Devil's Prisoner of Love by Prefer

Aurora glanced at the time-there were still twenty minutes before the auction began. Even while standing quietly in the corner, she had already been approached by several

men.

It wasn't surprising. Her aura was uniquely cool and detached, her beauty striking, and she had recently become a figure of public fascination. The black dress she wore accentuated her perfect figure, making even her silhouette captivating. Combined with the powerful background of the Montgomery family, it was no wonder that many young elites couldn't help but be drawn to her.

Though Aurora disliked these approaches, she forced herself to respond politely, even as her mind was preoccupied with thoughts of Julian and Mira. There was no room for idle chatter. After turning down yet another attempt at conversation, she decided to head to the restroom to touch up her makeup and kill some time.

Standing before the mirror, she reapplied her red lipstick, its bold color enhancing her queenly demeanor. Just as she finished, a familiar reflection appeared behind her-it was Ivy. They hadn't seen each other in months, but Ivy's hatred for her hadn't diminished. In fact, it seemed even stronger now, her eyes burning with fury.

"Long time no see," Aurora said, putting away her lipstick.

"I've been dreaming of this moment," Ivy spat.

"Oh? I didn't know my dear cousin cared so much about me," Aurora replied, zipping up her handbag and washing her hands. To her, Ivy was no more than a passing stranger, someone incapable of stirring even the slightest ripple in her emotions.

Ivy's face darkened at Aurora's indifference. "You ruined my entire family. I've been praying every day for your death."

"Cousin, you really are vicious," Aurora said with a faint smile. "I thought everything that happened would've taught you a lesson. Clearly, I was wrong. People like you only focus on how others treat you poorly, conveniently forgetting the harm you've inflicted on others."

Aurora pulled a tissue from the dispenser and wiped her hands with her usual elegance, exuding an air of composure no matter what she was doing.

Ivy's lips curled into a cold smile. "I may have hurt you, but you survived-heaven seems to favor you. You're still living well, aren't you?"

to waste on trivial matters," Aurora said flatly. She wasn't normally a woman who lacked patience, but Julian's situation

Aurora turned to leave, Ivy instinctively reached out to grab her but hesitated, remembering the strange power Aurora had exhibited at

her heel slipped on the freshly polished floor, and she nearly fell. Damn it, she thought, how could I be so careless? The embarrassment of falling

however, she felt herself being caught by a strong arm. A deep, magnetic voice sounded in

Thank you," Aurora said as she looked up at her rescuer. The man's face was handsome and chiseled, his eyes strikingly familiar, as though she had seen them somewhere

standing by the floor-to-ceiling windows, wishing he could hold her in his arms. He hadn't expected

soon.

had developed herself? It smelled incredible, unlike anything he'd encountered on other women.

"The floor was

nodded and moved to step out of his arms, but his grip tightened ever so briefly. Her brows furrowed

he said, loosening his hold immediately. "I

and walked away. Kyle watched her retreating figure, her scent still lingering in his senses. Her body was so soft, he thought, unable to suppress the

thoughts as she exited the restroom. Kyle's expression shifted instantly, the tenderness in his eyes replaced by

to check on you," he said. But the truth was, he'd come for Aurora. When he saw Ivy following her earlier, he couldn't shake the thought that she might harm her. That worry had led

Ivy said,

Kyle replied

her arm through

signaling that

customary opening remarks. The audience fell silent, each person focused

first item," the host announced. "This treasure comes from the distant lands of Africa. As you all

elaborate on the diamond's origins, Aurora found herself distracted. Her mind was heavy,