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?"

was the identity most people associated with him. In addition to jewelry, he had investments in other industries, including real estate. However, his real estate endeavors weren't as prominent, given the fierce competition in the field, which left the spotlight firmly on his jewelry

project in Northern Europe that has caught the

trying to arrange a meeting with him for ages, but his schedule is always packed. This is finally my chance.

piqued. She remembered a recent phone call with Asher, during which he mentioned a trip to Europe. At the time, she had been busy with work in Clothville and hadn't pressed for details.

weren't willing to fight for them, how could fate ever

too. And her mother? Aurora found herself looking

no interest in this one. Still, aside from him, Aurora expected to run into

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

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

Left with no choice, Julian adjusted his schedule to accompany her. There was no way he'd let Aurora

bother changing her outfit, opting instead to wear

looked her up and down with disdain. "Good thing you're not

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

matter to them more than

she wouldn't need to get close

at the hotel, Aurora had no plans

park cars or hold doors for people?"

deal. Must you stick to him like glue all the time? It's much warmer inside," Gore muttered, though his teasing masked genuine concern that Aurora

saw your ex-and

I can't leave

to be

more beautiful jewelry for me. How could