Weeks passed, and an undeniable shift occurred between Levi and Jaceon. What started as an obligatory companionship gradually turned into something Levi never anticipated—friendship. Jaceon, with his effortless charm and teasing nature, had broken through Levi's cold and distant exterior. For the first time, Levi had someone he could laugh with, joke with, and share moments of ease. He found himself opening up in ways he never had before, even if he didn't fully understand why.
Jaceon, on the other hand, knew exactly what was happening. The walls of the McLaren heir were crumbling bit by bit, and he was the one chipping away at them. It was a game, a slow but inevitable manipulation. He could see how lost Levi was, how desperately he clung to the perfection he had been raised in. Jaceon was patient; he knew that with just a little more effort, Levi would be fully under his influence.
But the nights told a different story.
Once darkness fell, Jaceon embraced his true nature. He sought out places reeking of corruption and sin, the very essence of chaos. He moved like a shadow through the city, targeting murderers, criminals, and those who thrived on others' suffering. These were the ones he considered unworthy of redemption. "They deserve the pit of fire," he would often tell Monica, his voice filled with a strange mix of contempt and satisfaction.
Monica had grown used to his nocturnal rituals, though she never truly accepted them. Bound to him by her reckless decision, she now existed as both his servant and reluctant companion. Despite her status, she had managed to carve a semblance of freedom for herself. With Jaceon preoccupied with Levi and his family, she found moments where she could breathe. Even so, she never strayed too far. She was his prisoner, and there was no escape from that reality.
Perhaps in an effort to regain some control over her life, Monica secured a job at Levi's company. It gave her something to do during the day, a sense of normalcy she had long lost. More importantly, she could keep an eye on Jaceon. She knew him better than anyone, knew how easily he could lose his temper and wreak havoc. Her presence was a necessity—without her, Jaceon could very well destroy someone with a mere flicker of irritation.
It wasn't long before people began to take notice of the dynamic between Jaceon and Monica. Their familiarity, their proximity—it all led to one inevitable assumption. Gossip spread through the company, whispering that Monica was Jaceon's lover. Rumors traveled fast, slipping past lips and finding their way to Levi.
The moment Levi heard the speculation, something unexpected twisted in his chest. He told himself it was absurd, that it didn't matter to him in the slightest, but the annoyance simmered beneath his cool exterior. It was irrational—why should he care who Jaceon spent his time with? And yet, the idea of Jaceon being with Monica stirred a discomfort he couldn't quite shake.
Levi found himself watching them more closely, analyzing the way Monica would lightly touch Jaceon's arm or the way Jaceon would smirk at something she said. It was nothing unusual, yet it fueled a foreign irritation within him. He didn't understand it, and he certainly didn't want to acknowledge it.
Jaceon, ever perceptive, caught onto Levi's shift in behavior almost instantly. He saw the way Levi's gaze lingered, the way his lips pressed into a thin line whenever Monica and Jaceon interacted. A slow, knowing grin spread across his face.
Levi McLaren was jealous.
It was almost too easy.
One evening, Jaceon decided to test his theory. As they sat in Levi's office, discussing an upcoming event, Monica entered with a report in hand. Jaceon made a point to stand close to her, leaning in just enough to make it seem intimate.
"Thanks, Monica," he murmured, his voice carrying an unmistakable edge of flirtation. He took the papers from her hands, letting his fingers brush against hers longer than necessary.
Levi's grip on his pen tightened. "Are you two… involved?" His tone was controlled, but the sharpness didn't go unnoticed.
Monica blinked, caught off guard. "What?"
Jaceon turned, amusement dancing in his eyes. "Why? Would it bother you?"
Levi scoffed, leaning back in his chair. "Don't flatter yourself. I just think it's unprofessional."
"Right." Jaceon smirked. "Unprofessional."
The tension in the room was thick, crackling like an impending storm. Monica shifted uncomfortably, glancing between the two men. She had no idea what was happening, but she could sense something unspoken passing between them.
Jaceon, satisfied with his little experiment, chuckled to himself. Oh, this was going to be fun.
Levi McLaren was already walking straight into his trap.