Page 33 of Stuck with My Billionaire Protector

Dylan

Ontheplaneridehome the next day, I’m getting caught up on some work items unrelated to our trip when a message from the head of Prism Advertising pops into my inbox. It’s marked with high importance. The campaign had been in a state of disaster when we left LA, so I’m concerned enough to open it immediately.

A smile spreads across my face as I read.

“Jocelyn, you won’t believe this!” I exclaim. “The advertising team has just sent an update on our campaign, and the improvement in its performance is nothing short of extraordinary.”

Curiosity sparks within her eyes as she leans in, eager to hear the details. I begin to read the email, each sentence painting a picture of success and the fruits of our collaboration.

“The team credits your insights and information from the visit to the streaming show as instrumental in turning the campaign around,” I say, pride lacing my voice. “The focus groups are responding extremely positively, with a 35% increase in brand recognition compared to our previous efforts. Additionally, the target audience’s intent to subscribe to our streaming service has doubled since the campaign’s launch.”

“Jocelyn, this is incredible!” I exclaim as I continue to read through the details. “The positive response from the focus groups and the increase in brand recognition are significant milestones. It’s a testament to your insights and the collaborative spirit of our team. But I don’t understand, when did you even have time to send them your insights?”

“I got up early the morning after our visit to the streaming show and compiled all my notes along with my suggestions for implementation strategy. I know how important this campaign is to the launch of StreamScape and how important a successful launch is to Chase Media. I thought it was too important to wait until our return.”

“Jocelyn, I can’t thank you enough for your extraordinary effort. Your initiative in sending the information to the advertisers has been a game-changer for this campaign. You saw an opportunity and took action, and what a difference it’s made.”

Her eyes widen with surprise and a glimmer of pride shines through. “Dylan, I simply saw the potential and wanted to contribute,” she responds humbly. “I’m glad it had a positive impact.”

I shake my head, my voice resonating with conviction. “No, Jocelyn. What you did went beyond contribution. It showed incredible foresight and strategic thinking. Your ability to see opportunities and act upon them is a rare gift. You have proven yourself to be so much more than an assistant.”

Her brows furrow in curiosity, and a hint of anticipation fills the air between us.

“I have made a decision, Jocelyn,” I continue, my voice filled with certainty. “Effective immediately, I am promoting you to the role of Executive Director of Strategy. Your forward-thinking and analytical skills are invaluable assets to our company. Upon our return to Los Angeles, I want you to assemble a team and get to work. I want you to analyze areas for improvement within the company, identify strategic initiatives, and explore potential investments.”

Jocelyn’s eyes widen in surprise and delight as her lips part in awe. “Dylan, I... I don’t know what to say,” she stammers, her voice filled with a mix of gratitude and excitement.

“You don’t have to say anything,” I say, a smile tugging at the corners of my lips. “Your work speaks for itself, Jocelyn. You have proven yourself capable of so much more, and I have every confidence that you will excel in this new role.”

“Dylan, thank you. This means so much to me.”

“You deserve it, Jocelyn. Now for your last acts as my assistant, I’d like you to write up a press release announcing your promotion and the creation of the… Corporate Strategy Unit, which you will lead. Send it over to Parker and have him release it immediately and make sure it gets put up on our website and social media.”

Jocelyn chuckles. “Okay, Dylan. I’ll get started on that right away.”

“Also have Parker reach out to Jessica and rehire her. Tell him he’s authorized to make whatever concessions are necessary to get her back. After hearing about your experience with your last boss, I realize now that I was a total ass and was completely unfair to her. You’ve made me a better man, Jocelyn.” I smile at her. “Plus, I need a new assistant… again.”

Jocelyn opens her laptop and immediately starts implementing my instructions. I go speak to the flight attendant and ask her for a bottle of Champagne and two glasses. I pop the cork and pour some Champagne into the glasses before carrying them back to the seating area.

“Jocelyn,” I say, handing her a glass.

“Yes, Dylan?”

“Work can wait a few minutes while we celebrate your promotion. Here’s to a long and fulfilling partnership.” I clink my glass to hers, and we both drink. “Now I don’t believe you saw the whole plane on our flight to Fiji. There’s a sleeping chamber in the back. Care to join the Mile High Club?”

A broad grin spreads across her face. I reach out, take her hand, and lead her to the back of the private plane.

Eventually, we return to our seats and pass the rest of the flight in companionable silence. We are content to just be with each other. We both work on our laptops for a while, pausing only when the flight attendant serves a meal. After the meal, Jocelyn dozes off. I continue to work, occasionally glancing over to watch her sleeping peacefully. She’s smiling in her sleep, and I envy her pleasant dreams.

She wakes up when the plane lands. We both take our phones off airplane mode, and they immediately start pinging with missed calls and messages. I can’t help but notice Jocelyn’s demeanor changes as she scrolls through her messages. At first, she seems confused but that soon turns to anger. “Jocelyn, is something wrong? You look upset.”

“No. No, it’s nothing.”

I don’t completely believe her, but I decide not to press the point right now.

We disembark from the plane, and there’s a car service waiting to drive us home. It feels awkward as we arrive at her apartment. Having spent so much time in close proximity to her, pretending to be a couple, I’m unsure how to act now. We never talked about the future. I walk her to her door and give her a quick kiss on the cheek. “I’ll see you at the office tomorrow.”

I walk back to the car and get in. As we drive away, I see her still standing there, looking shocked and I realized I’ve screwed upagain.

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