Devil's Prisoner of Love by Prefer

Chapter 499: Mom Will Protect You

"Why is she here?" Tina's heart tightened as she spotted Aurora. She thought she'd come looking for her. Aurora had called multiple times earlier, but Tina hadn't returned a single call.

"She's probably here for the Stefani property," Erica replied calmly. "You've already reviewed their company's proposal. Didn't you personally decide to sell it to them?"

Erica had long known the truth-Aurora was Tina's daughter. Tina, however, never admitted it. But if she wasn't her daughter, would Tina have chosen to sell such a prime piece of real estate to Aurora's company?

Over a dozen companies had come to negotiate for the property, many of which had superior credentials, stronger backgrounds, and even offered better prices.

Over the years, Tina had quietly supported Aurora's company multiple times. Although she never used R Enterprise's name, she had secretly arranged for her friends to step in and help. Aurora remained unaware of all this.

How else could a young woman with no money or connections have taken her company public in just three years in a competitive commercial city like this? Tina's unseen efforts had paved the way for her success. And now, this property sale was yet another favor Tina had orchestrated.

"Isn't it usually Asher who handles company matters? Why is she here today?" Tina frowned, her delicate brows knitting together.

"I wouldn't know," Erica replied.

"It's too late to cancel now. Mira will meet with her. Let's hope she doesn't notice anything. If she asks to see me, tell her I'm not at the office," Tina said, her tone steady.

But deep down, Tina felt unsettled. Aurora's resemblance to her might raise suspicions with Mira.

"Alright, I'll make the arrangements. But, Mistress, are you truly planning to never acknowledge her? Especially with the family in such disarray now." Erica's voice held a hint of hesitation.

mean acknowledge? I have nothing to do

Before you returned to the family

chance back then, she would never have left Aurora behind. That child was

she have done? If she didn't return to her family, what would

responsibilities that others

sacrifices were unavoidable. She had borne all the pain herself to spare her child. The truth was something she couldn't reveal at the

better than the alternative. Bringing her back into the family's world would have only

next head of the family soon. Otherwise, the chaos within the family will spiral out of control," Erica said, her concern evident. "Years ago, your mother fought so hard to bring you back. You turned the tide and restored the family. Now, the situation is eerily similar. Those vultures are just waiting for you to collapse, ready to force you to hand over your position. Only the young

you want my daughter to suffer the same fate as me? Do you think I've been happy

the family. But deep down, she knew her life

couldn't capture the anguish she

worried about you,"

to cover her mouth, pulling it

let this upset you. Take your medicine," Erica urged, panic in

swallowing the white tablets

my daughter. And it's precisely because I've been unhappy that I

child. If you let someone else take over, how will you honor

and filial piety. Now leave me. I need some time alone," Tina said, her