Devil's Prisoner of Love by Prefer

When they arrived at the restaurant, Michael Bardem was already there. As soon as Aurora walked in, she felt a gaze land on her.

"And you are?" Michael Bardem asked, with a hint of surprise in his eyes, as though he already knew her.

Aurora noticed his strange expression. She was certain this was only the second time they had met. At the banquet that other night, she hadn't even greeted him. For him, this should be their first encounter.

"Hello, I'm DO. I heard from Ashy that someone wanted to meet me-is that you?" Aurora replied with a polite smile.

"Yes, it's me. Miss, you seem quite young. May I ask where you're currently living?"

Aurora found the question odd-who asks about someone's residence upon first meeting? But since it came from Michael Bardem, she didn't dare to disregard it.

"Clothville," she replied.

"Clothville? Does your mother happen to have the surname Walsh?" Michael Bardem asked suddenly. Aurora paused to think and finally understood why he was looking at

her that way.

It must be because she bore some resemblance to Victoria. That explained his reaction. If he was an old acquaintance of her mother, then things might be simpler.

Still, Aurora wasn't entirely sure how to handle the question. Victoria had always kept her identity a secret. Was Michael Bardem a good person or a bad one?

"Miss DO, does my question trouble you?" Michael Bardem asked, studying her carefully. She looked so much like someone he once knew.

Yes, my mother's surname is Walsh. Do you know her?"

had some entanglements many years ago. She's remained unmarried all these years, and few people even know she has a child. But I happened to know, and meeting you today

Bardem's words, Aurora gathered that he and her mother had some history. She recalled how Asher had mentioned that Michael Bardem had been quite taken with Mio Walsh at the banquet. Now it made sense-it must have been because of her

you're a friend of my mother's. What a coincidence," Aurora

don't we all sit down and catch up? This is quite the serendipity,"

Bardem and Mio Walsh had talked at

this connection, Asher thought

let's sit. Miss DO, may I ask your full name?" Michael Bardem asked, giving

had been by Victoria's side for years. Aside from him, what kind of man could Victoria have

Aurora Montgomery. My father lives in Clothville as

where the adventure continues. Join us

next chapter is

I ever get the chance,

in my mother. What exactly

define it, I'd say I was one of your mother's suitors-though an unsuccessful one." He said

nearby, couldn't help but agree. No wonder Aurora was

So, I guess that makes you my mom's old friend. Can I call you Uncle

like your mother! I never imagined that the designer I admire is also

Bardem, you like my designs?" Aurora asked, genuinely pleased. As a designer, having such a prominent admirer was a great

so young. In this superficial world, your work stands out for its lack of pretension." Aurora

Clothville to her time in New York, she had endured poverty, hunger, and hardship before she built her own

for free. The next chapter is eagerly waiting for you! She had transformed herself, like a butterfly emerging from its cocoon, breaking through barriers to see the

Jewelry, though inherently lifeless, could be imbued with a