Devil's Prisoner of Love by Prefer

Aurora stepped into the car and extended her hand formally. "Mr. Raymond, hello. I believe you already know who I am, so there's no need for introductions."

She directly addressed him by name, a subtle reminder: I know who you are, so don't try anything funny.

For intelligent people, words often didn't need to be spelled out. Kyle Raymond shook her hand briefly before letting go.

Aurora leaned slightly against the door, keeping as much distance as possible. There was enough space between them to fit two other people. On the surface, she appeared calm, but her wary expression betrayed her thoughts.

She rarely shared a car with strangers, let alone someone she'd only met once before. Even in a lawful society, and despite their respective statuses, she knew it was wise to remain vigilant. After all, human intentions are unpredictable, and no one could guess what might be on the other's mind.

"In today's business world, who doesn't know you, Miss Montgomery? Getting this opportunity to meet you today took quite some effort," Kyle Raymond said with a hearty laugh, his face showing no trace of malice.

"The ruby was won by you, Mr. Raymond. You mentioned preferring an in-person transaction. Just give me your account details, and I'll-" Aurora pulled out her phone, eager to conclude the matter.

"Miss Montgomery, what's the rush? I'm hungry," he interrupted abruptly.

His unexpected remark left Aurora momentarily speechless. His tone was so casual, almost like an old friend suddenly declaring they were hungry.

"Uh... then let's eat first," she replied, at a loss for words.

"Good." Kyle Raymond said no more after that. He pulled out a cigar from a case, but upon noticing Aurora beside him, he hesitated.

In the past, he never cared about those around him. But Aurora, with her elegance and resilience, reminded him of a noble black rose-one that smoke might prematurely wither.

For the first time in his life, he considered the health of a woman near him. He had a strong addiction to smoking, lighting up whenever he pleased. Yet now, he returned the cigar to its case.

Though she

Kyle Raymond described him as someone domineering and possessive, a

this "tyrant," but the person she encountered seemed unexpectedly gentlemanly. He hadn't

in the car felt too oppressive, as the driver began playing music to ease

was still in Europe. Though she was physically in the car, her heart had already flown to

She was still recovering from a cold, but she didn't dare fully relax in a stranger's car. Forcing herself to stay awake, she fought off

private restaurant. It was the kind of place that only accepted a

here,

Raymond asked, noticing

entrance.

thoughts. She realized she was deeply affected by Julian. Any place connected to him triggered memories

if his name had been etched onto her heart. One small reminder,

for you! Kyle handed her the menu, and Aurora didn't

his own before passing

said with a courteous smile. Every staff member here was stunning, dressed in

all top-tier-a testament to the privileges of wealth. Money could

her throat. "Mr. Raymond, earlier you mentioned a collaboration. Now that I'm here, why don't you share your proposal?" "Have you heard of T&G, NIAR, or

brands, widely recognized. They're especially popular in Europe and North America. These brands are among the flagship products of Nano Cosmetics, a company with a relatively

to enter the beauty industry, had thoroughly

could easily

mine," Kyle

of her lemon water, nearly choked upon hearing

Cough, cough...

so surprised?" He reached out to pat