A shadow at his side

Leon McLaren stood at the head of the long dining table, a proud smirk resting on his lips as he gestured toward Jaceon. "From today onward, Jaceon Devon will be your secretary, Levi. He will accompany you everywhere."

Levi barely looked up from his untouched plate. His expression remained indifferent, unreadable. He had no interest in forming bonds or attachments. From childhood, he had been raised with the understanding that friendship was a distraction, that emotions were a weakness. Cold, distant, and entirely focused on his future role in the family empire—this was the life he had accepted.

Jaceon, however, saw straight through him. The cracks in his perfect demeanor, the quiet loneliness that lurked beneath his hardened exterior. It wouldn't take long to shatter him completely. But first, he intended to have some fun.

"By the way, Levi," Jaceon said, leaning back in his chair with an easy grin, "I know I'm here for work, but let's not be too workaholic. Let's have fun sometimes—go to interesting places, enjoy life a little. I can already tell you live a boring life."

Leon chuckled approvingly. "Oh, I like this one. He's going to be a great companion to you, Levi. And most importantly, listen to him—he knows the industry well."

Levi's response was mechanical, lifeless. "Okay." He sounded like a puppet, programmed to obey without question.

Jaceon studied him, his amusement only growing. Such a dull existence. To have all this wealth and yet be so empty… I thought rich people were supposed to be happy. But where is it? He mused internally, his smirk lingering. Well, no matter. I have a job to do, and soon, everything will fall into place.

---

The following morning, Jaceon arrived at Levi's office, dressed in an expensive black suit that made him blend seamlessly into the world of wealth and power. His presence was commanding, but his eyes held something unreadable, something dangerous beneath the surface.

Levi was already at his desk, flipping through documents with a sharp focus. He didn't acknowledge Jaceon's presence, as if he weren't worth his time. That didn't bother Jaceon in the slightest.

"Morning, boss," Jaceon said with an exaggerated yawn, throwing himself into the chair across from Levi.

Levi barely spared him a glance. "You're late."

Jaceon smirked. "Relax, I'm just fashionably late." He leaned forward. "So, what's on the agenda today?"

Levi handed him a file without a word. Jaceon flipped through it lazily, sighing dramatically. "Meetings, meetings, and more meetings. Is this seriously all you do?"

"That's how business works," Levi said coolly.

Jaceon scoffed. "No wonder you're so stiff. When was the last time you did something fun?"

Levi didn't answer, only focusing on his work. Jaceon observed him, already planning his next move. He needed to break Levi's walls—to drag him out of this monotonous, controlled existence. After all, his mission wasn't just about observing the McLaren heir. It was about unraveling him.

---

Later that evening, Jaceon followed Levi home to the McLaren estate. It was a grand mansion, built to intimidate with its sheer size and elegant yet cold design. The moment they stepped inside, Levi's posture stiffened even more, as if the walls of his home were chains restraining him.

Jaceon noticed the way the household staff moved carefully around Levi, their eyes downcast, their presence barely noticeable. They feared him. Not because he was cruel—but because he was untouchable, unreadable. A man made of ice.

As Levi ascended the stairs, Jaceon spoke up. "So, you really live alone in this big, empty house?"

Levi stopped but didn't turn around. "I have staff."

"That's not what I asked," Jaceon said, tilting his head. "You ever feel lonely?"

Silence stretched between them before Levi walked away without answering.

Jaceon grinned. That's right. Keep pretending. It makes it more fun to watch you crumble.

---

The next day, Jaceon took matters into his own hands.

"Enough with the work, Levi," he declared, tossing a file aside. "We're going out."

Levi frowned. "No."

"See, that's the problem with you. You're all work and no life. So, I've decided to take charge." Jaceon grabbed Levi's wrist, dragging him up. "We're going clubbing."

Levi tried to protest, but Jaceon was relentless. Hours later, they found themselves at an exclusive nightclub, the kind where the elite drowned themselves in alcohol and meaningless pleasures.

Levi stood stiffly by the bar, unimpressed, while Jaceon enjoyed every moment. Women flocked around them, but Levi remained detached.

Jaceon leaned close. "You really don't know how to have fun, do you?"

"I don't see the point," Levi replied, sipping his drink.

Jaceon chuckled darkly. Oh, you will soon enough.

As the night went on, Levi started loosening up—just a little. Jaceon pushed, nudging him toward small indulgences. A dance, a stronger drink, a moment of distraction.

And then, just as Jaceon had planned, the night took a turn.

A stranger approached Levi, whispering something in his ear. Jaceon immediately sensed danger. He recognized the type—an opportunist, someone looking to take advantage of Levi's name.

Before Levi could react, Jaceon stepped in, placing a hand on Levi's shoulder. "We're leaving," he said firmly.

Levi narrowed his eyes. "I can handle myself."

Jaceon's grip tightened just slightly. "Yeah? Humor me."

Something in his tone made Levi pause before sighing. "Fine."

As they exited the club, Jaceon glanced at Levi with amusement. "You're too trusting, you know."

Levi scoffed. "I trust no one."

Jaceon smirked. Good. That will make it even more satisfying when I break you.

---

The next few weeks followed a similar pattern. Jaceon slowly but surely integrated himself into Levi's world. He became the one person who could challenge him, who could push his buttons in just the right way. He was both an annoyance and an enigma.

Levi, despite himself, found that Jaceon's presence disrupted his carefully structured life.

And Jaceon? He was just getting started.

This is only the beginning, Levi McLaren. Soon, you'll belong to me.