Oops I Banged the CEO novel Chapter 186

Yvonne hesitated for a moment. “How much?”

“Name your price. Or you can just ask for me.” Marico arched an eyebrow, his earlier sternness melting into a mischievous warmth.

The sudden shift to such a teasing, indulgent tone sent a chill down Yvonne’s spine. She shivered involuntarily.

“First, tell me what you mean by ‘gone for a while.’ I need to know how much you’re asking before I decide.”

“A day or two at most.”

“That’s manageable. In that case, how about letting Coco sleep upstairs with me from now on?” Yvonne seized the opportunity to bargain.

Marico’s face instantly darkened, and he refused without hesitation. “No way!”

His wife sleeping with the dog? Then who was he supposed to sleep with?

Yvonne pouted, genuinely upset. “That’s not fair. I just saved the day out there—everyone’s raving about the company’s new tech thanks to me. Can’t you grant me this one little thing?”

“Pick something else. Anything but that,” Marico said, his tone brooking no argument.

Their conversation was quiet, but anyone with eyes could see that the Hamilton Group’s president, usually so imposing, was now practically bending over backwards for her.

Yvonne still looked frustrated, arms folded tight across her chest.

***

Meanwhile, at the hospital, Linda was getting the VIP treatment. The company even sent out an announcement, praising her outstanding performance and revealing that Mr. Hamilton was awarding her triple the usual year-end bonus.

That afternoon, the whole company was treated to a celebratory luncheon, and everyone got a half day off work.

“Sorry, Yvonne, I couldn’t find it anywhere. I watched the livestream, though—you handled the speech brilliantly on stage. Thank goodness you stepped in. Who knows what would’ve happened otherwise,” Grace said with a sigh.

“Exactly! You saved the day, but Mr. Hamilton only praised Linda and even gave her a bonus. It’s obvious he believed the rumors that you tried to sabotage Linda’s promotion,” Nydia chimed in, her voice tinged with indignation.

Yvonne remembered what Marico had told her. She chose to stay calm, listening silently without offering excuses or explanations.

“If I could just find that draft, I could prove my innocence,” Yvonne murmured, her gaze fixed on Linda’s office.

As she watched, Linda—whose face had been swollen beyond recognition just hours before—appeared in the office, looking almost fully recovered behind a surgical mask.

The smug, triumphant glint in Linda’s eyes only strengthened Yvonne’s conviction: Linda would rather suffer herself than miss a chance to frame her.

“Surprised to see me, Yvonne?” Linda’s tone oozed arrogance as she basked in the adoration of her colleagues. “Mr. Hamilton knows who’s really in the right. Your dirty tricks won’t get you anywhere.” She looked at Yvonne like she was something unpleasant stuck to the bottom of her shoe.