Lee felt consumed with tension from the moment he stepped inside the mansion. His new client's father was a stoic man whose presence commanded respect and created an anxious lump in the throat even of someone as fearless as Lee.

Cold shivers ran down his spine as he waited in the opulent living room, fidgeting with the buttons on his suit sleeves. Despite his client's prominence in business circles, Lee hadn't heard many rumors about them—unlike his previous clients—and this lack of information added strain to his already frayed nerves.

When an unfamiliar figure appeared in the hallway, Lee rose from the leather armchair beside the fireplace, straightening his suit and assuming a professional posture. He studied the approaching person carefully, unable to read their expression, which left him feeling unsettled. He hated uncertainty.

The father had been uncompromising, making it clear his child hadn't been consulted about this security arrangement and had been given no choice but to sign the contract. Lee had numerous questions but knew better than to overstep his boundaries by asking them.

Two weeks had passed since they'd entered this contract. Their conversations remained minimal, and Lee could tell his client resented how their once independent life had been disrupted.

Now, at this formal event they'd been forced to attend, Lee's role as a simple plus one had taken an unexpected turn. Party guests kept assuming he was their new romantic partner. While Lee diligently corrected each misunderstanding, his client did exactly the opposite—encouraging the rumors and playful innuendo until Lee finally had to pull them aside, frustration evident in his voice.

"Sir," he exclaimed, his expression stern as he crossed his arms over his chest. "I don't remember 'fake partner to generate media speculation' being in our contract." A frown settled on his face as he waited for an explanation.