Page 25 of Stuck with My Billionaire Protector

The sprawling set of the popular streaming show buzzes with energy as Jocelyn and I make our way back to the car. The afterglow of our successful meeting is still lighting up our faces. The sun hangs low in the sky, casting a warm, golden hue over the surroundings.

“I have to say, Jocelyn, your suggestion to meet with the show’s producers and actors was brilliant,” I remark.

She grins, a twinkle of pride in her eyes. “Well, I thought it would give us valuable insights into how they connect with their audience, and it worked! They were so forthcoming and passionate about their craft. It was inspiring.”

I nod, my excitement matching hers. “Absolutely. We gained a deeper understanding of their storytelling techniques, the characters that resonate with the viewers, and how they create that sense of community. It’s exactly what we need to infuse into our marketing material. I feel confident now that we’ll be able to make StreamScape a resounding success, and I have you to thank for it.”

We share a moment of quiet satisfaction, our steps in sync as we make our way back to the car. The weight of our previous tensions feels momentarily lifted, replaced by the shared exhilaration of progress and the promise of success.

As we settle into the car, the air is charged with a renewed energy, a camaraderie that sparks between us. We launch into a lively banter. We recount the highlights of the meeting and our words blend with laughter and shared excitement.

“You know, Jocelyn…” I begin, a playful glimmer in my eyes. “We make a pretty good team. Your intuition and resourcefulness are proving invaluable to my business ventures.”

She chuckles, her laughter filling the air. “Well, I must admit, Mr. Chase, your expertise and guidance have been instrumental in steering the ship. I feel privileged to have the opportunity to have you as a mentor and learn from such a successful entrepreneur.”

Shit.

Even though I feel a tremendous sense of pride mingled with appreciation for the woman sitting beside me, her referring to me as a “mentor” slaps me back to reality. I frown as I can’t help but think about the seemingly insurmountable obstacles standing in the way of us being together.

Chapter 14

Jocelyn

Forafewhours,we were almost back to a normal working relationship. We were meeting with the TV show’s actors and producers and recounting our success on the way back from the set. For that short time, I almost forgot my shame from what happened last night. I almost forgot that he’s my boss, and he’s seen me naked. He’s had his hands, his mouth,andhis tongue all over my body… all over and inside the most intimate parts of my body. Then he walked out with scarcely a word…

It wasalmostforgotten. I couldalmostsee him as just my boss and a colleague again. However, when I called him my mentor and as his face dropped, a cloud of uncertainty settled over me.

What exactly does he want from me? I have no idea. However, I resolve to maintain an aura of professionalism going forward.

We soon arrive back at the hotel. Once the car drives away, leaving us standing in front of the hotel, I feel Dylan’s gaze fixed upon me. I feel like he is trying to seek some form of connection, like he wants to build a bridge to span the growing divide between us. He takes a tentative step closer and says, “Jocelyn, about what you said earlier—“

Before he can finish his sentence, I pull away. My heart is already so heavy with conflicting emotions. I cannot allow myself to be swayed by his charm or the intoxicating allure of what could be.

“Mr. Chase, please… let’s just forget it,” I interject, my voice resolute.

His expression softens as a trace of disappointment flickers in his eyes. “I understand, Jocelyn. I never meant to make you uncomfortable. It’s just—“

I raise my hand, cutting off his words once more. “We need to keep this professional. Our fake relationship does serve a purpose, but that’s where it ends. No more blurred lines or mixed signals. Let’s focus on the task at hand, Mr. Chase. We have a limited window of opportunity to secure the investment from Mr. Shin. I’ll continue with the charade for as long as necessary, but otherwise, I insist on a strictlyprofessionalrelationship. So from now on, please keep your hands to yourself.”

He nods, a flicker of resignation crossing his features.

We resume our walk back to the room, the silence between us pregnant with unspoken sentiments. The walls that had momentarily crumbled around us have been rebuilt, and their presence is a stark reminder of the chasm that separates us.

As we reach the room, I feel a sense of disappointment that the connection we once shared now lies fractured, overshadowed by the weight of professionalism.

I enter our room but Dylan lingers by the door. His eyes search mine for any hint of reconciliation. “Jocelyn, I want you to know that I respect your boundaries. I apologize for any trouble I’ve caused you.”

I offer him a tight smile. “Thank you, Mr. Chase. Let’s just get some rest. We still have a lot of work ahead of us.”

The next few days of our business trip blend together in a whirlwind of meetings and social engagements. We navigate the intricacies of the corporate world with precision, and our collaboration is seamless as we present a united front to Mr. Shin. It seems our efforts are bearing fruit as Mr. Shin, intrigued by our proposal, edges closer to committing to the investment.

Outside the realm of business, our personal relationship, or rather the lack thereof, remains a delicate dance. Dylan has diligently honored my request for professionalism, except when we need to uphold the façade of a relationship for Mr. Shin’s benefit. In the hotel room, a cot finally procured by the hotel separates us, serving as a physical reminder of the emotional distance we’ve established.

As we return to our room one evening, the echoes of a social event still reverberate in our minds. There is a mixture of weariness and anticipation that fills the air. Our conversations consist of analyzing and reflecting on the evening’s proceedings.

“I believe Mr. Shin is on the cusp of committing to the investment,” Dylan remarks, a hint of excitement in his voice. “The discussions have been promising, and he seems genuinely interested in what we have to offer.”

A surge of hope courses through me, overshadowing the realization that our professional success may come at the expense of our personal connection. “That’s wonderful news, Mr. Chase. We’ve put so much effort into this, and it’s gratifying to see it paying off.”

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