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."

I heard you're also involved in fashion design. Is this a draft for a new collection? I heard Julian brought

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

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

him? If Aurora didn't trust Julian implicitly, Mira's

Now she was at it again. Although Aurora knew Julian had

you didn't come here just to hurl insults at me? If you're

young would be immature, but Aurora remained

came here for something important. I was about to say so earlier, but when I saw you painting,

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

prepare coffee, then returned to her seat. "Please,

bush, so I'll get straight to the

aware." Aurora typically didn't involve herself in Julian's work. During their time together, they

Julian's abrupt departure had surprised

everything to return to you, even declaring that I should

been so close to

bits and pieces about the situation from Julian. His

this project was? Hundreds of millions! This was a critical step for him to break into Europe's

had never imagined such a staggering figure.

future potential was beyond imagination. Aurora already knew he had given up

sorry. There were reasons for what happened," Aurora said, unwilling to explain herself further to a

devotion? What could possibly make him sacrifice so much for you?" "You'd have to ask him that. I'd like

she even

meticulous care made Aurora feel undeserving. She had seen plenty of unfaithful men but had never encountered anyone