Three years ago, Hazel Vance made a choice that changed everything. One night of passion with a mysterious stranger at a masquerade ball left her with more than just memories—it left her with a son whose rare violet-blue eyes are a constant reminder of the father she'll never find.

Now a struggling single mother, Hazel desperately needs the executive assistant position at Sterling Group. The salary could finally give her two-year-old Leo the life he deserves. But her new boss, CEO Liam Sterling, is nothing like she expected.

Demanding, brilliant, and devastatingly handsome, Liam has a reputation for being impossible to work for. Most assistants don't last a week. When Hazel refuses to be intimidated by his cold demeanor and sharp tongue, something shifts between them. The attraction is immediate and electric, crackling through every professional interaction.

But it's his eyes that stop her cold. The same striking violet-blue shade that stares back at her every morning when she looks at her son.

As the tension between them builds and the lines between professional and personal begin to blur, Hazel finds herself caught between her desperate need for this job and her growing attraction to the one man who could destroy everything she's worked for.

She doesn't know that Liam has been searching for the mysterious woman from the masquerade ball ever since that night changed him forever. And he has no idea that the composed, fiery assistant who challenges him at every turn is the same woman who haunts his dreams.

When the truth finally comes to light, will it bring them together or tear apart the fragile new life Hazel has built for herself and her son?

"Hey Chl, Adrian called me. Do you know what for?" I asked my friend as I strolled into her office after wrapping up my day.


Chloe looked up from her computer with a confused expression. "I don't know, Hazel. I wasn't even aware he called you. Let me tell him you're here." She rose from her chair and disappeared into the boss's office, returning moments later with a gesture for me to enter.


"Hazel!" Adrian's face lit up with a broad smile as I walked in. "First, I want to express how delighted I am that you and my friend have finally worked things out."


I returned his smile, though not without a hint of caution. "Thanks, Adrian. I just hope your friend doesn't mess things up with me again."


"If he does," Adrian said firmly, "you know I'm here to help you kick his butt."


"Oh, right!" Chloe chimed in with obvious sarcasm. "Just like you did this time, spying on us and telling him everything."


Chapter 100 - Chapter 100 - Unexpected Opportunity