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.
Judy was increasingly anxious.She had already told her friends that they were going to have a party here. If Angela kicked her out, it would be a huge embarrassment.Moreover, the house was truly beautiful. It was an enchanting castle-like villa built over a decade ago, fulfilling every romantic fantasy a woman could have.This was also a trophy from her victory over her rival. That sense of spiritual pleasure couldn't be matched by any other form of happiness.She needed to calm Angela down first."Angela, why don't we do this? We could live here together, as a family, all under one roof. Then, we can bring your sister back from abroad, and we'll all live happily together. Doesn't that sound better?"Judy had a 20-year-old daughter, Noelle Graham, who was studying abroad. She came back only once a year. Compared to her useless son, Noelle was the true apple of her and Bill's eye."No way," Angela replied without hesitation. She pointed toward the door. "Get out. Now."Judy's
Bill's face paled at once.Right. He wasn't just afraid of Tyler. He was also terrified of Dexter."What sort of play are you two putting on?" Dexter's voice was calm.He was tall, with an imposing presence that seemed to shrink the spacious living room the moment he stepped inside.Bill's face twisted in panic as he instinctively glanced at Judy. He looked as if he wanted to hide behind her."Dexter, y-you should have let us know you were coming." Judy's smile was strained as she fumbled for words.Dexter casually sat down on the couch. "Can't I come? This is Angie's house. As her husband, I'm likely more entitled to be here than either of you."Bill's face turned as pale as a sheet.This didn't make sense! Wasn't Dexter the one who had always looked down on Angela and was eager to cut her loose?"Yes, yes, of course." Judy's forced grin widened as she wrung her hands. She struggled to find something to say.At that moment, the friends Judy had invited for a house tour arriv
Angela spent the afternoon bonding with her new pets. She set up cozy spots for them by the large floor-to-ceiling windows in the living room. In no time, the once-silent house came alive with warmth and activity.That evening, rain began to patter against the windows. Angela ordered takeout and prepared steak for herself, reveling in the small joy of solitude.On Monday, she reported to DawnStar Co. for her first day.The HR personnel led her to the design department on the 23rd floor.As soon as Angela stepped inside, she was stunned by the size of the space. The entire floor, around 5,000 square feet, was filled with the design department's offices."Hi, I'm Nora Rutherford, the head of the design department." A stylish woman in professional attire walked over, her high heels clicking with each step. She extended a friendly hand to Angela.Behind her, the design department staff watched Angela curiously.Angela returned the gesture with a polite smile. "Nice to meet you, Ms.
Angela pressed her lips together, letting silence speak for itself. Judy's tears flowed instantly, her composure shattering. "You heartless bastard! How could you be so cruel? I've stayed by your side all these years, running the household, being your wife, and this is how you repay me?"Watching her break down like this, Angela felt an odd sense of satisfaction."Angie, so what's the plan now? We'll do whatever you say." Zack grinned foolishly, as if the entire mess had nothing to do with him. Both Bill and Judy froze, their heads snapping toward Zack in perfect unison. They glared at him, their shared disapproval unmistakable, but neither said a word.For now, they were like ants on a hot pan, frazzled and clueless, while Angela remained surprisingly calm."First, the two of you need to appear in public together. When people see you united, the rumors will naturally lose their power. Second, issue an official statement. Make it clear that anyone who spreads defamatory claims
"You think I wanna be here?" Angela snorted. "I'm here to tell you to move your secret family elsewhere. Make sure they don't appear in public."Bill averted his gaze, trying to grasp the meaning behind Angela's words."I'm part of the Graham family, part of the Graham Group," Angela continued, her voice sharp with frustration. "Do you really think I'd dig my own grave?""I'll call them," Bill started to say, but before he could finish, the door swung open again. This time, it was Judy and Zack. "Mom, calm down. When you were dating Dad, didn't you already know how much of a flirt he was? You're just the product of his infidelity. Now that he has a mistress, why are you so upset and angry?"Zack was good at defusing tension, spreading his arms as if to block Judy, his posture awkward but well-meaning. "Get out of my way, you traitor! How dare you help that bastard! You're not even my son anymore!" Judy was fierce and domineering. She shoved Zack aside, took a few steps for
Zack was rambling, but Angela couldn't focus on his words. Her mind was occupied with the possibility that someone else had leaked the information.She remained silent. Dexter and Fiona weren't the gossiping type either."Hey, Dad's here," Zack suddenly said, then dashed off. Before Angela could react, Bill walked in with an angry face."You're so dishonest, Angela. You're simply outrageous!" Bill's eyes were bloodshot with fury, and a cold menace radiated from him. "I didn't do it," Angela said, her expression unchanged. "You might want to check if the rumors leaked from somewhere else." "If it wasn't you, then who else could it be? You've taken the shares, and my reputation is about to be ruined. I didn't expect you to—" "I told you it wasn't me. Can you guarantee that you've kept the mother-son trio hidden so well all these years? Has no one else found out, or could they have accidentally let it slip?" Angela coldly glared at him. "It's impossible," Bill fumed, pacing
Dexter turned his head with a disgruntled expression, ignoring Fiona. At least she had been there to keep things from getting awkward; without her, he wasn't sure how things would have gone. Other people's mothers-in-law were typically considered nuisances or troublemakers, but Angela's had turned into an asset. "Mom, I must thank you this time, too. I toast to you." This time, Angela stood up steadily and respectfully raised a glass to Fiona. The atmosphere between the three of them was strange, yet oddly harmonious. On the way back, Angela slept on Fiona's shoulder the entire ride, her phone ringing constantly. Fiona grew a bit irritated and opened Angela's bag to check her phone. To her surprise, it was a voice message from Trevor. "When did she start talking to Trevor?" Fiona's voice turned cold. "Delete it," Dexter glanced at her through the rearview mirror, his gaze sharp. Fiona raised an eyebrow, quickly deleting the message. But soon, Trevor sent another message
Dexter and Fiona were two people who were not to be underestimated. With a mere snap of their fingers, they could ruin him. Bill stood no chance against them. "Angela, I'm your father. You—""The pen is here." Angela ignored his fake tears and placed the pen on top of the contract without a second glance. "You are threatening and slandering me. Angela, you are simply outrageous. Your father is alive and well, and here you are, trying to usurp the throne. How could you be so unreasonable!" Bill completely lost his composure; his finger pointed accusingly at Angela, his eyes blazing with fury. Angela nearly laughed in disbelief. Usurp the throne? Did this guy really think of himself as an emperor? "Mr. Graham, I advise you to be kind." At this moment, Dexter, who had been sitting silently by, suddenly spoke up, his tone calm and unusually soothing. Fiona chimed in as well, "Is it just a portion of the shares you're losing, or are you also losing your reputation and the compan
Bill finally snapped out of his daze, irritation clearly etched on his face. "This matter is over. After all, it was Hector's fault. Let's just move on and not stir up any more trouble," he said impatiently. Nora, as usual, was coming up with bad ideas. If it weren't for her connections and her ability to bring in business, he would have fired her long ago."This isn't acceptable! She's simply—""Enough." Bill waved his hand dismissively. "I know what I'm doing."Nora fumed with frustration, but seeing that there was nothing more she could do, she reluctantly left the office.As she reached the door, she unexpectedly ran into Angela, Dexter, and Fiona.Nora was wary of Dexter, so she hurriedly walked past them.Once she was out of earshot and in a more secluded area, she paused and glanced back at the trio's retreating figures. Something felt off. Could something be happening?Nora secretly walked back and stood behind a big plant pot by the door."Oh, Dexter, Mrs. Bamford,
Dexter sighed lightly. "Your dad arranged for her to stay in the same neighborhood as Judy, though it's a couple of buildings apart." "I can't believe it." Angela laughed bitterly in anger. "Doesn't he worry about being found out? Judy's not exactly a submissive person. If she finds out, she'll tear him to pieces.""There's also a paternity test report," Dexter said indifferently, picking up a document. "With this, you can go directly to Bill and make demands. I suggest you ask for shares, starting with 20%.""But as far as I know, Bill only owns 60%. Will he really give me a third of that?" Angela was so overwhelmed that she could barely think clearly anymore.Dexter placed a hand on her shoulder, speaking each word with determination. "I'll go with you. Even if we have to use threats or persuasion, we'll make sure to get it."The next morning, Angela got up early. In fact, she hadn't slept all night, and her eyes were swollen, dark circles heavy beneath them."You're about t
It was Trevor!Angela stood frozen. How unlucky could she get?"Let's go, hurry up!" Angela pretended she hadn't heard, urging Dexter to leave immediately. But Trevor spoke up. "Bill's having an affair and has a daughter who's already 15 years old." Angela was stunned. What was he talking about?Taking the opportunity, Trevor approached Angela and said, "Angela, add my number, and I'll send you the evidence."Before she could respond, he snatched her phone and quickly added himself to her contacts. "Bye, I'll send it to you soon," Trevor said, disappearing as quickly as he came, like a gust of wind.Dexter's face darkened, black as a storm cloud. He had been one step too slow.Later that night, Angela tossed and turned in bed. She had sent Trevor dozens of messages, persistently asking him to send the materials. He kept toying with her, coaxing her into answering numerous questions. "Angela, one last question—do you like Dexter or not?" That crazy man sent yet anothe
Dexter's presence here meant he wasn't entirely indifferent to Angela. For Bill, this was a golden opportunity. It meant he could continue leveraging his self-proclaimed role as Dexter's future father-in-law to gain benefits. This was nothing short of fantastic news. "I heard she works here, so I stopped by," Dexter said casually, his gaze sweeping over the group before landing on Angela. "Are you upset?" he asked, raising an eyebrow. Angela looked at him as if she'd seen a ghost. "What are you doing here?" She wasn't buying his story of just happening to pass by. "I thought I'd take you out for a meal and have a chat." A faint smile curved his lips. "Need help?" Angela rolled her eyes at him and was about to retort sharply when a thought struck her. His presence exuded authority, which could save her the trouble of dealing with these idiots on her own. "Perfect timing. Hector tried to harass my colleague. I found the evidence, but he's refusing to apologize…""Nonsen