The Billionaire's Forbidden Obsession

Name: The Billionaire's Forbidden Obsession
Rating: 5.0 (1 reviews)

Hereza Brian

Billionaires | Ongoing

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Celeste Bennett has spent years in the shadow of New York's elite, working as a private chef for the city's wealthiest families. When she's hired for an exclusive event at the lavish estate of billionaire Jayden McGregor, she expects nothing more than a routine job. But from the moment their eyes meet, the cold, untouchable billionaire makes it clear-he wants her. Jayden is a man used to getting everything he desires. Powerful, enigmatic, and haunted by his past, he has sworn off love. But something about Celeste draws him in-a fire he can't resist, a temptation that threatens to unravel his carefully controlled world. She knows better than to fall for a man like him. He's out of her league, and their worlds are too different. But when fate keeps pulling them together, resisting becomes impossible. As secrets come to light and passion ignites, Celeste and Jayden must decide: will they risk everything for a love that was never meant to be?

Family Modern Fantasy Secret relationship CEO Attractive Noble Romance Billionaires Workplace

Chapter 15 15

04-07 18:51

Chapter 1 1

The steady rhythm of the kitchen returned, but Celeste's pulse refused to settle. She had worked for the wealthy before- New York's elite thrived on extravagant dinner parties and gourmet meals. But Jayden McGregor was in a league of his own. She had expected the cold, scrutinizing gaze, the quiet authority that commanded a room. What she hadn't expected was his approval.

"Don't let it get to your head, Bennett," one of the sous-chefs murmured as he slid past her. "McGregor doesn't give compliments unless he means them."

Celeste shot him a look. "I don't need his approval to know I made the right choice."

And yet, despite her words, the way Jayden's eyes had lingered on her stayed with her long after he had left.

She forced herself to focus, plating the next dish with precision. The McGregor estate demanded perfection, and Celeste was determined to deliver.

By the time the final course was served, exhaustion had settled deep into her bones. The rest of the kitchen staff was wrapping up for the night when Chef Roux clapped his hands together.

"Good work, everyone. We're done here."

A collective sigh of relief rippled through the team, but before Celeste could step away from her station, one of the servers approached.

"Mr. McGregor has requested to see you," the young man said, looking slightly awed.

Celeste blinked. "What?"

The server nodded. "He's in the lounge."

A ripple of murmurs passed through the kitchen. Chef Roux raised an eyebrow but said nothing.

Celeste hesitated. Clients rarely asked to see the kitchen staff, and billionaires never did. She could refuse- she wasn't required to entertain anyone after service-but something in her gut told her that ignoring Jayden McGregor wasn't an option.

Squaring her shoulders, she wiped her hands on her apron and followed the server out of the kitchen.

The McGregor estate was nothing short of breathtaking. Every detail, from the sweeping marble floors to the gilded chandeliers, exuded wealth. But it was the quiet opulence-the understated confidence of old money-that truly set it apart.

The lounge was dimly lit, a stark contrast to the bright chaos of the kitchen. Celeste spotted Jayden immediately. He stood near the fireplace, a tumbler of amber liquid in his hand, exuding effortless power. For a moment, she considered turning back. Too late. His gaze lifted, locking onto hers.

"Miss Bennett," he said smoothly, his voice rich and steady. "Join me."

Celeste hesitated before stepping forward. "Is there a problem, Mr. McGregor?"

A flicker of amusement crossed his face. "Not at all." He gestured to the armchair opposite him. "Sit."

She remained standing. "With all due respect, sir, I'm just the chef. If you have feedback about the meal, I'd prefer to receive it through Chef Roux."

Jayden took a slow sip of his drink before setting the glass down. "And if I prefer to speak to you directly?"

Celeste swallowed. "Why?"

"Because I don't waste my time," he said simply. "And you intrigue me."

A sharp exhale left her lips. She had dealt with entitled men before, men who thought their wealth granted them access to anyone they desired. But Jayden's interest didn't feel purely superficial. It was something else. Something dangerous.

"Mr. McGregor-"

"Jayden," he corrected.

She stiffened. "Mr. McGregor, I appreciate the compliment, but I'm here to cook, not to entertain."

His lips twitched, as if she had amused him. "Understood."

She waited for him to dismiss her. Instead, he reached for his drink again. "How long have you been working for Roux?"

Celeste frowned. "A little over two years."

"And before that?"

She hesitated. "Different kitchens. Different cities."

His gaze sharpened. "Which cities?"

"Does it matter?"

Jayden leaned forward slightly, studying her. "You're not like the others."

A prickle of irritation flared in her chest. "If this is about my background, I-"

"It's about your talent," he interrupted. "You're not just another chef. You think differently. You take risks."

Celeste's breath caught.

She had spent years fighting for recognition in a male-dominated industry, pushing herself to the brink for a career that rarely rewarded her. And now, in the span of a single evening, Jayden McGregor had seen through all of it.

"I'm offering you a job," he said suddenly.

Celeste blinked. "What?"

"I need a personal chef," Jayden said. "Not just for events-full time."

Her stomach twisted. "I already have a job."

He smirked. "I'll double your salary."

Celeste stared at him. The offer was tempting-hell, it was more than tempting. Working for someone like Jayden McGregor could open doors she had never dreamed of.

But she had spent too long carving out her own path. And she wasn't about to become some billionaire's personal employee.

"No," she said firmly.

Jayden's expression didn't change. If anything, he looked amused.

"You're refusing before you've even heard the details?"

"Yes," she said. "Because I know what working for men like you entails. Long hours. No personal life. Constant expectations."

Jayden tilted his head. "And yet, you already live like that."

Celeste swallowed hard.

He wasn't wrong.

Still, she met his gaze head-on. "I'd rather do it on my own terms."

For the first time, something flickered in Jayden's expression-something unreadable.

After a moment, he exhaled. "Fair enough."

Celeste's shoulders relaxed slightly. She turned to leave, but his voice stopped her.

"Be careful, Miss Bennett."

She frowned, glancing over her shoulder. "Excuse me?"

Jayden leaned back in his chair, his gaze unreadable. "You might think you have control. But the world doesn't work that way."

Something in his tone sent a shiver down her spine. Without another word, she turned and walked out of the room.

But as she stepped back into the kitchen, she knew one thing for certain- She had just caught the attention of a man who never let go of what he wanted. And that terrified her more than anything else.