The CEO’s Masked Secret Wife

Liam's POV

It had been two days since Inspector Carlos's call about the siege on Clairemont and his unexpected visit to Clairemont. I shared the news with Hazel that law enforcement was tightening their grip. She was restless from the mandatory bed rest that had stretched into her final trimester. Over two weeks confined to our bedroom had left her visibly drained, her growing belly making even simple movements exhausting. Her energy levels dropped daily, prompting me to work remotely whenever possible. I refused to leave her vulnerable and alone. Our circle of friends maintained a constant presence, rotating visits throughout each day.

The afternoon sun streamed through our windows as I prepared for an unavoidable trip to the office. I pressed a tender kiss to Hazel's lips, then bent to kiss the gentle curve where our twins grew. Leo, our remarkable son, lay beside his mother on the oversized bed, his small hand protective on her arm. His promise to watch over her while I was gone melted my heart. At his age, he displayed an emotional intelligence that continually amazed me. His bright eyes and gentle nature made him the perfect companion for Hazel during these challenging weeks.

The office atmosphere felt tense despite my attempts to maintain normalcy. Damian and I were discussing quarterly projections over coffee when my phone shattered the relative calm. Damon's name appeared on the screen, immediately putting me on edge.

"Inspector Carlos, this is unexpected," I answered, forcing lightness into my voice. The words that followed drained every ounce of warmth from my body. I absorbed his detailed instructions while my blood turned to ice, assuring him I would mobilize our entire network immediately.

Damian studied my expression with growing alarm. "Liam, your face has gone completely white. What's happened?"

"It's catastrophic, Damian," I managed through clenched teeth. "Noah's been brutally attacked. Someone found him unconscious near his workplace, beaten within an inch of his life. He's being rushed to the hospital in critical condition. We need to assemble everyone immediately and get to Adrian's company. I have to deliver this news to Chloe personally. Under no circumstances can this information reach Hazel, especially not now."

The realization hit me like a physical blow. Hazel's phone could be buzzing with concerned calls and messages. I speed-dialed Miranda, my voice urgent with desperation.

"Miranda, I need you to move fast. Check on Hazel immediately. Remove her phone and tablet from the bedroom. Don't allow her to answer any calls or messages, no matter what. I'll explain everything later, but this is critical. Please, tell me you understand."

Relief flooded through me when Miranda confirmed both Hazel and Leo were sleeping peacefully. She assured me all devices were safely hidden and promised to maintain the communication blackout.

After briefing Evelyn and Allen on the emergency protocols for running the company, I gathered Stella, Felix, Scarlett, and Owen. The drive to Apex Galaxy felt interminable, each traffic light an obstacle between us and Chloe. I called Adrian during the journey, instructing him to alert Thea about our imminent arrival.

"Did you finally come begging for employment, Sterling?" Chloe's sarcastic greeting typically would have amused me. Today, her ignorance of the situation felt heartbreaking.

"Actually, I'm here to steal your boss away," I attempted our usual banter, but my voice betrayed my emotional state.

Her sharp intuition immediately detected something wrong. "Sterling, what's really going on? You look like you've seen a ghost."

"We need Adrian's office, Chloe. Now." The tremor in my voice sent visible alarm through her entire body.

In the privacy of Adrian's office, I delivered the devastating news with as much gentleness as possible. Chloe's face crumpled as I explained Noah's condition and asked whether she wanted Hazel informed immediately. Through her tears, she insisted Hazel remain unaware until we knew more. The stress could trigger premature labor or worse complications. Her protective instincts toward Hazel, even while facing her own nightmare, demonstrated the depth of their friendship.

The hospital corridors echoed with our hurried footsteps as we rushed toward the surgical wing. I called Evans during the journey, learning he had already contacted his brother. Without hesitation, I arranged for my private jet to transport them immediately.

The surgical waiting room became our temporary prison. Hours crawled by as we waited for updates on Noah's condition. The medical team's initial report painted a grim picture: fractured ribs, punctured lung, compound fractures in his arm and leg, and most terrifyingly, brain bleeding. Chloe maintained remarkable composure despite the tears streaming down her face. Her strength in the face of such trauma reminded me why Hazel cherished their friendship.

"Liam, return home to Hazel. Don't breathe a word of this to her," Chloe commanded through her grief.

"I've already arranged for extended coverage with Miranda, and Dr. Evans will accompany me when I tell Hazel everything. She'll demand to be here supporting you, and I won't prevent that," I replied firmly.

"Liam, the stress could harm her and the babies," Chloe protested desperately.

"Precisely why I'm ensuring medical supervision. But Liam's instincts are correct. Keeping this secret would destroy Hazel's trust in both of you permanently," Dr. Evans interjected supportively.

"When Noah's discharged, you're both moving into our house during his entire recovery period. And Chloe, you're moving in tonight. This isn't negotiable," I declared, grasping her trembling hands.

The arrival of both families transformed the waiting room into a sea of anxious faces and whispered prayers. Noah's parents, followed by Chloe's family, Hazel's parents, and Damian's mother, created a support network that somehow made the vigil more bearable. The surgical hours stretched endlessly until finally, exhausted doctors emerged with cautious optimism. Noah had stabilized, though he remained in critical condition. The ICU would monitor him closely, allowing only immediate family and Chloe brief visits.

When Chloe returned from seeing Noah, her devastation was complete. She looked fragile enough to shatter at the slightest touch.

"Everyone's coming to our house tonight. I have rooms prepared for extended stays. Chloe, you're included in this arrangement. My driver will be at your complete disposal. Our home offers both safety and comfort during this crisis. Detectives Aurora and Carlos will brief us there with updates."

The drive home felt surreal, knowing I was about to shatter Hazel's peaceful evening with devastating news. Dr. Evans and I approached our bedroom with heavy hearts, finding Hazel propped against pillows, her intuition already sensing trouble.

As predicted, Hazel's reaction was immediate and intense. Her blood pressure spiked dangerously as she processed the attack on Noah. Dr. Evans quickly administered medication to stabilize her condition while monitoring both her vital signs and the babies' responses. Despite her physical distress, Hazel insisted on joining Chloe downstairs. I carried her carefully to the living room couch, where the two friends embraced and wept together. Hazel's attempts to console Chloe despite her own condition showcased her remarkable heart.

Dr. Evans's continued monitoring showed Hazel's condition stabilizing, though he remained concerned about stress-induced complications. I asked Miranda to keep Leo occupied in another part of the house, protecting him from the heavy emotional atmosphere that permeated our home.

The detectives' arrival brought additional grim news that settled over our gathering like a suffocating blanket.

"The situation has deteriorated further," Damon began grimly. "Security footage from the attack site revealed two assailants who've been apprehended. Both have extensive criminal records and were wanted fugitives. Under interrogation, one confessed they were following Clairemont's direct orders. Clairemont specifically mentioned that Noah's mother needed to learn about minding her own business, clearly referencing her assistance in Leo's custody case."

"That monster must have learned about her involvement through his informant in my company," I said, anger coursing through my veins.

"Almost certainly. This information was never released publicly," Aurora confirmed.

Hazel's anguished cry from the couch cut through me like a blade. Both she and I carried crushing guilt over Noah's suffering.

"Sweetheart, I would make the same choice again without hesitation. I have no regrets, and this tragedy isn't your fault. My Noah will recover completely, I have unwavering faith," Noah's mother declared, once again proving her extraordinary strength while comforting my wife.

"The identity of your company's informant remains unknown," Aurora continued. "Enhanced protection for everyone is now essential."

"Perfect. I want everyone under our roof immediately," I announced, making clear this wasn't open for discussion.

"Alternative arrangement: parents and Chloe stay here, while our friends relocate to my house. Adrian and Carlos, you're included in this plan. The condominium's security systems are excellent, and proximity makes protecting everyone more manageable."

"I'm bringing Evelyn and Allen here as well." We finalized arrangements without objection, fear motivating everyone's compliance. I contacted Jerome to strengthen security at our home, Damian's residence, and both companies. Adrian implemented similar measures. Remote work would become our norm, and no one would venture out without notification, security detail, and professional drivers.

The following morning brought cautiously optimistic news from Noah's medical team. He would survive, though recovery would be lengthy and require extensive support. His hospital stay would continue for the foreseeable future.