Page 1 of Stuck with My Billionaire Protector

Chapter 1

Jocelyn

Myheartisinmy throat as I stand in the conference room. It’s nearly impossible for me to make sense of the words being spoken to me. My boss, Donald, and a few other executives sit at the round table as they discuss what to do with me like I’m not standing right there.

I close my eyes and wipe my clammy hands on my dark brown skirt, anticipating that they will eventually acknowledge my presence. I’m thankful that I chose to style my hair in a bun that morning, keeping the strands away from my oval face. I could only imagine how much more uneasy I would feel if my hair was down, perhaps falling in my eyes and obstructing my vision.

I make eye contact with Donald and can easily read him. He is elated that I am in this position. He probably thinks this will be the time I finally give in to him, but I’m not going to.No way.I will accept whatever consequences come my way.

I’m sure that Jane is outside, feeling remorseful, but I recognize that it isn’t her fault. As the team leader, I entrusted Jane with an immense amount of responsibility, and in doing so, I neglected to review the manuscript before sending it to print.

“How could you possibly make such an absurd mistake?” Donald scowls, his words dripping with frustration.

I bite my lower lip, considering my response carefully. “I thoroughly examined the document, and everything appeared to be in order,” I cautiously explain.

“Then why…” asks Donald with a smug expression on his face as he lifts a physical copy of the newly released issue of the magazine, “is there a glaring error on page eighteen? Digiprint Communications has been operating for over 40 years. We take great pride in our work and never make such foolish mistakes.”

“I sincerely apologize. As the team leader, I accept full responsibility for this error,” I state with a nod.

“I commend your willingness to take responsibility, but we cannot ignore this,” interjects Henry, an executive and member of the board of directors.

I observe Donald’s grin as he reclines in his seat, and I immediately recognize what is about to happen. They are going to fire me, and Donald is anticipating that I will plead with him to keep my job.

“We have no choice but to let you go,” Donald says.

I am not the least bit surprised. Had this error been made by someone else, it wouldn’t have been an issue. However, Donald has been making sexually suggestive remarks to me for weeks now and hinting at a quid pro quo. Finding him repulsive, I naturally demurred. I am sure he will try to use this opportunity to approach me with an outright quid pro quo—my job in exchange for sex. Well, there is no way in hell that is going to happen and I am determined to get the hell out of there before he has the chance to bring it up. The presence of the other executives and board members is likely the only thing stopping him from having done it already.

Summoning all the bravery within me, I force a smile onto my face. I’m careful not to miss the look of astonishment on Donald’s and Henry’s faces when they see me smiling.

“Once again, I apologize for my error. I will collect my personal belongings and vacate the premises within the hour,” I state, maintaining my smile as I depart the conference room.

As I emerge, Jane is waiting for me. I offer her a gentle and reassuring smile, and she instinctively understands the outcome of the meeting. Overwhelmed with emotion, she bursts into tears. I wish I could convey to her that this is not her fault.

Despite my best efforts, it’s time for me to depart and seek out better opportunities.

I enter my office, still maintaining the same smile I had plastered on my face in the conference room. Despite knowing that Donald is a bastard, I never expected him to sink to this level. Although I could put aside my dignity and plead with them to rehire me, I refuse to give Donald the satisfaction of seeing me beg.

I am a highly skilled and educated woman, and many media organizations will be eager to bring me on board. As I gather my personal belongings into a box, I consider the funds I have saved up. They will provide me with sufficient resources to survive while searching for a new job. My resume is outstanding, and I’m confident that I won’t have to wait long to secure a new position.

With my belongings packed and my black leather bag slung over my right shoulder, I hoist the brown box and exit my former office.

Jane is standing outside with a sober look on her face. She is clutching a tissue as she dabs at her eyes.

“This is not your fault, Jane, and I won’t let you blame yourself for it.” I comfort her as I steady the box in front of me.

“If I hadn’t been so careless, you wouldn’t be paying the price for my mistake.” She sniffles.

“As the team leader, it was my responsibility to take charge. Don’t be too hard on yourself.” I reassure her with a smile before walking toward the elevator. I notice Donald observing me with a smug expression on his face. He likely believes that if I don’t plead for my job today, I will be back to do so tomorrow. I roll my eyes and press the down button to call the elevator.

My mother instilled in me the virtues of strength and self-respect. I had committed myself wholeheartedly to this company, and despite being a valuable contributor, they’ve opted to dismiss me over a matter that could have been handled more appropriately. I will not let it weigh heavily on my conscience.

The elevator signals its arrival with a chime. I enter calmly, pressing the close button. As soon as the doors shut, the tears I’ve been holding back begin to flow freely.

“It’s alright, Jocelyn. Everything will be alright. You’ll overcome this,” I say out loud. I repeat the words to myself, continuing to do so until I arrive at the ground floor. Once the door opens, I exit the elevator and the building.

I make my way toward my blue Toyota Camry and unlock the trunk with my car remote. I place my box inside before slamming the trunk shut and walking around to the driver’s side door to get into the car. I then set my shoulder bag on the passenger seat.

I’ve barely left the company’s parking lot when my phone rings inside my purse. I answer it using my car’s hands-free system. It’s my brother, Mark.

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