Devil's Prisoner of Love by Prefer

The sky was gradually darkening. The cruise ship was about to set sail. Inside the brightly lit hall, accompanied by the sound of gentle music, people gathered in small groups, chatting.

Swere discussing business, others were taking the opportunity to flirt. Many men and women began seeking their targets for the night.

Aurora, as usual, was the center of attention. Who wouldn't want to collaborate with her? Faced with this scene, Aurora felt uneasy. She wasn't incapable of handling those fake smiles, but she simply didn't want to.

From afar, Heather noticed Aurora being overwhelmed by the crowd. She quickly stepped aside and called her. Aurora immediately caught on. "Excuse me, everyone, I have to take a call." "Miss Montgomery, we'll continue our conversation when you're back!" Aurora gave a faint, helpless smile before stepping away, pretending to answer the phone as she exited the hall. "Miss Montgomery, those people are terrifying!" "Tellabout it. I'm sweating from being surrounded like that." Aurora wiped her forehead, exasperated by their intensity.

"Well, it's because you're the rising star of the business world now, Miss Montgomery. Who can compete with you? Younger, more capable, and with such an impeccable family background. And on top of that, you work harder than anyone else." Heather's habits had grown increasingly similar to Aurora's. It was likely due to Aurora's influence, a classic case of proximity shaping behavior.

"I think I'll attend fewer events like this in the future. Being ogled like a panda in a zoo is far too uncomfortable." "Miss Montgomery, you're too modest. Those who crave the spotlight would love this attention. Many people thrive on vanity." "I can't stay in there any longer. But it's too early to return to my room. I'll just stay out here and enjoy the sea breeze. If anyone asks, tell them I've had too much to drink and need sfresh air." Aurora was relieved to escape and had no intention of going back.

"Miss Montgomery, you're learning to lie now? You haven't touched a drop of alcohol." "When in Rome, Heather. I'll stay here for a bit and then head back. You should drink less too," Aurora advised, concerned about Heather's safety. Her tolerance for alcohol was decent, but in such an environment, any mishap could be problematic. Aurora couldn't imagine how she'd explain it to lan if something happened.

"Don't worry, Miss Montgomery, I'll be careful." Heather turned and returned to the hall. Now was the perfect tto network, and she understood her responsibilities. Once Heather left, Aurora leaned against the railing, gazing out at the sea. The ship swayed gently beneath her.

The lively commotion inside was a stark contrast to the solitude she enjoyed outside. She valued moments like this to unwind, especially after such a busy period. "Miss Montgomery." A man approached her slowly. If there were a profession for opportunistic men, this one was certainly a novice. Aurora, seasoned by years in the business world, could instantly assess a person. From head to toe, everything he wore was counterfeit. Clearly, he was new to this game.

"You must be Miss Montgomery. I've heard so much about you. My family loves your perfume-they're obsessed with the scent." "Thank you for your support," Aurora replied politely, though there wasn't much else to say.

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! "Why are you out here alone? The sea breeze is so cold. Be careful not to catch a chill." "Thanks for your concern. I was just about to head back." Aurora frowned. She couldn't return to the hall, but now it seemed she couldn't stay here either.

"Letescort you. I need to grab something from my room anyway." "That won't be necessary. I can manage on my own." Aurora quickened her pace, leaving the man behind. She finally understood how relentless people could be- whether male or female, they all flocked to her like moths to a flame.

Finding a quiet, deserted corner, Aurora sent Julian a message: I'm bored to death.

Julian was likely busy and didn't respond. Aurora idly played with her phone. It felt too early to return to her room, and she remembered Mr. Warden mentioning earlier that he wanted to discuss something with her.

"Miss Montgomery..." A familiar voice broke her thoughts.

Aurora turned to see Ivy. "What are you doing here? Has Zachary been rescued?" "Of course not. Heaven wouldn't grant your wishes, Aurora. Your luck has run out." Ivy had been following her the entire time. Even the man who had approached Aurora earlier had been sent by Ivy as a distraction.

If Aurora had stayed where she was, it would have been harder for Ivy to act. But here, in this isolated spot with no cameras, where everyone was still partying in the hall, it was the perfect opportunity.

"What do you mean by that?" Aurora eyed Ivy warily. Something about her was off tonight.

If you're loving the book, nel5sis where the adventure continues. Join us for the complete experience all con for free. The next chapter is eagerly waiting for you! "Don't blme for being ruthless. You never should have existed. If it weren't for you, I'd still be Dad's daughter. My mother wouldn't have suffered, and we wouldn't be looked down upon. And most importantly, you're in someone's way, Aurora. In your next life, stay far away from me." Ivy pulled out a sharp knife.

"What are you doing? Just because I drove you out of the Montgomery family, you wantdead? Even if I die, you won't return to the Montgomery family. What's the point of all this?" "Oh, it matters. Your very existence is a threat to someone, and I can't let that happen. Say goodbye, Aurora." Ivy lunged at her with the knife. Aurora dodged nimbly.

Ivy's murderous intent was palpable. When the first strike failed, she swung again. Aurora, though agile, was unarmed. She shouted for help.

"Scream all you want. Everyone's in the hall partying. No one can hear by step, m you." Ivy closed in step stashing again stashing again. Aurora barely avoided the blade, but as she tried to steady herself against the railing, it gave way beneath her. "Ah!" Aurora hadn't expected the railing to have been tampered with. As soon as she leaned on it, it collapsed, and she plunged into the sea.

Everything happened so quickly that she had no chance to react. Who would have thought someone had sabotaged the railing on such a high-end cruise ship?

Ivy stood frozen, staring at Aurora as she fell into the dark waters below, the broken railing crashing down with her. She was momentarily stunned. Could it be that fate itself was helping her? She hadn't tampered with the railing, yet here Aurora was, gone. In the quiet night, Ivy heard the faint sound of a splash. Aurora was as good as dead.

Ivy tossed the knife into the water, her hands trembling. Had she really killed Aurora? Standing near the broken railing, Ivy was still processing what had happened when she suddenly felt a powerful shove.

Before she could react, Ivy too toppled over the edge and plunged into the sea.

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