Devil's Prisoner of Love by Prefer

Aurora and Julian spent a night at the Alvarez family's residence before returning to Montgomery Manor. Oswaldo and Asher had hit it off surprisingly well.

Now, Oswaldo, Asher, Magnus, and Aurora were all sitting together, playing a game of Chinese checkers. Despite the simplicity of the game, their sharp intellects turned it into an intense, almost nerve-wracking battle.

Of course, Julian was deliberately losing. How could he bear to win against Aurora or the elders?

"Julian, you're holding back again. Don't think I didn't notice, even though you were sneakier this time," Aurora pouted.

"I wasn't!" Julian denied, though not very convincingly.

"You once said that men hate to lose, didn't you?"

"Well, you don't understand. Men hate losing to opponents, but you're not my opponent. You're my precious one."

"Enough! You're making my teeth ache!" Asher pretended to gag in mock disgust.

"Who's here?" Oswaldo, finding the group amusing, turned his head toward the sound of the opening door.

"It's Miss Ivy," the butler replied, his face betraying some awkwardness. Everyone in the household knew about Ivy's situation by now.

This time, Ivy seemed to have learned her lesson. She came bearing food. "Grandpa, happy New Year," she greeted warmly.

It's hard to turn away someone offering smiles and good wishes-especially on New Year's. Surely, if she'd walked in asking for five million dollars again, no one would have entertained her plea.

curtly. He had never liked Genevieve's family, and now that it

however, immediately saw through Ivy's act. There was guilt in her eyes, but Aurora didn't say anything. Ivy's affairs were

asked, "Have you eaten? If not, stay and

Year, after all. He couldn't bring himself to outright shoo her away. Ivy had been counting on this. She was indeed hungry after causing a scene at Paul's house earlier,

her home. She'd spent so many summers and

Mind if I join?" Ivy asked, trying to blend in. There was still one

"Go ahead," Asher said.

played with the precision of chess masters, their every move calculated. She, on the other hand, was like a kindergarten student trying to match wits with PhD scholars. She lost within a few moves and could only watch as the others continued their intricate

the true daughter of the Montgomery family, was every bit their

I won," Aurora said

you up for it!" Oswaldo huffed.

dinner," the butler said cheerfully, pleased that Oswaldo

turns serving Aurora food, one placing dishes on her plate, the other

jealousy. Aurora knew Asher had feelings for her, yet she still allowed him to

is doing really well. You're growing so fast now. I was hoping you'd come back and help out at home, but it seems you've outgrown the

so young-you've got at least another

the company, Aurora. I've already transferred all my shares

believe how impressed my old friends are. Even Joaquin, who used

of familial warmth, but every word felt like a dagger to Ivy. Shares. The Montgomery family business.

Aurora like a goddess while Ivy was reduced

the other day. You two

a big contract in Europe from February to April, and I'll be busy too. Let's wait until

get married on June 29th. Is April not enough time to