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?

Chapter 82 - Territorial Claims and Dessert Drama


We strolled three blocks to reach the upscale bistro. Levi and his crew were already waiting at our reserved table, and what a sight they were. Each man looked like he stepped off a magazine cover. The moment they spotted us, they rose with practiced charm and welcoming grins.


"Ladies, you three are absolutely stunning. And yes, that includes Thea and Stella," Vera declared, greeting each of us with feather-light kisses on both cheeks.


We settled into our seats and ordered our meals. Levi's friends proved to be exceptional company, keeping us entertained with witty conversation. Gavin had us in stitches with his hilarious stories when Levi's fingers brushed against my hand. He leaned in close, his breath warm against my ear, his voice dropping to that dangerously seductive tone.


"Don't turn around now, gorgeous, but those three morons who've been bothering you just strutted through the door."


Chapter 82 - Chapter 82 - Territorial Claims and Dessert Drama