Devil's Prisoner of Love by Prefer

Chapter 531: Christmas Eve

Aurora watched as the snow outside grew heavier, blanketing the city in a festive cheer. Tonight, she and Julian were heading to Montgomery Manor for dinner.

Although Oswaldo claimed Christmas was meaningless and insisted it was just a simple family meal, the sight that greeted them upon arrival said otherwise. Two large Christmas trees stood in the front yard, adorned with colorful lights and ornaments. Typically, Christmas trees were placed indoors, but Oswaldo had chosen to put these grand trees outside, adding a unique flair.

Aurora noticed small cards hanging from the trees. Most of them bore wishes like, "May my granddaughter be safe and happy." As people aged, their hearts seemed to grow lonelier. Aurora knew she was often caught up with work and rarely spent time with her grandfather, a thought that filled her with guilt.

The butler was already waiting at the door. Aurora quickly shed her coat and gloves upon entering and, with a joyful bounce, ran to find her grandfather.

"Grandpa..."

Before she could even get close, she heard his voice.

"Checkmate! Let's see how you'll recover from this!" Oswaldo sounded particularly pleased.

"Grandpa, you're playing chess?" Aurora stepped closer and was surprised to see Joaquin sitting across from him. These two had always been at odds, their fiery tempers clashing constantly. Seeing them sitting together for a game of chess was nothing short of astonishing.

From childhood to adulthood, Julian had always been at odds with him. Yet here he was,

gifts for outsiders. What about me?" Joaquin's tone carried a

do you mean by 'outsiders'? The kids are engaged!" Oswaldo shot him a glare. Some habits

"Grandpa, you're really good at chess. It

beat me?"

isn't a deadlock. Try this move." She

then, checkmate again!" Oswaldo moved his

countered.

Oswaldo huffed in mock anger. His victory was within reach, but Aurora's clever move had stalled

two keep playing. I'll make some tea for you." Knowing her grandfather's love of chess, Aurora wisely

easing slightly. "Of course. Joaquin, what would you like?" Aurora asked with a

at how close Aurora and Oswaldo were. In families like theirs, younger generations often feared the patriarchs. Years of building an empire left these elders with a harsh demeanor

waiting for you! Unlike most families driven by profit, Aurora and Oswaldo shared genuine affection. Joaquin couldn't help but envy their bond. He thought of his own children. Julian had suffered the most, growing up withdrawn and cold after