Devil's Prisoner of Love by Prefer

Chapter 543: The Truth

Hearing that carefree, reckless laugh, Aurora couldn't help but smile. Candy always had a knack for scaring people half to death.

"Candy, pulling tricks on me this early? Don't you think that's a bit much?" Aurora teased, feigning annoyance.

Candy chuckled, unapologetic. "I'll admit, I wanted to give you a little scare. But I also needed to remind you-be more careful about who you work with. If it hadn't been me today but someone else, you'd be in real trouble. Not only would your press conference have been a disaster, but you'd be looking at a hefty compensation fee, too."

Her tone shifted, firm but sincere. "Lucky for you, I'm sharp. I saw through her little stunt and didn't fall for it. Otherwise, I might've actually ended up in the hospital. Miss Montgomery, your designs are brilliant, but your judgment of people? That could use some work. Someone like Gemma shouldn't have been hired."

Aurora sighed, the weight of Candy's words settling on her. "Candy, I get it now. Thank you for the heads-up. I'm just relieved you're okay."

The truth was, Gemma's hiring had been an unfortunate accident. Near the end of the recruitment process, Aurora had to leave early for an important meeting with Julian. Mona, noticing that Gemma's resume mentioned their shared college history, assumed they were close friends and gave her an edge in the interview process.

That small act of goodwill had turned into a ticking time bomb. When Aurora later saw Gemma at the office, she didn't make a fuss. Gemma hadn't done anything wrong at the time, and Aurora wasn't the type to fire someone without cause-especially not a new hire.

Shortly after, Aurora left for New York. She'd been back for only two weeks, fully immersed in preparations for her new perfume launch. If Candy hadn't mentioned Gemma, she might have forgotten about her entirely.

But now that Gemma had caused trouble, Aurora knew she couldn't let it slide.

to the dressing room,

been resolved, she still looked shaken. If Candy hadn't acted quickly, Heather

Aurora reassured her, her tone calm. "You've done a

further inside. Candy was in the middle of her hair and makeup, her bright smile immediately lighting

meet again,"

hasn't it? I never imagined you'd one day be the face

And you-you're incredible. Launching a new company and breaking into the perfume industry? That's

modestly. "I'm just trying my best. Who knows how it'll turn out?" Candy's expression turned serious. "Don't sell yourself short. I don't just sign on to any endorsement, you know. A bad product can ruin my reputation. I'm picky for a reason. You sent me that custom perfume last year, remember? I

If we love it,

hear. After the press conference, why don't you stay a few

flight's this afternoon. I've got a shoot tomorrow. Next time, though! When I finally take a vacation

replied with a laugh. "Safe travels, then. If you need anything, just let Heather

said, her cheerful

hallway, Aurora gestured for Mona to join her. They moved to a quiet corner, where Mona looked at her with a mix

for the complete experience all

asked Heather to pick up Candy. How did Gemma end up tagging along? Did you approve it?" Aurora's voice was calm but