The CEO’s Masked Secret Wife novel Chapter 100

100 Chapter 100

100 Chapter 100

# Chapter 100 – An Unexpected Offer and a Surprising Visitor 1

Hazel’s POV

My stomach twisted with anxiety as I followed Mr. Cole’s assistant to his office. The text message had been cryptic: “Please see me in my office at 5:00 PM. -AC”

I spotted Chloe sitting in one of the plush chairs across from his desk. Her presence only heightened my confusion.

“Ah, Hazel, please take a seat.” Adrian Cole gestured to the empty chair beside Chloe.

I settled in, exchanging a quick glance with my best friend. She gave me a reassuring smile, but I could tell she knew something I didn’t.

“Am I in trouble?” I asked, hating how small my voice sounded.

Mr. Cole laughed. “Quite the opposite, actually.”

He leaned forward, folding his hands on his polished mahogany desk. The late afternoon sunlight streamed through the windows, highlighting the silver in his temples.

“Hazel, in the short time you’ve been with us, you’ve proven yourself to be an exceptional employee. Your work ethic, attention to detail, and ability to manage difficult situations have been nothing short of impressive.”

I relaxed slightly, but remained wary. Compliments like this usually preceded bad

news.

“Thank you, sir. I really enjoy working here.”

“And we’ve enjoyed having you.” He paused, seeming to gather his thoughts. “Which is why this conversation is difficult for me.”

My pulse quickened. “Sir?”

“I received a call today from Liam Sterling.”

The mention of Liam’s name sent a jolt through me. Our weekend together had been

12.31

1/175

100 Chapter 100.

magical, but we’d left things uncertain about my employment situation.

“He wants you back as his personal assistant at Sterling Group,” Mr. Cole said plainly.

Chloe reached over and squeezed my hand. I was grateful for her support as I tried to process this information.

“I… I don’t know what to say.”

“You don’t need to say anything yet.” Mr. Cole’s voice was kind. “Liam made a compelling case for why you should return to your former position. He also offered Apex World a very generous contract to soften the blow of losing you.”

I bristled at the implication that I could be traded like a corporate asset. “And what did you say?”

“I told him I’d speak with you first. This is your decision, Hazel.”

I looked at him skeptically. “Most bosses wouldn’t give their employees that choice.”

“I’m not most bosses.” He smiled. “And you’re not most employees.”

Chloe finally spoke up. “Adrian and I have been friends for years, Hazel. That’s why I’m here. He wanted my input before approaching you.”

“And what was your input?” I asked, turning to her.

“That it should be entirely your choice,” she replied. “No pressure either way.”

Mr. Cole nodded. “The Sterling Group position is objectively better for your career. Higher salary, more prestige, greater advancement opportunities. But I understand there are… personal considerations.”

I felt a flush creep up my neck. “It’s complicated.”

“Life usually is.” Mr. Cole leaned back in his chair. “Let me be clear, Hazel. If you choose to stay with Apex World, I would be delighted. You have a place here for as long as you

want it.”

His sincerity touched me. I’d gotten so used to workplace politics and manipulation at Sterling Group that his straightforward kindness was disarming.

“And if I decide to go back?” I asked.

12.31

07-275

“Then I wish you nothing but success, and my door remains open should things not work out.” He smiled warmly. “No hard feelings, no burning bridges.”

I blinked rapidly, fighting unexpected tears. After everything I’d been through, having someone prioritize my happiness over their business interests felt foreign.

“Thank you, Mr. Cole. That’s incredibly generous.”

“Adrian,” he corrected gently. “And it’s not generosity-it’s basic human decency. Something the corporate world could use more of.”

Chloe stood up. “I think Hazel needs time to process this. Maybe we should continue

this conversation tomorrow?”

Adrian nodded. “Of course. Hazel, take the evening to think it over. There’s no rush.”

I rose on unsteady legs. “Thank you, sir—Adrian. I appreciate your understanding.”

As we left his office, Chloe looped her arm through mine and led me toward the break room. Once inside, she closed the door and turned to me.

“Okay, spill. What are you thinking?”

I collapsed into a chair. “I don’t know. Working here is so… peaceful. No drama, no manipulation.”

“But?” Chloe prompted, seeing straight through me as usual.

“But Sterling Group is where I built my career. It’s challenging work I’m good at.” I

hesitated. “And Liam is there.”

Chloe’s lips curved into a knowing smile. “That’s really the core issue, isn’t it? Liam.”

I groaned and buried my face in my hands. “Is it wrong to make a career decision based on a relationship? Especially one that’s still so new?”

“New?” Chloe snorted. “You have a child together. You’ve been dancing around each other for two years.”

“You know what I mean.”

She pulled a chair closer and sat beside me. “Look, this isn’t just about Liam. It’s about what job will make you happiest. Where will you feel most fulfilled? Most challenged? Most valued?”

12 31

3/5

“That’s the problem. I don’t know anymore.”

“Well, you don’t have to decide this minute.” Chloe stood and poured two cups of coffee. “Adrian gave you time. Use it.”

I accepted the coffee gratefully. “When did life get so complicated?”

“Probably around the time you hooked up with a mystery man at a masquerade ball,”

she teased.

Despite my anxiety, I laughed. “Best mistake I ever made.”

“He feels the same way, you know.” Chloe’s voice softened. “I saw how he looked at you at the gala. How he looks at Leo.”

“I know.” And I did know. Liam loved us both fiercely. The question was whether that love was enough to build our professional and personal lives around.

“For what it’s worth,” Chloe continued, “I’ve never seen Adrian so genuinely supportive of an employee’s decision to leave. That speaks volumes about how much he respects

you.”

I nodded, sipping my coffee thoughtfully. “It does make the decision harder, not

easier.”

“The best choices usually are the hardest,” she replied wisely.

We finished our coffee in comfortable silence. When we emerged from the break room, Chloe hugged me tightly.

“I’m heading out. Call me later? We can talk this through properly.”

“I will.” I squeezed her back. “Thanks for being here.”

After Chloe left, I returned to my desk, needing to gather my thoughts before heading home to Leo. The office was mostly empty now, just a few colleagues finishing up their day’s work.

I sat down heavily, staring at the family photo on my desk-Leo grinning toothily between me and Liam at the park. We looked like a real family. Happy. Complete.

Could I go back to Sterling Group without sacrificing the independence I’d fought so hard for? Could I work with Liam every day and maintain professional boundaries?

17:31 –

1.4/5

Would the renovated office truly erase the painful memories?

The familiar ping of the elevator interrupted my thoughts. Probably the cleaning staff arriving for their evening rounds.

Instead, a commotion of whispers and surprised exclamations spread across the floor. I looked up, curious about the disturbance.

Standing by the reception desk, dressed impeccably in designer clothes and holding a large gift basket, was Scarlett. Her red lips curved into a huge smile when she spotted

“There you are!” she called out, striding confidently toward my desk. “I’ve been looking everywhere for you!”

I stared at her in shock, wondering why Liam’s sister had tracked me down at my new workplace-and what her sudden appearance meant for the decision I now faced.