Page 37 of Stuck with My Billionaire Protector

Parker hesitates, his voice measured. “Are you sure, Dylan? I know she hasn’t been here that long, but Jocelyn has always shown dedication and loyalty to the company.”

My jaw clenches as I wrestle with my emotions. The desire for the truth wars with the lingering connection I once felt with Jocelyn. “I understand your concerns, Parker, but we need to be thorough and ensure that we protect the company from any potential threats. Please arrange for the outside investigator immediately.”

Parker’s voice softens with understanding as he senses the weight of my words. “I’ll get on it right away, Dylan. I’ll make sure we hire someone experienced and discreet. We’ll get to the bottom of this.”

I end the call, feeling the heaviness of my decision settling over me. The rage I feel at the possibility of Jocelyn betraying me is countered only by the pain of realizing that what we had wasn’t real. Well, maybe not for her…

I sit there brooding and once I am unable to take it anymore, I grab my keys and head out. I’m intent on going to her place and resolving these issues—personal and professional—once and for all.

Chapter 22

Jocelyn

Intentonseekingsolaceand comfort, I drive home. My mind is yearning for the refuge of my favorite chair, a glass of wine, and a chat with my brother. My phone keeps pinging with messages. I’m tempted to turn it off, but I refuse to give in to fear. Nevertheless, my mind races with a thousand worrisome scenarios. The eerie video montage culminates in a chilling realization that I am being watched and that my every move is being scrutinized by an unknown enemy.

When I arrive at my apartment, my heart is still pounding in my chest. As I approach the front door, a sense of foreboding washes over me. The door is unlocked and slightly ajar. I know that I should stop and call the police or at least a friend but anger and indignation take over. I cautiously push the door open and enter. The sight that greets my eyes is one of chaos and devastation. Books and papers lie scattered across the floor, the kitchen drawers are emptied, and cabinets are flung open. My precious memories are shattered like fragments of a broken mirror.

A lump forms in my throat as I make my way through the wreckage. My footsteps are barely audible against the backdrop of my shattered reality. My sanctuary, once a haven of solace and comfort, now resembles a scene from a nightmare. Although it seems the intruder is gone, the very essence of violation hangs heavily in the air.

With trepidation, I enter the bathroom, and my heart sinks further as I behold the threatening message scrawled across the pristine surface in my favorite crimson lipstick.

THE END IS NEAR, BITCH!

The sinister words taunt me. It is a chilling reminder that danger lurks in the shadows and that the intruder possesses an intimate knowledge of my most cherished possessions.

With trembling hands, I reach for my phone and dial my brother’s number. There’s nothing he can do from Florida but merely hearing his voice will provide some comfort. No answer. I leave a message. “Mark, it’s me. Call me when you get this message. It’s important.”

I head to the kitchen, hoping to find some small comfort in a glass of wine while I wait for him to call back. All the glasses are broken. It figures. However, my travel mug remains intact. I open the fridge, take out a bottle of Chardonnay, and pour some into the mug.

I’m taking the first sip when I’m startled by a sudden noise. My heart leaps into my throat, and panic surges through my veins. The intruder? Did the intruder return? Every nerve in my body is on high alert, bracing for the worst until I turn around and find myself face-to-face with Dylan. Relief washes over me, mingled with confusion and a trace of apprehension.

“What happened here?” His voice is laced with concern as his eyes scan the disarray that engulfs my apartment. His brooding demeanor in the office is replaced with genuine worry and a desire to understand.

I take a moment to steady my trembling voice. “I... I’ve been receiving some disturbing messages, Dylan. Threats and accusations.” The words spill out, revealing the darkness that has infiltrated my life. “And I’ve been receiving emails from my old boss, Donald. They are unsettling, to say the least.”

Dylan’s brows furrow and his eyes reflect a mixture of concern and confusion. “Donald? Your old boss? Why would he be contacting you?”

“Donald... After you promoted me, he started emailing me, wanting me to come back. I politely refused at first, but he persisted so I started ignoring him. I don’t know if he’s behind all of this, but it seems too coincidental.”

Dylan gently reaches out and takes me in his arms. A surge of warmth fills me briefly until it occurs to me that this is the first physical contact we’ve had since our trip to Fiji and that was weeks ago! I pull back and look him squarely in the eyes. “Dylan, what are you doing here anyway? You’ve barely seen or spoken to me since Fiji.”

“Jocelyn, I need to tell you something. After the leak at the office, I started suspecting you. I came here to confront you, to demand answers. But seeing the state of your apartment and hearing your explanation about the emails from Donald... I realize now that I was wrong.”

I look at him, a swirl of emotions swirling within me. Hurt, confusion, and a glimmer of hope vie for dominance. “You suspected me? After everything we’ve been through?”

Dylan’s gaze softens as regret etches lines on his face. “Jocelyn, I came to talk to you today, but you were already gone. I saw one of the emails on your desk, and I let my anger cloud my judgment. I’m deeply sorry for that. The truth is, Jocelyn, I don’t know who’s behind the sabotage, but I don’t believe it’s you.”

I take a step back, trying to process his words and the conflicting emotions surging through my veins. “Dylan, what happened between us? After Fiji, it felt like you were avoiding me. I thought... I thought we had something.”

His eyes search mine, a mixture of regret and longing. “I made a mistake, Jocelyn. I was a total ass when I dropped you off that day. It’s not an excuse, but I’ve kept myself closed off for so long that I didn’t know how to handle my feelings. I meant to make it right the next day. However, then I learned about the sabotage, and things snowballed from there. Ultimately, I let my fears and insecurities push you away but I can’t deny any longer how I feel about you. Jocelyn, please tell me I haven’t ruined things between us and that you’ll forgive me.”

I stand frozen in place, still reeling from everything that’s happened. “Dylan, I…”

He senses that I’m overwhelmed and moves toward me with a tenderness that melts my defenses. His arms envelop me, drawing me closer to him. The weight of his embrace is both a reassurance and a confession of his vulnerability. At this moment, the outside world fades away, leaving only the two of us entwined in a tangle of emotions.

“I know I messed up, Jocelyn,” Dylan whispers against my hair. “But I’m willing to fight for us, to make things right. I don’t want to lose you.”

I take a deep breath, feeling the warmth of his body against mine. I allow myself to let go of the doubts and insecurities that have haunted me. “Dylan, I’ve been afraid too. I’ve been afraid of my feelings and of getting hurt. But the truth is, I’ve fallen for you, even amidst all the chaos.”

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