24 Chapter 24 – Morning Coffee and Predatory Warnings
Chapter 24 – Morning Coffee and Predatory Warnings
Hazel’s POV
I walked into my apartment with my boss’s parting words still ringing in my ears. He would continue his relentless teasing. What game was Liam Sterling really playing with me? Today had been an emotional whirlwind that left me questioning everything. Would our office dynamic ever find some semblance of normalcy?
I tiptoed to Leo’s room, finding him lost in peaceful slumber, his tiny arms wrapped around his favorite teddy bear. The sight of my son’s innocent face made my heart swell with love. Maybe I could convince Chl to join us for a Sunday afternoon at the park – Leo would love that. I peeked into my best friend’s room, confirming she was also deep in sleep, then grabbed the baby monitor from the hallway table.
The hot shower felt like salvation, washing away the tension and confusion that had accumulated throughout the day. As I slipped between my sheets, thoughts of Liam invaded my mind once again. His intense gaze, his commanding presence, the way he seemed to see right through me. I was definitely losing my sanity.
Morning came too quickly. Leo bounced out of bed like a spring, his radiant smile instantly brightening my mood. He chattered excitedly about his upcoming day at school while I helped him get dressed, sharing every little discovery and adventure that filled his young world. Watching my son thrive with such joy made every sacrifice worthwhile.
After getting myself ready, I wandered into the kitchen where Chl had already brewed our morning coffee.
“Morning, gorgeous! I need every single detail about yesterday. Your life is like a prime–time drama series!” she said, barely containing her excitement.
“Chl, I promise I’ll spill everything tonight. Just know that my boss transformed into Satan incarnate yesterday.”
“Uh–huh. And sweetheart, did you perhaps poke the beast first? I know you, Hazel. You left that war declaration note on my nightstand this morning.”
“Guilty as charged. I wore that killer black dress you bought me last year with those red stilettos.
Chl’s jaw dropped to the floor.
“If that man didn’t completely lose his mind seeing you in that outfit, I’ll eat my hat.
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24 Chapter 24 – Morning Coffee and Predatory Warnings
“No need for such drastic measures. But seriously, I need to drop Leo off now. Want to come with us?”
“Absolutely,” she said, downing the rest of her coffee. “Though I’ll be dying of curiosity until tonight.”
“I want to hear about your day too. Your job sounds way more entertaining than mine.”
“Honey, you have no clue how entertaining my boss can be. But tell me, do you honestly think that conservative pantsuit will make you invisible? Because if hiding is your goal, mission failed. Your curves look incredible in that fitted shirt.
I groaned internally. After yesterday’s overexposure, I had deliberately chosen a charcoal gray pantsuit with a blazer, hoping to tone things down. The white shirt underneath was indeed more form–fitting than I remembered. Too late to change now.
Thursday morning started with blessed quiet. Liam had scheduled a meeting with the financial director, giving me a temporary reprieve from his overwhelming presence. I was methodically working through my task list when Evelyn texted that she would be running late.
I was deep in contract review when my boss stormed through the office doors, his, thunderous, heading straight for his private office while motioning for me to follow. “Good morning, Miss Vance. Have you completed the Global contract review?” Back to formal titles. Stress mode activated.
expression
“Good morning, Mr. Sterling. Yes, I finished the review and emailed it to you. I also verified the Beijing shipment details – everything is proceeding smoothly. The cargo is being loaded as we speak, departing tonight on schedule. All documentation has been double–checked and approved. I sent you a comprehensive report via email.
“Excellent work. We have the Apex Galaxy meeting with Adrian after lunch. I need you there documenting everything. Has the financial report meeting been confirmed?”
“Yes, Mr. Sterling Scheduled and confirmed for five o’clock in your office, exactly as requested.” “Perfect. Has Evelyn arrived?”
“Not yet. She called about a delay related to her relocation arrangements. Anything else, Mr. Sterling?”
“No. You may return to your desk.”
I was already halfway to the door when his voice stopped me cold, dripping with dark
amusement.
“Hazel, that conservative blazer and long pants won’t hide what I’ve already seen. And what I haven’t seen yet, I’m definitely going to explore.”
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24 Chapter 24 – Morning Coffee and Predatory Warnings
I froze completely, then turned slowly to find him closing the distance between us with
predatory grace. My heart hammered against my ribs as his eyes devoured me with
unmistakable hunger.
Once again, I fled to my desk in complete shock. That man was absolutely infuriating! At noon, Owen bounced into my office with his usual cheerful energy.
“Beautiful lady, you won’t believe the crazy thing my wife did today. Want to grab lunch and hear about it?”
Lunch with Owen was exactly what I needed. His hilarious stories about his wife’s antics had me laughing until my sides ached. Before we parted ways, he mentioned sending details about Evelyn’s farewell party that he and Damian were organizing for next week.
At two o’clock sharp, we gathered in the conference room. I was shocked to see Chl there, and we embraced warmly before she introduced me to her boss.
“Chloe, I’m going to have serious words with your father. When Oscar recommended Ms. Hazel for this position, he failed to mention she was an absolute goddess!”
I smiled awkwardly, then heard Mr. Grumpy’s voice behind me, sharp with warning.
“West, keep your wandering hands and eyes away from my assistant. Ms. Hazel isn’t one of those women from your usual crowd.”
I caught Adrian West’s amused glance bouncing between me and my boss with obvious interest. “Well, well, the untouchable Liam Sterling showing jealousy over you, Ms. Hazel! How absolutely fascinating! But my dear friend Liam, I’m not sure I can resist the temptation of such beauty.”
“You better resist, Adrian.” Damian entered with perfect timing. “You wouldn’t want to face our friend’s legendary wrath. His mocking smile was pure entertainment. “But who’s this stunning woman with you, Adrian?”
“Don’t even think about it, Damian. This is Chloe Dalton, Oscar’s daughter, and she has a boyfriend who looks like he stepped out of a romance novel. In other words, completely off–limits like Ms. Hazel. No wonder they’re best friends,” Adrian replied, rolling his eyes dramatically.
“What a tragedy! But surely you two could introduce me to an equally gorgeous friend? I’ve been so terribly lonely lately.” Damian’s exaggerated pitiful expression had everyone bursting into laughter.
“Good God, Damian, do you have any boundaries?” Liam exclaimed in exasperation.
“Sorry, Mr. Knight, but we don’t have another drop–dead gorgeous and cool friend like us to share. My apologies, Chl replied through her laughter.
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24 Chapter 24 – Morning Coffee and Predatory Warnings
“Now that you gentlemen have finished your hormone display, can we actually conduct business?” Liam said, cutting through the banter, though we still heard Damian’s disappointed complaint.
“Aw, but we were just getting to the good part.”
We all laughed again. The meeting proceeded smoothly in a surprisingly friendly atmosphere. After saying goodbye to Chl, I returned to my desk with just enough time to handle emails before the financial report meeting.
