Devil's Prisoner of Love by Prefer

A six-month deadline was, truthfully, far too rushed. After all, what brand hadn't weathered countless storms before standing tall as it does today? Aurora's competitive spirit, however, drove her to set an ambitious goal for herself.

Gore noticed the red jade bangle on her wrist. "You never used to like wearing jade bracelets. Changed your taste?" Aurora typically only accessorized with rings or earrings, and only when they matched a specific outfit. Jewelry, to her, was never more than a complement to her clothing. Aside from the engagement ring Julian had given her- which she rarely took off-all other pieces of jewelry were worn briefly and then set aside.

Her wardrobe leaned toward modern, fashionable styles, which didn't pair well with jade bangles. This had given Gore the impression that she wasn't fond of them.

"It's not a change in taste," she replied lightly. "I just happened to like this one." "Is that so? It's rare for you to find something you like." Gore chuckled, recalling how, back when he pursued her, he had gifted her many exquisite pieces of jewelry-only to have them returned without so much as a glance.

"Since we're old friends catching up, why don't you accompanyto a banquet tonight?" Gore suggested. "A banquet?" "Yes, a charity gala. A lot of influential people will be attending." "I can't imagine you going to something so tedious without an ulterior motive," Aurora remarked, her sharp instincts as a businesswoman kicking in.

"Exactly. You've heard of Bardem, haven't you?" "Which Bardem? Surely you don't mean Michael Bardem, the real estate tycoon?" Aurora was well aware that Gore's ventures extended beyond the jewelry business, even though that was the identity most people associated with him. In addition to jewelry, he had investments in other industries, including real estate. However, his real estate endeavors weren't as prominent, given the fierce competition in the field, which left the spotlight firmly on his jewelry empire.

"That's the one-Michael Bardem. He's planning a major project in Northern Europe that has caught the attention of real estate moguls worldwide. Everyone wants to partner with him on it.

"Tonight's charity gala is his event. I've been trying to arrange a meeting with him for ages, but his schedule is always packed. This is finally my chance. Do you think I'd pass it up?" "Alright, I'll calong and see this for myself," Aurora replied, her curiosity piqued. She remembered a recent phone call with Asher, during which he mentioned a trip to Europe. At the time, she had been busy with work in Clothville and hadn't pressed for details. Now it seemed likely that Asher was planning to attend this very event to meet Bardem.

After all, opportunities had to be seized. If you weren't willing to fight for them, how could fate ever favor you? It wasn't just Asher-perhaps Denis would be there too. And her mother? Aurora found herself looking forward to the evening. The project had drawn businesspeople from all over the world.

Julian, on the other hand, was preoccupied with other ventures and showed no interest in this one. Still, aside from him, Aurora expected to run into several familiar faces.

"What's this? Just the mention of Michael Bardem has you this excited?" Gore teased. "You do realize he's in his forties or fifties-old enough to be your father. What's got you so worked up?" "Who said I'm excited about him? Alright, fine, I'll go with you tonight-now stop talking so much." Aurora's excitement stemmed from the possibility of seeing old friends and perhaps even her mother.

The two spent the afternoon exploring the city. Later, Aurora informed Julian of her plans to attend the banquet that evening. Left with no choice, Julian adjusted his schedule to accompany her. There was no way he'd let Aurora attend such an event as someone else's date.

Given the lessons of her last outing, Aurora didn't bother changing her outfit, opting instead to wear what she had on.

Gore, however, looked her up and down with disdain. "Good thing you're not my date. I'd be mortified." "It's warm, and that's what matters," Aurora replied with a smile. Last time, her outfit had been too daring, and she'd ended up catching a cold, leaving Julian deeply worried.

Now, she understood-when someone truly loves you, your health and comfort matter to them more than anything. And because Aurora genuinely loved Julian, she couldn't bear to let him worry about her.

Besides, with Asher at the event, she wouldn't need to get close to Michael Bardem herself.

When they arrived at the hotel, Aurora had no plans to go in right away.

"What's this? Are you planning to park cars or hold doors for people?" Gore quipped. "Can't I wait for someone?" "Look at you-acting like having a fiancé is such a big deal. Must you stick to him like glue all the time? It's much warmer inside," Gore muttered, though his teasing masked genuine concern that Aurora might catch a chill.

"Go on, big boss. Go charm sladies. I just saw your ex-and your ex-ex-ex-arrive. Maybe your next girlfriend is in there too," Aurora teased back.

"Fine, fine. But I'll wait here with you. I can't leave you out in the cold like this-I'm a gentleman, after all." "Didn't expect you to be so chivalrous." "Of course. I'm relying on you to design more beautiful jewelry for me. How could I let you freeze out here, looking all awkward?" "Yeah, it'd be pretty embarrassing," Aurora agreed, imagining the scene and cringing internally.

She could have gone in first, but she wanted her first glimpse to be of Julian, her mother, or her close friends like Asher.

As they stood by the entrance, chatting and laughing, they made a e striking pair in the eyes of passersby. Just then, a woman stepped out of a car, her off-shoulder evening gown and impossibly long legs immediately drawing attention. The woman exuded a commanding presence-it was clear she was in the entertainment or modeling industry.

It wasn't surprising; Gore had a peculiar preference for dating actresses or models, as if no other professions interested him.

"Baby," the woman cooed, walking toward Gore and wrapping her arms around him. Her sharp eyes flicked toward Aurora, a silent declaration of ownership.

"Elisa, there are people around. Watch yourself," Gore scolded, his tone serious. Aurora foundit Om е laughable-Gore, of all people, lecturing someone about propriety? He was usually the most carefree of them all. Elisa pouted in protest. "Fine. Let's go inside." "Not yet. I'm waiting for someone," Gore replied.

Elisa shot Aurora another glare, mistaking her for Gore's latest target. But she didn't dare defy him and stormed off in a huff.

mmMwWLlilofiflo&1 mmMwWLlilofiflo&1 mmMwWLlilofiflo&1 mmMwWLlilofiflo&1 mmMwWLliIofiflo&1 mmMwWLlilofiflo&1