Devil's Prisoner of Love by Prefer

Ivy knew Mio Walsh owned a company, but she had no idea about his actual wealth. When he casually dismissed the amount-five million dollars-she was stunned.

"Um... I wasn't planning to tell you this, but I'm truly desperate right now. If you really have that much money, could you lend it to me? I'll write you an IOU, and I promise to pay you back once I have the means," Ivy said, feeling a glimmer of hope.

"Five million? Do you really think I'd ask you to pay me back? The fact that I'm planning to meet your parents already shows how serious I am about being with you. My money is your money," Mio replied with a sincerity that touched her deeply.

"Mio, you're so good to me," Ivy said, moved to tears.

"You're my girlfriend. If I don't treat you well, who will? Now, your brother is still in their hands, right? Give me the address, and we'll go there now. It's the first day of the new year-let's get him out so you can all reunite. I even bought some gifts to bring when I visit your mother later," Mio said confidently.

"Okay," Ivy replied, her earlier nervousness fading. Mio's calm demeanor reassured her.

"Mio, I don't know what I'd do without you. I've tried everything, but no one else was willing to lend me such a large amount. I couldn't even tell my mother about this-her health is so fragile. She'd never be able to handle the shock. Earlier today, when she made dumplings for me, I felt so guilty. She's sacrificed so much for us, and I can't bear to let her suffer any more pain," Ivy confessed, her voice trembling.

"Don't worry. I'll take care of everything. Your mother will be fine," Mio said firmly.

"Thank you, Mio."

"There's no need for thanks between us," he replied.

The more Ivy thought about it, the more she realized that the person she had barely known for long was more reliable than anyone else she had considered family. Her gratitude for Mio deepened.

As the car sped toward the casino, Ivy felt less anxious with Mio by her side.

"Is this the casino?" he asked.

"Yes," she replied.

"You go in first and wait for me. I'll park the car and join you shortly," Mio instructed. "Alright," Ivy said cheerfully as she got out of the car, heading inside to meet the man from the previous day.

of sight, Mio's smile disappeared. He pulled out his phone

for me," he said, his voice

hope, Mio's lips curled into a sly smile. Spending five million dollars wasn't a problem for him-he would ensure he got a return

just a businessman; he was a predator. Once he set his sights

Genevieve sat alone in her apartment, watching television. Every channel seemed to be replaying last night's New Year's programs, but she couldn't shake an uneasy feeling, as though something terrible was

exaggerated gestures of the comedians on screen failed to amuse her. She

it was Zachary. Her son had been away even during the holidays, and she was planning to scold him for it when

an

"Hello?" she said.

she thought it was someone calling to wish her a happy New Year, but as

With every word, her heart sank deeper. By the time the call ended, she was so overwhelmed that

perverse clients. Whenever she

family, though it wasn't hereditary. But certain

and her condition had remained dormant. But as she grew older, and particularly after the blows she had suffered in recent months-including three months

been the final straw,

prison, Ivy had taken her for a full medical examination, where they discovered her condition. That

a flower on the verge

inside the casino. "Miss Montgomery, you've gathered the money so quickly?" the man sneered. "My brother-bring him

course," he replied, clapping his hands. Soon, Zachary

they hurt you?" Ivy asked, scanning

he cared about was whether Ivy had succeeded in raising the money. He hadn't been harmed, but he hadn't slept a wink the

it," she said

Let's settle this-money for the boy," the man

I'm waiting for

you playing games with me? I'm warning you-if you don't hand

leaving this place,"

want,