Chapter 102
Chapter 102:
Jocelyn was back at her desk at the Wolfe Hotel, trying to ignore the stack of tabloids Harvey had helpfully placed on the corner of her desk. The headlines were ridiculous.
COLLINS LOVE NEST: DID HE BUY HER AN ISLAND?
THE BILLIONAIRE AND THE PRINCESS: REAL OR PR?
“They’re saying he bought you a private island in the Caribbean,” Harvey gossiped, leaning against the doorframe. “Is it true? Can I come? I look great in a Speedo p>
“It was a watch, Harvey,” Jocelyn corrected without looking up. She was signing invoices, her pen scratching aggressively against the paper. “And it was a prop. For the image p>
The intercom on her desk buzzed. “Mrs. Collins? A Mr. Vance is here to see you p>
𝖲𝗮𝘷е 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝘧𝘢𝗏𝘰𝘳i𝗍𝖾 nо𝗏𝗲𝗅𝗌 𝗼ո ѕ.𝖼𝗈m
Jocelyn stiffened. Her pen stopped mid-signature. Vance. The boyfriend. The man Gaston was actually in love with.
She took a deep breath. “Send him in p>
She stood up, smoothing her skirt. She had to be cool. She had to be the understanding, modern wife.
The door opened and Vance walked in. He was undeniably handsome — lean, with sharp features and a flamboyant style. He wore a deep purple velvet blazer and loafers with no socks.
“Mrs. Collins,” Vance said, his voice smooth and charming. He smiled, revealing perfect white teeth. “A pleasure to finally meet the woman who tamed the beast p>
Jocelyn walked around her desk and extended her hand. “Mr. Vance. To what do I owe the honor p>
She scanned him, looking for clues. Is this Gaston’s type? Flashy? Loud? Gaston was so understated, so monochromatic. Maybe opposites attracted.
Vance placed a heavy gift bag on the desk. “Gaston sent me. About the photo in the papers p>
Jocelyn’s stomach twisted. “You don’t need to explain. We have an NDA. His private life is his. I respect that p>
Vance blinked. He looked at her closely. She really didn’t care? Or was she incredibly good at hiding it? He saw the tension in her jaw. She cared.
“He wanted you to know it was a misunderstanding,” Vance said, walking the fine line between the truth and the lie she believed. “We were discussing business. Intense business p>
“Business. Right,” Jocelyn nodded, her smile tight. “I’m sure you were p>
Vance fought the urge to laugh. She thought they were lovers. It was absurd. But he had his orders.
“Anyway,” Vance pivoted, reaching into his leather briefcase. “He feels bad about the stress it caused with your grandmother. He wants to make sure you’re supported p>
He pulled out the thick document Gaston had given him.
“The Collins Group is hosting the Global Tech Summit next month,” Vance announced, placing the formal letter of intent on top of the gift bag.
Jocelyn’s eyes widened. She knew the Tech Summit. Every hotelier in New York killed for that contract. It brought in thousands of guests, media coverage, and millions in revenue.
“He wants the Wolfe Hotel to be the primary venue,” Vance said, sliding the document toward her.
Jocelyn picked it up. Her hands shook slightly. The weight of the paper felt immense.