Devil's Prisoner of Love by Prefer

The day after the banquet, Aurora received a call from Asher. She picked up the phone. "I feel like you're about to givegood news this time." "What can possibly escape your intuition?" Asher's voice was light, clearly carrying the excitement of something good.

"Letguess, is it about Michael Bardem?" "Exactly. He askedto arrange a meeting with the renowned DO designer. So, DO, can you grantthis favor?" Asher chuckled.

"Cut the nonsense. Where and when?" It was expected. The more someone cares about something, the harder they'll try to make it happen.

It reminded Aurora of when she wanted to meet her professor back in the day. At that time, when she was starting out in design, the company was struggling financially.

Aurora had wanted to preserve her last bit of artistic integrity. If her designs were mass-produced, they would be no different from others.

It was precisely because she set her standards so high that her designs beccoveted treasures-rare, hard to obtain-and thus, more desirable.

Her creations were hailed as works of art, and she, the artist. That reputation brought her clients like Candy and Michael Bardem.

"I'll pick you up at eleven," Asher said.

"Okay." Aurora hung up the phone, her mood lifted. Maybe this project really had potential.

"Little Bunny, who are you having lunch with today?" Julian asked, lingering in the hotel room a little longer than usual to spend twith Aurora.

"Ashy managed to arrange a meeting with Michael Bardem, so I won't be able to join you for lunch," Aurora said, turning around and planting a kiss on Julian's lips.

"I thought you were here to relax, but it seems you can't put your work down for a second," Julian said with a hint of exasperation. He wished she could be softer, less driven-just a little.

Sometimes, Julian saw Aurora as a warrior, untouchable and unyielding, growing stronger with each challenge, almost like a man in her resolve.

"It's just something I can handle along the way. Ashy is already here, and he's been running all over for the company. I'm the major shareholder, so I should do my part." "Asher aside, what about Gore? Don't think I don't know. You must be thinking ahead by meeting with him too, right?" "Asher says I can't hide anything from him, but I think it's you I can't hide from. I want to use Gore's influence in Europe for a potential partnership." "You never stop, do you? The more ventures you take on, the more problems you invite. You're asking for trouble." "Hmph, so you're allowed to run your business, but I'm not allowed to earn a little money? Your influence has already reached Europe. Of course, I need to step up too. I don't want to be seen as your kept woman." Julian frowned at the term. He didn't like hearing her describe herself that way. "I won't allow you to call yourself that. A 'kept woman'? Anyone who dares to say such nonsense will answer to me!" "Look at you, getting all worked up. I was just making a point. Julian, you know my nature. I won't live under anyone's shadow-yours or anyone else's." "Yes, yes, I know. You're impossible, but I can't do anything about it. Fine, there's still time. Stay witha little longer." Julian pulled her into his arms.

Neither of them were the kind to sleep in, but this morning, they both wanted to savor a few more moments together.

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 morning sunlight spilled onto the pristine white bed. She lay in his arms, their fingers intertwined. It was a scene of warmth and sweetness.

They got up leisurely to have breakfast, and Aurora began getting ready-putting on makeup, choosing her outfit. By the tshe was done, Asher had arrived to pick her up.

"Hello, little monster. Did you sleep well last night?" Asher's energetic voice greeted her at the door.

"Of course, she slept well with me," Julian said, elegantly tying his tie, looking both poised and handsome.

"Do you have to flaunt your love life in front of me?" Asher rolled his eyes.

"All right, you two. The moment you're in the sroom, it's like fire and water, always trying to one-up each other," Aurora said, trying to mediate.

"I couldn't care less about him. Let's go." Asher cast Julian a disdainful glance, clearly annoyed.

Julian grabbed a scarf and gently wrapped it around Aurora's neck. "Cback early. Callif anything happens." "Okay," Aurora nodded with a smile.

Asher scoffed. "I'm not a kidnapper. The way you're acting, it's as if we're saying goodbye forever. Anyone watching might think you're separating for life." "You're not the one I'm worried about. I'm more concerned about other threats," Julian replied, his tone calm but firm, clearly referencing the encounter with Walsh.

"Oh, con. How many threats can there really be? Time's running out. Let's go." Asher ushered Aurora out. "Julian, see you tonight." "See you tonight." Julian smiled as he watched her leave.

Once she was gone, his smile faded. He picked up his phone and sent a text to Asher: "Protect her." Since Walsh's appearance, Julian had been keeping tabs on him. If there were any signs of movement, he wanted to be the first to know.

For the past few days, seemed quiet, spending twith Ivy. Was it a coincidence? Julian doubted it.

From what his investigation revealed, Walsh was a man who would stop at nothing to achieve his goals. His methods were calculated, his approach ruthless.

Unlike Gore, who was a notorious playboy, Mio's interests weren't in models or celebrities. His targets were always women in high-ranking positions, often married, and only if they could help him further his plans.

Such a man, with his cunning mind and merciless tactics, was rare. The calmer things seemed now, the more dangerous he would be when he eventually acted against Aurora. Aurora was unaware of all this, and Julian intended to keep it that way. Protecting her silently was enough. Asher's phone buzzed. He glanced at Julian's message. Though the words were few, their meaning was clear. "What's wrong?" Aurora asked, noticing his momentary distraction.

Asher pocketed his phone. "Nothing, just sspam about insurance. Let's get in the elevator." Julian didn't want Aurora to see the darkness behind the scenes. Neither did Asher. Both men chose to protect the woman they loved in their own way.

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