Devil's Prisoner of Love by Prefer

The three-day holiday passed in the blink of an eye. During those days, Julian's constant care and affection filled Aurora with warmth. Although their daily routines were repetitive, as long as Julian was by her side, Aurora was willing to walk through life hand in hand with him.

It wasn't until he dropped Aurora off at her office that Julian finally left. Driving her to and from work had bechis daily ritual, even though Aurora had suggested that Mona could take over to save him the trouble.

Julian, however, wanted to spend every possible moment with Aurora and refused her suggestion. If not for their work obligations, he would have gladly stayed glued to her side all day.

What had once felt awkward to her was now second nature. Every goodbye included a kiss, a habit that had formed over time.

But the moment Aurora stepped out of the car, she shed her playful demeanor. The cold, detached aura she had cultivated over the years enveloped her like a shield.

The past three years had taught her to wrap herself in icy reserve. Though she had changed in sways, the only people she truly trusted were Julian and Mona.

Not even lan or Heather had fully entered her heart. That coldness beca protective armor, keeping others at a distance, unwilling or too cautious to get close.

Julian watched her retreating figure, her frosty presence unmistakable. A faint smile tugged at his lips. It was perfect. That adorable "Little Bunny" of his was a side only he got to see.

After three days of rest, everyone in the office returned with renewed energy. The perflaunch had been a smashing success, and the team was jubilant, as if they had won a major battle.

Any lingering doubts about Aurora's abilities had vanished. Despite her youth, her methods were far beyond ordinary.

Though Aurora had not openly declared war against Marcos, the simultaneous launches at the svenue had naturally invited comparisons. Even if neither party had said anything, others were quick to draw conclusions.

Aurora had spent the past three days indulging in her little moments of happiness, ignoring work completely. She had decided to let herself relax fully during her break. But as soon as she stepped into the office, she realized that the buzz about the event hadn't died down yet.

Gemma, unexpectedly, was early today. Normally, she was the type to arrive at the last possible minute, so her punctuality felt odd and out of place.

Aurora passed by Gemma with only a glance, saying nothing. She didn't need to address the issue herself; someone else would take care of it.

That single glance, however, sent chills down Gemma's spine. It was the calm before the storm. She would have preferred Aurora to scold her outright-it would've been far less terrifying.

Since the day of the perflaunch, Aurora hadn't said a word to her. Gemma had clung to the hope that perhaps Heather hadn't reported the incident to Aurora, that maybe she didn't know.

But hope was fragile, and Gemma's confidence wavered. Once Aurora entered her office, Gemma felt a fleeting sense of relief, letting out a breath she hadn't realized she was holding.

Her relief was short-lived.

A cold voice rang out: "Gemma, cto my office." It was Mona.

That icy tone froze the entire office. Mona's presence radiated a chill that made everyone tense. This should have been a tfor celebration, yet Mona's anger was palpable.

"And Heather, you ctoo," Mona added as she passed Heather's desk. Heather stood and followed without a word.

Gemma rose reluctantly, every step feeling like a march to the gallows. Her heart was heavy, and she took a deep breath. What was coming could no longer be avoided. Heather, meanwhile, didn't look pleased either. She knew Mona too well. Mona was fair and just, always ensuring that rewards and punishments were properly dispensed. Though the situation had been resolved without disaster, Heather couldn't deny her own mistakes. The three disappeared into Mona's office. The scene was eerily reminiscent of school days when a teacher would summon students after class to address their misbehavior. The rest of the office buzzed with speculation.

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! "lan, do you know what's going on? The general manager doesn't look happy," Leonard whispered, clearly worried about Gemma.

lan noticed the concern in Leonard's eyes and immediately understood. Leonard was still blind to Gemma's true nature.

"It's nothing," Ian replied curtly. He wasn't the type to gossip, even if Gemma was at fault. It wasn't his place to speak ill of her behind her back.

"You must know something, lan. Just tell me," Leonard pressed, growing more anxious.

lan stared at Leonard intently. "Leo, I've told you before-she's not right for you. Forget about her." "What do you know? Why won't you tell me?" "You'll find out soon enough," lan said, offering no further explanation. The office was already rife with gossip, and he had no intention of adding fuel to the fire, even if the rumors were true.

In the general manager's office, Mona sat behind her desk. Though young, she had fought alongside Aurora to earn her position, and her demeanor carried the scommanding presence as Aurora's.

Seated in her leather chair, Mona toyed with a pen in her hand. Heather and Gemma, having worked with her for stime, knew her habits well.

Mona always rewarded and punished with precision. Being called to her office meant the outcwas already decided.

"The perflaunch," Mona began in a calm but icy tone. "Did either of you make any mistakes?" Heather didn't offer excuses. She lowered her head and admitted, "I did. I nearly caused Candy to have an allergic reaction, which could have ruined Miss Montgomery's plans." She didn't point fingers or shift blame, simply owning up to her error.

Mona then turned her gaze to Gemma. "And you?" Gemma's eyes flickered. "I also made mistakes," she admitted, choosing not to argue. At this point, everyone knew the truth. Lying would be pointless.

"Good," Mona said coldly. "Since you've acknowledged your mistakes, you won't need to cto work anymore Go to accounting and settle your pay." Mona's decisiveness mirrored Aurora's. She didn't tolerate delays or second chances.

"Just me?" Gemma asked, though she had prepared for this outcome. She had hoped to drag Heather down with her, but now it seemed she was ad hoped to the only one facing the consequences. What about those two slaps she had endured? Were they in vain? Her blood boiled with resentment, and she felt the injustice keenly.

"Yes, just you." "But Heather also made mistakes! If you're punishing me, she should face the sconsequences. I refuse to accept this!" "Equal punishment?" Mona's voice turned sharper as she sneered. "Heather made a mistake, yes. Her biggest mistake was failing to keep an eye on you.

"But you, Gemma-you dared to target a guest personally invited by Miss Montgomery.

Do you have any idea how disastrous Candy's allergic reaction could have been? "You knew. You knew exactly what you were doing, and yet you still did it.

"I've treated you fairly, haven't I? And yet you let your personal grudges seep into professional matters, nearly ruining Miss Montgomery's launch and jeopardizing the company's reputation. "Gemma, how twisted must your heart be to act so maliciously?" mmMwWLlilofiflo&1 mmMwWLlilofiflo&1 mmMwWLlilofiflo&1 mmMwWLlilofiflo&1 mmMwWLliIofiflo&1 mmMwWLlilofiflo&1