Page 34 of Stuck with My Billionaire Protector

Chapter 20

Jocelyn

Istandtheredumbfoundedas he drives away.

I’ll see you at the office tomorrow.

That’s all he has to say after the time we just spent together? After the intimacy we shared, how can he walk away so nonchalantly as if nothing happened? I really thought he changed, that he wasn’t the same jerk I met on the street that day. Well, if that’s the way he wants to play it, then I’m perfectly capable of reverting to strict professionalism.

I’ll see you at the office tomorrow.

What an asshole!

Anyway, I don’t have time to worry about that right now. I’ll deal with it at the office tomorrow. The press release went out while we were still in flight and has made quite a stir. When I took my phone off airplane mode, I received a ton of messages. Most were from friends and colleagues congratulating me on my promotion. However, there were a few from unfamiliar numbers with vaguely menacing messages.

Congratulations on your promotion. It seems you’re climbing the ladder of success quite effortlessly. Enjoy it while it lasts.

The higher you climb, the harder you’ll fall.

The taste of victory. Your recent promotion must have inflated your ego, but beware, success often breeds enemies.

Clearly, someone isn’t happy for me. I have no idea who it could be though. Maybe there’s even more than one person involved in this. I didn’t think I had been with Chase Media long enough to make enemies, and everyone always seems so friendly and welcoming.

And then there was an email from Donald… Evidently, word of my success has gotten to him too. He actually apologized and then went on to offer me my job back. He also added a promotion and a sizable raise. I never thought I would live to see the day when Donald would humble himself enough to apologize to anyone, for anything.

Could the text messages be from Donald too? It seems like the sort of thing he would do. On the other hand, I’m not sure if he’s smart enough to mask his number. As I’m mulling it over, my phone pings again with another text message.

You think you’re so special. Don’t get used to it, bitch. I’ll come for you when you least expect it.

Okay, now that one has an actual threat but I don’t really know what I can do about it. I have no idea who is behind the messages. Donald is a sexist pig, but he wouldn’t resort to actual violence. No matter how threatening it seems, a text message doesn’t seem like enough to take to the police.

I decide to call my brother. I need to fill him in on what happened and see what he thinks.

I grab my phone and dial my brother’s number, praying that he’ll answer. Mark has always been my confidant, my anchor in stormy seas. As the phone rings, I pace back and forth, the weight of the situation pressing down on me.

Finally, Mark’s voice fills my ears. It is a familiar and comforting sound. I know I will soon spill out the details of the trip, the menacing texts, the offer from my old boss, and the lingering uncertainty about Dylan’s sudden shift in demeanor.

“Hey, Mark! I’m so glad you answered.” I know my voice is tinged with anxiety.

“Jocelyn, what’s going on? You sound worried,” Mark replies, concern evident in his voice.

“It’s been a whirlwind, Mark. I don’t even know where to begin,” I confess, my words tumbling out in a rush. “There’s this fake relationship with Dylan, a promotion that came out of nowhere, and now I’m receiving these threatening messages.”

“Whoa, slow down,” Mark says, his voice steady and calming. “Let’s take it step by step. Tell me about this fake relationship. What’s going on there?”

I take a deep breath, attempting to organize my thoughts. “Dylan and I pretended to be in a relationship to secure an investment, but lately, things have been confusing. We shared some moments of intimacy in Fiji, and then he acted like it didn’t matter when we got home. It’s left me feeling lost, Mark.”

Mark lets out a low whistle. “That sounds like quite the emotional rollercoaster. Have you talked to him about it?”

I sigh, frustration creeping into my voice. “Not really. He brushed it off casually and said we’ll see each other at the office. It’s like he wants to pretend nothing happened between us.”

Mark’s tone softens. “I know it’s tough, Jocelyn. But remember, people can be complicated. It might be worth having an honest conversation with him when the time is right.”

“Yeah, you’re right,” I reply, gratitude flooding my voice. “But that’s not all. I’ve also been receiving these menacing texts from unknown numbers. It’s starting to feel like someone is trying to sabotage me.”

Mark’s concern grows. “That’s serious, Jocelyn. Have you reported it to the police?”

“Not yet,” I admit. “I’m not sure if it’s just a prank or something more, but it’s starting to escalate. And on top of that, my old boss offered me my job back with a promotion. It’s tempting, but it feels like a step backward.”

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