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 in the best design team from New York just for

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

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

him? If Aurora didn't trust

in Paris. Now she was at it again. Although Aurora knew Julian had no relationship with Mira, she couldn't help but

me? If you're in the mood, I can have someone

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

came here for something important. I was about to say so earlier, but

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

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

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

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

departure had surprised her

abandoned everything to return to you, even declaring that

insane. They had been so close to success, yet he had given it all

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

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 it

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

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

reasons for what happened," Aurora

of you? Other than being 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 like to know the answer myself," Aurora replied honestly. She had asked herself that question countless times. What was so special about her? Why

she even deserve

meticulous care made Aurora feel undeserving. She had seen plenty of unfaithful men but