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?

I made my way back to the table, and Damon immediately stood up to pull my chair out for me. His gentlemanly gesture added to his already irresistible appeal. Every minute in his presence made it harder to maintain my composure. Thankfully, the evening was winding down, and I'd soon be heading home with Chl and Noah, ending this intoxicating encounter with this captivating man.


"Tiny Cipher, I hate to break up your fun, but I'm exhausted. Ready to go?" Chloe approached our table, interrupting my thoughts.


Damon's eyes remained fixed on me as he protested, "Come on, Chloe, don't ruin our evening. I insist on taking Tiny One home myself."


"Listen to him getting all territorial!" Chloe laughed with a knowing look. "He's just like your detective friends—doesn't waste any time. Have fun, Maya." She blew me a kiss before turning to leave.


"No, wait, Chl..." I called after her, then turned to Damon. "Please don't feel obligated. Chloe can drive me."


Chapter 409 - S3 Chapter 5 - Soul Stirring First Kiss