A Beast for a Boss

Hazel's POV

My alarm blared at 5:30 AM. I rubbed my eyes and glanced at the ceiling of my new bedroom. Today was my first day at Sterling Group.

My stomach knotted with anxiety as I slipped out of bed. I tiptoed to Leo's room, smiling at the sight of my son sleeping peacefully. His dark curls framed his cherubic face, his long eyelashes resting against his chubby cheeks. Those rare violet-blue eyes were hidden behind closed lids.

I pressed a gentle kiss to his forehead before heading to the shower. The hot water helped calm my nerves, but not by much.

By 6:15, I was dressed in a tailored navy pencil skirt and a cream blouse. Professional but not stuffy. I wanted to make a good impression.

Leo woke as I finished my makeup. "Mama!" he called from his room.

"Good morning, little man," I cooed, lifting him from his crib. "Ready for a big day?"

He babbled excitedly as I changed him and got him dressed. At two years old, Leo was my entire world. Every sacrifice, every late night, every struggle had been worth it for his smile.

After a quick breakfast, I gathered my purse, briefcase, and Leo's bag. The daycare Chloe had recommended was only two blocks from Sterling Group headquarters.

"Let's go meet your new friends," I told Leo as I buckled him into his car seat.

The daycare was bright and welcoming. The director, Mrs. Chen, greeted us warmly.

"You must be Hazel and Leo," she said, extending her hand. "Chloe called ahead. She speaks very highly of you both."

I released a breath I didn't know I was holding. "Thank you for fitting us in on short notice."

Mrs. Chen waved dismissively. "Any friend of Chloe Dalton is welcome here. The Dalton family has supported our center for years."

I made a mental note to thank Chloe—again—for using her connections to help us.

"Leo will be in our toddler room," Mrs. Chen explained, leading us down a cheerful hallway. "Ms. Ramirez is the lead teacher."

An enthusiastic young woman greeted us at the classroom door. "Hello, Leo! Would you like to come play with us?"

To my surprise, Leo reached for her without hesitation.

"He's usually shy with new people," I said, watching in amazement as my son joined the other children at a play table.

Ms. Ramirez smiled. "Children can sense when they're in good hands. He'll be just fine."

"I'll pick him up at five," I promised, kissing Leo goodbye. He barely noticed, already absorbed in stacking colorful blocks.

I arrived at Sterling Group headquarters with fifteen minutes to spare. The lobby was impressive—all marble floors, glass walls, and modern art. A security guard directed me to the executive floor.

The elevator whisked me to the 30th floor. The doors opened to reveal an elegant reception area where a woman in her fifties sat behind a sleek desk.

"Hazel Vance?" she asked, standing to greet me.

I nodded. "Yes, ma'am."

"I'm Evelyn Reed," she said warmly. "Welcome to Sterling Group. I've been looking forward to meeting you."

Evelyn had kind blue eyes and platinum blonde hair styled in a chic bob. She exuded competence and grace.

"Thank you," I replied. "I'm excited to be here."

She gave me a tour of the executive floor, pointing out conference rooms, the break room, and various offices. "Mr. Sterling is out of the office this morning," she explained. "He's at a breakfast meeting downtown."

I tried not to show my relief. Meeting my new boss could wait.

Back at her desk, Evelyn walked me through the filing system and calendar protocols. "Mr. Sterling is very particular about his schedule," she warned. "Double-book him at your peril."

I took detailed notes. "How long have you worked for him?"

"I've been with the Sterling family for twenty-five years," she replied. "I watched Liam grow up. Started working for him directly after his parents passed away three years ago."

I remembered reading about the helicopter crash that killed William and Eleanor Sterling. The tragedy had made national headlines.

"That must have been difficult," I said softly.

Evelyn's eyes clouded. "It changed him. He was always driven, but after losing them..." She trailed off. "Well, that's why I'm careful about who I recommend as my replacement."

I shifted in my seat. "Why are you leaving?"

"My daughter in London is expecting my first grandchild," she explained, her face brightening. "It's time for me to start a new chapter."

As the morning progressed, Evelyn showed me the ropes with patience and humor. By lunchtime, I felt marginally less overwhelmed.

"You're a quick learner," Evelyn remarked approvingly.

I smiled. "Thank you. I'm trying my best."

Her expression turned thoughtful. "May I ask you something personal?"

I tensed. "Of course."

"Oscar Dalton mentioned you're a single mother," she said carefully. "That can't be easy with such a demanding position."

I straightened my shoulders. "It's not. But I'm determined to give my son the best life possible."

"His father isn't in the picture?"

I hesitated, then decided honesty was best. "No. He doesn't know about Leo."

Evelyn's eyebrows rose. "Oh?"

"It was...a brief encounter," I admitted. "I don't even know his real name."

To my surprise, Evelyn didn't look judgmental. "Life rarely follows the path we expect, does it?"

"No," I agreed. "But I wouldn't trade Leo for anything."

She patted my hand. "You're going to do just fine here, Hazel."

After lunch, Evelyn had a doctor's appointment. "I'll be back in a couple of hours. Feel free to familiarize yourself with Mr. Sterling's files in the meantime."

Once she left, I called Chloe to check on her meeting with the daycare director.

"Everything's set," she assured me. "Leo's enrolled and they love him already. How's the new job?"

"So far, so good," I replied. "I haven't met the big boss yet, though."

"The infamous Liam Sterling," Chloe said dramatically. "Dad says he's brilliant but intense."

"Evelyn seems wonderful," I added. "I think—"

The phone on Evelyn's desk rang, cutting me off. "I should go," I told Chloe quickly.

I hung up and reached for the office line. "Mr. Sterling's office, this is Hazel speaking."

"Where the hell is Evelyn?" a deep, irritated male voice demanded.

I sat up straighter. "Ms. Reed has a doctor's appointment. May I help you?"

"Who are you?" The voice was curt, impatient.

"Hazel Vance, sir. I'm the new executive assistant."

A scoff came through the line. "Since when does Sterling Group hire assistants without my approval?"

My face flushed with indignation. "I was hired through proper channels, sir. Mr. Dalton recommended—"

"I don't care who recommended you," he snapped. "Tell Evelyn to call me the moment she returns."

I gripped the phone tighter. "May I ask who's calling, please?"

There was a pause. "Looks like I'm your boss!" he barked before the line went dead.

I stared at the receiver in shock. Had I just spoken to Liam Sterling? My hands trembled as I set the phone down.

When Evelyn returned, I immediately recounted the call. "He sounded furious," I finished, my voice shaking. "He didn't even give his name, just said he was my boss and hung up!"

To my surprise, Evelyn laughed. "That's Liam, all right. Always in a hurry, always irritated."

"But he made it sound like he didn't know I was hired!" I protested.

She waved dismissively. "He approved your paperwork last week. He's just being difficult because his meeting didn't go well."

"How do you know?"

"He only barks like that when he's frustrated," she explained. "Don't take it personally."

I bit my lip. "Maybe this job isn't the right fit after all."

Evelyn looked me squarely in the eyes. "Nonsense. You're exactly what this office needs."

"But he was so rude!"

"Liam Sterling is many things—brilliant, demanding, occasionally unreasonable," she said. "But he's fair, and he values hard work above all else."

I wasn't convinced. "I don't know..."

Evelyn smiled mysteriously. "You two are going to get along great! You'll tame the beast, I'm sure of it."

I stared at her in disbelief. Tame the beast? Based on our brief interaction, Liam Sterling wasn't a beast—he was a monster. And tomorrow, I would have to face him in person.