Devil's Prisoner of Love by Prefer

"Ding-"

The elevator doors opened. The receptionist led Mira to Aurora's office door and knocked politely. "Miss Montgomery, Miss Mira is here."

"Come in," Aurora's voice came from inside.

"Miss Mira, please go ahead."

Mira entered Aurora's office to find someone seated behind a computer, seemingly engrossed in painting. "Miss Montgomery, how refined. Even at work, you find time to cultivate your artistic interests," Mira remarked with a hint of sarcasm.

Aurora ignored the jab. She had never been one to let others dictate her actions. Finishing the last touch of color on her canvas, she put down her brush.

"Miss Mira, forgive me for not welcoming you sooner," Aurora said, standing up and picking up a damp cloth to wipe the red paint that had accidentally smudged her hand.

Mira walked towards Aurora. "What are you painting, Miss Montgomery? I studied art back in the day. Why not let me take a look and offer my critique?"

Mira was genuinely curious. Having already regarded Aurora as a rival, she sought to compare herself to Aurora in every way. Even Aurora's painting skills were something she wanted to evaluate.

However, Aurora had no intention of showing her work. This particular piece was a special one-created exclusively for Candy, a one-of-a-kind design that would not be part of any commercial project.

For a designer, sketches were precious. Many had encountered problems when their designs leaked before official release, causing unnecessary trouble.

As Mira approached, Aurora calmly took a blank sheet of paper and covered her sketch. "It's a trade secret, I'm afraid I can't share it."

in fashion design. Is this a draft for

you have to draw your own designs? You truly are a designer misplaced in the business world,

felt her patience wearing thin. She had not sought trouble with Mira,

Aurora didn't trust

tried testing her boundaries in Paris. Now she was at it again. Although Aurora knew Julian had no relationship with

hurl insults at me? If

be immature, but Aurora remained unbothered, her expression calm in the

course not," Mira finally said. "I came here for something important. I was about to say so earlier,

business, have a seat, Miss Mira." Aurora had a feeling this woman wasn't here with

to prepare coffee, then returned to her seat. "Please, go ahead, Miss

one for beating around the bush, so I'll get straight to the point.

work. During their time together, they rarely

Julian's abrupt departure had surprised her back then. He

you, even declaring that I

insane. They had been so close to success, yet

already having heard bits and pieces about the situation from Julian. His explanation, however, had

him to break into Europe's heavy industry market. It was just the beginning, yet he

but had never imagined such a staggering figure. And to think it was only the

future potential was beyond imagination. Aurora already knew

were reasons for what happened," Aurora said, unwilling to explain herself further

a bit more capable than the average woman, what else do you have? What makes you worth his unwavering devotion? What could possibly make him sacrifice so much for you?" "You'd have to ask him that. I'd

she even deserve his

She had seen plenty of unfaithful men but had never encountered anyone like