Devil's Prisoner of Love by Prefer

Though the man last night had helped her avoid falling, it didn't mean anything to her. In Aurora's heart, Julian was the most important person.

When Julian wasn't around, she made sure to steer clear of men who showed interest in her. She believed that Julian, even while abroad, was just as loyal.

"It seems you dislike me, Miss Montgomery, to the point you won't even meet me," Kyle Raymond remarked. Truthfully, this was the first time he had encountered a woman like Aurora.

Most women he met were opportunists, eager to gain something by clinging to him. Aurora, however, was different. Independent and strong, she was like a rare black rose, striking and unique.

"It's not that I dislike you, Mr. Raymond. It's just that I'm quite busy. I appreciate you giving me this ruby. To make things easier for both of us, why don't you give me your account details? I'll transfer the money to you-it's the simplest solution."

"What if I told you the reason I wanted to meet was to discuss a business collaboration? Your recent perfume launch was a remarkable success. I have high hopes for your brand and would like to work with you."

Hearing this, Aurora's eyes lit up slightly. "What kind of collaboration?"

"Your perfume is like a child, just starting to learn to walk. While walking on your own is admirable, it's easy to stumble.

"You've begun to establish yourself in the Clothville market, but are you interested in expanding internationally? If so, feel free to contact me."

Aurora, like any businessperson, was never satisfied with the status quo. To outsiders, her current success might seem impressive, but for Aurora, it was far from enough.

Clothville was merely the first step. Her ultimate goal was to break into global markets. Mira's recent achievements had only fueled her impatience to grow faster.

The gap between her and Mira was enormous. Aurora knew Mira had the advantage of experience, but she believed that with relentless effort, she would one day reach Mira's level.

Still, that pace felt too slow. Aurora wanted to rise faster, to surpass Mira altogether.

wanted to prove herself and show Mira who was truly the most

the other end of the call

have you changed your

changed my mind. May I ask for your name,

Miss Montgomery, you're busy-I wouldn't

call. Damn it. This man knew exactly

Greed.

their weaknesses. Hers wasn't money-it was her hunger for success. Her current rate of growth felt

in the auction last night, he was obviously wealthy. Perhaps he really

not he had ulterior motives, Aurora didn't care. All she wanted was a partnership. As a woman in the business world, she had long grown accustomed to dealing with opportunists and

mean losing out on deals and contracts. Aurora was no stranger to these

recalled the early days of her company, when a young, successful CEO from a New York-listed company had fallen for her at first sight. He bombarded her with gifts and relentless pursuit. But at

then, Aurora had taken a step back from the spotlight, letting Asher handle client meetings. This drastically reduced the number of admirers she had

box, gathered herself, and tried to focus on her reports. After finishing her tasks, she planned to meet the man and then head home for

and before she realized it, it was noon. Aurora had been so engrossed in her work that she lost track of time until her

I'm downstairs at

her tone professional. She gave a few instructions

asked as they crossed paths in the lobby. Aurora glanced briefly at

this afternoon, so if anything comes up, talk to Mona." Aurora teased before hurrying off. Both Heather and Ian blushed.

affecting work, they couldn't completely hide their exchanges of glances. Aurora's relaxed attitude

can take care of herself. Stop worrying. A new stone pot bibimbap place opened nearby-want to try it out?"

"Sure."

they saw Aurora getting into a

"Is Mr. Barnet back?"