Devil's Prisoner of Love by Prefer

Chapter 516: The Competition

Early the next morning, Aurora woke up feeling refreshed and went to work with Julian. The moment she stepped into the office, every employee was stunned.

Since the company's founding, Aurora had rarely shown her face. For months, she had been absent, and if not for their salaries being paid on time, many employees would have assumed the company was in trouble.

Ian, however, no longer looked at Aurora with the affection he once had. Over the past two months, his relationship with Heather had flourished.

The two shared similar backgrounds and personalities, making their connection feel natural and inevitable.

During this time, Mona had not been idle either. She had brought in numerous advanced resources from abroad, and the company had begun developing its own skincare products.

Heather had been assigned to the fashion department, where several foreign designers had been hired. Everything had started to fall into place.

Even without Aurora's presence, the company had been running smoothly. However, since most of the resources were still in the investment phase, the company had yet to turn a profit.

Fortunately, the company's benefits and resources were excellent, and the employees were motivated. Everyone, that is, except for Gemma, who was constantly fuming.

She had thought that with Aurora gone, she and Ian would finally have a chance to be together. But to her frustration, Ian had inexplicably ended up with Heather.

This was driving her crazy.

Gemma's face was perpetually sour as she watched Ian and Heather constantly exchanging shy glances.

Both of them were inexperienced in relationships, which made their interactions all the more awkward and sweet.

In the morning, Ian would stop by to bring Heather a coffee. "Um... I picked this up on the way," he'd mumble.

Heather's cheeks would flush. "Thank you. This is my favorite flavor."

They'd exchange a quick glance, blushing, before looking away just as quickly.

afternoons, Heather would return the favor and bring Ian a milk tea.

his face reddening once

Heather was faking her innocence. In this day

demeanor screamed pretense. She was sure the woman had been with countless men

she began digging into Heather's

spotless. She was a blank slate, pure and unsullied. Gemma had been planning to use anything she found to expose

a world where few women were truly simple, Heather stood out

two exchange shy looks in front of her every day was driving her insane. But soon, the fashion and cosmetics departments would be moving to separate offices, meaning she wouldn't have

Gemma was starting to

sweet style at home, Aurora's work

paired with slim black trousers.

every step carried an air of

heard in advance about Aurora's return, greeted her

tour of the departments. "Mona, it's a good thing you've been here. The company is finally

the perfume coming along? I heard Marcos is about to launch his," Mona inquired. Back then, Aurora had been somewhat

it yet? It's been months," Aurora replied

New York, nor would she have met Denis Vukic. In a way, she had Marcos to thank

left, many companies refused to

issue. Even when Marcos lowered the price, no one

risk.

perfume was fine, but Susan couldn't be the spokesperson. Marcos had no choice but to pull the perfume back

scandal with Susan broke out. People accused Marcos of being the third party in

uproar over the affair. With such a scandal, how

low for a few months,

to release it on Christmas." Mona laid out the details. "Christmas, huh? Perfect. I'd like

her, prompting Aurora to go head-to-head with

a perfume? That fast?" Mona asked, her

market. Even the shortest timelines required at least a year or two for