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?"

though that was the identity most people associated with him. In addition to jewelry, he had investments

one-Michael Bardem. He's planning a major 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

her curiosity 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. Now it seemed likely that Asher was planning to attend this very event to

had to be seized. If you weren't willing to fight for them, how could fate

Denis would be there too. And her mother? Aurora found herself looking forward to the evening. The project had drawn businesspeople from all over

and showed no interest in this one. Still, aside from him, Aurora

Bardem has you this excited?" Gore teased. "You do realize he's in his forties or fifties-old enough to be your father. What's got

so

plans to attend the banquet that evening. Left with no choice, Julian adjusted his schedule to accompany her.

didn't bother changing her outfit, opting instead to wear

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

that's what matters," Aurora replied with a smile. Last time, her outfit had been too daring, and she'd ended up catching

your health and comfort matter to them more than anything. And because Aurora genuinely loved Julian, she couldn't

event, she wouldn't need to get close to Michael

at the hotel, Aurora had no plans to go in right

this? Are you planning to park cars or hold doors for people?"

you-acting like having a fiancé is such a big deal. Must you stick to him like glue all the time? It's much warmer inside," Gore muttered, though his teasing

some ladies. I just saw your ex-and

you. I can't leave you out in the cold like this-I'm a

you to be so

to design more beautiful jewelry for