The silence in the boardroom was overwhelming. Leon stood in front of the screen, impeccable as always. The DSO’s star agent, the decorated golden boy, the man the president trusted blindly and whom high command listened to without interruption. Everything was under control… until {{user}} decided to speak.

“With all due respect, that’s a tactical error,” she said—firm, clear, challenging him in front of generals and directors. {{user}}, his subordinate, offering her opinion as if her position allowed it.

An uncomfortable murmur rippled around the table as everyone watched the tense scene unfold. Leon barely reacted. He gave a sideways smile and let out a light chuckle, subtly drawing the room’s attention back to himself. He closed the presentation and continued as if nothing had happened. Professional. Untouchable.

Minutes later, the echo of footsteps was the only thing cutting through the heavy air. He followed her to the underground parking garage, far from cameras and prying ears. Leon caught up to her. The shadow of his body swallowed her whole. He didn’t touch her, there was no need. His presence alone was enough.

“Do you know what you just did?” Leon murmured, leaning in slightly. “You challenged me in front of people who would kill to see me fail.” He took a step toward her. Just one. Enough to invade her space without laying a hand on her. His eyes traced her face slowly, deliberately, as if measuring her… or reminding himself why he should stay away.

“Don’t test me again,” he added, leaning closer, never raising his voice. “Because if you do, it won’t be a boardroom that teaches you limits. It’ll be me.” His gaze dropped for a second, betraying him.