Hazel's POV
I watched Liam as he sat behind his massive desk, staring out the window. His normally commanding presence seemed diminished, his shoulders slightly slumped. The afternoon sun cast shadows across his face, highlighting the dark circles under his eyes.
"You wanted to see me?" I asked, closing his office door behind me.
Liam turned to face me, his violet-blue eyes clouded with worry. He looked exhausted, nothing like the intimidating CEO who typically dominated every room.
"I called Albert," he said, his voice uncharacteristically quiet. "He confirmed everything you said about Apex Steel. He's flying in tomorrow."
"That's good news," I offered, stepping closer. "Albert's the best at uncovering this kind of fraud."
Liam ran a hand through his dark hair, disheveling it. "If we lose Sterling Group..."
His voice trailed off, and I suddenly understood the weight crushing him. This wasn't just a business to him—it was his parents' legacy, his last connection to them.