Page 4 of Stuck with My Billionaire Protector

No... I can’t let myself be swayed by such foolish emotions. I am not someone who can be easily messed with, and I need to make sure she understands that. I’ll show her just how dangerous it is to cross Dylan Chase.

“I really think you should just let it go, Dylan,” Parker says, his voice tinged with concern.

However, I’m not about to back down. “I will not let it go. She deserves to be taught a lesson,” I say as I storm out of the elevator. My personal assistant, Jessica, is already waiting for me with a nervous smile as I approach.

Remembering names has never been my strong suit, and it had taken me a while to learn Jessica’s. I had gone through several personal assistants in the past, always searching for the perfect fit. Many of them started out optimistic, eager to work for me. However, after a few months of dealing with my demanding personality, they realized they couldn’t cut it and resigned before I could fire them.

Jessica has been with me for almost six months already and that is a record.

“Good morning, Mr. Chase,” she greets me, her tone deferential.

“Jessica, cancel all my appointments for the day. I have something I need to attend to,” I say curtly, barely acknowledging her presence.

“Of course, sir.” She scurries to keep up with me as I stride purposefully down the hallway. As I make my way to my office, my mind races with plans on how to make this woman pay for her impudence.

“I’ll sort out that issue and let you get to work,” Parker says. He gives me a small nod before turning to leave my office.

I watch him go, feeling a pang of gratitude mixed with annoyance. Parker is the one person who seems to truly understand me, but sometimes, that understanding feels like a burden. I don’t want to be coddled or treated with kid gloves. I want to be challenged, pushed to be better. Parker seems to know exactly how to tiptoe around my ego, and it sometimes makes me feel frustrated and restless.

Shaking my head, I turn my attention back to the papers on my desk, determined to focus on the task at hand. There’s no time for distractions or second-guessing. I’m Dylan Chase, after all, and I have a reputation to uphold.

As I sift through the paperwork on my desk, Jessica knocks softly on my door and enters with a cup of coffee.

“Your coffee, Mr. Chase. Is there anything else I can get you right now?” She places the steaming mug on my desk.

I nod in acknowledgment, taking a sip. “Did you cancel all my appointments for the day?”

“Yes, sir,” she replies promptly. “However, I did want to remind you that you have a political fundraiser to attend this evening.”

I feel a spark of irritation flare up in my chest at her reminder. “I saidallmy appointments, Jessica. That means everything. No exceptions.”

“I understand, sir.” Her voice is calm despite my harsh tone. “But I thought you might want to keep this one. You’ve been working on influencing the new piece of privacy in media legislation, and Senator Adams, the bill’s sponsor, will be at the event. I thought it would be a good opportunity for you to further your goal.”

I glare at her, feeling my anger rise. “You thought? I don’t pay you to think, Jessica. I pay you to do what I tell you. If I sayallmy appointments, I meanallmy appointments. Don’t second-guess me.”

“I apologize, sir,” she says, her tone still even. “I just thought it might be beneficial for you to attend the fundraiser.”

“I’m not interested in your fucking apology. You’re fired. Pack your things and be out of here in an hour.”

She gasps. “I’m so sorry, sir! I will call and cancel right now.”

I shake my head. “I can’t deal with incompetence and disregard for direct orders, Jessica,” I say icily, my voice carrying a threat. “Get your things and get out of here.”

There’s a brief moment of silence before she lets out a resigned sigh and turns to leave my office. I watch her go, feeling a sense of satisfaction mixed with guilt. She has been a good assistant, and maybe I have been too harsh. However, I can’t afford to show weakness, not in front of anyone.

As I straighten my tie, I reach for my phone and put a call through to Parker.

“I need a replacement,” I state as soon as he picks up the call. My voice is curt and business-like, betraying none of the emotions churning inside me. I run a hand through my charcoal-black hair as I flip through the documents in front of me with the other hand.

“Who did you fire this time?” Parker asks.

“Jessica.”

“She’s been working for you for almost six months, that’s almost twice as long as most of your assistants. What did she do?”

“I need someone who can keep up with me, someone who won’t question my orders or make mistakes,” I reply shortly.

There’s a brief pause on the other end of the line before Parker speaks again. “I’ll start looking for a replacement right away, but I hope you realize that it’s not easy to find someone who can handle working for you.”

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