The CEO’s Masked Secret Wife

Hazel's POV

We strolled three blocks to reach the upscale bistro. Levi and his crew were already waiting at our reserved table, and what a sight they were. Each man looked like he stepped off a magazine cover. The moment they spotted us, they rose with practiced charm and welcoming grins.

"Ladies, you three are absolutely stunning. And yes, that includes Thea and Stella," Vera declared, greeting each of us with feather-light kisses on both cheeks.

We settled into our seats and ordered our meals. Levi's friends proved to be exceptional company, keeping us entertained with witty conversation. Gavin had us in stitches with his hilarious stories when Levi's fingers brushed against my hand. He leaned in close, his breath warm against my ear, his voice dropping to that dangerously seductive tone.

"Don't turn around now, gorgeous, but those three morons who've been bothering you just strutted through the door."

Vera caught sight of Liam, Damian, and Adrian making their entrance. He immediately shifted closer to Chloe while Cameron mirrored the movement with Scarlett. Levi's voice took on an even more enticing quality as he spoke.

"So tell me, beautiful ladies, when exactly will you honor us by accepting a proper invitation from us? This lunch doesn't really count since you'll be rushing back to work soon."

"Never. And you need to quit pushing," Liam's rough voice cut through our conversation from directly behind me, dripping with irritation.

"Since when do you get to speak for us?" Chloe shot back, her tone sharp as a blade.

"I'm Hazel's boyfriend and your boyfriend's best friend, Chloe. Does he even know about this little rendezvous?" Liam's voice carried barely contained fury.

"Gentlemen, why all the hostility?" Vera attempted to diffuse the brewing storm. "Come on, sit down. Let's all enjoy lunch together like civilized adults. Waiter, if you could..."

The waiter swiftly arranged additional place settings, and everyone squeezed around the expanded table. Despite the superficial politeness, Levi and his friends formed an impenetrable wall between us and Liam's group. Gavin and Logan immediately pulled Adrian, Liam, and Damian into intense business discussions while the others continued lavishing attention on Chloe, Scarlett, and me.

"Hazel, my sister told me you have a son. I'd really love the chance to meet him," Levi said, deliberately steering our conversation toward intimate territory.

"What the hell is your game, Levi?" Liam abandoned Logan mid-sentence and whirled toward Levi. "You're not getting anywhere near Leo. He's just a kid, and you won't use him as some twisted way to get to Hazel. Don't even think about it."

"What gives you the right, Liam?" Fury blazed through me.

"He's my son. I choose who gets to spend time with him."

"Wait, I'm confused. Are you Leo's father, Liam?" Levi asked, genuine puzzlement crossing his features.

"Yes." "No." Liam and I spoke in perfect, contradictory unison.

"No, Levi, he's not my son's biological father," I clarified, shooting Liam a withering glare. How dare he interfere with my child's life.

"I might not be his biological father, but I'll be his legal father soon enough. The moment Hazel marries me, I'll adopt him officially. So back off my boy, Levi." Liam's voice shook with rage. Complete silence descended over the table as everyone stared at us with wide, shocked eyes.

"That's assuming Hazel actually agrees to marry you," Levi replied, maintaining his easy humor despite the tension.

"Oh, she will," Liam declared with absolute certainty.

"From what I understand, you two aren't even together anymore. I don't know the details, but she seems pretty furious with you," Levi continued his deliberate provocation.

"We'll figure it out, don't worry about that," Liam said, sarcasm coating every word.

"Stop it, both of you. My son will not be dragged into the middle of this mess. End this now," I commanded, cutting through their territorial dispute.

"I apologize, Hazel. I never meant to upset you. I genuinely love being around children," Levi said, his sincerity unmistakable.

"Well, should we dial down the drama and indulge in some dessert?" Cameron suggested diplomatically. "What do you say, sardines, want some cake with hot sauce?" he asked Scarlett with a playful grin.

"Hey, watch the casual attitude. Don't call her that. She has an actual name," Damian finally snapped, his patience exhausted.

"It's the familiarity of someone who's known sardines since birth, sweetheart," Cameron replied, his humor intact.

"You know me so well, Lu. I want cake with hot sauce and maraschino cherries," Scarlett said sweetly, gazing at Cameron with deliberate affection. Damian shifted uncomfortably in his seat.

"And what about you, gorgeous? What's your weakness?" Vera asked Chloe in his most seductive voice.

"She loves strawberry pie with whipped cream. And she's also crazy about her boyfriend, who won't be thrilled to learn how she spends her lunch breaks," Liam answered before Chloe could respond.

"Your turn, Hazel. What dessert makes you weak?" Levi asked with his most charming smile.

Before I could open my mouth, a server placed a decadent slice of chocolate cake directly in front of me. Liam seized a fork, captured a generous piece, and brought it to my lips, giving me no opportunity to refuse.

"My Hazel is obsessed with chocolate cake," Liam informed Levi with a triumphant smile, then took a bite himself. "We always share dessert," he added, forcing another piece into my mouth.

Levi maintained his smile, but the warmth never reached his eyes. Liam gave me no chance to protest, continuing to alternate feeding pieces of cake to me and himself.

"Do you remember the first time we shared chocolate cake?" Liam whispered against my ear as he pushed the final piece past my lips.

"Of course I remember. We were on that damned couch in your office, where you screwed that pretentious little tramp while claiming to love me," I said, pain and rage coursing through every word. "Girls, our lunch break is officially over."

Chloe and Scarlett immediately stood, and we began our farewells to Levi and his friends.

"Gentlemen, thank you for such a lovely lunch. Please excuse our hasty departure, but our boss is here and wouldn't appreciate tardiness," Chloe said with pointed irony.

"Think nothing of it, beautiful. Having lunch with you three was absolutely delightful. I hope we can repeat this soon," Vera replied graciously.

"Levi, thank you so much. You were all incredibly kind to invite us."

"The pleasure was entirely mine, Hazel. But let us walk you back to your office. Just give us a moment to settle the bill, and we'll escort you," Levi offered like a true gentleman.

"They're already running late. They can't wait around," Adrian grumbled with obvious displeasure.

We departed, and I could hear Levi telling Liam he had really messed things up, prompting laughter from everyone else.

Once we left the restaurant, Chloe, Scarlett, and I erupted into uncontrollable laughter. Scarlett's plan had exceeded even our wildest expectations.

"Oh my God, Adrian's sour expression was absolutely priceless. He looked ready to explode," Chloe laughed so hard tears streamed down her cheeks.

"Even better was Damian, trailing Scarlett around like a lost, desperate puppy," I gasped between fits of laughter.

"Well, I was genuinely worried about my brother though. I thought Liam might actually strangle him right there at the table," Scarlett said, making us laugh even harder. "Hazel, I hope you're not upset that I mentioned your son to my brother."

"Not at all, Vi. I don't hide Leo from anyone. He's the greatest joy in my life," I assured her warmly.

"My brother adores children. Being a father is his biggest dream. But from what I can tell, Liam has formed a special connection with Leo, right?" Scarlett asked carefully.

"Yeah, he has," I admitted, staring at the pavement. "I still don't understand how those two became so attached to each other. Now that Liam and I have broken up, I don't know how to handle Leo's questions. Liam keeps showing up at our house to see him, and Leo constantly asks about him."

"Don't torture yourself with that right now. Look, since you and Liam are finished, and Stella and I are both single, why don't we plan an evening out with my brother and his friends? It could be incredible fun," Scarlett suggested with infectious enthusiasm.

"Hey, wait a minute. Thea and I can join too, right?" Chloe asked eagerly.

"Absolutely. Gavin and Vera will be thrilled," Scarlett laughed.

"Hey Vi, what's the real story between you and Cameron?" I asked, curiosity getting the better of me.

"We've known each other our entire lives. After I turned sixteen, he started seeing me as more than just his friend's annoying little sister. But I don't feel anything romantic for him, even though he's undeniably handsome and incredibly attentive," Scarlett explained honestly.

"But now with that hottie..." Chloe teased knowingly.

"Yeah, but I want to claw that woman's eyes out for having the audacity to sit in his lap," Scarlett said with genuine anger. "I've already realized nothing will work between us. But that hottie looks absolutely delicious."

We burst into fresh laughter. When we returned to the office, we settled back into work, completely satisfied that we had taught Adrian, Liam, and Damian an unforgettable lesson.