Oops I Banged the CEO novel Chapter 182

Yvonne heard Linda’s frail voice and glanced over. Linda’s face was now completely swollen and red—her eyes, which had glinted with cold satisfaction just moments ago, were nearly swollen shut.

Good Lord, she looked like an overstuffed sausage!

“I’m fine. Let go of me, please,” Yvonne whispered to the man holding her arm, standing one step above him on the staircase. She shot him a meaningful look, trying to tell him to let go—there were too many people watching.

But Marico didn’t release her right away. He seemed completely unconcerned with the curious stares of those around them. His dark eyes lingered on her. “That impromptu introduction was impressive. I’ll see to it you get a bonus.”

The word “bonus” made Yvonne’s eyes light up instantly.

She looked like a kid who’d just spotted a pile of gold coins, her whole face beaming.

“Thank you, Mr. Hamilton!” She was one step away from bowing right there in gratitude.

Even though she was standing on a stair, she still only reached Marico’s ear. Meeting his gaze, she saw the depth in his eyes, and for a moment, it made her forget where she was.

Yvonne could already hear the murmurs and whispers swirling around them. After all, she’d practically thrown herself into Marico’s arms just minutes earlier, and the crowd had gasped in surprise.

Yet, there was an invisible chill about Marico—a don’t-get-too-close aura—that kept people from making a scene. Still, that didn’t mean they weren’t curious.

Yvonne’s heart was pounding in her chest, just as fast as when she’d been on stage—maybe even faster. Her palms were slick with sweat.

“There are a lot of people watching,” she reminded him quietly, hoping he’d stop staring at her like that.

Just then, the event host came down from the stage, handing Yvonne the speech notes she’d left behind. “Your notes, Yvonne. But these pages are all blank! Your ability to improvise is incredible,” he said with genuine admiration.

Marico glanced at the stack of blank pages.

Linda seized the moment, feigning sudden realization. “Even the speech notes were switched! How cruel—you must have planned for both outcomes. If I hadn’t had an allergic reaction, I’d have gone on stage with nothing. What a calculated move.”

She glared directly at Yvonne, letting her anger show.

After all, Yvonne’s off-the-cuff speech had been calm, professional, and impressive. It was hard not to suspect Linda might be right.

Now, the crowd turned curious, almost suspicious eyes on Yvonne, while looking at the swollen, miserable Linda with fresh sympathy.