Devil's Prisoner of Love by Prefer

The butler spoke respectfully, showing no contempt for Ivy despite her betrayal of Kyle. From start to finish, his tone remained neutral, merely stating facts. He had handled similar situations before-women who, feeling hopeless about Kyle, turned to other men while stubbornly clinging to the comfort of Kyle's villa.

Kyle was a tolerant man, but his tolerance did not extend to supporting another man on his dime.

It was only then that Ivy remembered the butler had warned her before. At the time, her mind had been too unsettled to pay attention. She now realized Kyle wasn't oblivious-he just chose not to address it.

"Alright, I understand," she said.

The butler glanced at his watch. "Miss Montgomery, you have one hour to pack your things." "Thank you." Though reluctant, Ivy knew there was no way around it. Kyle's words were final, and all she could do was obey.

"No need to thank me. This is simply my duty," the butler replied with a slight smile before turning to leave. Over the years, he had seen too many women cand go.

Ivy headed to her room, only to be met with a barrage of mocking remarks from the other women hovering around the villa.

"Well, well, I heard you've found yourself a man outside?" "Tsk, tsk. I thought Mr. Raymond bringing you along meant you were different, but it turns out you're just like the others in his eyes." "Exactly! You had such a good life here, and you still couldn't cherish it. Do you really think those men outside are better than Mr. Raymond?" Their words reminded Ivy of women in the back court of an ancient palace, fighting and scheming against one another. If one of them gained favor, the rest would tear her down out of jealousy.

In the past, Ivy might have been upset by their taunts. But now, her thoughts were consumed by Walsh. He was like a solid wall of support, and with him in her heart, these women's words felt meaningless.

Without saying a word, Ivy packed her belongings and left. When she turned back to look at the villa one last time, her emotions were complicated.

She thought of how it all began: approaching Kyle only to save Genevieve, then choosing to stay willingly, and now leaving in such a humiliating way.

Kyle wouldn't help her anymore. If she hadn't met Walsh, Ivy might have felt ssadness. But now, with in her life, there was no room for regret.

Her belongings were few, and she dared not touch anything that belonged to the Raymond family. Ivy returned to the apartment Paul had arranged for her.

Genevieve, having had tto recover, looked much better than she had when she was first released. When Ivy walked through the door, Genevieve quickly greeted her.

"Ivy, where have you been these past few days?" Genevieve asked anxiously. Losing so much in life had made her fearful, clinging tightly to the little she had left. A simple, peaceful life was all she dared to hope for now.

"Mom, I just went on a short trip abroad. Don't worry, see? I'm fine." Ivy spun in a circle to reassure her.

Genevieve looked Ivy over carefully, her mind clouded with doubt. "Ivy, I was sentenced to several years in prison. Who exactly did you turn to for help to getreleased?" "Mom, I asked a friend for help. Don't overthink it. What matters is that you're out now," Ivy replied, avoiding the truth. She didn't want Genevieve to know the price she had paid to secure her freedom.

"A friend? Since when did you have such powerful friends? And if they were so capable, why did it take months forto be released? Ivy, tellhonestly-what did you do?" 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! Genevieve was sharp. She knew her daughter well. Ivy and Zachary had always been willing to sacrifice for her, just as she had once taken the fall for Zachary.

"I met this friend later on. Look, I'm fine now, aren't I? I didn't suffer any losses-it was just about getting you released. Why are you so worried?" Ivy tried to comfort her.

Genevieve observed Ivy closely. Her daughter looked healthy and well-rested, but Genevieve couldn't shake the feeling that something wasn't right. She feared Ivy had paid a heavy price for her release.

"As long as you're okay," Genevieve said, pulling Ivy into a hug. "Ivy, you and Zachary are all I have left now. You both need to take care of yourselves." "By the way, where's Zachary?" Ivy asked. Since coming home, she hadn't seen him. She had specifically asked him to take care of Genevieve. Where could he have gone? "Zach's been going out every day, but he never tellswhere he's going," Genevieve said, her worry evident. "Every day?" Ivy's expression darkened. What was Zachary up to? "Yes. He comes home, sleeps, and leaves again. I've tried asking him, but he never answers," Genevieve replied helplessly.

Genevieve's tin prison had left her frail, both physically and emotionally. The once radiant woman was now just a shadow of her former self.

"I'll call him. Don't worry, Mom," Ivy reassured her. She hadn't been hmuch lately and was unaware of Zachary's activities.

When she called him, the background noise was chaotic. "Where are you?" she demanded.

"I'm out with friends," Zachary replied evasively.

"Friends? Don't forget-you're no longer the young master of the om Montgomery family What are you using to hang out with friends?" Ivy's instincts told her something was wrong. His hesitation confirmed her suspicions. Ivy's voice rose in anger. "Get home. Now."

"Alright," Zachary muttered, hanging up. He pocketed the few chips left in front of him, "Bad luck today. Lost again. What a drag. You guys keep playing-I'm heading out."

Since falling from grace, Zachary had no way to make money. Gambling seemed like the quickest way to get rich, and he had becaddicted. He had forgotten all the lessons he learned from past hardships, chasing the illusion of easy wealth.

Ivy turned to Genevieve. "Mom, where's the bank card I gave back to you?" "Zach said he needed money to start a small business. I thought he couldn't go out into the world without any funds, so I gave it to him. Why?" "Mom, I have a bad feeling about this." "Has something happened to Zach?" "I think there's a good chance he's not spending that money on anything legitimate," Ivy said grimly.

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