From Neglected Wife to CEO’s Obsession novel Chapter 97

I swear, I was just curious. Seriously, nothing more.

“He’s never actually dated anyone, but he’s definitely crushed on a girl before. If it weren’t for ten—”

“Marian, gossiping again? There goes your bonus for the month.”

Marian’s sunny smile faded so fast it was almost funny. Her face lost all color, and she slapped her lips shut before darting off to the kitchen to serve soup.

Meanwhile, I wanted the ground to swallow me whole. My brain was a mess, my face so hot it felt like I’d just spent an hour in a sauna. If embarrassment could cook seafood, I’d be the world’s reddest lobster.

Who else gets caught by their boss right in the middle of gossip hour? Seriously, could my luck get any worse?

I awkwardly got to my feet, trying to decide if I should help him with his coat as he started taking it off. Was that too forward? I was just a regular employee, not someone who should be acting all familiar.

But if I just stood there like a statue, I’d look totally clueless. And I still needed to keep my job.

Plus, he’d just saved my butt. Again.

After a split second of inner drama, I went for it.

“Mr. Swanson, let me take your coat.” I shuffled over, staring at my shoes, counting my toes, doing everything I could not to meet his eyes.

“Do you even know where to put it?” Elliot’s voice was cool and smooth, like a breeze on a chilly morning. He was still slightly flushed from his workout.

He was wearing a deep blue, limited-edition tracksuit, and the sneakers on his feet probably cost more than my entire paycheck. My eyes couldn’t help drifting to his narrow waist. Of course he’d look this unfairly good.

Elliot’s whole vibe screamed money and confidence. His eyes glimmered with something I couldn’t quite read, nose perfectly straight, lips a natural pink, and he radiated this intense energy that made the air feel warmer.

But the last thing I expected was that, after barely two minutes, I’d walk out of the bathroom and straight into—well, not into, but face-to-face with—a half-naked man.

Elliot had already stripped off his shirt. His upper body was on full display.

How did he change so fast? Was he some kind of magician?

His skin looked smooth and pale, almost glowing in the morning light. His chest and shoulders were broad and strong, arms sculpted like he belonged on a billboard. Every muscle was defined, and his abs were lined up perfectly—eight straight rows that looked almost unreal. It was honestly hard not to stare.

No wonder Kailynn had a thing for guys with abs. Now I totally got it.

I just stood there, frozen and wide-eyed, basically hypnotized by his abs, completely forgetting that this was my boss and I was supposed to be professional.

“Have you seen enough?” he teased, his voice full of amusement. “You might want to wipe the drool off your chin.”