Joseph appeared incredibly frail, and his complexion was ghostly pale.Angela's heart ached when she saw him. She wanted to approach him and get a closer look. However, Ursula and Cecilia stepped forward first, wiping away their tears. One by one, others joined them, crowding around Joseph.As such, Angela could only crane her neck to observe from afar, silently praying that Joseph would wake up soon.By evening, everyone was occupied, and it was finally Angela's turn. She volunteered to stay and take care of Joseph, and no one disagreed.Dexter said sternly, "I'll stay back with you. I've arranged for someone to bring toiletries and our clothes. We'll be staying in the adjacent ward."Angela didn't see any problem with his plan and gladly accepted it. However, Joseph was still unconscious, which left both of them feeling a bit bored.Angela held Joseph's hand and talked to him. After that, she called Callum to request two days off for personal matters. Callum agreed without aski
Joseph was rushed back to the emergency room."Why did we bring this topic up all of a sudden?" Angela sat dejectedly in the corridor, her frustration evident.Dexter felt the same way. He stood silently against the white wall, his gaze dark. At that moment, they were both more worried about Joseph and didn't blame each other, resulting in an unexpected calm."What if Grandpa doesn't forgive us? He's always been kind to me. He was the only one in the Bamford family who treated me well, yet I kept him in the dark for far too long." Angela's bittersweet smile faded as a wave of regret washed over her, filling her with sadness and disappointment."There's no point in discussing this now. Or are you willing to marry me again just to please him?" Dexter shot her a cold glance.Angela remained quiet, her reluctance evident. While she deeply appreciated Joseph and considered him family, she refused to compromise her lifelong happiness by feigning a harmonious relationship with Dexter s
There was a knock on the door. "Are you awake? We need to talk."It was Dexter.Angela put on a jacket and went to the study on the second floor.Something seemed off about Dexter; his handsome face was flushed, as if he were ill."What's wrong with you?" Angela looked at him. She thought he was really sick, so she got up and poured him a glass of water.He took the water and drank it all. "I don't know either. I think I might have caught a cold and have fever."Fever? Seriously?Angela said, "What do you plan to do about Grandpa? I feel really guilty toward him." Dexter raised an eyebrow. "Then why don't you go tell him that we're actually not divorced and are still living a good life together? If he gets excited, maybe he'll recover faster." Angela glared at him and was about to speak when she suddenly felt a slight warmth spreading across her back. She felt an indescribable sensation stir within her body. Damn it! She'd been drugged! At this moment, Dexter had alrea
"Are you up?" Dexter's cold voice came from the armchair not far away, at least five or six steps away from her. There was a certain chill in his tone, making her heart feel inexplicably uneasy. "You're undergoing acupuncture. Don't move," he explained.Angela understood now. No wonder her entire body felt uncomfortable. Still, this was fine. At least her personal boundaries had been maintained."You hate me so much that you'd rather risk harming yourself than…" Dexter's voice trailed off, his words tinged with confusion.Angela froze for a moment, but she didn't respond. Her silence spoke for itself."As for Grandpa, I'll explain everything to him. Don't worry, this kind of thing won't happen again," Dexter said after waiting a while for her answer that never came. Then, he stood and left.The spacious room quickly fell into silence.Angela felt a faint sense of loss, but it didn't matter. She told herself there were plenty of fish in the sea; she didn't have anything to fear.
Angela hurriedly called for the doctor to come and help Bill. Outside the emergency room, Zack mimicked the gossip he had overheard to Angela. "What's going on here? The daughter is so ruthless to go as far as harming her own father just to take over the company! This is just too cruel.""I know, right? She's such a horrible daughter! Does she think she truly deserves to get the company?""The world would be doomed if there were more people like her. She's too evil!"Zack was a natural when it came to acting; not only did he mimic those people's attitudes and tones, but he also mimicked their expressions. "Angie, are you not mad? They are slandering you!" Zack was stunned to see that Angela wasn't even fazed. He found it amazing that she could still remain so unaffected when faced with such accusations and slander."What is there to be mad about?" Angela replied casually.She had indeed done something to Bill, albeit something a little different."How come Dad suddenly coughe
After informing the receptionists in the lobby, Angela and Zack waited at the lounge.Zack couldn't sit still and kept looking around. "Angie, the lounge is so big—even bigger than our living room! But where is she? How long are we going to have to wait?"Angela replied casually, "She's waiting for all the employees to see how embarrassed we are first. Then, she'll come down."Zack looked shocked. "What? Why would she do that?""How did two sharp and capable people like Bill and Judy end up having a son as foolish as you?" Angela asked while looking at the goofy man in front of her. She couldn't help but think he was endearingly silly. Zack scratched his head awkwardly. "What do you know? I'm smart but might just be playing the fool." As expected, Angela was right. Before long, a few staff members started passing by outside the meeting room. They quickly glanced at Angela and Zack, whispering among themselves before quickly moving on. Some of them spoke loudly enough for the
Angela raised an eyebrow. "We're just here to inquire about the situation. Of course, Zack and I are more or less on the same page. We're both suspicious of you and hope you can provide an explanation."Her tone was very calm, far from accusatory. It felt more like a casual conversation between close friends over tea. On the other hand, Zack was like a rebellious guard dog, jumping around and snapping at anyone who came near.Elena was annoyed by Angela's calm demeanor, but she didn't mind too much. She thought to herself that as long as one of the siblings could pin this on her, that would be enough."Such a shame. I didn't do anything, and besides, why would I possibly do such a thing?" Elena spoke indifferently, observing Angela's expression, almost as if trying to predict her next move.Angela's expression shifted slightly. "Oh, really?"Elena pressed her lips together. "If you suspect me, then please, Ms. Graham, provide some evidence.""What evidence? Give me the antidote!"
Zack let out a hearty laugh, his demeanor changing astonishingly quickly. "Why should my sister be responsible for what I say? She's not my mom." "You…" Elena's eyes turned red with anger, and tears welled up in them as she cried out, "Dexter, look at them! The two of them are clearly working together just to provoke me."That was exactly the effect she was aiming for. She wanted Dexter to see what kind of person Angela truly was."You know best whether I'm provoking you or falsely accusing you. While I don't know what sort of dealings you have with Bill, I advise you to stay away from him. Otherwise, you'll face the consequences." Angela smiled faintly, leading Zack out of the room without sparing Dexter a single glance.Elena's face turned pale. "Dexter, they… They're simply too much…"If there had been any way to avoid such humiliation, of course, she wouldn't have chosen to appear so pathetic. But there was no other choice. Men fell for this act, and Dexter was no exception.
"Angela, could you do me another favor?" Fiona sounded particularly helpless over the phone."Don't panic. Tell me what happened," Angela said anxiously, fearing something serious had occurred.Fiona explained, "Dexter has been working non-stop for two days without resting. No one can persuade him to stop, and we're really worried…"Angela paced around the room for a while, considering refusing. Fiona rarely asked for help, and if she was calling now, it must mean she had no other choice.After much deliberation, Angela decided to go. However, she didn't go alone—she asked Austin to accompany her.She didn't want to break her promise, nor could she stand by and watch Dexter push himself to the brink. Given the circumstances, this was the only option left.Austin didn't scold her this time. He silently drove her to the hospital entrance but showed no intention of getting out. "You have 30 minutes. Handle it yourself."Angela nodded and hurried inside.Austin watched her slender
"What are you standing there for? Hurry up and help Mr. Mack up!" Austin was the first to react and quickly ordered.Angela belatedly nodded and hurried forward, but just as her hand was about to touch Erwin, he suddenly shouted, "Stop! Don't touch me!"He got up by himself. Erwin stood frozen in place as if he couldn't believe what had just happened.Had he really been taken down by a woman who looked like she barely weighed a hundred pounds? How was that possible? If word got out, wouldn't it be a blow to his pride? He was a trained fighter!"I'm so sorry, Mr. Mack." Angela kept her head as low as it could go.Austin quickly patted her on the shoulder, snapping, "That apology doesn't sound sincere at all!"Angela was beyond embarrassed. She wished she could disappear into the ground. "Uh… I really didn't mean to. It was just a reflex, Mr. Mack. Please don't hold it against me."This was way too awkward.Erwin rubbed his sore tailbone with a sullen expression. After a brief si
The man was Erwin, Genevieve's longtime friend and business partner.Angela's first impression of him was quite positive—he seemed straightforward and bold, and he treated Austin well."Mr. Mack, you're here." Austin stood up to greet him, and Angela followed suit.Letting out a hearty laugh, Erwin patted Austin on the shoulder. "How about we find a place to have a drink tonight? Now that Genevieve has left us so suddenly at such a young age, the company will need the two of us to keep it running. I've always thought highly of you, kid."Erwin was genuinely forthright, but the last few words he spoke carried a weight that made them difficult to hear.Austin said, "Mr. Mack, I'm actually here to talk to you about this matter. Ms. Lawson has already—""Transferred her shares to you? That's only natural," Erwin interrupted, still looking excited."Not to me," Austin said helplessly, cutting off the talkative elder once again.Erwin frowned. "Not to you? Then who? Genevieve wouldn'
The rest of the Bamford family soon noticed Angela and Dexter's strained relationship, especially Joseph.At first, he thought the two youngsters were just having a lovers' spat. After all, minor disputes were normal in a marriage, a part of life's ups and downs.But to his surprise, the two had completely cut off contact, and Dexter's condition had worsened significantly.Left with no other options and unable to make sense of the situation, Joseph went to Villa Heights to see Angela and get some answers.Angela received Joseph with politeness, sitting on the couch with a somewhat tense expression. She didn't know what kind of excuse she could give to this elderly man with graying hair.Seeing the worry in his eyes, she felt an overwhelming sense of unease."Grandpa, we… I remember telling you before that we already got divorced. Our relationship has long since become nothing more than a formality. Now, we both have our own lives to focus on, and there's no need to force ourselve
"It's good that you remember. Take care of yourself too—don't wear yourself out. If you do, it'll mean I didn't take good care of you, and then Ms. Lawson will be mad at me." Austin's lips curved slightly into a faint smile.Angela stayed at the hospital for another three days. During this time, whenever she was alone in the room, she would either read or play games and spend the rest of her time engaging in on-and-off chats with Dexter.Though, to be more precise, she was simply letting things out, aimlessly venting, treating him like a confession booth.Dexter simply lay there, motionless. Though he had already regained consciousness, he was never found out.Day after day passed. That afternoon, Angela told Austin she would be going to Horizon for a visit which was meant to prepare her for taking over as CEO in the future.She had already spent a month in a slump. She couldn't continue being a useless wreck forever.Angela had just left the hospital when she suddenly remembered
Angela mumbled to herself, acting like a fool.She stood up and stretched a little. After sleeping with her head down all night, her arms and legs were stiff and numb, making her feel incredibly uncomfortable.And yet, strangely, she felt more at peace being here than anywhere else.It wasn't that she wasn't worried about Dexter. It was just difficult to describe this feeling. When she was alone at home or numbing herself with reckless behavior, she felt lost, as if her heart was wandering restlessly.Every day, she was itching for a fight, her mind filled with wild and chaotic thoughts. It was like she was having an anxiety attack.The doctor said Dexter was out of danger. His injuries were mostly external, and internally, he wasn't too badly hurt.Even so, it would still take at least two or three months before he could walk again.Angela sat down, staring at his gaunt face, and let out a bitter smile."Dexter, what were you thinking? Street racing? I remember the last time y
Fiona was the only one in the hallway, sitting on the bench, looking uncharacteristically defeated."Madam Fiona." Angela's voice was hoarse. "How long has he been in there? When will he come out?"Fiona's eyes were red as she shook her head sluggishly. "The doctor didn't say, so I still don't know. His injuries are severe. His shoulder and legs are badly hurt. I just don't know anymore…""He's a lucky man; he'll definitely be fine." Angela spoke firmly, but rather than comforting Fiona, it was more like she was reassuring herself.Fiona was silent for a moment, then suddenly noticed that Angela didn't look too good."What happened to you? You look so haggard. A few days ago, Dexter said you were playing games without stopping. Since when did you even like gaming? What happened between you two? He's been in a terrible state these past few days—drinking nonstop, acting like a completely different person."Angela hesitated, lowering her head. After a long pause, she finally said, "
Angela had never felt this carefree before. An hour later, she finally cleared the game!The number of viewers watching her live stream had skyrocketed, and countless people were cheering for her, congratulating her. But after the high of victory, she was hit by an overwhelming sense of boredom and emptiness.The adrenaline in her brain had dissipated. At this moment, it was as if her soul had been sucked out of her body.She just sat there, lost and unsure of what to do now.No, she couldn't stop. If she stopped, she would start thinking about unpleasant things. As if ensnared by a curse, she was powerless to escape her own mind.Angela's breath hitched. She shut down her computer and started to practice a few kickboxing moves in her room.It had been over half a month since she'd last trained. Her whole body felt stiff as if rust had settled into her bones. Even just a little movement made her break out in a sweat, leaving her uncomfortable and exhausted.Still unsatisfied,
Austin knew very well that Angela was just shaken and hadn't yet managed to adjust. She was using this dazed, aimless way of living to numb herself and vent her pain."Forget it." His voice softened. "Go eat something."The maid had already prepared a meal. She hadn't eaten a proper meal in days, so the table was filled with different types of oatmeal. Angela devoured two bowls of savory oatmeal with a ferocity that was nothing like the powerful and commanding Ms. Graham she was at the company.Austin stared at her thoughtfully. She looked like a glutton, eating with an almost barbaric enthusiasm.After a moment of hesitation, he suddenly asked, "It's been seven days. How much longer do you plan to laze around?"Angela ran a hand through her messy hair before waving him off. "I want to rest for at least a month, okay? I haven't had a break in forever. Working nonstop every day has been suffocating me. "Right now, I just want to eat and sleep, sleep and eat, eat then sleep, and s