Devil's Prisoner of Love by Prefer

A six-month deadline was, truthfully, far too rushed. After all, what brand hadn't weathered countless storms before standing tall as it does today? Aurora's competitive spirit, however, drove her to set an ambitious goal for herself.

Gore noticed the red jade bangle on her wrist. "You never used to like wearing jade bracelets. Changed your taste?"

Aurora typically only accessorized with rings or earrings, and only when they matched a specific outfit. Jewelry, to her, was never more than a complement to her clothing. Aside from the engagement ring Julian had given her-which she rarely took off-all other pieces of jewelry were worn briefly and then set aside.

Her wardrobe leaned toward modern, fashionable styles, which didn't pair well with jade bangles. This had given Gore the impression that she wasn't fond of them.

"It's not a change in taste," she replied lightly. "I just happened to like this one."

"Is that so? It's rare for you to find something you like." Gore chuckled, recalling how, back when he pursued her, he had gifted her many exquisite pieces of jewelry-only to have them returned without so much as a glance.

"Since we're old friends catching up, why don't you accompany me to a banquet tonight?" Gore suggested.

"A banquet?"

"Yes, a charity gala. A lot of influential people will be attending."

"I can't imagine you going to something so tedious without an ulterior motive," Aurora remarked, her sharp instincts as a businesswoman kicking in.

"Exactly. You've heard of Bardem, haven't you?"

"Which Bardem? Surely you don't mean Michael Bardem, the real estate tycoon?"

he had investments in other industries, including real estate. However, his real estate endeavors weren't

planning a major project in Northern Europe that has caught the attention of real estate moguls

a meeting with him for ages, but his schedule is always

he mentioned a trip to Europe. At the time, she had been

seized. If you weren't willing to fight for them, how

would be there too. And her mother? Aurora found herself looking forward to the evening. The project had

hand, was preoccupied with other ventures and showed no interest in this one. Still, aside from him,

the mention of Michael Bardem has you this excited?" Gore teased. "You do realize he's in his forties or fifties-old

about him? Alright, fine, I'll go with you tonight-now stop talking so much." Aurora's excitement stemmed from the possibility of

plans to attend the banquet that evening. Left with no choice, Julian adjusted his schedule to accompany her. There was no way he'd let

her last outing, Aurora didn't bother changing her outfit,

however, looked her up and down with disdain. "Good

her outfit had been too daring, and she'd ended up catching a cold, leaving Julian

truly loves you, your health and comfort matter to them more than anything. And because Aurora

with Asher at the event, she wouldn't

hotel, Aurora had

you planning to park cars or hold

all the time? It's much warmer inside," Gore muttered, though his teasing

ladies. I just saw your ex-and your ex-ex-ex-arrive. Maybe your next girlfriend is in there too,"

I can't leave

you to be so

on you to design more beautiful jewelry for me. How could I