To escape the wedding of her backstabbing cousin and ex-boyfriend, Hazel Vance seeks oblivion at a masquerade ball. A passionate, anonymous encounter leaves her with a son, the only clue to his father a pair of striking, violet-blue eyes. Three years later, she becomes the executive assistant to Liam Sterling, an influential and notoriously difficult CEO whose gaze feels hauntingly familiar. But Liam wants nothing to do with his new assistant; he is obsessed with finding a woman who vanished into the night, the one ghost he can’t forget.

Chapter 9 - An Unforgettable First Meeting


I smoothed down the emerald green dress as I stepped out of the elevator. The fabric hugged my curves perfectly, making me feel confident and powerful. This morning, I'd spent extra time on my makeup and hair, determined to make a good second impression since my first one—over the phone—had gone so terribly.


"Hazel, you look absolutely stunning!" Evelyn exclaimed as I walked into the office.


Her warm smile instantly calmed my nerves. "Thank you. I figured I should look my best to meet the boss."


"Well, that dress is certainly doing its job," she said with a wink. "Mr. Sterling called. His flight landed early, but he's stopping at his apartment first. He should be here before lunch."


I nodded, my stomach tightening at the mention of his name. "I'll make sure everything is ready."


"Including his chamomile tea?" Evelyn asked with a knowing smile.


"Especially the tea," I replied, returning her smile.


Chapter 9 - Chapter 9 - An Unforgettable First Meeting