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.

he had already planned to act. By now, the price had

true worth would be unwise. Most of the crowd were shrewd

was evident in her confident bids, which discouraged others from

declared, raising his paddle. His bold increase from six to eight million drew surprised glances from

lighting only revealed Mr. Raymond, not Ivy, who was

and a half million," Aurora countered, barely casting him another glance. She had noticed the other bidders had given up,

million," Mr. Raymond responded

a half

"Ten million."

million was the ruby's upper limit.

her. She felt a rush of excitement-this was the first time a man

ruby. Should she give

to push her limit slightly higher. If the bidding reached fifteen million, she would

going once," the auctioneer called

to Aurora. Would she

fifty thousand,"

her, was dumbfounded. "I don't understand," she whispered. "Why is this ruby so important to

million," Mr. Raymond countered

and a

"Twelve million."

in disbelief. Why were they so

"Thirteen million."

a half

"Fourteen million."

took a deep breath. "Fourteen and