Devil's Prisoner of Love by Prefer

Chapter 458: A Mother’s Tenderness

It seemed Mino hadn't lied-Lockman truly had no intention of taking on apprentices. He was the type of person who always felt there wasn't enough time for his research, let alone mentoring someone who could potentially slow him down. He was busy, and there was no helping it. Aurora, who never liked forcing anyone, simply nodded. "Well, there's nothing that can be done. You must be very busy these days."

Denis Vukic noticed the look of disappointment on her face. He didn't know why, but seeing her so despondent made him feel uncomfortable. He much preferred her smiling.

"Do you really want to learn?" he asked.

"Yes. Otherwise, I wouldn't have dropped everything to fly here. But if Professor Lockman doesn't have the time, then I suppose it can't be helped." Aurora shrugged helplessly. After all, the world didn't revolve around her.

"If you want to learn, I'll teach you," Denis Vukic said calmly.

"You?" Aurora looked up at him in surprise. He was the CEO of a publicly listed company and had flown planes before-but making perfume? Could he really know how to do that?

Even Lockman was astonished when he heard Denis's offer. "Denny, you hate those-"

Denis ignored him, his gaze fixed on Aurora. "I'm asking you. If I teach you, will you learn or not?"

Aurora hesitated. Since he and Lockman were family, there was a chance he was skilled at perfumery. She nodded. "Alright, I'll learn."

Only then did Denis's expression relax. That moment when he saw her so downcast earlier-it had left him unsettled. If no one taught her, would she just leave immediately and return to that man? The thought of never seeing her face again spurred him to make the offer without a second thought.

Aurora couldn't understand why Denis's suggestion to teach her had surprised both Elina and Lockman so much. Their expressions made it clear they hadn't expected him to do such a thing.

probably don't know this, but Denny is a genius perfumer. When he was only five years old-"

Denis interrupted her with a sharp

she said quickly. Smiling warmly, she turned back to Aurora. "Denny rarely brings friends home. Miss Montgomery, why don't you stay for dinner? I've already asked the housekeeper

awkward about staying longer. But when she saw the sincerity in Elina's eyes, she hesitated. If she insisted on leaving, Denis might leave too. The

So, she stayed.

imposing at all. It's just the two of us at home most of the time, and Lockman is always busy with his research. I've been

their family

Elina and Lockman were both so welcoming it made her feel even more self-conscious. Denis, on the other hand, seemed entirely accustomed to their enthusiasm. He kept his usual cold demeanor throughout the meal, which might have been due to Elina's habit of constantly piling food onto his plate. This time, it took him ten full minutes

Montgomery, please don't mind him. Denny used to serve in

that herself. His speed at the table suggested he'd had some military background, and now

about finished

more meat. How can you stay healthy like this?" Elina said,

but think of her own mother. The last time they'd eaten together in a restaurant, her mother had been distant, deliberately keeping her

young age, and Aurora herself had no mother-in-law. Neither she nor Julian had ever truly experienced maternal love. That absence left a deep wound in both their

couldn't bring herself to refuse Elina's kindness.

a child, Aurora had been a picky eater. Victoria had always coaxed her patiently. "Aurora, have a little more fish, alright? If you eat it, you'll be as fair as a

full," she would reply

about some chicken? You're growing, and you need a balanced diet." "Mom, I'm really full. I don't want any more,"