Page 35 of Stuck with My Billionaire Protector

Mark’s voice brims with support. “Trust your instincts, Jocelyn. You’ve come so far, and this might be a test of your resilience. Don’t settle for something that doesn’t align with your dreams.”

I take a moment to absorb his words. I find comfort in his unwavering belief in me. “Thank you, Mark. I needed to hear that. I won’t let fear or uncertainty dictate my path. I know I’ll navigate through this and come out stronger.”

“That’s the spirit,” Mark says, his voice filled with pride. “Remember, I’m always here for you. You’re not alone in this, sis. Call me if you need anything, and if at any point you feel unsafe, call the police.”

With renewed determination, I feel a surge of strength coursing through my veins. I have my brother’s unwavering support and the resilience within me to face these challenges head-on. As we continue our conversation, laughter finds its way into our dialogue. It reminds me that even in the midst of uncertainty, there is love, laughter, and a bond that nothing can break.

As I step into the office the next morning, my mind races. It is filled with a mix of trepidation and determination. Overnight, the messages have resumed, and their tone has shifted back and forth from vague to overtly threatening.

Colleagues greet me with warm smiles and congratulations on my recent promotion. I notice how their genuine joy contrasts sharply with the ominous messages I have been receiving. As the greetings surround me externally, confusion swirls within. It intensifies the uncertainty about who could be behind the threats. Among the colleagues offering congratulations is Clare, Dylan’s executive secretary.

“Congratulations, Jocelyn!” Clare exclaims, her voice filled with warmth as she approaches me in the hallway. “Your promotion is well-deserved. Dylan was very impressed with your work.”

“Thank you, Clare,” I respond, a mixture of gratitude and confusion evident in my voice. “I appreciate your kind words. It’s been a whirlwind.”

Clare smiles brightly. “Absolutely! I have some exciting news for you. Dylan instructed me to arrange a new, larger office for you. It’s just down the hall, and it’s going to be perfect for your new role.”

I feel a surge of surprise at Dylan’s proactive gesture. “That’s... unexpected, but I appreciate it. Please convey my gratitude to Dylan.”

Clare’s smile remains in place, but for a moment, I catch a flicker of something else in her eyes. It looked like a flash of disdain or contempt that disappeared almost as quickly as it appeared. Did I imagine it? I can’t be certain.

As our conversation comes to an end, we exchange pleasantries and part ways. As I turn to walk away, a lingering unease settles within me. Was it just a momentary lapse in Clare’s façade? Or did I witness a genuine, hidden animosity?

I try to shake off the uncertainty, reminding myself to stay focused and not let my imagination run wild. There are bigger challenges at hand, and I can’t afford to get distracted by speculative thoughts. However, a seed of doubt has been planted, and I wonder if there’s more to Clare’s actions than meets the eye.

With a determined stride, I continue on my path even as the uncertainty swirls around me. The threat of the unknown looms, and it’s up to me to navigate the intricate web of secrets that entangle my professional and personal life.

The days blend together, passing in a whirlwind of confusion. The mysterious messages cast an ever-growing shadow over my life. Dylan remains locked away in his office with the door closed and conversations shrouded in secrecy. I find no opportunity to confide in him about the messages or seek answers about our relationship. Each time I pass by his office, he is engrossed in phone calls, leaving no chance for a conversation.

I find solace in my work, seeking refuge in the tasks at hand. With each strategic analysis and proposal I prepare, I strive to create a path that will lead the company to success. Meanwhile, my inbox continues to flood with emails from my old boss. He is urging me to return to my former job. As the text messages persist, their threats grow bolder, weaving a web of fear that tugs at my sanity.

As the workday comes to a close, I resolve to make one more attempt to reach out to Dylan. I am determined to find closure or at least understand the reasoning behind his abrupt withdrawal.

However, as I approach his closed door, a wave of frustration crashes over me. Through the narrow opening, I catch a glimpse of Dylan. His face is contorted with anger, and his voice is raised in a heated exchange. It’s clear that now is not the time to approach him, and my heart sinks in disappointment. Maybe it’s time to let go of the lingering possibilities and accept that this chance at love has slipped through my fingers.

I continue on my way, resigned to the idea that some things are just not meant to be when a sudden ping interrupts the silence. I reach for my phone, hoping to find a momentary distraction from the disappointment. Curiosity tinged with trepidation takes hold as I unlock the screen that reveals a new message and sends a chill down my spine.

The message contains a video, and as I tap on it, my breath catches in my throat. Scene after scene unfolds before my eyes. They are snippets of my everyday life, moments captured within the sanctity of my apartment. However, there’s something deeply unsettling about them. It’s not just innocent footage—it’s clear that someone has been watching and documenting my every move.

Fear grips me, tightening its hold with each passing second of the video. How can someone invade my privacy in such a brazen manner? Questions swirl in my mind, but before I can make sense of it all, the video ends, leaving me with a sickening feeling of vulnerability.

The message, the footage… it’s a stark reminder that the threats and the danger are real. I am being targeted, and the shadowy forces behind it are growing bolder. They are invading not only my professional life but my personal sanctuary as well. Panic begins to take root, but beneath it, a stubborn determination blossoms. I won’t allow myself to become a victim.

Chapter 21

Dylan

Regretsettlesheavilywithinme on the drive away from Jocelyn’s apartment. The casual goodbye I offered her feels like a major blunder now. How could I have been so stupid? So insensitive?

The undeniable truth is that I yearn for something more with Jocelyn, a connection that goes beyond the confines of our professional lives. But fear and uncertainty have made me hesitate to dive into the depths of those emotions. Am I letting this chance at love slip away?

In my soul-searching, I find myself seeking the counsel of someone who has always been there for me—Roxanne. She is my surrogate mother and the guiding force in my life. Roxanne has always advocated for me to embrace a fulfilling romantic life. She is constantly reminding me of the joys and importance of love and family.

It’s well into the evening now. I know she’ll be busy working, but I still instruct the driver to take me to her wine bar anyway. I’m hoping she can spare a few minutes for me.

I end up having a couple of drinks while I wait and by the time Roxanne is free, I’m brooding and feeling quite morose.

“Well, well, Dylan,” Roxanne teases, her tone filled with a touch of humor. “Back so soon from your business trip? I must say, I didn’t expect you to be swept away by a whirlwind romance!”

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