After Ursula and Cecilia left, Angela persuaded Joseph to rest. This left only her, Fiona, and Dexter in the room.Fiona sneered. "Well, you've shown a hint of wit today. That's a rare sight."Angela felt a wave of frustration lodge in her throat at one. Some things never changed."Why didn't you admit I slapped you just now?" Fiona's voice remained icy.Tired of standing, Angela pulled out a chair and sat down before replying calmly, "I fought back earlier, didn't I? If Grandpa asked about it later, it'd be hard to explain."The ongoing feud between her and Fiona was one thing, but Angela wasn't about to let herself become someone's pawn or a subject of ridicule."Angela, don't think that I'll start liking you just because you backed me up in front of Joseph. You know why he favors you. With your petty tricks, you'd better focus on keeping him happy. If he ever tires of you, that'll be the beginning of your divorce." Fiona's words were sharp.Angela rolled her eyes inwardly. "A
"Angela, I've brewed your favorite coffee. Would you like to have some?" Cecilia's voice was soft and warm, and her demeanor was that of an endearing young lady.Angela knew Cecilia had something to say, so she replied, "I'll skip the coffee. Just say what you need to say."The two descended the stairs together, looking no different from a pair of cousins-in-law engaged in casual conversation."Your patience amazes me, Angela. If Aunt Fiona treated me like that every day, I would've gone mad by now." Cecilia sighed. Her expression was a mix of helplessness and sympathy. "If only there were a way to change things, you'd be able to live more comfortably. Don't you agree?"Angela nodded slightly as she subtly led Cecilia toward the nearby poplar trees.She deliberately avoided the lawn, knowing Fiona might see them through the window and start feeling unnecessarily suspicious."Angela, you've always been so kind to me since you married Dexter. I know you're a good person, and I trul
Just then, a flurry of notifications started blaring from the screen.Someone had just sent her ten rockets. That was a donation worth around 100 thousand dollars on the streaming platform.Angela put down her paintbrush and glanced at the account that had sent her the gift. The username was "EternalStarlight". It sounded quite artistic."Shout out to EternalStarlight. Thank you," Angela said with a soft smile. She had seen other streamers acknowledge big spenders this way.…Meanwhile, at Bamford Manor, Zayn lounged on the couch, laughing heartily.Dexter cast him a side-eye, looking as though he was observing a lunatic.Zayn walked over to the bed. "Dexter, you've got to see this! My favorite streamer is live again. I just dropped over 100 grand on her, and she thanked me!""If 100 grand doesn't even get you a thank you, that money might as well be thrown away." Dexter couldn't be bothered to respond. He gave the screen only a quick, sideways glance.But just that one glance
Shelley boldly pulled a chair and sat down beside Angela. Resting her chin on her palm, she gazed at her with a half-smile.Elena, naturally, was right behind Shelley."Didn't expect you to have an interest in art, Ms. Graham," Elena commented with a smile as she sat on Angela's left.Elena wore a chic black-and-white ensemble that day. The buttons were made of lustrous pearls, catching the light in a subtle shine.The fitted, mermaid dress perfectly accentuated her figure, and her brown curls added to her striking femininity.Together, she and Shelley flanked Angela on both sides.Angela locked her phone and sighed inwardly."I didn't know you joined the competition too, Ms. Carrey," she replied casually as she looked at Elena. After all, she hadn't seen Elena at the competition when it had been first held.Shelley couldn't hide her smug smile. "Elena was specially invited by the organizers to participate online. A fool like you, who only knows how to work hard, can't be compa
"Fine!" Dexter shot Angela a cold glance before leaving.As soon as he left, Shelley immediately dropped the act."Angela, I really don't get why you even bothered showing up. You knew you'd be humiliated, yet you still came here. I've got to admit that you've got guts. It almost makes me respect you.""Alright, let's go. The ceremony's about to start." Elena tugged at Shelley's arm to stop her from saying anything further.Throughout it all, Angela remained calm and collected. She knew exactly what she was there for—the rest didn't matter to her."I heard the first prize is already decided. Apparently, the winner has some connection with Mr. Bamford, the organizer. She's trained under a famous designer," one whispered."Well, then we're just competing for the honorable mentions, I guess. At least we're all top designers at big companies. But what's Angela even doing here?""She's probably here to fill the numbers. Who knows what she's trying to do? How could a clueless housewif
After a brief moment of contemplation, Elena turned to Dexter and asked, "Do you think the organizers gave her the award because of you—""This is absurd." Dexter shot a cold glare at Angela on the stage."Miss, are you questioning the professionalism of our judging panel?" Benton was clearly displeased. He had seen Angela's designs and understood her talent.Shelley's face flushed crimson. She was momentarily at a loss for words.At this moment, Elena stood up. "Ms. Rutherford is simply curious. Ms. Graham is an amateur. How could the judges be so taken with her work?"She voiced the unspoken doubts of everyone present.Just then, the screen displayed an exquisite jewelry design. It was Angela's entry for the competition.Whether it was painting or design, Angela's style had always been bold and innovative. She had a talent for using contrasting colors in striking ways.The core and emotion behind her work were intense, direct, and vibrant. Her design could capture the viewers
This was the first piece of positive feedback Angela had heard all day, and it felt like a warm current flowing into her heart.Her nose tingled, and her eyes began to sting with tears. "Thank you, Mr. Snowden."Callum watched her trembling eyelashes with a glint of interest in his eyes."Mr. Snowden, do you have any words for this exceptional designer standing next to you?" Benton asked with a smile as he handed the microphone to Callum.The latter took the mic with an indifferent air but then dropped a bombshell that left the room stunned. "Ms. Graham is incredibly talented. If she were to join DawnStar Co., it would be an immense honor for us."Angela was in shock. She couldn't believe her ears. This was beyond surprising!"I'd be honored," she blurted out without thinking. "To work for DawnStar Co., even as a junior designer starting from scratch, would be an honor."Her voice trembled. She was deeply grateful.Callum shot a half-smile at Dexter in the audience before turni
If Angela could get a divorce, that would be a huge relief. Three joys all at once. It was definitely worth celebrating."Fine, let's get a divorce!"Dexter's mind buzzed. The feeling of losing control over his prey flooded his mind.But what had he just said? How could he agree to this so easily?"Alright, don't go back on your words!" Angela's heart raced with excitement.She called the butler, Winston Hendrix, out. "Draft the divorce papers immediately. I don't want anything—just a clean break!""You're that eager? You want to go running to Callum so badly?" Dexter ground his teeth. His voice was cold and filled with venom.If this had been before, his tone and demeanor would have made her believe he still had feelings for her. She would have been ecstatic.But now, looking at his grim and chilling face, Angela felt nothing but weariness deep inside."Think whatever you want." Scoffing, she sat down on the couch and offered him a casual smile. "Mr. Bamford, don't tell me yo
"You've all seen the rules," Angela began, her sharp, unwavering gaze sweeping across the room. "Mr. Snowden has only given us two days. This time, we must shine for ourselves! Are you confident you can do that?"The 20 people in the room exchanged hesitant glances, but none dared to voice absolute confidence.They were still haunted by the oppression they had endured under Nora's leadership.Seeing the bowed heads of her team, Angela felt a wave of frustration but tempered it with an understanding of their struggles."Ashley, we do want to win for Division 1, but Division 2 has more than 80 people, and we're only a quarter of their size. Plus…""Plus what?" Angela interrupted before Clara could finish. "Numbers don't matter if you've got the right people. So what if they have more people? Only one in eight of their members might make it. For us, it's one in every two. What's there to fear?"Her fierce gaze swept across the room, and after a brief pause, she declared boldly, "Don
Angela instinctively glanced at Fiona."Wrongdoings deserve punishment," Fiona said with a faintly grim expression, casting a cold look at the flustered Talia. "You have three days to recover all the stolen items. If not, don't expect me to show any leniency."Talia's tears flowed like a river. The stolen items had already been sold; how could she possibly get them back?"Fiona, isn't this too harsh? If her family had the money, would she have resorted to this? It's clear you have no intention of letting them off." Ursula's voice carried a cold edge, her growing frustration with Fiona evident."And if you were handling this, what would you do?" Fiona replied, her tone sharp yet faintly amused. She fixed her gaze on Ursula, her eyes unyielding. "Since you're so kind-hearted, why not pay for their medical expenses and redeem Natalie's valuables yourself?"Ursula's expression darkened, and she retorted coolly, "What does this have to do with me?"She had only come to watch the drama
Using her position, Talia had entered the room once occupied by the late Natalie, stolen valuables, and taken a few small antique vases from storage, hiding them beneath the floorboards in her room. The stolen items were discovered during the search, leaving no room for denial."She's the one, Dad," Fiona said coldly, her tone laced with anger.The servant, Talia, immediately showed fear, casting a quick, terrified glance at Fiona before lowering her head and trembling.Angela observed the scene, an uneasy feeling settling in her chest."Talia, you've worked here for over eight years. You're practically a veteran in this household. What made you do something so reckless?" Joseph asked with a heavy sigh.Talia, in her early 30s, had been working for the Bamford family alongside her husband, drawn by the generous benefits."Sir, I had no choice," Talia began, her voice breaking. "My son was diagnosed with acute leukemia. He needs money for treatment. I tried asking Madam Fiona for
Angela was nearly choked by Fiona's words.Good grief, Fiona's way of thinking was way too bold."Mom, do you have to be this blunt? Could you at least pretend to say something comforting?" Angela said, caught between laughter and exasperation."What's the point of that?" Fiona replied, unbothered. "Feelings are what they are. If they're gone, they're gone. No use clinging to something that's already lost. Look at me and Dexter's father—we haven't spoken in over a year. The last time we exchanged words was during last year's Christmas dinner, when we said 'Merry Christmas.' And yet, here I am, living just fine."Fiona's tone carried the air of someone who had already planned out Angela's future. She spoke like a seasoned veteran of life's harsh realities."How can two people live under the same roof without any affection?" Angela forced a weak smile. The thought alone left her heart feeling heavy and dull.She had only ever loved one person in her life, only to be discarded like
"Since you know your place, stop chasing after men who don't want you. Understand?" Fiona's voice cut through the tension as she entered the room, carrying several containers of food.Clad in a sharp business suit, Fiona exuded a cold and commanding presence that sent a chill through the room.Elena froze, her face stiff with embarrassment. "Aunt Fiona, I… I was just…""Dexter and Angela are a proper married couple. They have the right and duty to care for each other," Fiona said calmly, her expression unreadable. "As an outsider, a polite inquiry is more than enough. There's no need to go out of your way, and certainly no need to show up looking so elaborately dressed when Angela is sick and unwell."Elena's eyes reddened like a scolded child's. She stammered, "Aunt Fiona, you've misunderstood. I only think of Dexter as a close friend. I… I…"Halfway through, her voice faltered.Back when Dexter and Angela's relationship was on rocky ground, rumors about Elena and Dexter had cir
By the time they arrived at the hospital, Angela was trembling all over, unable to speak due to the pain."Acute appendicitis. It needs to be removed," the doctor said bluntly.Angela flinched, instinctively grabbing Dexter's large hand, her eyes filled with fear.Surgery? She was terrified of the pain."There's no other way. Leaving it untreated will hurt even more." Dexter sighed.It wasn't a major surgery, but Angela's fear was palpable. She was taken into the operating room and came out about three hours later. The night passed in a haze of antiseptic smells as she dozed on and off in the ward.Dexter stayed by her side the entire time, refusing to rest."What's going on with you and Angela? Are you two sleeping in separate rooms?" Fiona asked as she entered the room, scrutinizing Dexter.He froze for a moment."We've been arguing lately," he admitted. "She doesn't want to share a room with me."Fiona scoffed. "You're constantly seen with other women. No wonder she's fed
Nora's face was a kaleidoscope of emotions. Just moments ago, she had been vehemently defending herself, but now her mouth seemed glued shut, unable to form a single word.In the end, the matter escalated to Callum.Angela's proposed resolution was straightforward: terminate Nora's employment."This woman has nothing but ill intentions and is a constant source of trouble," Angela said coldly."I've already agreed to apologize, and you…""I don't accept it," Angela interrupted, her icy gaze cutting through Nora. "Someone as selfish as you, who is willing to jeopardize the company's interests for your own gain, is a liability. Keeping you around will only lead to bigger problems."Nora fell silent, instinctively looking to Stephen for help. He was the only one she could count on now."Mr. Snowden, Nora is under my supervision. I take responsibility for her actions," Stephen said, his voice hoarse and heavy."Then let her work at reception," Callum replied without looking up. "If
Clara froze, confused by the sudden turn of events."Angela, what nonsense are you spouting? Are you out of my mind?" Nora snapped."Enough. Be quiet." Angela rubbed her temples. "You're giving me a headache."Without another word, Angela turned to her laptop, pulled up a video with a few swift clicks, and played it for everyone.The footage showed their former colleague, Rachel Carter—a petite woman often seen in a sunflower-patterned dress. She had a delicate and pleasant appearance.In the video, Rachel accidentally bumped into Clara in passing, causing a piece of clothing to fall to the ground. Rachel was quick to pick it up, glancing at it briefly before handing it back to Clara."Hey, look at this! Doesn't she have a small knife in her hand?" Alan's sharp eyes caught the detail immediately.His comment drew everyone's attention to the screen. He paused the video, zoomed in on the frame, and pointed. "Right here, see? That's a knife!"A murmur spread through the crowd as p
Even so, Angela kept one thing in mind—she knew that Nora wouldn't let things slide so easily. They were bound to find another excuse to stir up trouble, so she waited patiently.She didn't expect it to happen so quickly."Ms. Graham, that gown cost two million dollars just to make. And yet you casually dismissed it? How am I supposed to explain this to the company?"Nora stood with her arms crossed, her expression blank but her voice loud enough for everyone to hear.Angela remained calm, seated at her desk, reviewing the submitted design drafts. Occasionally, she paused to give feedback."Nora, I hadn't planned on holding you accountable for this, but what are you doing now? Are you volunteering to take the blame?" Angela glanced at her with faint amusement, her tone as light as a feather.Over the past few days, Angela had already looked into everything she needed to know. She couldn't fathom why Nora would still try to escalate things.Nora froze, a fleeting panic flashing t