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?

My head pounded mercilessly as I walked into the coffee shop. The combination of a hangover and soul-crushing guilt made each step feel like I was wading through concrete.


Evelyn waved from a corner booth where Damian, Albert, and another man I didn't recognize were already seated. I slid into the empty chair, avoiding eye contact with everyone.


"You look terrible," Damian said bluntly.


"Thanks." I signaled to the barista for coffee. "Let's get this over with."


Albert cleared his throat and pushed a folder across the table. "Mr. Sterling, I've completed my audit of the financial documents."


My coffee arrived, and I took a long sip before opening the folder. The analytical part of my brain tried to focus on the numbers while the rest of me screamed about Hazel.


Chapter 45 - Proof of Innocence, Burden of Guilt