Page 21 of Stuck with My Billionaire Protector

Chapter 11

Dylan

Aswestepoutof the restaurant, the weight of the meeting with Mr. Shin still lingers in the air. There’s a renewed sense of hope, but there is also an underlying tension that we can’t shake off just yet. My mind races with a mixture of emotions and uncertainties. I am craving a moment of respite.

Jocelyn’s presence beside me is a reassuring anchor amidst the storm. I turn to her, a mixture of admiration and gratitude in my eyes.

“Jocelyn, I must commend you on your quick thinking back there. Coming up with the idea of a fake relationship to address Mr. Shin’s concerns was brilliant. Your professionalism and articulation throughout the meeting were remarkable.”

A smile tugs at the corners of her lips, and I see the gratitude shining in her eyes. “Thank you, Mr. Chase. I just wanted to find a way to salvage the situation. I’m glad it worked.”

“I thought I told you to call me Dylan.”

“You did. I apologize for my error, Mr. Chase.”

As we walk through the bustling streets, an undercurrent of frustration begins to seep into my thoughts. Anger bubbles within me. It is not directed at Jocelyn but at the circumstances that have put us in this precarious position. I clench my fists. The fury is simmering just beneath the surface as I reflect on the photos and the other troublesome events that have taken place lately.

“Damn it,” I mutter, my voice laced with a tinge of anger.

Jocelyn glances at me, concern evident in her expression. “What’s wrong, Mr. Chase?”

I take a deep breath, my frustration spilling out. “It’s not just the tabloid photos, Jocelyn. Many things have been going wrong in the business lately… things that seem beyond the realm of coincidence. I suspect sabotage or even a corporate spy.”

Her eyes widen, disbelief etching across her face. “Sabotage? Are you sure?”

I nod solemnly. “I’ve been noticing patterns and strange occurrences that have been affecting our progress and reputation. The timing of it all feels too orchestrated to be mere chance.”

Jocelyn’s gaze meets mine and she says, “This is the first I’m hearing of it. Why didn’t you mention it before?”

A pang of guilt strikes my heart, knowing that I should have confided in her earlier. “Honestly, I wasn’t sure if I could trust you. You did appear on the scene in a rather dramatic and highly coincidental fashion. But you couldn’t have possibly taken those photos. Your reputation is just as much at risk as my business. With everything that’s transpired, I think it’s time I face this head-on. I won’t let anyone undermine what I’ve built.”

Determination sets in, casting aside the cloud of uncertainty. I meet Jocelyn’s eyes, and I know my voice is resolute when I say, “I will find out who’s responsible for the tabloid photos and the other setbacks. I’ll uncover the truth and protect my company at all costs. The saboteur will rue the day he crossed Dylan Chase!”

As we continue our conversation, a series of urgent vibrations disrupt the air, emanating from Jocelyn’s phone. She pulls it out of her pocket and glances at the screen. Right away, I notice the pain in her eyes.

“What is it?” I inquire, sensing her distress.

Jocelyn’s voice trembles slightly. “It’s my family. My brother is texting me. They’ve seen the photos, Mr. Chase. They’re upset and disappointed. They don’t understand the circumstances.”

A surge of anger wells up within me, fueled not only by the injustices inflicted upon us but also by the pain inflicted upon Jocelyn. The thought of her being misunderstood and judged by those closest to her ignites a righteous fury deep within my core.

I reach out, gently placing a hand on Jocelyn’s arm. “I’m so sorry, Jocelyn. You don’t deserve this. We’ll get through this and prove them wrong. In the meantime, we should strategize how we’re going to get through the next few days. We’ve got a lot of ground to cover before the deal with Mr. Shin is secure, and we’re going to have to keep up the fake relationship pretense.”

“We need to be mindful of our every interaction,” Jocelyn states, her voice laced with a touch of concern. “Mr. Shin is perceptive, and any slip-up could cast doubt on our professionalism and commitment.”

I nod in agreement, acknowledging the weight of her words. “You’re right, Jocelyn. We must maintain the illusion of a genuine relationship without compromising the boundaries we’ve set for ourselves. We’ll need to tread carefully, ensuring that our actions align with the narrative we’ve constructed.”

Jocelyn furrows her brow, and she looks focused. “We should establish a set of guidelines and ground rules, a playbook of sorts, to navigate through the upcoming meetings and events where Mr. Shin will be present. We need to project unity, trust, and support for one another. There may be times when we need to act more like a couple, for instance, tonight’s formal dinner and dancing event. Other times, strict professionalism will be required. Most importantly, we’ll have to make sure we don’t blur the lines or cross any lines so when this is over, we can go back to being just boss and employee.”

Her suggestion resonates with me, and I feel a surge of gratitude for her logical and strategic approach. “That’s an excellent idea,” I reply. “We’ll define our roles, establish a timeline, and coordinate our gestures and words to maintain a consistent image.”

We spend the next few moments brainstorming, creating a plan that will allow us to authentically portray the dynamics of a couple deeply invested in both their personal and professional lives. We discuss how to manage public displays of affection, we have conversations about our “relationship,” and we tackle ways to handle potential inquiries from colleagues and acquaintances.

“It won’t be easy,” Jocelyn remarks, a touch of apprehension in her voice. “We’ll need to be on guard at all times, and we will have to be constantly aware of our surroundings and all the eyes on us.”

With our plan in place, we walk forward, ready to step into the whirlwind of meetings and events that await us. The path may be challenging, but our shared purpose and unwavering commitment will guide us through. We face the upcoming days with a newfound resolve, determined to convince Mr. Shin that our relationship and our business are rooted in sincerity and dedication.

As the evening unfolds, the grand ballroom comes alive with the rhythm of music and the gentle sway of couples moving across the floor. Jocelyn and I stand together, projecting the image of a committed couple. However, the tension between us crackles with an unspoken understanding.

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