Devil's Prisoner of Love by Prefer

The butler spoke respectfully, showing no contempt for Ivy despite her betrayal of Kyle. From start to finish, his tone remained neutral, merely stating facts. He had handled similar situations before-women who, feeling hopeless about Kyle, turned to other men while stubbornly clinging to the comfort of Kyle's villa.

Kyle was a tolerant man, but his tolerance did not extend to supporting another man on his dime.

It was only then that Ivy remembered the butler had warned her before. At the time, her mind had been too unsettled to pay attention. She now realized Kyle wasn't oblivious-he just chose not to address it.

"Alright, I understand," she said.

The butler glanced at his watch. "Miss Montgomery, you have one hour to pack your things."

"Thank you." Though reluctant, Ivy knew there was no way around it. Kyle's words were final, and all she could do was obey.

"No need to thank me. This is simply my duty," the butler replied with a slight smile before turning to leave. Over the years, he had seen too many women come and go.

Ivy headed to her room, only to be met with a barrage of mocking remarks from the other women hovering around the villa.

"Well, well, I heard you've found yourself a man outside?"

"Tsk, tsk. I thought Mr. Raymond bringing you along meant you were different, but it turns out you're just like the others in his eyes."

"Exactly! You had such a good life here, and you still couldn't cherish it. Do you really think those men outside are better than Mr. Raymond?"

Their words reminded Ivy of women in the back court of an ancient palace, fighting and scheming against one another. If one of them gained favor, the rest would tear her down out of jealousy.

taunts. But now, her thoughts were consumed by Mio Walsh. He was like a solid wall of support, and with him

word, Ivy packed her belongings and left. When she turned back to look at the villa one last time, her emotions were

Kyle only to save Genevieve, then choosing to stay willingly, and now

If she hadn't met

in her life, there was no

belonged to the Raymond family.

looked much better than she had when she was first released. When Ivy walked through the door, Genevieve quickly

so much in life had made her fearful, clinging tightly to the little she had left.

abroad. Don't worry, see?

with doubt. "Ivy, I was sentenced to several years in prison. Who

help. Don't overthink it. What matters is that you're out now," Ivy replied, avoiding the truth.

when did you have such powerful friends? And if they were so capable, why did it

waiting for you! Genevieve was sharp. She knew her daughter well. Ivy and Zachary had always been willing to sacrifice for her, just as she

any losses-it was just about getting you released. Why are

observed Ivy closely. Her daughter looked healthy and well-rested, but Genevieve couldn't shake the feeling that something wasn't right. She feared Ivy had paid a heavy price for her

okay," Genevieve said, pulling Ivy into a hug. "Ivy, you and Zachary are all I have left

She had specifically asked him to

he never tells me where he's going," Genevieve said,

expression darkened. What was Zachary

leaves again. I've tried asking him, but he never answers," Genevieve

The once radiant woman was now just a shadow of her former

her. She hadn't been home

noise was chaotic.