The CEO’s Masked Secret Wife novel Chapter 138

138 A Calculated Outing

138 A Calculated Outing

“Nothing to worry about,” Noah assured her. “Standard genetic compatibility screening.”

“I just don’t understand why we’re in this specific department,” she pressed, glancing around the gynecology wing.

“Mission accomplished?” he asked.

Noah’s expression remained guarded, and I couldn’t shake the feeling that he knew something crucial about Hazel–something that might change everything even sooner than I planned.

“Just be careful,” Damian warned. “If she is ill, the last thing she needs is stress.”

“Raincheck,” I said firmly. “Let me drive you home.”

“Quick pinch,” Noah warned before drawing her blood.

She leaned in for a kiss, but I turned my head, letting her lips land on my cheek instead. Her eyes flashed with anger, but she covered it quickly.

“Monday morning, as promised. The samples are already at the lab.”

“When will we get the results?” Isabella asked, pressing a cotton ball to her arm.

“Because it’s not your business,” Damian said bluntly. “You’re engaged to another woman, remember? At least officially.”

The moment she disappeared into her building, I called Damian.

“I’ll be right here,” I promised, taking her hand while silently thanking Damian for his brilliant plan. Getting Isabella’s DNA without her suspecting was working perfectly.

“The Sterling family trusts Dr. Evans explicitly,” I said. “He’s handled our medical affairs for years.”

“Meet me at Noah’s house in thirty. And find out what you can about Hazel–she was at the hospital today.”

I ran a hand through my hair in frustration. “Is she going to be alright?”

21:01

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138 A Calculated Outing

Noah hesitated. “I can’t share patient information—”

I drove faster than necessary to Noah’s suburban home, relief washing over me when I spotted Damian’s car already in the driveway. Inside, Damian and Noah were waiting in the living room with drinks.

“I’ve been trying,” I growled. “She’s been avoiding me since I got back from New York.” Isabella sat primly, crossing her legs. “I didn’t realize this would be so… clinical.”

“She’s been sick,” Damian said finally. “Chloe mentioned she’s been feeling unwell for days.”

Noah caught my eye briefly. “I’ll expedite the analysis. Should have preliminary results by Monday.”

My head snapped up. “What health crisis? What happened after Leo was born?”

“Then I’m going to find out what the hell is going on with Hazel,” I said, the image of her pale face haunting me. “Something’s not right, and I’m tired of being kept in the

dark.”

“Wonderful,” I replied, knowing that meant I’d have proof of Isabella’s deception within forty–eight hours.

“And then what?” Noah asked quietly.

I rolled up my sleeve, knowing my blood sample was merely for show. The real test

would compare Isabella’s DNA to the baby’s sample Noah had secretly obtained during her prenatal visit.

Before I could respond, my phone rang–right on schedule. Damian’s name flashed across the screen.

“Noah,” I said, my voice dangerously low. “What aren’t you telling me?”

“Sterling,” I answered.

Liam’s POV

I felt Isabella’s irritating grip tighten on my arm as we walked through the hospital corridor. Seeing Hazel here, in the gynecology wing, looking pale and unsteady—it took everything in me not to abandon this charade and go to her.

138 A Calculated Outing

“Will I see you tomorrow?” Isabella asked as I pulled up to her building.

I watched her face carefully. “Is there a problem, Isabella?”

“With rest and proper care, yes,” Noah said carefully. “Though I’m worried. I’ve only seen her this way once before, years ago when she had a health crisis after Leo was born.”

“Blood samples?” Isabella’s smile faltered.

“Cut the bullshit,” I snapped. “This is Hazel we’re talking about.”

“On it.”

We turned the corner, and I spotted Hazel and Chloe hurrying toward the hospital

exit.

“Can you blame her?” Damian asked. “As far as she knows, you’re marrying Isabella next

week.”

“What’s the emergency?” I asked loudly enough for Isabella to hear.

Noah and Damian exchanged a look that made my stomach drop. “No, of course not,” she said quickly. “I just hate needles.”

“Liam, why are we really here?” Isabella’s voice grated on my nerves.

“I’ll call you,” I lied, knowing I’d avoid her until the test results came in.

“All done,” Noah announced. “Mr. Sterling, your turn.”

“But what about our plans?” she pouted. “You promised to take me to your parents‘ estate today.”

I nodded, my mind already formulating a plan. Whatever was happening with Hazel, whatever secret Noah was keeping, I would find out. And nothing–not Isabella, not social conventions, not even Hazel’s stubborn independence–would stop me.

I drained my glass. “That ends Monday when we prove Isabella’s baby isn’t mine.”

“Why didn’t anyone tell me?” I slammed my glass down.

My heart clenched. “Concerning how?”

138 A Calculated Outing

Noah nodded, playing along perfectly. “We’ll need blood samples from both of you

today.”

“Ms. Clairemont, Mr. Sterling,” he greeted us formally. “Please, have a seat.”

“She suspects nothing,” I confirmed, taking a long swallow. “How soon can we have the

results?”

“Monday,” I said, more to myself than to them. “By Monday, everything changes.”

After finishing the paperwork, I led Isabella back toward the exit, my mind racing with the image of Hazel’s shocked face in the hallway. Why was she here? Was she ill?

“No emergency, just following the script. Tell the blonde witch you need to head to the office.”

“That was almost too easy,” Noah said, handing me a whiskey.

“My father’s lawyers handle that,” I lied smoothly. “They’ll contact us if there are any concerns.”

Noah prépared the equipment while making small talk about the Sterling family’s long history with his practice. Isabella relaxed slightly, her vanity placated by the idea that she was being vetted for entry into my illustrious family.

I forced a smile. “As I told you, my father’s will requires all potential Sterling spouses to undergo medical screening.”

I nodded, tension coiling in my shoulders. “Now, tell me about Hazel.”

“Right on time,” Damian’s voice came through. “How’s your date with the devil going?”

“Don’t work too hard,” she purred before stepping out.

Isabella winced dramatically, squeezing my hand so hard her nails bit into my skin. I resisted the urge to pull away.

“Absolutely not,” she snapped, clutching my arm. “I’m not going to stand around while you chase after your secretary.”

“Wait here,” I told Isabella, not caring how commanding I sounded.

Her eyes lit up at the implied promise of marriage. So predictable.

138 A Calculated Outing

“What kind of sick?” I demanded, remembering her pale face and the way Chloe had hovered protectively.

The ride to Isabella’s apartment was mercifully quiet, her sullen silence giving me time to think about Hazel. Something was wrong–I could feel it.

“Full medical workup includes reproductive health,” I replied smoothly. “Standard procedure.”

We reached Dr. Evans‘ office, and I gestured for her to enter first. Noah was waiting inside, his expression professionally neutral despite knowing exactly what I was up to. “It’s not my place,” he replied. “If you want answers, you should talk to Hazel.”

I turned back to Isabella with a perfectly crafted expression of regret. “I’m sorry, there’s an issue at the office. I need to go in immediately.”

Noah suddenly looked uncomfortable. “I shouldn’t have mentioned that.”

Noah sighed, removing his glasses. “She fainted during her appointment. Her vitals were concerning.”

“I need to take this,” I said, stepping away from Isabella while keeping my eyes on Hazel’s retreating form.

“Low blood pressure, elevated heart rate. She was severely dehydrated.”

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