Devil's Prisoner of Love by Prefer

Ivy thought Walsh's visit was just a casual meet-up, given how little tthey had to see each other. But when suggested meeting her parents, she was taken aback. Her current life was far from glamorous. She lived decently but had no money or background to boast of. Her job was selling houses-a far cry from the life she once had. hadn't asked her about her background, and Ivy wondered if it was because he assumed, after seeing her at that charity gala, that she too cfrom a wealthy family.

"Um... Mio, do you know much about my family background?" Ivy asked cautiously. She wasn't as naive as before. Life had taught her hard lessons, taking her from riches to ruin.

"Does your family background matter?" Mio's voice was calm, his intent clear. No one knew Ivy's circumstances better than he did.

To him, it didn't matter. From the very beginning, he had no intention of letting her background affect their relationship.

"Meeting my family might not prove anything, but it's a step that ties us to each other's lives. If we're serious about the future, our families will inevitably becinvolved. I need you to know... my family's situation is far from yours. I have to be honest with you," Ivy said, deciding it was better to reveal the truth now than face embarrassment later.

"Don't worry. I've never cared about your family. From the start, it's always been about you, just you. It's late-get srest, and I'll cby tomorrow morning," replied, his tone soft, almost like he was soothing a child. Ivy felt a weight lift from her chest.

"Okay." She was about to say goodbye when her phone rang. "Lettake this call," she said.

It was from Zachary. Today was special, and Ivy had debated whether bringing hwas the right call. Their relationship wasn't fully solidified yet, and she didn't want to make things awkward. But since had traveled so far to see her, she couldn't just leave him alone.

Before heading out, Ivy had asked Zachary to stay hand keep Genevieve company. Tomorrow was New Year's Day, and since Ivy couldn't be there, she needed Zachary to step up.

This year had been the most turbulent of their lives. Their family had fallen from grace, and Genevieve was the one most deeply hurt. Once, they celebrated New Year's at the Montgomery estate in grand fashion. Now, the family was in ruins.

Genevieve, despite her composed exterior after being released from prison, must still be drowning in sadness. She needed someone by her side, and Zachary had promised to stay home, giving Ivy peace of mind to meet Mio.

But now, with the clock well past midnight, Zachary was calling. He was probably urging her to hurry home. "I'm on my way back," Ivy answered.

On the other end, Zachary's voice was shaky, almost desperate. He was crying. "Help me, Ivy. Please help me." "What's wrong? Stop crying and tellwhat happened," Ivy said, her heart sinking.

Zachary had been acting strange recently, disappearing for long stretches and refusing to explain where he'd been. He'd also been holding onto Genevieve's credit card, despite Ivy repeatedly asking him to return it. Now, it seemed the truth was catching up to him.

"I'm at Leo's Casino. Can you... chere?" "What are you doing in a place like that?" Ivy's brows furrowed. The last tZachary got involved in gambling, it had been a disaster. She thought he'd learned his lesson.

But Zachary didn't reply. He hung up. Ivy stared at her phone in frustration, realizing that Zachary's recent absences were tied to gambling. The boy hadn't changed.

If you're loving the book, nel5sis where the adventure continues. Join us for the complete experience-all for free. The next chapter is eagerly waiting for you! "Is something wrong?" asked. He hadn't left yet and could see the worry on Ivy's face.

Ivy quickly masked her emotions. She didn't want involved in her family's mess. Meeting someone as good as was a rare stroke of luck, and she couldn't risk scaring him away with her family's problems.

"It's nothing. My brother just wantshearlier. He's a bit worried," she lied.

"Alright. But letknow if anything comes up." "Of course. It's late-you should head back to your hotel," Ivy said, eager to send him off.

"Okay. Head upstairs. Goodnight," said before leaving.

Once was gone, Ivy hurriedly called a taxi. She didn't know that Mio's car had simply turned around.

"Follow that cab," instructed his driver coldly. He wasn't fooled by Ivy's excuses.

Inside her cab, Ivy was filled with worry. She'd heard plenty about casinos and the desperate acts of gamblers. Many took out high-interest loans, hoping to turn their luck around, only to lose even more. When it ctto repay their debts, the casinos used every method imaginable to collect.

It seemed Zachary had gotten himself trapped in such a situation.

At Leo's Casino, Ivy explained her purpose, and someone immediately led her to a private room.

"Sis, please save me!" Zachary cried the moment Ivy stepped inside, rushing to cling to her legs. His face was bruised, evidence that he'd already been beaten.

"What are you doing here? Did you forget the lesson from last time?" Ivy snapped, her anger boiling over.

"I... I just wanted to make money quickly so you and Mom could live better lives. But my luck ran out today," Zachary stammered, tears and snot running down his face. Looking at him, Ivy felt disgusted. She didn't want to acknowledge him as her brother. But blood ties couldn't be erased.

"How much did you lose?" Zachary raised a hand, showing five fingers.

"Fifty thousand?" Ivy guessed. For their former lives, that would've been a trivial amount thousand Buxnow, fifty thousand dollars was no small sum-it could support a regular family for years. "No... it's not fifty thousand," Zachary muttered. "Then how much?" Ivy's patience was wearing thin.

"Miss Montgomery, allowto explain," a voice interrupted. A man in the room spoke on Zachary's behalf. "Your brother owes us a total of five hundred thousand dollars, including interest." Five hundred thousand-an astronomical figure for their current situation.

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