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."

of irritation at being refused. "Miss Montgomery, I heard you're also involved in fashion design. Is this a draft for a new collection? I heard Julian brought

have to draw your own designs? You truly are

patience wearing thin. She had not sought trouble with Mira, yet this woman had shown up at her

Aurora didn't trust Julian implicitly, Mira's words might have

again. Although Aurora knew Julian had no relationship with Mira, she couldn't help but feel annoyed at how casually Mira

the way from Paris, surely you didn't come here just to hurl insults at me? If you're in the mood, I can

She had assumed someone so young would be immature, but Aurora remained

was about to say so earlier, but when I saw you painting,

Mira." Aurora had a feeling this woman wasn't here with good intentions. She

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

for beating around the bush, so I'll get straight to the point. Earlier, Julian and I traveled to Paris for

typically didn't involve herself in Julian's work. During

had surprised her back then.

days ago, he abandoned everything to return to you, even declaring that I should

was insane. They had been so close to success,

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 heavy industry market. It was just the beginning, yet he ruined

a significant project but had never imagined such a

to secure a foothold, the future potential was beyond imagination. Aurora already knew he had given up a lot for her, but

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

worth his unwavering devotion? What could possibly make him sacrifice so much for you?" "You'd have to ask him that. I'd like to know the answer myself," Aurora replied

she even

his meticulous care made Aurora feel undeserving. She had seen plenty of