Devil's Prisoner of Love by Prefer

Chapter 497: A Mysterious Origin

"It's nothing, I'm just a little curious. I'm supposed to discuss a contract with R Enterprise today, but I don't know much about the company," Aurora said casually, making up an excuse.

Denis Vukic had just finished swallowing his toast and taken a sip of hot milk. He wiped the crumbs from the corner of his mouth and said, "Speaking of R Enterprise, it's tied to a mysterious family."

"How mysterious?" Aurora asked eagerly.

"Well, I don't know much, and I can't guarantee the accuracy of what I do know, but I'll share it with you."

"Go ahead," Aurora replied, sitting attentively, ready to listen.

Denis Vukic began, "Over a hundred years ago, Clothville was in chaos, a time of war and turmoil. Society was in complete disarray.

During that period, some well-off families migrated to New York to start anew. The R family was one of them. They're considered mysterious for several reasons.

First, think about the norms of that era. Back then, weren't most families patriarchal? Women had to follow strict rules and were expected to submit to men."

Aurora nodded. She hadn't expected Denis Vukic to start recounting history, but she had read about the chaotic times in Clothville in history books.

Back then, the country was in turmoil. Years of war had crushed the spirits of both commoners and officials. Other nations had later invaded as well. Aurora had only studied this history to pass exams, yet hearing Denis talk about it now gave her a strange sense of connection. It felt as though the events were no longer just words in a textbook but something closer, more real.

"Exactly. Women had little status in the family, no voting rights, and had to tolerate their husbands taking multiple wives. You've probably seen this depicted in period dramas," Denis continued.

"But imagine this-within that societal backdrop, there was a family that defied the norm. They revered women above all.

The family's major decisions were all controlled by women. Not only were the heads of the family always women, but every child born to them was a girl without exception."

such a family. Could a family like

they were an ancient family. If you trace their origins, it would go back several

how they managed to survive for so long. I don't know if it's

always been a woman. Men marry into the family. Even a hundred years later, the CEO of R Enterprise is still a woman-she's the current head of

head, Aurora's heart skipped a

the second mysterious thing about them?" she

that the women in their family are cursed. Each generation lives a shorter life than the one

mean?" Aurora asked, her

York a hundred years ago, the great- grandmother of the current family head led

her mother lived to be fifty. Do

you saying

with modern medical advancements, people are living longer than ever. But why is it that their family's lifespans are getting

years. If this pattern holds, the current head of the

Denis could finish, Aurora's hand trembled, and the glass of hot milk she was holding slipped from her grasp. It shattered on

noise drew everyone's attention. Aurora sat frozen, her face pale.

mess. Denis handed Aurora a napkin to wipe off the milk that had splashed on her, but she seemed paralyzed,

hand in front of her face. Aurora didn't

expression was one of fear and unease. Denis looked worried. What was going on with

you okay? You look so

wishing desperately

determine what the illness was. They

nothing at all," Aurora said quickly. "Tell me

clutched Denis's arm tightly, like a