Oops I Banged the CEO novel Chapter 179

Yvonne trailed behind the group, carrying Linda’s bag for her.

The international conference center was massive and grand—high ceilings, glittering chandeliers, the kind of place where the air itself seemed to hum with power. Just one glance across the hall revealed a sea of impeccably dressed elites: sharp suits, polished shoes, and self-assured smiles. People from every corner of the globe mingled here, their translators close at hand, murmuring quietly in a dozen different languages.

Confidence and ambition radiated from every face.

It was Yvonne’s first time at such an impressive international event. She stuck close to Marico, watching as he strode past the crowd along the red carpet. Wherever he went, people on either side paused to greet him, eager for a moment of his attention.

Marico’s response was always the same: cool, composed, a polite nod and little more.

Yvonne, in contrast, felt every bit the rookie assistant, wide-eyed and trailing behind, soaking in the spectacle.

But in this setting, Marico’s allure only intensified. His broad shoulders and trim waist, the crisp lines of his suit, the easy confidence in his stride—no matter how you looked at him, he was striking. The word “distinguished” hardly did him justice.

Yvonne never took her eyes off him. Even the petty argument from that morning faded from her mind as she watched him move.

Honestly, having a good-looking boss had its perks, and here, his advantages were on full display.

“Yvonne, go grab me a coffee from over there, would you? I need something to perk me up before I head to our lounge,” Linda said, glancing back at her.

“Oh, sure,” Yvonne replied, snapping out of her daze. She handed the bag back to Linda and made her way toward the refreshment table.

She picked up coffee for both Marico and William as well—being the CEO’s right-hand woman meant running these little errands came with the territory, and Yvonne was used to it by now.

When she returned to the lounge, she handed a cup to Marico. “Mr. Hamilton, your coffee.”

He looked at her for a moment before taking the cup and setting it beside him.

Yvonne’s heart gave a nervous flutter.

She forced herself to stay calm, acting as if she were completely unaffected by the man’s charm.

“Yvonne, come with me,” Linda said briskly, gesturing for Yvonne to follow her backstage.

Yvonne walked after her, but as they reached the waiting area, Linda suddenly doubled over, clutching her throat, her entire body wracked with pain.

The suddenness of it left Yvonne stunned.

“Linda! What’s wrong?” Yvonne rushed to her side as Linda began to collapse, desperately trying to hold her up.

“Yvonne, what did you put in my coffee? My throat—!” Linda’s voice was hoarse, almost hysterical, and angry red blotches began to appear on her skin.