Devil's Prisoner of Love by Prefer

As the auctioneer passionately introduced the origin of the ruby, a stunning woman in a sleek, sultry dress stepped forward, carrying the jewel in its display box.

"This is the ruby I just introduced to you all," the auctioneer announced. "Whether by color grade or cut, it is a masterpiece. The bidding starts at three million."

Aurora, who had remained uninterested throughout the event, finally showed a spark of emotion in her eyes. She was eager to secure the ruby and return home. In her mind, the stone was worth around ten million dollars.

As a jewelry designer, Aurora knew the ruby was precious, but not priceless. Still, she wasn't entirely confident she could win it at a reasonable price.

Without hesitation, she raised her paddle. "Three and a half million," she said calmly. Another bidder, an older man, immediately countered. "Four million."

Heather, seated beside Aurora, was stunned. Watching the unflinching composure of the woman next to her, she couldn't help but think, Millions? Could I even earn this much in a lifetime?

It was a world of wealth and extravagance that Heather couldn't comprehend-where a casual bid could amount to fortunes.

Meanwhile, Ivy's attention was fixed on Aurora. She suspected Aurora wasn't here simply for leisure. Without Julian by her side, there had to be a purpose, and Ivy was determined to thwart her at any cost.

When the ruby was displayed, Ivy's suspicions were confirmed. Aurora wanted that

stone.

Ivy leaned toward the man beside her. "Mr. Raymond, I want that ruby. Can you get it for me?"

She wasn't sure if he'd oblige-after all, she hadn't known him long enough to fully grasp his character. Ivy asked with a mix of hope and fear, her heart racing in anticipation of rejection.

Mr. Raymond studied the situation. He had been observing Aurora for a while. She had shown little interest in the auction until the ruby appeared.

without Ivy's request, he had already planned to act. By now, the price had climbed to six million, and most of the attendees had stepped

was valuable, exceeding its true worth would be unwise. Most of the

was evident in her confident bids, which

Raymond declared, raising his paddle. His bold increase from six

Aurora looked toward him. However, the dim lighting only revealed Mr. Raymond, not Ivy, who was hidden behind his tall,

glance. She had noticed the other bidders had given up, and

Raymond

and a half

"Ten million."

the room. For most, ten million was the ruby's upper limit. Surely

bidding for her. She felt a rush of excitement-this was the first time a man had done something

Ten million was her mental cap for the ruby. Should she give up? Her designs

to push her limit slightly higher. If the bidding reached

million, going once," the auctioneer

eyes turned to Aurora. Would

million and fifty

beside her, was dumbfounded. "I don't understand," she whispered. "Why is this

million," Mr.

a

"Twelve million."

in disbelief. Why were

"Thirteen million."

a half

"Fourteen million."

a deep breath.