Devil's Prisoner of Love by Prefer

When Aurora called out Julian's name and saw the way his eyes sparkled with joy, like a sly fox, she couldn't shake the feeling that she had somehow fallen into a trap.

"Isn't this form of address a bit too much?" she asked cautiously. After all, they had only known each other for a week.

"What's wrong with it? We've already watched movies together for several days. What's the big deal in calling my name?" Julian's casual rebuttal left her speechless.

Aurora opened her mouth, trying to respond, but even though his reasoning made sense, it still felt strange to her.

"What about the collaboration?" Aurora redirected the conversation, focusing on the business matter. Julian's overly accommodating attitude made her feel like she was dreaming.

"Don't worry. I'm the lead for this project. As long as I give the green light, it's ninety- nine percent a done deal."

Julian wasn't bragging. Years ago, after finding the Barnet family in New York, his grandfather, Maxwell Barnet, had been determined to keep him by his side.

But Julian's mind was set on Aurora. If he stayed in New York to develop his career, wouldn't that mean he'd rarely get to see her?

So, he had refused Maxwell's offer, claiming he wanted to return to Clothville. Back then, he was still full of resentment toward Joaquin, and the Alvarez family didn't like him either, leaving him in an awkward position.

Fortunately, he had a sharp mind. He started with small businesses, and Maxwell, aware of Julian's stubborn personality, discreetly enlisted the help of old friends in Clothville to support him.

Later, after meeting Irene, he connected with Nick. By then, Nick was already a successful figure and lent Julian a helping hand.

No one achieves success alone in a short period, and Julian was no exception. Neither was Aurora.

both of them had endured their share of hardships, but they had also encountered many people willing to help, shaping them into who they were today. Once Julian began to make a name for himself, Maxwell repeatedly tried to bring him back to the family business. Currently, the company was managed by his Aunt Clara. Rebecca, Clara's

and ten-year-old Lila. Lila was too young, and

to work under him to learn. If

family was harmonious and had never experienced property disputes. If Rebecca weren't short on successors, she

arousing R Company's suspicion. That was why he had asked his grandfather

the wager. Since Mr. Elderstone had taken the initiative, even if he later discovered Julian's identity,

family supported Julian upon hearing about the project. That very

truth, the deal was orchestrated for Aurora's sake. Of course, as businessmen, they weren't doing it for nothing-they

Aurora had stepped into it, there

surreal how easily Julian had agreed to her proposal. The entire dinner

dropped her off at the villa and told her to meet him tomorrow for an on-site inspection of the project that Aurora

some rest. Goodnight."

Aurora well. Even though he had agreed to the collaboration, she would want to gather as much information as possible to ensure

accustomed to his touch. She even found herself looking forward

wondered where the father of

guilt gnawed at her. She spent her

boat in

lived with Julian? While she missed him during the day, it wasn't to such

after this project.

finalized, and Aurora was sure Julian wouldn't deceive her. She knew Mio

the contract so easily felt unreal. She had approached Julian with her intentions, only to find herself in this

well-almost like a male