21 Chapter 21 Confrontation and Defense
21 Chapter 21 – Confrontation and Defense
I blinked several times, trying to regain my composure before answering.
Chapter 21 – Confrontation and Defense
My good mood evaporated the moment Mr. Clairemont entered the outer office, his expression thunderous. He was an imposing figure, tall and lanky with a ridiculous. mustache, graying hair, and sharp, fox–like eyes that seemed to miss nothing. From the moment. Evelyn had introduced him, something about the man had set my teeth on edge.
“But Liam, I was just trying to…” Clairemont began, his tone suddenly wheedling and defensive.
He slammed his palm down on my desk with enough force to make my coffee cup jump, then turned toward Liam’s door. I shot to my feet, adrenaline flooding my system, and positioned myself between him and the door, my back pressed against it. Pressed against Liam’s chest, I could feel the lury radiating from him, his breathing heavy and controlled. When he spoke, his voice was ice–cold and deadly calm. “Hazel, listen to me very carefully.” His voice was low and rough, carrying a weight that made every word feel like a command. “This situation between us ends today. I won’t accept any more excuses or delays. Clear your schedule because we’re not leaving this office until we sit down and hash this out like the adults we are.”
He held my gaze for what felt like an eternity, the air between us crackling with unspoken tension. Then he straightened abruptly, turned on his heel, and stalked back to his office, the door slamming behind him with even more force than before. “Who the hell do you think you are, you worthless little secretary? I’m the financial director of this company. I go where I want, when I want, and you’re nobody to tell me otherwise.”
“I honestly have no idea, Damian. Was there some kind of problem?” The lie rolled off my tongue smoothly, but guilt twisted in my stomach.
“He seemed completely distracted, like his mind was somewhere else entirely,” Damian said, glancing toward Liam’s closed door with concern. “Anyway, I’ve already
21 Chapter 21–Confrontation and Defense
confirmed with Evelyn that you two will be joining us for dinner tonight. I absolutely won’t take no for an answer.”
“Liam, you won’t believe this. This woman just insulted me gravely.”
“Your boss has plenty of other things to worry about right now,” Damian muttered as he headed into Liam’s office.
Bianca appeared in the doorway so quickly she might have been waiting outside. “Yes, Mr. Sterling
“So you’re the little nobody who humiliated my daughter yesterday. Because of your interference, Liam embarrassed her publicly and his friend had to escort her out. But mark my words, you insignificant little secretary, this won’t stand. I’ll make sure he throws you out of here so fast your head will spin.”
About an hour later, I heard Liam’s office door slam open with enough force to rattle the frame. Before I could react, he was leaning over my chair, his hands gripping both armrests, effectively trapping me. His face was inches from mine, those dark eyes burning with an intensity that made my breath catch.
He stopped directly in front of my desk, his gaze filled with contempt and barely contained rage as he spoke in a harsh, cutting tone.
I sat there completely stunned, my heart hammering against my ribs, when Damian. walked in looking thoroughly bewildered.
I quickly grabbed my phone and texted Chl, explaining that I’d be home late due to a dinner commitment and asking if Miranda could stay longer to watch Leo. Her response came back almost immediately, telling me to enjoy myself and that she’d spoil her godson rotten. I couldn’t help but smile at her message.
Suddenly, the door behind me burst open and I felt Liam’s strong arm wrap around my waist, pulling me away from Clairemont’s crushing grip. The financial director wasted no time going on the offensive.
“Never set foot on the executive floor again without being specifically summoned,” Liam cut him off, his voice sharp enough to cut glass. “Bianca, get in here now.”
I finished coordinating the confidential financial report meeting with Owen for tomorrow and sent Evelyn a message to confirm her availability. Once those details were sorted, I dove back into my remaining tasks.
21 Chapter 21- Confrontation and Defense
“Mr. Clairemont, I’m going to have to ask you to wait while I check if Mr. Sterling is available to see you. I apologize, but I’m following direct orders.”
“Clairemont, first of all, lower your voice immediately. Let me make several things crystal clear to you. First, from what I heard perfectly well, Ms. Vance didn’t insult you whatsoever. Quite the opposite, in fact, and you owe her an apology. Second, she’s not my secretary. She’s my executive assistant and has my complete and total trust. Third, you know damn well that you need to be announced before entering my office. This isn’t news to anyone. Fourth, and most importantly, if this is how you treat the employees of this company, I need to seriously reconsider your position here because I will not tolerate disrespect toward my staff under any circumstances.”
Still holding me securely against his side, Liam guided me into his office and closed the door firmly behind us. His grip remained protective as he led me to the chair in front of his desk and gently but firmly made me sit down.
“Oh, and Clairemont,” Liam added, his tone carrying an unmistakable warning. “If you ever lay a finger on Ms. Vance or any other employee in my company again, you’ll be looking for new employment. Are we clear?”
“Bianca, escort Mr. Clairemont to the elevators immediately. Schedule a meeting between Mr. Clairemont and myself for first thing tomorrow morning. The meeting will take place in his office. After he leaves, come to my office.”
Hazel’s POV
“Hazel, what on earth happened to Liam during that video conference?”
The man’s face went white with fury. He completely lost control, his hand shooting out to grab my throat as he shouted loud enough for the entire floor to hear.
“Absolutely, sir. Mr. Clairemont, if you’d follow me please.” Bianca’s voice was perfectly professional, but I caught the gleam of satisfaction in her eyes.
“I’d be delighted to join you, Damian, assuming my boss doesn’t object.”
