5/5 ( C8 An Unexpected Summons and a Wardrobe for War 8 An Unexpected Summons and a Wardrobe for War Hazel's POV " You hung up on Liam Sterling ? THE Liam Sterling ? " Chloe's eyes widened as she leaned across our table at the café , nearly knocking over her latte . " And you're still employed ? " I buried my face in my hands . " For now . But he's arriving tomorrow , and I'm pretty sure I'll be fired on the spot ." After my disastrous phone call with my new boss , I'd desperately needed moral support . Chloe , being the amazing best friend she was , had rushed to meet me after work . " Tell me everything again , " she demanded , eyes sparkling with mischief . I recounted the entire mortifying exchange while Chloe listened , her expression shifting from shock to amusement . " So let me get this straight - you suggested chamomile tea to one of the most powerful men in the business world because he sounded tense ? " She burst into laughter . " God , I love you . " " It's not funny ! " I groaned . " I need this job , Chloe . The salary is twice what I was making before , and Leo deserves better than that tiny apartment we've been crammed in . " Chloe waved dismissively . " You won't get fired . Trust me ." " How can you be so sure ? " " Because men like Sterling respect backbone , " she said confidently . " Besides , isn't his assistant - what's her name , Evelyn ? -didn't she say you handled it perfectly ? " I nodded reluctantly . " She seemed amused by the whole thing . But still … " " Wait , " Chloe interrupted , looking thoughtful . " How old is this Sterling guy anyway ? I'm picturing some grumpy old man with liver spots . " " Actually , I have no idea . I realized I know almost nothing about him except his reputation for being demanding , " 20:36 1/5 8 An Unexpected Summons and a Wardrobo for War Chloe pulled out her phone and started typing . Her eyes widened as she scrolled . " Holy shit , Hazel . Liam Sterling is only thirty - two! " She turned her phone around , showing me a business magazine cover . My breath caught. The man staring back at me was nothing like I'd imagined . No liver spots in sight . Instead , I was looking at a devastatingly handsome face with sharp features , piercing eyes that appeared almost violet - blue , and dark brown hair styled perfectly . He wore an expensive suit that did nothing to hide his broad shoulders and athletic build . " That's my boss ? " I whispered . " That's your boss , " Chloe confirmed with a wicked grin . " And he's hot as hell ." I pushed her phone away . " That doesn't help . Now I'm even more intimidated . " " Speaking of good news , " Chloe said , changing the subject , " I got the job at Apex World ! We start next week ." " That's amazing ! " I reached across the table to squeeze her hand . " We should celebrate ." " We absolutely should , " she agreed . " Starting with shopping . You need a killer outfit for tomorrow's showdown with Mr. Gorgeous CEO . " " I can't afford- " " My treat ," she insisted , holding up a hand to silence my protests . " Consider it an investment in your future ." Before I could argue further , she had paid our bill and was dragging me toward the department stores .. " First , let's get something for Leo , " I insisted , steering us toward the children's section . Chloe rolled her eyes but followed . " Fine , but then we're getting you something fabulous ." An hour later , we'd purchased a new set of blocks for Leo and were standing in a high - end boutique I'd normally walk right past . Chloe held up a sleek charcoal pencil skirt and crisp white blouse . " Too basic ," she declared , putting them back . " You need something that says ' I'm 20:36 2/5 ( B B An Unexpected Summons and a Wardrobe for War competent , professional , AND memorable ." " She disappeared into the racks while I nervously checked price tags , growing increasingly horrified . " Chloe , these prices are insane ," I called out . " I can't let you- " " Try this . " She emerged with a tailored navy blue dress with subtle , strategic seaming that suggested curves without being inappropriate for work . The fabric felt impossibly luxurious against my skin . " And these . " She added a pair of nude heels with red soles that probably cost more than my monthly rent . " No way ," I protested . " Those are Louboutins ! " " Just try them on ," she insisted , pushing me toward the dressing room . " Humor me ." I reluctantly obeyed , expecting to look ridiculous - like a child playing dress - up in her mother's clothes . Instead , the woman in the mirror looked sophisticated , confident , and undeniably powerful . The dress fit perfectly , highlighting my waist without being tight , falling just below my knees . The heels made my legs look endless . " Well ? " Chloe called from outside . I stepped out , feeling strangely emotional . " I look … " " Like you belong in that corner office , " she finished for me , eyes shining . " Like someone who doesn't take shit from CEOs , no matter how gorgeous they are . " The sales associate nodded in agreement . " The fit is perfect . You look stunning . " For a moment , I allowed myself to imagine walking into Sterling Group tomorrow wearing this outfit , facing Liam Sterling with my head held high . " I can't afford this , " I whispered to Chloe . " Think of it as armor , " she replied softly . " You're going into battle tomorrow . You need to feel invincible . " I bit my lip , calculating how many overtime hours it would take to pay her back . " Stop overthinking ," Chloe said , reading my mind . " We'll consider it a loan if that makes you feel better . Pay me back when you get your first big bonus . " 20:36 3/5 8 An Unexpected Summons and a Wardrobe for War " If I don't get fired first , I muttered . " You won't , " she insisted . " Now change back so we can buy this and get dinner . I'm starving ." As I carefully removed the beautiful dress , Chloe slipped into the dressing room with a small pink bag . " One more thing ," she said with a sly smile , pulling out a matching set of lace lingerie in deep blue . " Every warrior needs a secret weapon . " " Chloe ! " I gasped . " I'm not trying to seduce my boss ! " " This isn't for him , " she replied . " It's for you . To remind you that underneath that professional exterior is a woman who's strong , sexy , and completely capable . " I stared at the delicate lace , remembering how long it had been since I'd - worn anything but practical cotton . Not since that night at the masquerade ball … " Fine , " I conceded . " But only because they match the dress . " By the time we finished dinner and I got home , it was past Leo's bedtime . Mrs. Rodriguez , my elderly neighbor who watched him after daycare , had already put him to bed . " He was an angel as always ," she assured me . " Ate all his vegetables without complaining . " I thanked her profusely , paid her , and peeked in on my sleeping son . His dark curls framed his cherubic face , his long eyelashes casting shadows on his chubby cheeks . My heart swelled with love and determination . This job wasn't just about me - it was about giving him the life he deserved . After a quick shower , I collapsed into bed with my laptop , determined to research everything about Liam Sterling before facing him tomorrow . But just as I typed his name into the search bar , my new work phone buzzed with a message . Unknown Number : Arriving tomorrow . We'll discuss your duties , and prepare the chamomile tea . I stared at the screen , my heart racing . The number wasn't saved in my contacts , but it had to be him . The reference to chamomile tea confirmed it . 20:38 4/5 8 An Unexpected Summons and a Wardrobe for War He hadn't forgotten our exchange . I fell back against my pillows , simultaneously terrified and strangely exhilarated . Tomorrow I would finally meet Liam Sterling face to face , and judging by this message , he was already planning our confrontation . I glanced at the dress hanging on my closet door and the shoc box containing my " armor" for tomorrow's battle . At least I'd go down looking spectacular . Sleep eluded me for hours as I mentally rehearsed what I might say when those intense violet - blue eyes finally met mine in person . Comment 0 O Leave the first comment for this chapter . 图 Send Gift