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.

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

you to do something for me," he said, his

curled into a sly smile. Spending five

Walsh wasn't just a businessman; he was a predator. Once he set his sights on

alone in her apartment, watching television. Every channel seemed to be replaying last night's New Year's programs, but she

on screen failed to amuse her. She sat stiffly,

rang. She glanced at it, wondering if it was Zachary. Her son had been away even during the holidays, and she was planning to scold him for it when

the caller ID showed an unknown number. She hesitated

"Hello?" she said.

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

the debt?!" With every word, her heart sank deeper. By the time the call ended, she was so overwhelmed that she fainted, the phone slipping from

she occasionally encountered perverse clients. Whenever she experienced

family, though it wasn't

and indulgence, and her condition had remained dormant. But as she grew older, and particularly after the blows she had suffered

trouble had been the final straw, triggering

was released from prison, Ivy had taken her for a full medical examination, where they discovered her condition. That was why Ivy had kept

a flower on the verge of collapse. Any additional

happened to her mother, Ivy was negotiating inside the casino. "Miss Montgomery,

his hands. Soon,

they hurt you?" Ivy asked, scanning him

was whether Ivy had succeeded in raising the money. He hadn't

it," she

Montgomery, so decisive. Let's settle this-money for the boy," the man said,

waiting for someone," Ivy

me? I'm warning

you is leaving this place," the

yelling. If it's money you want, you'll get it,"