9 The Breathtaking and Brooding Boss Hazel's POV " Wow , look at you ! That dress is absolutely stunning on you , Hazel ! " Evelyn exclaimed , her transparent blue eyes widening as I walked into the office . smoothed down the navy blue dress , suddenly self - conscious . " Thanks . I thought I should make a good impression today . " " Well , mission accomplished , " Evelyn said with a warm smile . " You look like you belong here ." Her approval made me stand a little taller in my borrowed Louboutins . I'd spent an extra thirty minutes on my appearance this morning , carefully applying makeup and styling my long black hair into a sleek chignon . " Any updates on Mr. Sterling's arrival ? " I asked , settling behind my desk . Evelyn sighed . " Actually , yes . He called this morning . He's coming in after lunch , not tomorrow as originally planned ." My heart dropped . " Today ? But I'm not ready ! I haven't finished reviewing all the files vou gave me . " " Don't worry , " Evelyn patted my shoulder . " You'll do fine . Just be yourself - well , your professional self . And maybe hold off on the tea suggestions . " She winked . I groaned , burying my face in my hands . " I'm never living that down , am I ? " " Never , " she confirmed cheerfully . " Now , let's go over the afternoon schedule before I head to lunch . " We spent the next hour reviewing pending tasks and correspondence. By the time Evelyn left for her lunch break , I felt marginally more prepared . I stayed at my desk , munching on the sandwich I'd brought from home while reviewing client files . The elevator dinged , and I quickly wiped my mouth , straightening in my chair . But it was just the mail clerk delivering packages . At precisely one o'clock , the elevator dinged again . This time , I heard male voices and laughter . I stood , smoothing my dress once more . 20:37 C 1/5 9 The Breathtaking and Brooding Boss Two men rounded the corner . The first was tall with dark chocolate skin , a clean - shaven head , and a well - groomed goatee . His smile was dazzling as he spotted me " Well , hello there," he said , giving a low whistle . " You must be Hazel , the new assistant who gave our CEO some sass on the phone . " I blushed furiously . " I- " " Damian Knight ," he interrupted , extending his hand . " Vice President and unofficial company gossip . Everyone's talking about you , you know . " " Great . Just great . Behind him stood another man , taller and broader . As he stepped forward , my breath caught in my throat . The magazine photo hadn't done him justice . Liam Sterling was devastatingly handsome in person . His brown hair was perfectly styled , his jaw square and strong , his suit obviously custom - made to fit his athletic build . But it was his eyes that made my knees weak - a startling , intense violet - blue that seemed to pierce right through me . The exact same shade as my son's eyes . Miss Vance ," he said coolly , his deep voice sending shivers down my spine . " I trust you've settled in ." I somehow managed to extend my hand . " Yes , sir . It's nice to meet you . " When our hands touched , an electric current shot up my arm . His grip was firm , his skin warm . The sensation was so powerful that I almost yanked my hand away . From the slight widening of his eyes , I wondered if he'd felt it too . " Evelyn has been an excellent teacher , " I continued , trying to sound professional despite my racing heart . He studied me for a moment , his expression unreadable . " Good . We'll see if her faith in you is justified ." Without another word , he released my hand and turned toward his office . " Damian , shall we ? " 20:37 2/5 9 The Breathtaking and Brooding Boss " Right behind you , " Damlan said , giving me an apologetic smile and a thumbs - up before following his boss . As soon as the door closed behind them , I collapsed into my chair , my legs suddenly unable to support me . Those eyes . I'd only seen that exact shade once before - on the masked man at the ball three years ago . The man who had given me the most passionate night of my life . The man who had unwittingly given me my son . It couldn't be . It was impossible . Violet - blue eyes were rare , yes , but surely there were others with that coloring . It had to be a coincidence . But as I stared at the closed office door , memories flooded back - strong hands caressing my skin , whispered words in the darkness , that intense gaze burning through a golden mask . " Get a grip , Hazel , " I muttered to myself . " You're being ridiculous . " I forced myself to focus on work , but my hands trembled as I typed emails . Every time I glanced at the office door , my stomach tightened . What if it was him ? What would I do ? What would I say ? " Hi , remember that anonymous hookup at a masquerade ball three years ago ? Surprise , you have a son ! " Yeah , that would go over well . I'd be fired on the spot . From inside the office , I heard raised voices . Damian seemed to be arguing with Liam about something . Then laughter . At least someone was having a good time . The phone rang , startling me . " Sterling Group , CEO's office , " I answered automatically . " Hazel , it's Evelyn . I'm running late . How's it going ? Did they arrive ? " " Yes , they're here ," I said , lowering my voice . " Mr. Knight is friendly . Mr. Sterling is … " I struggled to find the right word . " Intimidating ? Brooding ? Impossibly handsome ? " Evelyn supplied helpfully . " All of the above , " I admitted . " And his eyes , Evelyn . They're so … " 20:37 3/5 ( 9 The Breathtaking and Brooding Boss " Unusual ? They're quite something , aren't they ? I've never seen another person with that shade " Except my son , I thought but didn't say . " I'll be there in twenty minutes ," Evelyn promised . " Hang in there . " After hanging up, I tried once more to.concentrate on work . I was in the middle of organizing Liam's schedule for the next week when a commotion in the reception area caught my attention . " Ma'am , you can't just- " I heard the receptionist protest . " Watch me , " a female voice responded sharply . Before I could react , a stunning blonde woman in a skin - tight red dress stormed into the office area like a hurricane . Her heels clicked aggressively on the marble floor as she marched straight toward me . " Where is he ? " she demanded , her perfectly made - up face contorted with fury . I stood , placing myself between her and the office door . " I'm sorry , but if you're looking for Mr. Sterling , you'll need an appointment . May I help you schedule one ? " She laughed bitterly . " I don't need an appointment . Tell him Vanessa is here . Now . " The receptionist appeared behind her , looking flustered . " I'm so sorry , Ms. Vance . She wouldn't stop- " " It's fine , Tina , " I said calmly , though my heart was racing . I turned back to the blonde woman . " Mr. Sterling is in a meeting . If you'd like to leave a message- " " I'm not leaving a message ," she snapped , reaching for the office door . " I'm going to tell that bastard exactly what I think of him to his face ! " I moved quickly , blocking her path . " I'm afraid I can't let you do that . " Her eyes narrowed dangerously . " Get out of my way my way before I make you regret it ." The office door swung open behind me , and I felt a presence at my back - solid , warm , intimidating . " Is there a problem here ? " Liam's deep voice rumbled , so close that I could feel his breath on my neck . 20:37 4/5 9 The Breathtaking and Brooding Boss The blonde's angry expression instantly transformed into a victimized pout . " Liam , darling , Finally ! Your watchdog here was refusing to let me see you . " I stiffened at the insult but kept my professional mask in place . " Mr. Sterling , this is- " " Vanessa ," he said flatly . " What do you want ? " I could feel the tension radiating from.him . His body was so close behind me that if I stepped back even slightly , we'd be touching . " What do I want ? " The woman's voice rose shrilly . " You stood me up last night ! No call , no message . I waited at the restaurant for an hour ! " Damian appeared in the doorway behind Liam , his expression shifting from curious to resigned when he saw the woman . " Oh boy, " he muttered . " Here we go again . " Comment O Leave the first comment for this chapter . Send Gift Swipe left to continue > 20:37