43 An Unexpected Lifeline Hazel's POV I sat at Clara Dalton's kitchen table, staring into my tea as if the answers to my life's problems might suddenly appear in its amber depths. The house was quiet except for the occasional sound of Leo playing with blocks in the adjacent living room. "You've barely touched your sandwich, dear." Clara placed a gentle hand on my shoulder. I forced a smile. "Sorry. Not very hungry." "Understandable." Clara sat beside me. Unlike her daughter Chloe, who was all fire and quick words, Clara was calm waters-steady, nurturing. "I just feel so… stupid." The admission burned my throat. "I should have known better than to trust him." "You're many things, Hazel Vance, but stupid isn't one of them." The doorbell rang, interrupting our conversation. Clara answered it while I remained slumped at the table. "Hazel?" Clara's voice carried an odd note. "Someone's here for you." A young man in a Sterling Group uniform stood awkwardly in the doorway, clutching an envelope. My stomach dropped. "Ms. Vance?" He offered the envelope. "Mr. Knight asked me to deliver these personally." I took it with trembling hands. "Thank you." After he left, I tore open the envelope. Inside were termination papers, already filled out, and a check for my final payment plus severance. "Those bastards." Clara peered over my shoulder. "Don't they have any decency?" I shook my head, grabbed a pen from my purse, and signed the termination papers. Then I folded the check and tucked it back into the envelope. 43 An Unexpected Lifeline "What are you doing?" Clara asked. "I'm returning the check." I sealed everything back up. "I don't want a penny from Liam Sterling." "Hazel-" "No." My voice was firm. "My pride is all I have left right now." Clara nodded, though her eyes reflected concern. "What will you do now?" "I need to call my parents." I pulled out my phone. "I was thinking… maybe Leo and I could move back home. Just until I get on my feet again." The call connected after three rings. "Hello?" "Mom?" My voice cracked slightly. "Hazel! What perfect timing! Your father and I were just about to call you with the big news!" My brow furrowed. "News?" "We did it, sweetheart! We finally retired and sold the house!" My heart plummeted. "You… sold the house?" "Yes! We bought that little farm we've been eyeing for years. We're moving next week!" The last piece of my backup plan crumbled before my eyes. "That's… wonderful, Mom. I'm so happy for you both." "You sound strange, honey. Is everything okay?" I caught Clara's concerned gaze and forced brightness into my voice. "Everything's fine! Just surprised, that's all. I'll call you later, okay? Love you." I hung up and promptly burst into tears. Clara wrapped her arms around me. "Oh, honey." "I have nowhere to go," I sobbed. "No job, no savings. I spent everything I had on that apartment deposit." "You'll stay with us," Clara said firmly. 2/5 43 An Unexpected Lifeline "I can't impose-" "Nonsense. It's already decided." From the living room came Leo's voice. "Mama? Are you crying?" I quickly wiped my tears and turned to find my son standing in the doorway, tiny brows drawn together in worry. "Just a little sad, baby. But I'm okay now." I knelt and opened my arms. He came to me, his small hands patting my cheeks. "Don't be sad, Mama." "I'll try, sweetie." Leo pulled back, his expression suddenly brightening. "When is Mr. Liam coming back? He promised to show me his big boat." The innocent question made my heart clench. I opened my mouth, unsure how to explain that Liam would never be coming back, when the front door burst open. "Honey, I'm home!" Chloe sang out, striding into the kitchen with shopping bags dangling from her arms. Leo immediately ran to her. "Auntie Chloe!" "There's my favorite little man!" She scooped him up and spun him around before setting him down. "I brought you a surprise. Look in the blue bag" While Leo eagerly dug through the bag, Chloe assessed my red eyes and tear-streaked face. "Oh, Haze." She dropped her remaining bags and pulled me into a fierce hug. "An employee came by with termination papers," Clara explained quietly. Chloe's eyes hardened. "That coward couldn't even fire you in person?" "Actually, Damian sent them." I sank back into my chair. "And I just found out my parents sold their house. I can't go home." "Good thing I have amazing news then." Chloe's face transformed with a dazzling smile. I eyed her suspiciously. "What did you do?" 3/5 43 An Unexpected Lifeline "I may have mentioned your situation to my boss." "Chloe!" "Listen! He was furious when I told him how Sterling treated you. He said any company would be lucky to have someone with your qualifications, and he wants to interview you tomorrow." I stared at her in disbelief. "Are you serious?" "Completely. The position is executive assistant to the CEO-just like your old job but with better pay and an actual human being for a boss." Hope flickered, but doubt quickly smothered it. "What if Liam finds out and interferes?" "He won't," Chloe said confidently. "And even if he tries, my boss doesn't scare easily. Besides," her smile turned smug "-he thinks Sterling is an idiot for letting you go. He's actually hoping Sterling will come crawling back to apologize so he can have the satisfaction of stealing you away." Despite everything, I laughed. "That's petty." "That's business." Chloe winked. "So? Will you at least meet with him?" Clara nodded encouragingly. "What have you got to lose?" They were right. I had nothing left to lose-but perhaps something to gain: my dignity, my independence, and a fresh start. "Okay." I took a deep breath. "If he still wants to hire me after meeting me, I'll accept." "That's my girl!" Chloe clapped her hands. "Now, I brought dinner and wine. Let's drown your sorrows tonight, and tomorrow, we rise from the ashes." As Chloe bustled around the kitchen and Leo showed me his new toy, I felt the crushing weight on my chest lift slightly. Just twenty-four hours ago, I'd been falling in love with Liam Sterling. Now I was jobless, heartbroken, and starting over. But I wasn't alone. I had my son, my best friend, and now-possibly-a new opportunity. It wasn't the life I'd imagined, but perhaps it was the one I needed. Tomorrow would be the first day of whatever came next. And for the first time since 4/5 43 An Unexpected Lifeline Liam had accused me of betrayal, I allowed myself to feel something dangerously close to hope.