11 The Boss’s Unmistakable Claim
Hazel’s POVO
I was frozen in place, trapped between Liam Sterling’s hard chest and his strong arms around my waist. My heart hammered against my ribs as I looked up into those intense violet–blue eyes, They were hypnotic, drawing me in like a magnet.
“I–I’m sorry,” I whispered again, my voice barely audible.
Before either of us could move, the office door burst open. Isabella Clairemont stormed back in, her face twisted with rage.
“I knew it!” she shrieked, pointing an accusatory finger at us. “This is exactly what I was talking Jabout!”
Liam’s arms tightened around me protectively rather than releasing me. His jaw clenched, and his eyes flashed with anger.
“How did you get back up here?” he demanded, his voice dangerously low.
“That doesn’t matter, Isabella spat. “What matters is I was right! You’re screwing your little
secretary!”
Heat rushed to my face. I tried to pull away from Liam, but his grip remained firm.
“Ms. Vance tripped,” Liam said coldly. “I caught her. That’s all you’re seeing.”
Isabella laughed bitterly. “Do you think I’m stupid? The way you’re looking at her… the way you’re holding her now!”
“That’s enough, Isabella.” Liam’s voice was like ice. “You will apologize to Ms. Vance immediately.”
“Apologize?” Isabella’s eyes widened with disbelief. “Are you serious? She’s just another office slut trying to sleep her way-”
“I said ENOUGH!” Liam’s shout made me flinch. “You will apologize to Ms. Vance right now, or I will personally make sure you never set foot in this building again.”
Isabella’s face paled. “You can’t do that. My father is-”
“I don’t care who your father is,” Liam cut her off. “Apologize. Now!”
Isabella’s lips pressed into a thin line. “I will not apologize to your whore.”
In one fluid motion, Liam released me and pressed a button on his desk. “Security to my office. Now.
He then stepped forward, positioning himself slightly in front of me. The protective gesture. wasn’t lost on Isabella, whose eyes narrowed to slits.
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11 The Boss’s Unmistakable Claim
“You’re choosing her over me?” she hissed.
“There was never a choice to make,” Liam replied coldly. “We were never together, Isabella.”
The door opened again, and Damian Knight stepped in, eyebrows raised at the scene before. him.
“Problem, boss?”
“Ms. Clairemont was just leaving,” Liam said. “Permanently. Please escort her out and make sure
she doesn’t return.”
Isabella’s face contorted with fury. “You’ll regret this, Liam. My father-
*Can expect my call explaining his daughter’s disgusting behavior,” Liam finished for her. “Damian, get her out of here.”
Damian moved forward, gesturing toward the door. “After you, Ms. Clairemont.”
“This isn’t over,” Isabella snarled, glaring at me with pure hatred before allowing Damian to usher her out..
As the door closed behind them, I could hear her continuing to make threats, her voice fading as they moved toward the elevator.
The office fell silent. Liam walked to the door and locked it, then turned to face me. His
expression was unreadable.
“Are you alright?” he asked, his voice softer now.
I nodded, trying to regain my composure. “Yes, sir. I’m fine.”
“I’m sorry you had to experience that,” he said, running a hand through his dark hair. “Isabella has… boundary issues.”
“It’s not your fault.” I said quickly, smoothing my dress nervously. “These things happen.”
Liam’s lips twitched slightly. “Do they? Women bursting into your workplace and accusing you of inappropriate relationships?”
Despite everything, I felt a small smile form. “Well, not until today.”
“You handled yourself admirably,” he said, his gaze intensifying. “Most people would have crumbled under that kind of attack.”
“Thank
you, sir.”
Liam walked back to his desk and picked up his phone. “Give me a moment.”
Istood awkwardly as he made a brief call.
“Charles? Liam Sterling. Your daughter just caused a scene in my office, verbally attacked my
11 The Boss’s Unmistakable Claim
assistant with vulgar accusations, and refused to leave when asked. Yes. No. I understand she’s your daughter, but this behavior is completely unacceptable. She’s banned from the building, effective immediately.”
He paused, listening.
“I’m not interested in her excuses, Charles. She’s an adult. Handle it, or we’ll be having a very different conversation about your position on the board.”
He hung up and looked at me again.
“That was… direct, I said before I could stop myself.
Liam’s mouth curved into a half–smile. “I don’t waste time with diplomacy when it’s not warranted. Isabella crossed a line. Several, actually.”
I nodded, trying to maintain my professional demeanor despite my racing heart. The memory of being pressed against him was still seared into my brain.
“Should I apologize?” he asked suddenly.
I blinked in confusion. “For what, sir?“.
His eyes darkened as they held mine. “For my body’s rather… obvious reaction when I caught you. It was unprofessional, but apparently beyond my control where you’re concerned.”
My face burned hot enough to melt steel. “I–I didn’t notice, I lied.
“Liar,” he said softly, his eyes never leaving mine.
I swallowed hard. “It’s a normal physiological response. Nothing to apologize for.”
A surprised laugh escaped him. “A normal physiological response? That’s one way to put it.”
I couldn’t help the small smile that crept onto my face. “I have a two–year–old son. I’ve learned to use clinical language for uncomfortable situations.”
Something flickered in his eyes at the mention of Leo. “Right. Your son.” He cleared his throat. “Well, Ms. Vance, thank you for your… understanding of my physiological response.
Was Liam Sterling actually teasing me? The thought made my stomach flip.
“I should get back to work,” I said, gesturing toward the door,
“Not yet,” he replied, his voice returning to its businesslike tone. “T’d like you to wait for Evelyn to return. I need to brief both of you on an upcoming project”
“Of course, sir.”
You can wait outside. I have some calls to make.”
I nodded and turned to unlock the door. As I reached for the handle, his voice stopped me.
- The Boss’s Unmistakable Clam
“Ms. Vance?”
I looked back. “Yes, Mr. Sterling?
“Thank you
for maintaining your professionalism. It’s… refreshing.”
“You’re welcome, sir.”
I stepped out and closed the door behind me, finally allowing myself to take a deep breath. My hands were shaking slightly as I sat down at my desk.
What was happening to me? I had never reacted to a man this way before. Not since…
I pushed the thought away. I couldn’t afford to think about that night. Not now. Not when I needed this job so desperately.
But as I tried to focus on organizing my desk, all I could think about was the feel of Liam’s
strong arms around me, the heat of his body, and the intensity in those unusual violet–blue eyes. that seemed so hauntingly familiar.
Liam’s POV
The moment the door closed behind Hazel, I slumped into my chair and banged my forehead against the desk.
“Fuck,” I muttered. “I am so screwed.”
Three years. It had been three years since I’d felt anything like this for a woman. Three years since that mysterious woman at the masquerade ball had vanished from my life, leaving nothing but memories.
And now here I was, uncontrollably attracted to my assistant. My employee. The single mother who depended on this job to support her son.
I groaned and lifted my head. This could not happen. I wouldn’t allow it to happen. No matter how beautiful she was. No matter how her green eyes seemed to see right through me. No matter how perfectly she fit against me when I caught her.
No. I was her boss. That was all I could be.
I straightened my tie and grabbed my phone. Work. I needed to focus on work. But even as I dialed the number for my next call, all I could think about was the floral scent of her perfume and the unexpected fire in her eyes when she stood up to Isabella.
I was so completely, utterly screwed.
12 The Boss’s Possessive Claim
