28 The Mystery of a Son Liam's POV1 Sleep eluded me . The digital clock on my nightstand mocked me with its relentless forward march - 3 : 17 AM , , . My mind refused to quiet , replaying images of Hazel cradling her feverish son . Leo . My father's name . Those striking green eyes - like his mother's , yes , but something else nagged at me . Something familiar I couldn't place . I gave up on sleep at and headed to my home gym . After a punishing workout that did nothing to clear my head , I showered and drove to the office . The Sterling Group building was eerily quiet at , most employees not due for another two hours . I poured myself a strong coffee and settled at my desk , pulling out my phone . I scrolled through my contacts until I found the name I needed : Albert Allen , private investigator . " This better be important , " Albert growled after the fourth ring . " It's Liam Sterling ." A pause , then a more alert voice . " Liam . You're calling awfully early . Something wrong ? " " I need information . Discreetly . " " That's what you pay me for," he replied . " What are we looking at ? Corporate espionage again ? " I hesitated . " No. Personal . I need information on my executive assistant , Hazel Vance ." " Any particular reason ? " " Just standard due diligence ." The lie felt bitter on my tongue . " She has access to sensitive company information . " Albert chuckled . " Sure , standard due diligence at 6:30 in the morning . I know her , 20:47 28 The Mystery of a Son actually ." That caught me off guard . " You do ? " " Ran a background check when you hired her . Remember ? Clean as a whistle . Single mother , works hard , pays her bills on time . What more do you want to know ? " Single mother . The words punched me in the gut all over again . " Her son ," I said , my voice tight . " I want to know about her son . And who his father is ." A long pause followed . " I'll see what I can find , " Albert finally said . " But I gotta say , Liam , she's a good one . Whatever you're worried about , I doubt she's a security risk ." " Just do the job , Albert ." " Will do . I'll be in touch . " I hung up , immediately regretting my harsh tone . Albert was right - Hazel was " a good one ." That was part of the problem . She was too good , too perfect . And now with this revelation about her son … The elevator dinged at , pulling me from my thoughts . Evelyn stepped out , looking surprised to see me . " You're early , " she remarked , setting her purse on her desk . " Couldn't sleep . " She studied my face with that maternal scrutiny I'd grown used to . " Worried about the company or something else ? " Before I could answer , Damian strolled in , dressed impeccably as always . " Morning , people ! Why the long face , Sterling ? " He dropped into the chair across from my desk . I glanced between them . " Hazel has a son . " Damian raised his eyebrows . " And that's a problem because … ? " " It's not a problem , " I snapped . " It's just - why didn't she mention it ? " 20:47 2/5 20 The Mystery of a Son " Maybe because her personal life is none of your business ? " Damian suggested . Evelyn crossed her arms . " Leo is a beautiful boy . I've seen pictures ." I turned to her . " You knew ? " " Of course I knew . Women talk , Liam . " " Any idea who the father is ? " I tried to sound casual . Evelyn's expression turned mysterious . " That's Hazel's business ." " So you do know . " " I didn't say that . " She busied herself with arranging items on her desk . Damian leaned forward . " Why do you care so much about Hazel's kid , anyway ? " " I don't ! " I said too quickly . " I just like knowing who's working for me . " " Bullshit , " Damian called me out . " You've got a thing for her . " " It's not like that , " I insisted . " I just … I respect her , okay ? Single mother , working a demanding job , handling everything on her own . " Damian nodded slowly . " It is impressive . " " She has the most remarkable eyes ," Evelyn said suddenly . " Leo , I mean . " Something in her tone made me look sharply at her . " Green like Hazel's ? " " Oh no , " Evelyn smiled enigmatically . " Not green at all ." Before I could question her further , the elevator dinged again . Hazel stepped out , looking tired but composed . My heart did a strange little flip . " Good morning ," she said , surveying our impromptu gathering . " Is everything okay ? " " How's Leo ? " I asked immediately . A smile softened her face . " Much better . His fever broke overnight . Thank you again for yesterday . " " It was nothing , " I said , suddenly awkward . Damian stood , extending his hand to Hazel . " Damian Knight . We haven't been properly 20:47 3/5 28 The Mystery of a Son introduced , but I've heard good things from these two . " " Hazel Vance ." She shook his hand . " I've heard you're the only one who can keep our CEO in line . " Damian laughed . " I try , but it's a losing battle ." " I'm standing right here ," I grumbled . . Hazel smiled , and the room felt brighter somehow . " Leo loved the dinosaur , by the way . He's carrying it everywhere ." Pride warmed my chest unreasonably . " I'm glad he likes it ." " You all should come to lunch at my place sometime , " she offered . " Leo would love to meet his mom's work friends . Maybe next weekend ? " " I'd be delighted ," Evelyn said . " Count me in , " Damian agreed . I nodded , not trusting my voice . The thought of seeing Leo again - healthy , playing in his own environment - created a strange tightness in my throat . We need to buckle down on this crisis , " I said , changing the subject abruptly . " I want everyone at my place Saturday morning . We'll work through the reports together . " " Even me ? " Hazel asked , surprising me . " You should stay with Leo ," I said automatically . " You've already missed a day ." Her expression hardened subtly . " Leo will be with Chloe . I'll be there ." " That's not necessary- " " With all due respect , Mr. Sterling ," she cut in firmly , " I've already arranged everything . This is my job , and I'm good at it . My son is well taken care of , and I won't be excluded from important meetings because you've suddenly decided to be considerate of my personal life ." The room fell silent . Damian / looked impressed . Evelyn was hiding a smile . " I … of course , " I managed . " Nine o'clock , then . " Hazel nodded , satisfied . " Nine o'clock . " 20:47 28 The Mystery of a Son As she turned to set up her workstation , Damian caught my eye and mouthed " Wow " with an appreciative nod . I couldn't agree more . Hazel Vance had just put me in my place , and inexplicably , my admiration for her only grew stronger . Comment 2 View All > O