14 The Scars He Carries
Hazel’s POV
The strange tension from Evelyn’s reaction hung in the air. I couldn’t shake the feeling that she was holding something back. She sat perfectly still, her elegant posture betraying nothing, but her eyes–they looked troubled.
“Evelyn? Is everything okay?” I asked cautiously.
She set her wine glass down with a small clink. “I think it’s time I told you more about Liam
Sterling
Chloe perked up instantly, leaning forward. “Ooh, I’m all ears for this.”
Evelyn smiled sadly. “Most people only see the powerful CEO, the demanding boss. But the man I’ve known since he was a boy is much more complex.
“How long have you worked for the Sterling family?” I asked.
“Almost thirty years. I started working for Liam’s father when Liam was just five years old.” Her eyes softened with the memory. “Such a serious little boy, always following his father around with a toy briefcase.”
I couldn’t help but smile at the image.
“His parents, Robert and Eleanor Sterling, were extraordinary people. They built Sterling Group from nothing, but they always made time for their son.” Evelyn’s voice grew quieter. “Until the
accident.
Chloe reached for the wine bottle, refilling our glasses. “What happened exactly?”
“Three years ago, they were flying to their lake house for the weekend. The helicopter crashed in bad weather.” Evelyn’s fingers tightened around her glass. “They died instantly.
My heart ached for Liam. No wonder he seemed so closed off.
“Liam was only twenty–seven when he suddenly had to take over the entire company,” Evelyn continued. “He wasn’t ready, but he didn’t have a choice.”
“That’s a lot of responsibility to shoulder so young,” I said softly.
Evelyn nodded. “He changed after that night. Before the accident, he was different–charming, lighthearted even. He dated, he laughed…”
“Wait,” Chloe interrupted. “You mean he used to be a normal human being?”
I shot her a warning look, but Evelyn chuckled.
“More than normal. He was quite the social butterfly. Her expression clouded. “But that night
C
14 The Scars He Carries
changed everything.”
“The night his parents died?” I asked.
Evelyn hesitated. “Yes, but there was more to it. Earlier that same evening, Liam had atted: charity masquerade ball. He met someone there–a woman. According to Damian, they had ant immediate connection.”
My stomach tightened inexplicably.
“When Liam got the call about his parents, he had to leave immediately. He never even got her name. Evelyn’s gaze drifted to the hallway where Leo slept. “He tried to find her afterward, but it was impossible. A face hidden behind a mask, no name exchanged…”
The room suddenly felt too hot, too small. My pulse quickened, but I forced myself to stay calm. Coincidences happened all the time, right?
“So he lost his parents and this mystery woman on the same night, Chloe summarized. “Talk about terrible timing.
Evelyn nodded. “Liam took it as a sign. He shut down emotionally, threw himself into work. The Sterling Group became his entire life”
“And that’s why you’re leaving?” I asked, grateful for the change of subject. “Because he’s all work and no play?”
“Partly.” Evelyn smiled gently. “But mostly because I have grandchildren in London who barely know me. It’s time I focused on my own family.”
I reached over and squeezed her hand. They’re lucky to have you!”
“Thank you, dear” Her eyes crinkled warmly. “And Sterling Group is lucky to have you. Liam needs someone who won’t back down when he’s being unreasonable.”
Chloe snorted into her wine. “Then he hit the jackpot with Hazel. She might look sweet, but she’s stubborn as hell.”
“I prefer ‘determined,” I corrected with a laugh.
Later, after Evelyn had gone home with promises to visit again soon, Chloe helped me clean up.
“So,” she said, loading the dishwasher, “are we going to talk about the elephant–sized coincidence in the room?”
I dropped the takeout containers I was gathering. “What do you mean?”
Chloe rolled her eyes. “Oh please. Mysterious guy at a masquerade ball three years ago, same night Sterling’s parents died, same violet–blue eyes your son has…”
“It’s not possible,” I insisted, though my voice lacked conviction.
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14 The Scars He Carries
“The timing fits perfectly,” Chloe pressed. “And those eyes–how many people have you ever seen with that color?”
“Just Leo and… Liam My heart was pounding so hard I coincidence. The universe isn’t that cruel.
Could hear it. “But it has to be a
Chloe leaned against the counter, studying me. “Would it be so terrible if Liam Sterling was
Leo’s father?”
“Yes! No… I don’t know.” I sank onto a kitchen chair. “It would be so complicated, Chloe. He’s my boss. And he’s so cold, so different from the man I met that night.”
“According to Evelyn, he wasn’t always like that.”
I buried my face in my hands. “This is insane speculation. We have no proof.”
“Except those eyes,” Chloe reminded me gently. “And the timing”
Lifting my head, I fixed her with a serious look. “Even if–and it’s a massive if–Liam was the man from that night, it doesn’t matter. He’s my boss now. That’s all.”
“Is it?” Chloe’s eyebrow arched. “Because I’ve never seen you so flustered about a boss before.”
Heat rushed to my face. “I’m not flustered.
“Oh really?” She smirked. “Then why do you turn five shades of red whenever you talk about
him?”
I groaned. “Fine. I’m physically attracted to him. Who wouldn’t be? The man looks like he stepped out of a GQ magazine.”
“Finally, some honesty!” Chloe clapped her hands. “So what are you going to do about it?”
“Nothing! Absolutely nothing.” I stood up, pacing the small kitchen. “I need this job, Chloe. I need the stability for Leo. I can’t risk everything because my body goes haywire whenever Liam Sterling walks into a room.”
Chloe crossed her arms. “You know, you don’t have to be a martyr. If you’re worried about job security, I could get you interviews at a dozen companies tomorrow.”
“I know, and I appreciate that. But this isn’t just about a paycheck.” I sighed, trying to articulate my feelings. “Working at Sterling Group feels… right. Like I’m where I’m supposed to be.”
“Even with Mr. Hot–and–Cold as your boss?”
“Even with him.” I smiled ruefully. “I just need to keep my distance and remember that he’s
off–limits.
Chloe flopped dramatically onto my couch. “Fine, deny yourself. But we both know you’re playing with fire.”
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14 The Scars He Carrios
“Speaking of playing,” I said, changing the subject, “I’m worried about Leo. My hours at Sterling are so long, and now with these social events…”
Chloe sat up straight, her expression brightening. “I was hoping you’d bring that up! I found the perfect solution.”
“Please don’t tell me you’re offering to babysit. The last time you watched Leo, you taught him to say ‘corporate overlords.”
“Hey, he needs to expand his vocabulary,” she defended with a laugh. “But no, I hired someone.”
I stared at her. “You what?”
“I hired a nanny. Her name is Clara Martinez. She’s amazing–certified in childcare, CPR trained, references checked. She’s worked for my cousin’s family for years.”
“Chloe,” I began, overwhelmed, “I can’t afford-”
She held up her hand. “Already taken care of. Consider it Leo’s godmother’s gift.
“I can’t let you pay for my childcare!”
“Yes, you can, and you will.” Chloe’s tone brooked no argument. “Look, you know money isn’t an issue for me. Let me do this one thing. It’ll give you peace of mind, and Leo gets consistent care from someone wonderful.”
Tears pricked at my eyes. Chloe had been my rock since the day I found out I was pregnant. Without her support, I’m not sure where Leo and I would be.
“Clara can start Monday” Chloe continued softly. “She’ll be here when you leave for work and stay until you get home. No more rushing to daycare, no more worrying about late pickups.
The weight that lifted from my shoulders was immense. I hadn’t realized how much the constant juggling act had been wearing me down.
“Thank you,” I whispered, grabbing her in a fierce hug. “I don’t know what I’d do without you.”
“Probably wear boring clothes and never have any fun, she teased, hugging me back.
I pulled away, wiping my eyes. “I should meet her first, make sure Leo likes her
“Obviously. She’s coming tomorrow morning for introductions. If you don’t like her, we’ll find someone else! Chloe squeezed my hand. “But you will. She’s perfect.”
As I lay in bed later that night, my mind swirled with everything I’d learned. Liam Sterling, the cold, demanding CEO who made my pulse race, had once been someone different. Someone who connected with a masked woman at a ball, who’d lost everything in a single night.
Could that woman have been me? And if so, what would happen if he ever found out?
The possibility was both terrifying and oddly thrilling. But as I drifted off to sleep, one thought
14 The Scars He Carries
remained clear, no matter what, I had to protect Leo. Even if it meant keeping secrets from the man who might be his father.
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