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
Angela said calmly, "As long as we sign the divorce papers and get the divorce certificate, you and I will part ways cleanly."With your generosity, I trust you won't use the Graham family to manipulate me or threaten me again. I hope we can sever all ties, ideally never to cross paths again."She continued, "I would be grateful for your magnanimity then, Mr. Bamford.""Mr. Bamford, our subsidiary will be going public next year. If the divorce agreement is made public, it could harm your and the company's image," Winston interjected.Dexter's expression changed slightly. But before he could respond, Angela took over the conversation."I can sign a non-disclosure agreement for three years. During that time, I will keep our divorce private. I'll cooperate with you in front of Grandpa as well, but you'll need to pay me a certain amount."What a perfect solution.Dexter, livid with anger, laughed mockingly. "You really thought this through, Angela. How come I never noticed how eloqu
Angela looked around but didn't spot Dexter anywhere."I'm here for a divorce," she said with a grin.The woman was shocked. She had never seen someone so carefree about a divorce, let alone dressed up in such a flamboyant way.Dexter arrived half an hour late. Angela only stood up when she saw him. Luckily, he had already arranged for their private service that morning.His expression wasn't a happy one, and seeing her dressed so brightly only fueled his anger."Angela, are you already looking for your next man before the divorce is even finalized?" He sneered coldly. His words were sharp like knives."Yes," Angela replied with a laugh. "After all, I can't live without men."Dexter fumed.The divorce process took quite some time, with staff members repeatedly asking if they were really sure about it. After all, the two of them looked like a movie star couple.Angela patiently explained again and again.When the process was finally over, she felt an immense sense of relief.
Angela's voice was calm, but her words carried such weight that they stunned everyone present.The onlookers around them immediately began whispering and exchanging astonished glances.Could someone actually be standing up for them and fighting for their benefits? Could this person possibly be an angel?"You're talking nonsense. There's no such thing as compensation or overtime pay. I think you're just trying to stir up trouble." Nora shot Angela a cold glare. "Don't get too full of yourself. Don't think this is your territory."Bill quietly observed the exchange between the two women, not intervening. He looked troubled, as if he were deep in thought."Ah." Angela seemed to laugh in frustration. She looked at Nora with disbelief. "I didn't expect someone as lowly as you, a mere department head, to have taken over the duties of the HR and finance departments as well. Ms. Rutherford, you really are something.""Angela, stop slandering me," Nora snapped, her anger evident in her
Angela read attentively, and before she knew it, the morning had passed by in a flash.Her presence hadn't caused any ripples in the design department. Clearly, no one was paying her much attention.Angela didn't mind at all. On the third morning, she began packing up as soon as she arrived at the company, looking ready to resign.Some people whispered behind her back, and others rushed to inform Nora, but none of it slowed her down as she packed.When Nora emerged and saw her eager-to-leave demeanor, she felt a certain satisfaction."Hm, what's going on here? You've only been here for two days and already can't stand it? I thought Ms. Graham was supposed to be capable and impressive. "How come you couldn't even last two quiet days?" Nora's voice wasn't loud but clear enough for everyone nearby to hear.Angela didn't even spare her a glance, calmly replying, "Your company lacks sincerity. If that's the case, there's no point in continuing this collaboration."As she spoke, she
Moreover, Angela was the granddaughter of the one person Bill despised the most!"Angela, what do you think?" Bill asked with a forced smile, turning his gaze toward Angela.She was sipping from a bowl of mushroom soup, and she gave a faint smile at his question. "Dad, you can make your own decisions. Why ask me?"She gave him no regard at all.Bill's heart skipped a beat.This woman must have something else in mind."However, I'm doing quite well now. Mr. Snowden values me highly, and I'd like to continue working with him."While Bill pondered whether he should reject the collaboration, Angela spoke up with a smile, "Besides, I'm already married. My husband's family has plenty for me to take care of, so I'm not thinking of anything else."What's that supposed to mean?Bill was stirred."In the future, I'll be watching closely to see which of you two siblings is truly more capable. In our company, we've always prioritized skill," he said, laughing heartily.Angela smiled as
"He'll definitely come to show how much he values this cooperation," Angela said, touching up her lipstick before stepping out of the car.They arrived at 6:50 pm, just ten minutes before the scheduled time, but the private room was already full, with 11 people seated. Bill was among them, and he'd even brought Zack—clearly showing how much he cared about this cooperation."Angie, you're finally here! We've been waiting for a while. What would you like to eat?" Zack greeted her as soon as he saw her."Zack, quickly show them to their seats," Bill spoke up.Angela greeted the people from Graham Group and then noticed Nora sitting among them. Her lips twitched slightly. Did Bill still not realize what kind of person his newly hired head of the design department was?"Ms. Graham, long time no see. I heard you were kidnapped by some criminals overseas. How are you? I hope you weren't hurt?" Nora stood up with a smile that was anything but warm.Her words were veiled in concern,
Nora was caught off guard. She collapsed to the floor, her head slamming into the ground, and blood began oozing out.Zion was beyond furious. He was enraged not only at her betrayal but also at himself for failing to see her true nature sooner.Angela had told him to bring Nora out, saying they were going to watch a good show. At first, he dismissed it as one of Angela's schemes, but he never imagined it..."Stephen, Stephen, listen to me, I swear, I was just using him. From the beginning, the only person I've ever loved is you!" Nora, no longer concerned with defending herself, hurried after Stephen as he turned to leave."We have nothing to do with each other anymore," Stephen said coldly, his gaze full of disgust as he looked down at her.He left the private room, his heart heavy with disgust, and saw Angela and Dexter standing nearby."Are you satisfied after watching me make a fool of myself?" Stephen shot a cold glance at Angela, preparing to walk away."Mr. Turner, how c
The room was empty except for Zion, who was engrossed in a video game on the large screen."You're here. Take a seat. My friends left earlier. They had something to do," Zion said without looking up, his focus completely on the game.Nora sneered at his carefree behavior. "All you ever do is play games. Don't you think it's time you got a job? You can't rely on others forever, can you?"To Nora, Zion was nothing more than a lapdog who made money for her to spend. Now that he couldn't even do that, he was of no use to her.But he was handsome. He was a true pretty boy and was easy on the eyes."Alright, I get it," Zion said, setting the controller down and turning off the game.He walked over and sat before Nora, wrapping his arms around her.Nora frowned, feeling irritated. "You stink, so don't touch me.""Come on, we haven't been close in days. Let me kiss you," Zion said, taking advantage of the moment. He pulled her into an embrace, his lips moving closer to hers. "I gave
Fiona raised an eyebrow and shot Callum a disdainful look."I've already had someone handle this. It won't be necessary...""No need," Fiona interrupted, walking over to Angela. "My daughter-in-law is involved in a public scandal, and as her mother-in-law, of course, I need to step in. You can leave this to me."With that, she pulled Angela away."Hey, what are you doing? He's my boss!" Angela tried to pull her hand back, turning to give Callum an apologetic smile.But Fiona's grip was unyielding, and no matter how much Angela struggled, she couldn't break free.She was forcibly dragged out and shoved into a car."Where are we going?" Angela was utterly confused."To have some fun." Fiona took a deep breath. "Just treat it as keeping me company. I haven't been out for a stroll in three years, six months, and twelve days."Angela was at a loss for words.Damn, she suddenly felt an unexpected twinge of sympathy for this miserable woman.After spending most of the day out, they
Angela was in an excellent mood today. Even the breeze on her way to the office felt refreshing. However, upon arriving at the company, she noticed something was off. People looked at her with a mix of sympathy and strange expressions."What's going on?" Angela called Clara over.Clara appeared a bit uncomfortable, hesitating for some time before saying, "Ms. Graham, rumors are going around that you were kidnapped in Montivale by some thugs for days, and... And those men... You know..."Angela's mind went blank for a moment, the ringing in her ears growing louder. Who would be vile enough to spread such disgusting rumors? Didn't they have any shame for creating such trouble for her?"Go back to your work," Angela said coldly. "No, come with me to the PR department."The two of them made their way to the PR department head's office. As they reached the door, they could hear voices from inside."How should we handle this? Ms. Graham is one of our company's rising stars. She hel
A bold thought flashed through Bill's mind. It would be perfect If he could secure this contract.It would help dispel the rumors about his rift with Angela and bring enormous benefits to the company."Hello, Mr. Jameson. Good afternoon. Oh, you want me to visit tomorrow for an on-site evaluation, right? Let me think about it."Angela answered the phone, but before she could say anything more, Bill snatched the phone from her and hung up."What are you doing?" Angela snapped. "Give it back! I've been trying to get an appointment with Mr. Jameson for ages. I'm really interested in working with him!"Seeing her flustered expression, Bill was convinced she wasn't faking it. The idea he had grew stronger."Look," he said. "Since you're looking for a partner, why not just choose Graham Group? Why bother with outsiders? What's wrong with you?""No," Angela replied immediately, without hesitation. Mr. Jameson is the best fit. I can't choose you. People would think I'm using my position