Devil's Prisoner of Love by Prefer

When they arrived at the restaurant, Michael Bardem was already there. As soon as Aurora walked in, she felt a gaze land on her.

"And you are?" Michael Bardem asked, with a hint of surprise in his eyes, as though he already knew her. Aurora noticed his strange expression. She was certain this was only the second tthey had met. At the banquet that other night, she hadn't even greeted him. For him, this should be their first encounter. "Hello, I'm DO. I heard from Ashy that someone wanted to meet me-is that you?" Aurora replied with a polite smile.

"Yes, it's me. Miss, you seem quite young. May I ask where you're currently living?" Aurora found the question odd-who asks about someone's residence upon first meeting? But since it cfrom Michael Bardem, she didn't dare to disregard it.

"Clothville," she replied.

"Clothville? Does your mother happen to have the surnWalsh?" Michael Bardem asked suddenly. Aurora paused to think and finally understood why he was looking at her that way.

It must be because she bore sresemblance to Victoria. That explained his reaction. If he was an old acquaintance of her mother, then things might be simpler.

Still, Aurora wasn't entirely sure how to handle the question. Victoria had always kept her identity a secret. Was Michael Bardem a good person or a bad one? "Miss DO, does my question trouble you?" Michael Bardem asked, studying her carefully. She looked so much like someone he once knew.

"Not at all. Yes, my mother's surnis Walsh. Do you know her?" Aurora asked cautiously.

"We had sentanglements many years ago. She's remained unmarried all these years, and few people even know she has a child. But I happened to know, and meeting you today confirms it. You're as remarkable as she is." From Michael Bardem's words, Aurora gathered that he and her mother had shistory. She recalled how Asher had mentioned that Michael Bardem had been quite taken with Walsh at the banquet. Now it made sense-it must have been because of her mother.

"So, Mr. Bardem, you're a friend of my mother's. What a coincidence," Aurora said, smiling.

"Mr. Bardem, why don't we all sit down and catch up? This is quite the serendipity," Asher chimed in, sensing an opportunity.

During the banquet when Aurora had left early, Michael Bardem and Walsh had talked at length. Asher had been worried that Michael Bardem might take an interest in Walsh.

Now, knowing this connection, Asher thought Aurora could perhaps leverage the relationship.

"Sure, let's sit. Miss DO, may I ask your full name?" Michael Bardem asked, giving Aurora a once-over. She didn't resemble John at all.

That man had been by Victoria's side for years. Aside from him, what kind of man could Victoria have liked? Michael was genuinely curious.

"My nis Aurora Montgomery. My father lives in Clothville as well." 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! "Oh, I see. If I ever get the chance, I'd love to meet your father." "Mr. Bardem, you seem very interested in my mother. What exactly is your relationship with her?" Aurora asked.

Michael Bardem chuckled. "If I had to define it, I'd say I was one of your mother's suitors-though an unsuccessful one." He said this matter-of-factly.

Asher, sitting nearby, couldn't help but agree. No wonder Aurora was so likable-she clearly inherited it from her mother.

"Mr. Bardem, you're quite amusing. So, I guess that makes you my mom's old friend. Can I call you Uncle Bardem?" Aurora asked playfully.

"Of course, you can. You're so much like your mother! I never imagined that the designer I admire is also her daughter. What a small world." "Uncle Bardem, you like my designs?" Aurora asked, genuinely pleased. As a designer, having such a prominent admirer was a great compliment.

"Yes, I do. I've enjoyed many of your collections. When I first heard that DO was a young designer, I didn't believe it. With such skill, it didn't seem possible for someone so young. In this superficial world, your work stands out for its lack of pretension." Aurora smiled at the praise. "You flatter me, Uncle Bardem. Honestly, when I design, I don't think too much about it. I just try to express what I want to convey." Each collection reflected a phase of her life. From her early days in Clothville to her tin New York, she had endured poverty, hunger, and hardship before she built her own small company.

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! She had transformed herself, like a butterfly emerging from its cocoon, breaking through barriers to see the first rays of sunlight. It was a complex and exhilarating feeling.

Her early works had garnered widespread attention. Jewelry, though inherently lifeless, could be imbued with a sense of spirit by a talented designer.

Aurora was one such designer. She brought life to her creations, crafting intricate and vivid pieces that inspired women to persevere and achieve their own rebirth.

Her jewelry had a soul. Every piece was handcrafted with precision and perfection, offering something more than the mass-produced items churned out by machines.

It was her persistence that had brought her success-even Michael Bardem had becher fan.

"DO has always been talented, but design is just her hobby. She didn't even study design in college," Asher interjected casually.

"Oh? If not design, what did she study?" Michael Bardem asked, intrigued.

"Finance and trade. She's not only a skilled designer but also a brilliant honest, the businesswoman Tiant company we run? She's the real boss. I just work for her," Asher joked, his tone light and teasing.

Asher's stake in the company was only 5% less than hers. He wasn't just an employee- far from it. In fact, after Aurora had stepped back, he had taken charge of the entire company.

Now, he was effectively the CEO, while Aurora played more of a behind-the-scenes m Vole But Asher's self-deprecating humor wasn't lost on her. She understood it was a common tactic in business. Given Michael Bardem's evident admiration for her mother, Aurora thought this connection might just open new doors.

"Aurora, I don't even know how to praise you anymore. You're not just like your mother in appearance-you're just as impressive in everything you do. Truly remarkable," Michael Bardem said, showering her with sincere compliments.

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