Devil's Prisoner of Love by Prefer

As the auctioneer passionately introduced the origin of the ruby, a stunning woman in a sleek, sultry dress stepped forward, carrying the jewel in its display box.

"This is the ruby I just introduced to you all," the auctioneer announced. "Whether by color grade or cut, it is a masterpiece. The bidding starts at three million." Aurora, who had remained uninterested throughout the event, finally showed a spark of emotion in her eyes. She was eager to secure the ruby and return home. In her mind, the stone was worth around ten million dollars.

As a jewelry designer, Aurora knew the ruby was precious, but not priceless. Still, she wasn't entirely confident she could win it at a reasonable price.

Without hesitation, she raised her paddle. "Three and a half million," she said calmly. Another bidder, an older man, immediately countered. "Four million." Heather, seated beside Aurora, was stunned. Watching the unflinching composure of the woman next to her, she couldn't help but think, Millions? Could I even earn this much in a lifetime? It was a world of wealth and extravagance that Heather couldn't comprehend-where a casual bid could amount to fortunes.

Meanwhile, Ivy's attention was fixed on Aurora. She suspected Aurora wasn't here simply for leisure. Without Julian by her side, there had to be a purpose, and Ivy was determined to thwart her at any cost.

When the ruby was displayed, Ivy's suspicions were confirmed. Aurora wanted that stone.

Ivy leaned toward the man beside her. "Mr. Raymond, I want that ruby. Can you get it for me?" She wasn't sure if he'd oblige-after all, she hadn't known him long enough to fully grasp his character. Ivy asked with a mix of hope and fear, her heart racing in anticipation of rejection.

Mr. Raymond studied the situation. He had been observing Aurora for a while. She had shown little interest in the auction until the ruby appeared.

Even without Ivy's request, he had already planned to act. By now, the price had climbed to six million, and most of the attendees had stepped back.

While the ruby was valuable, exceeding its true worth would be unwise. Most of the crowd were shrewd businesspeople who carefully calculated risks and returns.

Aurora's unwavering determination to win the ruby was evident in her confident bids, which discouraged others from persisting.

"Eight million," Mr. Raymond declared, raising his paddle. His bold increase from six to eight million drew surprised glances from the room.

Even Aurora looked toward him. However, the dim lighting only revealed Mr. Raymond, not Ivy, who was hidden behind his tall, imposing figure.

"Eight and a half million," Aurora countered, barely casting him another glance. She had noticed the other bidders had given up, and if not for this unexpected challenger, the ruby would already be hers.

"Nine million," Mr. Raymond responded without hesitation.

"Nine and a half million." "Ten million." Gasps rippled through the room. For most, ten million was the ruby's upper limit. Surely no one would go higher? Ivy's face lit up with joy, convinced Mr. Raymond was bidding for her. She felt a rush of excitement-this was the first ta man had done something so extravagant for her.

Aurora, however, hesitated. Ten million was her mental cap for the ruby. Should she give up? Her designs were already in progress, and this stone was the perfect fit.

Reluctantly, she decided to push her limit slightly higher. If the bidding reached fifteen million, she would withdraw.

"Ten million, going once," the auctioneer called out.

All eyes turned to Aurora. Would she continue? "Ten million and fifty thousand," she declared.

Heather, sitting beside her, was dumbfounded. "I don't understand," she whispered. "Why is this ruby so important to you? A million dollars-it's unimaginable!" "Eleven million," Mr. Raymond countered immediately.

"Eleven and a half million." "Twelve million." The two bidders continued to raise the stakes in increments of half a million, leaving the audience in disbelief. Why were they so fixated on this ruby? Did it hold sspecial significance to them? "Thirteen million." "Thirteen and a half million." "Fourteen million." Aurora took a deep breath. "Fourteen and a half million." This was her final bid. Beyond this point, she wouldn't continue.

"Fifteen million," Mr. Raymond said, his tone steady and unyielding. He showed no signs of stopping, as though no matter how high the price climbed, he would not back down.

The room fell silent. Aurora did not bid again.

"Fifteen million, going once. Fifteen million, going twice. Fifteen million, sold!" The auctioneer's gavel cdown.

Ivy beamed with delight. Mr. Raymond had spent an astronomical sum to win the ruby for her. Her heart soared with excitement.

Aurora, on the other hand, felt a pang of disappointment. But she quickly consoled herself. She would revise her design and find another suitable gemstone. "It's fine," she said softly, standing up. "Let's go." Heather tried to comfort her. "Miss Montgomery, don't be discouraged. I'll help you find another ruby like it." Aurora smiled faintly. "It's not a big deal. This ruby wasn't indispensable. Let's head back." As Aurora left, Ivy watched her retreat with a smirk. Run all you like, Aurora. From today onward, I'll take everything you hold dear.

Mr. Raymond, however, was lost in thought as he watched Aurora leave. He hadn't cfor the ruby-it was the next auction item that truly interested him.

When the bidding resumed, no one dared challenge Mr. Raymond again. His ruthless style had already made an impression: Kyle Raymond never gave others a chance. mmMwWLlilofiflo&1 mmMwWLlilofiflo&1 mmMwWLlilofiflo&1 mmMwWLlilofiflo&1 mmMwWLliIofiflo&1 mmMwWLlilofiflo&1