The CEO’s Masked Secret Wife

Chapter 5 - First Day, First Call

Hazel's POV

The Sterling Group headquarters towered over Haven Harbor, a gleaming monument to success and power. I stood in front of the glass entrance doors, my heart pounding so hard I was sure the security guard could hear it.

"You can do this," I whispered to myself, smoothing down my navy pencil skirt.

I'd woken up two hours early to make sure Leo was settled for his first day at daycare. The poor baby had clung to me, his violet-blue eyes filled with uncertainty. It had taken all my strength not to call and cancel my first day right then. But Chloe had swooped in, distracting him with pancakes shaped like dinosaurs while I slipped away.

The lobby was all marble and glass, with a massive crystal chandelier hanging from the ceiling. The receptionist looked up as I approached, her smile polite but guarded.

"Hazel Vance," I said, trying to sound more confident than I felt. "I'm starting today as Ms. Reed's replacement."

Her demeanor changed instantly. "Oh! We've been looking forward to meeting you. Ms. Reed is waiting upstairs."

She handed me a sleek access card with my name already printed on it. "Twenty-eighth floor. The elevator will recognize your card."

The elevator whisked me upward, my stomach dropping not just from the speed but from the enormity of what I was undertaking. The doors opened to reveal a spacious reception area with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the harbor.

Evelyn Reed stood waiting, elegant in a cream blouse and black pants. Her smile was warm and genuine as she extended her hand.

"Right on time. I appreciate punctuality," she said, her blue eyes twinkling. "Welcome to Sterling Group, Hazel."

"Thank you for this opportunity," I replied, trying not to sound breathless.

"Come, let me show you your desk before we begin the tour."

She led me to a large, L-shaped desk positioned outside a set of imposing double doors. The workspace was immaculate, with a brand-new computer, a phone system with more buttons than I could count, and a small vase of fresh flowers.

"This will be your domain," Evelyn explained. "From here, you'll manage Mr. Sterling's schedule, correspondence, and calls."

I ran my fingers lightly over the polished surface. "It's perfect."

"Mr. Sterling is away on business until next week, which gives us time to get you properly trained." She handed me a leather-bound planner. "I've prepared this for you—it contains everything from office protocols to Mr. Sterling's preferences."

I flipped through the pages, impressed by the meticulous detail. "This is incredibly thorough."

"When you've been doing this job for twenty-five years, you learn a thing or two," she chuckled. "Now, let's get started with your email access and security clearances."

The morning flew by in a whirlwind of information. Evelyn was patient but exacting, explaining the complex calendar system, the phone protocols, and the filing system with methodical precision. By noon, my head was swimming with passwords, procedures, and names of important clients.

"You're doing wonderfully," Evelyn assured me as we broke for lunch in the executive dining room. "It's a lot to absorb in one day."

"I'm determined to learn it all," I promised, taking a bite of my salad. "I can't thank you enough for selecting me for this position."

Evelyn's gaze was appraising. "I've trained six assistants during my career with the Sterling family. I know potential when I see it."

My phone buzzed with a text from Chloe: "How's the new job? Leo's daycare just sent me this pic. Thought you might need it."

Below was a photo of Leo, beaming as he painted at an easel. Relief washed over me.

"Everything alright?" Evelyn asked, noticing my expression.

I hesitated, then decided honesty was best. "It's my son. It's his first day at a new daycare, and I was worried. But he looks happy."

"How old is he??" Evelyn's expression was curious.

"Yes, Leo. He's three." I pulled up a photo on my phone. "He's my world."

Evelyn smiled as she looked at the picture. "He has remarkable eyes."

"Yes," I agreed softly. "He got them from his father."

"And is his father in the picture?" Her question was gentle, not prying.

I shook my head. "No. He doesn't even know Leo exists." Before she could respond, I added, "It's complicated."

To my surprise, Evelyn reached across the table and patted my hand. "Life often is. For what it's worth, I admire single mothers. It takes tremendous strength."

The knot in my chest loosened slightly. "Thank you for understanding. I promise it won't affect my work."

"I never thought it would." She checked her watch. "Now, shall we continue? There's still the matter of Mr. Sterling's travel arrangements to review."

Back at my desk, Evelyn walked me through the complex process of booking Mr. Sterling's frequent business trips. Apparently, he was very particular—specific airlines, hotel rooms, and rental cars were all meticulously documented in Evelyn's notes.

"Mr. Sterling has certain... expectations," she explained diplomatically. "He can be demanding, but he's fair. Always follow protocol precisely, and you'll do fine."

At two o'clock, Chloe texted again: "Leo's daycare director called. They need you to come fill out additional medical forms they forgot this morning. I'd do it, but they need the legal guardian's signature."

My heart sank. "Evelyn, I'm so sorry, but there's an issue with my son's daycare enrollment. I need to go sign some forms."

To my relief, she nodded immediately. "Of course. These things happen, especially on first days. Take care of it and come back when you can."

"Are you sure?" I asked, already gathering my purse.

"Hazel, I meant what I said about admiring single mothers. Go. I'll be here when you return."

The daycare was only ten minutes from the office. The director apologized profusely for the oversight as I signed the additional forms.

"We're loving having Leo here," she assured me. "He's already made friends with two other children."

I peeked into the playroom where Leo was building a tower with colorful blocks, his little face serious with concentration. My heart swelled.

"Can I say hello quickly?" I asked.

"Of course!"

Leo spotted me immediately, his eyes lighting up. "Mama!" he shouted, running over and throwing his arms around my legs.

I knelt down to his level. "Are you having fun, baby?"

He nodded enthusiastically. "I made a tower! And I have new friends!"

"That's wonderful," I said, brushing his dark hair from his forehead. "Mama has to go back to work now, but I'll see you tonight, okay?"

To my surprise, he didn't cling or cry. Instead, he gave me a quick kiss on the cheek and ran back to his blocks. Independence already. I wasn't sure whether to be proud or sad.

I made it back to the office in record time, relieved to find Evelyn still at her desk.

"Everything sorted?" she asked.

"Yes, thank you for being so understanding."

She waved away my gratitude. "Now, let's continue with—"

The phone on my desk rang shrilly, cutting her off. Evelyn raised an eyebrow. "Your first call. Remember the protocol."

Taking a deep breath, I picked up the receiver. "Sterling Group, Mr. Sterling's office. This is Hazel speaking. How may I assist you?"

"Who the hell are you?" a deep male voice demanded. "Where's Evelyn?"

The harshness of his tone caught me off guard. "I'm Mr. Sterling's new executive assistant. Ms. Reed is right here if you'd like to speak with her."

"New assistant?" he scoffed. "I wasn't informed of any changes."

I glanced at Evelyn, who was watching me carefully. "May I ask who's calling, sir?"

"You can't be serious." His voice was cutting. "Put Evelyn on the phone. Now."

I covered the mouthpiece. "He won't identify himself and wants to speak with you."

To my surprise, Evelyn shook her head. "Handle it. Tell him I'm unavailable."

Swallowing hard, I returned to the call. "I'm sorry, sir, but Ms. Reed is currently unavailable. If you could please state your name and the purpose of your call, I'd be happy to assist you or take a message."

"Listen, whoever you are," the voice growled, "I need information on the Chen proposal immediately. The meeting's been moved up."

"I'd be happy to help with that, sir, but company protocol requires that I verify who I'm speaking with first."

There was a tense silence on the line. Then a harsh laugh. "Well, well. Evelyn found someone with backbone."

I waited, my heart pounding.

"Tell Evelyn I called," he finally said. "And looks like I'm your boss!"

The line went dead.

I stared at the receiver in my hand, then at Evelyn. "Was that...?"

"Mr. Sterling himself," she confirmed, her eyes twinkling with amusement. "Well done, Hazel. He tested you, and you stood your ground."

"He hung up on me!" I was mortified. "On my first day!"

Evelyn laughed. "Don't worry. That's actually a good sign. If he'd really been angry, he would have said much worse."

"Worse than hanging up on me?" I sank into my chair. "He sounded so... intimidating."

"Liam Sterling is a man who demands excellence and has little patience for those who can't deliver it." She patted my shoulder. "But he respects those who stand their ground. Trust me, you made the right impression."

"I doubt that," I groaned. "He probably thinks I'm incompetent."

"On the contrary." Evelyn smiled knowingly. "You just might be exactly what he needs—someone who won't be intimidated by his bark."

"His bark?"

She laughed. "That's what I call it. Liam can be quite the beast when he's focused on work. But I have a feeling you might be the one to tame him."

I stared at her in disbelief. "Me? Tame him? After that call, I'm pretty sure he's going to eat me alive!"