Devil's Prisoner of Love by Prefer

Chapter 293: Deception and Trickery

"What do you mean I can't do it openly?" Ivy had always been used to getting her way. Whether it was at school or in the office, everyone always flattered her, and she thoroughly enjoyed the compliments. If anyone ever went against her wishes, she would naturally explode in anger, consumed by her fury without a moment to consider the best approach.

"Ivy, it's my fault for spoiling you since childhood, thinking you were born superior to others. But I never imagined Aurora would come back, and in such a manner no less. Right now, you simply can't match her in cunning. Understand that you are just another employee at the company now, and Aurora is above you. If you slap one of her employees in her own office, aren't you just overstepping your bounds on her territory? How can she not reprimand you?" Genevieve, who had risen from the bottom, knew society's darker sides better than anyone.

"Mom, are you saying Aurora is using me to establish her authority? That's outrageous, am I just a stepping stone for her?" Ivy was furious.

"So what if you are? With your tendency to lose your temper instead of calmly plotting your next move, you will never surpass Aurora!" Genevieve scoffed.

"Mom, then tell me what I should do?" Ivy was genuinely anxious, knowing no other way but anger.

"First, you need to keep your cool. Have you noticed that since Aurora returned, no matter what harsh words we say, she acts as if she hasn't heard them in public? She pretends to be the good daughter, making your father and grandfather see her in a new light, while your temper only serves to annoy them. Remember, in public you must act like a daughter of the Montgomery family, with all the poise and manners that come with it. As for those who bully you, we'll handle them quietly. Don't underestimate your department colleagues; despite seeming like mere employees, they've made it into the top ranks of Montgomery Group among many companies in Clothville. They have their merits, which you must acknowledge, and being seasoned in the workplace, few are without schemes. Especially the long-timers; they might flatter you to your face but stab you in the back without you knowing who did it. The smartest thing is not to offend them, but instead, try to close the distance, making them work for you. Since your father intentionally moved you to Aurora's department, he's likely paving the way for you to take over her managerial position after her promotion."

Magnus's intentions even though

why does Aurora always have to be one level above me?" Ivy hated the thought of being overshadowed by someone she had bullied throughout her childhood, when she should be the true

has already gained the trust of your father and grandfather, and with your messy past, how can you compare to her?" Genevieve

was that Aurora was

She's just an actress, putting on one

I can teach you how, but you need to learn to deal with problems yourself and not run to me or your father whenever you're upset. No one can rely on others for their entire life; once you lose that support, you'll realize you have nothing," Genevieve explained with sorrow. She had once thought herself fortunate to have met Magnus,

away by Magnus, and if Magnus were

wrong. What did you do that made him so cold?" Ivy pressed, noticing the sadness

Remember what I said: never confront Aurora directly. And in front of your father and grandfather, always show sisterly affection, no matter how aggrieved you feel. Keep it to yourself. When the opportunity for revenge comes, make sure she has no place to be

accidents, all of which Aurora had narrowly escaped. Later, she even permitted Ivy and Zachary to

and Zachary's eighteenth birthdays, leaving them with nothing. For years,

I understand. I won't lose my temper so easily from