Three years ago, Hazel Vance made a choice that changed everything. One night of passion with a mysterious stranger at a masquerade ball left her with more than just memories—it left her with a son whose rare violet-blue eyes are a constant reminder of the father she'll never find.

Now a struggling single mother, Hazel desperately needs the executive assistant position at Sterling Group. The salary could finally give her two-year-old Leo the life he deserves. But her new boss, CEO Liam Sterling, is nothing like she expected.

Demanding, brilliant, and devastatingly handsome, Liam has a reputation for being impossible to work for. Most assistants don't last a week. When Hazel refuses to be intimidated by his cold demeanor and sharp tongue, something shifts between them. The attraction is immediate and electric, crackling through every professional interaction.

But it's his eyes that stop her cold. The same striking violet-blue shade that stares back at her every morning when she looks at her son.

As the tension between them builds and the lines between professional and personal begin to blur, Hazel finds herself caught between her desperate need for this job and her growing attraction to the one man who could destroy everything she's worked for.

She doesn't know that Liam has been searching for the mysterious woman from the masquerade ball ever since that night changed him forever. And he has no idea that the composed, fiery assistant who challenges him at every turn is the same woman who haunts his dreams.

When the truth finally comes to light, will it bring them together or tear apart the fragile new life Hazel has built for herself and her son?

Friday. Finally. The week had been a whirlwind of paperwork, meetings, and trying to reestablish my routine at Sterling Group. After yesterday's dramatic takedown of Bianca, I'd hoped today would be calmer.


The office buzzed with whispers about the "marketing floor fight." I kept my head down, focusing on the pile of contracts Liam needed reviewed by end of day.


"Hey stranger," Jessica popped her head into my office. "Lunch?"


I smiled at my friend, grateful for the distraction. "God, yes. Let me finish this paragraph."


Ten minutes later, we were heading toward the elevators, chatting about weekend plans.


"Leo wants to go to the park," I said, pressing the down button. "He's obsessed with feeding ducks."


Jessica laughed. "That kid is too cute. Maybe I'll join you guys."


The elevator doors opened, and my stomach dropped. Julian Clairemont stood inside, alone, his thin lips curving into what could only be described as a predatory smile.


Chapter 107 - The Elevator Ambush