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.

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

you to do something for me," he

a sly smile. Spending five million dollars wasn't a problem for him-he would ensure he got a

a predator. Once he set his sights on something, he would

apartment, watching television. Every channel seemed to be replaying last night's New Year's programs, but she couldn't shake

exaggerated gestures of the comedians on screen failed to

She glanced at it, wondering if it was Zachary. Her son had been away even

caller ID showed an unknown number.

"Hello?" she said.

her a happy New Year, but as she

every word, her heart sank

nightclubs, she occasionally encountered perverse clients. Whenever she experienced extreme stress, her body would shut down and

though it wasn't hereditary.

had lived a life of luxury and indulgence, 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

the final straw,

where they discovered her condition. That was why Ivy had kept the truth from her mother-she knew Genevieve

flower on the verge

was negotiating inside the casino. "Miss Montgomery, you've gathered the money so quickly?" the man

replied, clapping his hands. Soon,

hurt you?" Ivy

about was whether Ivy had succeeded in raising the money. He hadn't been harmed, but he hadn't slept a wink the previous night, terrified that his life was

brought it," she said

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

moment. I'm waiting for someone," Ivy

with me? I'm warning

of you is leaving this place,"

If it's money you want,