Devil's Prisoner of Love by Prefer

Mio Walsh paused for a moment before replying, "My family moved to New York in the last century. Even though we immigrated, the elders in my family still missed Clothville. From the moment we're born, each generation is strictly required to learn about Clothville's culture and history. I might not visit often, but I know just as much as you do-if not more."

"That explains why you seem even more local than I do," Ivy remarked with a smile. "Of course. Otherwise, I'd get in trouble at home," Mio Walsh said, half-jokingly. "Your family is that strict?" Ivy's mind immediately conjured up the image of a stern, elderly patriarch.

"Strict is an understatement. It's downright insane," he replied with a bitter smile-a smile that concealed struggles only he could truly understand.

From the day Mio became the heir of the Walsh family, he was subjected to relentless demands. Tina, the previous heir, had undergone inhuman training since childhood. While Tina was naturally intelligent, her brilliance was largely forced out of her by the family's oppressive methods.

When Tina disappeared, the elders, fearing further unpredictability, decided to groom a backup heir. Initially, they chose Mira. But Mira, despite her young age, understood the crushing responsibilities of being the family head. She rejected the role, even threatening to take her own life to escape it.

At the time, many of the male members of the family, long dissatisfied with the women holding power, began scheming for control. That's how Mio ended up in the awkward position of a "backup heir."

The elders promised him that if Tina didn't return, he would officially become the family head on his eighteenth birthday. From a young age, Mio was indoctrinated with certain ideas: women should stay at home and raise children, and the family had been ruled by women for far too long.

Times had changed. The once-mysterious family legacy had broken apart with the modern age. Their ancient divination practices had faded, and the R family had carved out a space for themselves in the business world. However, most of the power in the family remained in the hands of women, causing long-standing resentment among the

men.

When Mio was thrust into the role of the backup heir, he was given a mission: to overturn the family's matriarchal power structure. Determined to surpass Tina, he studied tirelessly. In every aspect-academics, skills, and achievements-he committed himself completely. Like Tina, he skipped grades and excelled, earning recognition as a legitimate heir in the eyes of the family.

At first, Mio had little personal desire for the family head position. But over time, after relentless brainwashing and his own growing ambition, the idea of becoming the family head consumed him.

as he was within

offered him a simple apology and a consolation prize: the promise of a future position as vice

so far. They had raised him to the highest peak, only to let him plummet into

him the opportunity, he resolved to create his own. On the surface, he appeared loyal to Tina, but secretly, he worked harder than ever. He was determined to one day reclaim everything he believed

seem so lost in thought," Ivy asked,

just some memories from when I was young," Mio replied, quickly masking the complex

such an unexpected turn of events. He had believed

happen again. In recent years, Tina's health had been declining, and he grew stronger, more resourceful. It seemed he wouldn't even need to take action; Tina would exhaust herself and fade

occurred. He met Aurora at the company-a woman

she had secretly given birth to a daughter. Fortunately,

her completely, there would be no further threats. Tina wouldn't last

all for free. The next chapter is eagerly waiting for you! "Don't dwell on the past. We all need to look forward," Ivy said, assuming Mio's strict upbringing had left him

I won't. It's time to look ahead," Mio replied,

Alvarez family for dinner the following evening. Tonight, however, she planned to host a gathering at her

Aurora went out to buy groceries. Watching her

couldn't help but feel a pang of

call Mrs. Hill back to help you?" he

Mrs. Hill has her own family

can hire someone else," Julian said, unwilling to

last time Aurora was washing and

Bunny, let me help you," he