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."

involved in fashion design. Is this a draft for a new

designers can't meet your standards, and you have to draw your own designs? You truly

thin. She had not sought trouble with Mira, yet this woman

with him? If Aurora didn't trust Julian implicitly, Mira's words might have made her

knew Julian had no relationship with Mira,

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

would be immature, but Aurora remained unbothered,

Mira finally said. "I came here for something important. I was about to say so earlier, but when I saw you painting, it slipped

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

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

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

work. During their time together, they rarely discussed

had surprised

return to you, even declaring that I should find a new

had been so close to success, yet

heard bits and pieces about the situation from Julian. His explanation, however, had been far from

Hundreds of millions! This was a critical step for him to break into Europe's heavy industry market. It

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

was beyond imagination. Aurora already knew he had given

sorry. There were reasons for what happened," Aurora

am 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 did Julian treat her so

even

seen plenty of unfaithful