Devil's Prisoner of Love by Prefer

Chapter 449: You Are Not Worthy of Being Compared to Her

As Gemma pondered whether her posture was alluring enough, or if she needed to tug her dress down just a little more, she noticed Ian already walking toward the door.

He was ignoring her, just like that.

All of Gemma's anticipation shattered in an instant. Damn it, what on earth was this man thinking?

"Ian... I feel sick," she murmured, feigning dizziness as she climbed unsteadily off the bed.

She knew Ian was a soft-hearted man, the kind who could never leave someone behind. People like him, with their overly kind nature, were easily manipulated.

"Then go ahead and throw up," Ian said, pausing mid-step but making no move toward her.

"I'm dizzy... Could you help me? I'm afraid I might fall." Gemma's voice was delicate, her expression pitiable.

But Ian didn't react as he normally would. Instead, his gaze was clear and steady as he looked at her.

"Gemma, how much longer are you going to keep up this act?"

"Ian, what are you talking about? I don't understand," Gemma replied, stepping cautiously toward him.

"Tonight's whole setup-it was your doing, wasn't it? You used my friend to call me here. Then you deliberately stirred up their teasing. Every step was calculated, all leading to this moment. So, what's your next move? Strip down and try to seduce me?" Ian's voice was calm, but his words were sharp as he laid out her motives.

Ian wasn't just an academic achiever by chance-his mind was sharper than most. In the past, he had trusted Gemma too much, viewing her as some untouchable goddess. And because of that image, he never once questioned the rumors about her being kept by someone.

her true colors that he realized how manipulative she was. She thought schemes were flawless, but Ian had seen right through

was clear she was no novice. Her skills were far too refined, clearly honed in nightclubs.

held her earlier, she had deliberately leaned into him. Ian had gone along with her act, just to confirm his suspicions. And sure enough, Leonard was helping

naive as Leonard, Ian didn't feel anger anymore-only indifference. Some truths you had to see with your own eyes to believe. If he hadn't personally witnessed Gemma hanging onto the arm of a middle-aged man with a bulging belly, he

a birthday party tonight. I don't know what kind of schemes you're talking about," Gemma said, shaking her head as she continued to

least bit drunk right now?

young and foolish and didn't appreciate you. But I've realized my mistake now. I see how wonderful you are, and I can't live without you anymore. I want us to be together. I want to build a life with you. Can't we

clung to Ian's sleeve, her voice

words to him during their freshman year, Ian might have been willing to do anything for her. But back then,

never truly

only his thick glasses and bangs that had blinded him to her true

for the complete

might have been able to treat you as a normal friend. But Gemma, what do you take me for? A soccer ball? Something you can kick away when you don't

was firm, his

was never anything between us to begin with. Don't make it sound like we've been through some life-and-death ordeal together. Think carefully-back then, the

know why you're suddenly interested in me now. Is it because you can't stand not getting

chance for us. Not now, not ever. Stop

spoken so

don't see me as a goddess anymore because you've

nonsense." For the first time, Ian's

changed, but I'm a woman. I understand men far better than

the reason you joined this company-it's all