Devil's Prisoner of Love by Prefer

Aurora glanced at the time-there were still twenty minutes before the auction began. Even while standing quietly in the corner, she had already been approached by several men.

It wasn't surprising. Her aura was uniquely cool and detached, her beauty striking, and she had recently beca figure of public fascination. The black dress she wore accentuated her perfect figure, making even her silhouette captivating. Combined with the powerful background of the Montgomery family, it was no wonder that many young elites couldn't help but be drawn to her.

Though Aurora disliked these approaches, she forced herself to respond politely, even as her mind was preoccupied with thoughts of Julian and Mira. There was no room for idle chatter. After turning down yet another attempt at conversation, she decided to head to the restroom to touch up her makeup and kill stime. Standing before the mirror, she reapplied her red lipstick, its bold color enhancing her queenly demeanor. Just as she finished, a familiar reflection appeared behind her-it was Ivy. They hadn't seen each other in months, but Ivy's hatred for her hadn't diminished. In fact, it seemed even stronger now, her eyes burning with fury.

"Long tno see," Aurora said, putting away her lipstick.

"I've been dreaming of this moment," Ivy spat.

"Oh? I didn't know my dear cousin cared so much about me," Aurora replied, zipping up her handbag and washing her hands. To her, Ivy was no more than a passing stranger, someone incapable of stirring even the slightest ripple in her emotions.

Ivy's face darkened at Aurora's indifference. "You ruined my entire family. I've been praying every day for your death." "Cousin, you really are vicious," Aurora said with a faint smile. "I thought everything that happened would've taught you a lesson. Clearly, I was wrong. People like you only focus on how others treat you poorly, conveniently forgetting the harm you've inflicted on others." Aurora pulled a tissue from the dispenser and wiped her hands with her usual elegance, exuding an air of composure no matter what she was doing.

Ivy's lips curled into a cold smile. "I may have hurt you, but you survived-heaven seems to favor you. You're still living well, aren't you?" "If you chere to reminisce, I'm not interested. I don't have tto waste on trivial matters," Aurora said flatly. She wasn't normally a woman who lacked patience, but Julian's situation had left her feeling irritable.

As Aurora turned to leave, Ivy instinctively reached out to grab her but hesitated, remembering the strange power Aurora had exhibited at hbefore. In that brief moment of hesitation, Aurora had already walked out the door.

But as she stepped outside, her heel slipped on the freshly polished floor, and she nearly fell. Damn it, she thought, how could I be so careless? The embarrassment of falling in public loomed over her.

Before she could hit the ground, however, she felt herself being caught by a strong arm. A deep, magnetic voice sounded in her ear. "Are you alright?" "I'm fine. Thank you," Aurora said as she looked up at her rescuer. The man's face was handsand chiseled, his eyes strikingly familiar, as though she had seen them somewhere before.

Kyle Raymond had been watching her earlier, standing by the floor-to-ceiling windows, wishing he could hold her in his arms. He hadn't expected the opportunity to cso soon.

Her body was soft and fragrant-was this the perfshe had developed herself? It smelled incredible, unlike anything he'd encountered on other women. He found himself dwelling on the thought longer than he should have.

"Don't mention it," Kyle said with gentlemanly composure. "The floor was just cleaned- it's a bit slippery. Be careful next time." Aurora nodded and moved to step out of his arms, but his grip tightened ever so briefly. Her brows furrowed in response.

"Apologies," he said, loosening his hold immediately. "I forgot myself for a moment." Aurora thanked him once more and walked away. Kyle watched her retreating figure, her scent still lingering in his senses. Her body was so soft, he thought, unable to suppress the memory.

"Mr. Raymond, what are you doing here?" Ivy's voice broke through his thoughts as she exited the restroom. Kyle's expression shifted instantly, the tenderness in his eyes replaced by icy detachment.

"I cto check on you," he said. But the truth was, he'd cfor Aurora. When he saw Ivy following her earlier, he couldn't shake the thought that she might harm her. That worry had led him here, and it had given him the chance to catch Aurora when she slipped.

"Thank you, Mr. Raymond," Ivy said, her heart swelling with joy.

"Let's go," Kyle replied curtly.

"Of course." Ivy looped her arm through his as they walked toward their seats.

By the tthey entered the auction hall, most of the lights had dimmed, signaling that the event was about to begin. Aurora was already seated, with Heather sitting obediently beside her.

The host took the stage and began the customary opening remarks. The audience fell silent, each person focused on their own goals for the evening.

"Now, let's introduce our first item," the host announced. "This treasure comes from the distant lands of Africa. As you all know, African diamonds are world-renowned, and today's piece is no exception..." As the host continued to elaborate on the diamond's origins, Aurora found herself distracted. Her mind was heavy, like a stone pressing down on her chest, leaving her restless and uneasy.

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! The first item went up for bidding. "The starting price is $50,000." "$60,000," someone quickly called out.

The auction was in full swing, and Heather watched with wide-eyed excitement. Seeing the scenes she'd only ever witnessed on TV unfold before her felt surreal, like a dream.

"Miss Montgomery, are you alright? You don't look well," Heather asked, noticing Aurora's distracted demeanor.

"I'm fine, just a little restless," Aurora replied.

"Is it your stomach again? Should I get you scake to settle it?" Heather asked anxiously. She knew about Aurora's stomach issues and assumed her pale complexion must be related. Aurora shook her head. "No need. I'm not unwell, just tired. I'd like to leave as soon as possible."

"Alright, just a little longer. The ruby will be up soon," Heather said. She ΟΠ knew Aurora had been working late NO at the office every night recently, often staying until eight or nine. No one worked harder than her. A few more items were auctioned off, and finally, the ruby Aurora had been waiting for appeared on stage.

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