Devil's Prisoner of Love by Prefer

Chapter 500: The Curse "Hello, I'm Mira, the project lead for this. Please, have a seat." Her teeth gleamed white, her radiant smile reminiscent of the subtle shimmer of pearl earrings. Though young, Mira exuded a mature confidence, far from naïve.

Aurora sat down with her again. Mira was professional, her questions sharp and beyond the scope of the contract. Fortunately, Aurora had prepared thoroughly.

Years of business experience had taught Aurora how to handle situations like this. Collaborating with intelligent people was always a pleasure-half a sentence often sufficed, and the other party would immediately understand. After their discussion, Mira made her decision. "Alright, it's settled. Your company will draft a detailed contract within three days. Once our president reviews it, we'll provide final feedback." "Understood. I'll have my team include all the points we've discussed," Aurora replied, then hesitated. "Mira, I have a small request." "No need to be formal," Mira said warmly. "We've been talking for over an hour now, and I feel we get along quite well. Just tellwhat's on your mind." Aurora feigned casualness. "To be honest, I've always admired your president. She's done such an incredible job with R Enterprise. I've always dreamed of meeting her. Since we're working together, could you introduce me? It would mean a lot to me." Mira's eyes flickered briefly, then she smiled. "Of course. Our president is upstairs. I'll take you to meet her right now." Aurora could hardly contain her excitement, though she maintained her composure. Her mother had gone to great lengths to avoid acknowledging her, clearly wanting to keep her existence a secret.

"Follow me," Mira said, leading Aurora toward the elevator. As she turned, a subtle smirk played on her lips. The elevator doors opened, and they stepped out. Standing just outside was Erica, her expression changing the moment she saw Aurora with Mira.

Erica had been clear in her instructions: any additional requests from Aurora, including meeting the president, were to be denied.

"Erica, nice to see you again," Aurora greeted cheerfully, her spirits lifting at the sight of the woman. It felt like she was one step closer to her mother.

"Miss Montgomery, what brings you here?" Erica asked cautiously. She thought of the family head, who had recently coughed up blood. If she learned Aurora was here, it would undoubtedly cause both distress and fear. "When we met in Clothville, I mentioned I'd visit Tina when I got to New York. Has she forgotten aboutalready?" Aurora replied lightly.

Mira glanced between the two women, her curiosity piqued. "Miss Montgomery wanted to meet our family head. Since she's in the office today, I brought her here." Erica shot Mira a cold glare. This woman was nothing but trouble.

"Is the president in her office? I'll head in now," Aurora said, her gaze fixed on the door to the president's office. Without waiting for a reply, she walked toward it.

Erica considered stopping her but knew it was too late. Aurora, perhaps anticipating resistance, moved quickly and pushed the door open before anyone could intervene.

As Aurora entered, Erica turned to Mira, her voice icy. "The president specifically ordered not to see her. Why didn't you follow instructions?" "What kind of mother refuses to see her own daughter? I simply feel a bond with my cousin and want to help her," Mira said with a faint smile.

"Watch your words," Erica snapped.

"Erica, I'm not stupid. For three years, the president has secretly supported her. Aurora looks so much like her- anyone with eyes could see the connection," Mira said pointedly.

"Mira, what do you gain from this?" Erica demanded.

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! "Nothing personally. But it benefits the R family," Mira replied firmly. "You know the state of things. The president's health worsens daily. If her daughter doesn't return to inherit the family, the wolves lurking in the shadows will devour her the moment she falters. She may have her reasons, but being born into this family means she can't be selfish. Aurora will have to return eventually." Erica sighed deeply, unable to argue further.

Aurora stepped into the office, her heart pounding. By the floor-to-ceiling window stood a solitary figure, her back to the door. That lonely silhouette overlapped with the gentle image Aurora held in her memory.

The woman seemed utterly detached from the world, as though all vitality had been stripped away. Outside, rain streaked across the glass, but she stood motionless, lost in thought.

She seemed like a solitary orchid blooming in a desolate valley, its fragrance delicate yet evoking an ache in the heart.

The woman coughed softly. "Erica, bringa cup of hot water." Aurora realized she'd mistaken her for Erica. Hearing the frail tone in her mother's voice, she quickly moved to pour the water herself.

After all these years, how have you been, Mom? Aurora's heart tightened with sorrow.

You're the powerful head of the R family, yet why do you seem so unhappy? She restrained the urge to embrace her mother's fragile frfrom behind and instead handed her the cup.

Tina took the cup, about to take a sip, when she suddenly noticed the woman standing silently nearby. Her eyes widened. "You... How did you get in here?" Aurora had planned to speak casually, but seeing Tina up close, all words caught in her throat.

They stared at one another, an unspoken sadness filling the room. is filling the Tears welled in Aurora's eyes as she finally broke the silence. "Why didn't you return my calls?" She longed to call her "Mom," but fear held her back. What if her mother had reasons for keeping her distance?

"I've been busy," Tina replied, thoughthe pain in her voice was unmistakable. What could be more agonizing than standing before one's own daughter and being unable to acknowledge her? "I need to ask you something," Aurora said, wiping away her tears.

"What is it?" "Is the R family's secret true?" "What secret?" Tina's expression turned wary.

"The curse," Aurora said quietly.

"Where did you hear about that?" Tina's face paled. John couldn't have told her, and no one in Clothville would know.

"Your mother died at fifty. Your grandmother at sixty. That curse..." "What nonsense are you talking about?" Tina interrupted, her heart pounding. "Have you been watching too much television?"

"If I'm not mistaken, you turn forty this year," Aurora said, grabbingm ora Tina's hand, Ner voice was steady but firm, each word deliberate. mmMwWLlilofiflo&1 mmMwWLlilofiflo&1 mmMwWLlilofiflo&1 mmMwWLlilofiflo&1 mmMwWLliIofiflo&1 mmMwWLlilofiflo&1