diving into the accident investigation and discovering it was deliberate sabotage created an aching wound in my heart. I couldn't stop thinking that they should be here. I couldn't escape thoughts of everything Clairemont stole from me when he sabotaged my parents' helicopter. He murdered my parents and robbed them of experiencing this moment with me. He stole their chance to meet their grandchildren, to be moved by my children, and to become the wonderful grandparents they would have been.

Clairemont didn't just kill my parents, though that alone was devastating beyond measure. The accident completely altered the trajectory of my life, Hazel's life, and Leo's life. Without the accident, I wouldn't have lost Hazel that night. We would have remained together or at least maintained contact. I would have witnessed my son's birth, his first words, his first steps. They wouldn't have endured so many hardships or faced prejudice and cruelty from narrow-minded people in that city because Hazel had been a single mother.

Everything could have been different. But it wasn't! However, from this moment forward, I wouldn't allow anyone to harm my family again. I would make every moment with Hazel by my side meaningful. I would ensure my family's happiness.

Lost in these thoughts, I didn't realize tears were streaming down my face until Damian placed his hand on my shoulder, bringing me back to reality. Once again, my friend reminded me I was never alone and silently assured me of his unconditional support and friendship, as he'd done countless times throughout our lives, especially after my parents died. I looked at him, and with an embrace, I thanked the brother life had given me.

From that drawer, I retrieved the box containing my mother's engagement ring, the box with matching wedding rings, cufflinks my father wore when he married my mother, my grandfather's watch, and another box I planned to give Hazel as a gift. Searching through all those velvet boxes, I discovered a small box at the bottom that I'd forgotten. Opening it, I immediately recognized the piece and decided to take it as well. I closed the drawer, returned it to the safe, and thanked the bank manager for his usual efficiency and assistance.

From the bank, we headed to the jewelry store. I needed all pieces polished, the wedding rings engraved, the engagement ring and jewelry from the small box engraved, and the watch mechanism inspected. The owner, an old family friend, recognized every piece and was moved learning my intentions with them, reminding me how proud my parents were of me and that wherever they were, they were celebrating for me. He promised delivery by day's end.

Next, we visited the tailor, another longtime acquaintance. Mr. Caius had crafted my grandfather's suits; his business passed from father to son and now to grandson. They all knew me well. Caius Jr. suggested a light blue suit, a stunning cobalt blue three-piece ensemble. He recommended wearing it with a white shirt and no tie, perfect for a daytime garden wedding.

Besides Inspector Carlos, Damian, Adrian, Owen, and Noah would serve as my groomsmen, and I gave them complete freedom choosing their attire without imposing combinations or restrictions. Following Caius Neto's suggestion, they selected blue pants in a slightly darker shade than my suit, matching ties, white shirts, and suspenders. Caius, visibly excited, decided Leo should dress like the groomsmen, except with a bow tie instead of a regular tie. Caius guaranteed everything would be ready by Friday.

Owen immediately informed Chloe we'd purchased Leo's outfit. She predictably threw a tantrum, but Hazel calmed her by explaining that I'd already missed many milestones in my son's life, so choosing his wedding outfit was only fair, and she trusted my taste completely. This made me incredibly happy.

"Now we're hitting Alfredo's. No way you're getting married in old shoes," Adrian declared, making me laugh. So many details existed; without my friends, I'd never remember everything.

At the shoe store, I bought a brown pair following Caius's recommendation and purchased an almost identical model for my son. They were so tiny, and these were the first shoes I'd bought for him; actually, the first thing I'd purchased for him since discovering he was my son. The emotion overwhelmed me.

After our busy, hectic day, we stopped by the jewelry store late afternoon. Everything was ready and had turned out flawlessly. I thanked everyone for their efforts completing everything so quickly.

Everything was organized; now I just needed to prepare for dinner.