Simon silently observed Angela before him.He seemed to glimpse traces of the helplessness she bore from her past in her gradually dimming eyes."My apologies if I've offended you." There was a hint of regret in his tone.Angela said, "Mr. Rutherford, I'm still me, am I not?"The truth was, she had changed.Her teacher wouldn't have revoked her title or severed ties with her if she hadn't.She wouldn't have lost three precious years to slowly get herself together if she hadn't.Simon pursed his lips as a knowing smile briefly crossed his face. "My colleagues and I greatly admire your talent, Ms. Graham. We'd love for you to join WestJet Design. Would you be interested?" he asked.Angela couldn't help but feel surprised as the blood in her veins suddenly surged with intensity.WestJet Design was one of the most prestigious luxury companies in the world. Their handbags, clothes, and accessories were the epitome of high fashion.It would be the crowning achievement in any design
Dexter's gaze bored into Angela, his sharp eyes catching a faint whiff of alcohol on her. His displeasure deepened."Was dinner supposed to take that long?" His tone was icy. His stare was piercing, almost as if he could see through every secret she tried to hide.Angela rolled her eyes at him. "That's my business. What's the matter? Even though we're divorced, do you still want to pluck my feathers, break my wings, and keep me by your side like some pitiful recluse, only to cast me aside when you tire of me?"She gave a cold laugh and turned to leave without looking back.Dexter froze, his eyes locked on her swaying silhouette as she walked away. His throat tightened, an unfamiliar ache rising. For a moment, he recalled the woman Angela had been before their marriage—a fiercely independent individual.Back then, when she insisted on marrying him despite his objections, he had laid down one condition: she must abandon everything and stay home as a housewife. Without hesitation, sh
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
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
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
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
"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
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
"Don't worry," Dexter said coldly. "I won't go the wrong way. Does your arm still hurt?"Angela didn't reply immediately. After a while, she asked, "Can you put me down for now? My back hurts."He was holding her in a way that made her particularly uncomfortable.Dexter had no choice but to set her down on a flat area. Standing up, he looked down at her from above."Why are you carrying me? It's not like we're in a rush to get down the mountain. Don't think this will change my opinion of you," Angela muttered.Ever since that incident, she had been particularly wary of Dexter; she was unwilling to be alone with him.He looked a bit exasperated. "Do you think I want to carry you? You got injured because of my mom. I'm just paying back the favor for her so that you don't accuse us of owing you anything later."Angela was momentarily at a loss for words, silently fuming to herself.This was indeed an obscure path, a narrow trail hidden deep within the bushes. It was nearly invisib
Fiona also came over. "If you like it, take it home to keep Mitsy company."As she spoke, she squatted down and gently stroked the back of the tabby cat.Angela hurriedly stopped her. "Don't touch it. It's a stray cat."It was already too late by the time she finished speaking. Just as Fiona was about to remove her hand, the tabby cat swiped at her with its claws. Angela quickly pushed Fiona aside. In that instant, a sharp pain struck. Angela's arm was scratched, with four vivid red marks that were shocking to see."Oh, no!" Fiona got up from the ground, her face pale at the sight. "Quick, you need—""You need to get vaccinated," Dexter abruptly said. "Otherwise, you might get rabies."Angela knew this too. Her arm stung with a burning pain. The cat had seemed so docile, but its claws were unexpectedly sharp. The deepest scratch was oozing dark blood, and the pain made her face turn pale."Let's head down the mountain," Dexter said.They had just climbed up, so their energy a
With his unchanging gentle demeanor, Finn emitted a calm and pleasant air that could put people at ease.Dexter, on the other hand, was the complete opposite. He was wearing a black jacket, black cargo pants, and black hiking boots.As he was clad entirely in black, he appeared brooding and intimidating, especially when he wasn't speaking or smiling—he looked like he was ready to pick a fight at any moment."What's the matter? Are you hoping I'll hurry up and divorce her so that you can take my place?" Dexter broke his silence after a pause, speaking with biting sarcasm.Finn scoffed. "Whether you divorce her or not makes no difference to me. My feelings for her aren't something you can compare to.""Oh?" Dexter smirked. "Does she know that you're that infatuated with her? Is she okay with that? Or are you just deluding yourself while she doesn't care about you at all?"It was unlike Dexter to talk this much, especially with someone he didn't care for. But today, he was unusually
"I'm over here." Fiona's voice came from behind them.Angela instinctively turned around and saw her mother-in-law in name stepping out of a black SUV, dressed in hiking attire, looking much younger than usual.However, Angela's smile quickly faded when her eyes landed on the person carrying a backpack behind Fiona.It was Dexter. Why was he everywhere?Why wasn't he in his office working overtime? Why did he have to follow them on this hike?Angela pulled Fiona aside, her tone low and questioning. "Why did you bring him here?" Fiona, usually a commanding woman who never hesitated to get things her way, looked somewhat sheepish at the moment as she forced a smile."Angela, he just happened to have the day off, and when he heard I was going to meet you all, he insisted on coming. I made him carry some food, and he can carry your bag and even drive for us. Isn't that fine?""Why would I need him to carry my bag? I'm perfectly capable of doing that myself." Angela scoffed. "Next
Lately, Angela and Dexter had been living together rather peacefully. Angela had never seen Dexter this angry before—it was entirely unlike him."Did you forget? This is my house." she sneered coldly. "You're just a guest here."Dexter was momentarily at a loss for words. His retort was caught in his throat."Angela, don't be angry anymore. Since Mr. Bamford is back, why don't we just eat together? There's no need for all this tension." Finn spoke up as he knocked lightly on the door from outside.Angela let out a disdainful huff before opening the door to step out.Finn was standing there with his signature gentle smile, his demeanor so refined that it was hard to refuse him."Mr. Bamford, would you like to join us?" Finn asked politely.Angela believed Dexter would never swallow his pride and agree."Sure."To Angela's surprise, Dexter actually headed to the kitchen, grabbed a plate, and sat down at the table.Angela was dumbfounded.Why was Dexter suddenly acting like thi
Angela's face lit up with joy before she quickly walked over."Congratulations on finally getting what you wanted," Finn said with a gentle and elegant smile.There was an indescribable warmth about him that made people feel comforted."It's also thanks to you. Let's go grab a bite. How about I treat you to some barbecue?" Angela suggested with a smile."The barbecue out here isn't good." Finn showed a slight frown.Angela replied without hesitation, "Then let's go to my place. I'll cook, but you'll have to help."The two went to the market together and bought a lot of ingredients. After some time preparing everything, they had the portable grill and ingredients ready by seven.The large living room was filled with the aroma of meat.Angela took a few oranges from the fridge to make juice and poured it into two large glasses, then handed one to Finn.He gladly accepted it. Just as the two were about to clink glasses and start eating, the door was pushed open from outside.Ang
Joanne gave a nod. "Of course. You can make any request. After all, Madam Fiona is paying me a lot.""Oh?" Angela's interest was piqued. "How much does she pay you per month? I can pay you that amount myself in the future.""20 thousand a month." Joanne then added in her usual serious tone, "Madam Fiona gave me an opportunity when I needed it most. I only follow her instructions."Joanne was obviously a person who repaid the kindness she received.Angela became even more satisfied with her. "Alright then. If you need my help with anything, feel free to ask. I only have one request—can you smile?"All morning, Joanne hadn't smiled once. She kept a serious expression, as if ready to fight someone at any moment.Joanne instinctively frowned, as if smiling was particularly difficult for her."Don't force yourself if you can't," Angela said, exasperated.She glanced at her sports watch; it was just past seven. She could still nap a bit before going to work."You should rest. I'll g
Later at the dining table, Fiona couldn't resist asking, "Why are you acting so quickly now? Before, you were always dragging your feet and holding back." Angela took a bite of food and smiled faintly. "I was waiting for the right moment. Bill is so cunning; I had to wait for him to reveal all his cards before taking action."Fiona nodded in agreement and poured her a glass of peach juice. "Not bad. It was both smart and bold. You'll be the head of Graham Group soon. If you need any help, just let me know."Angela chuckled. "Why do I feel like we're becoming more like friends instead of a mother-in-law and daughter-in-law?"Fiona rolled her eyes. "Whether we become in-laws or not is still up to you, isn't it? You're so heartless for deciding you don't want my son and dropping him just like that. Poor him."Angela couldn't help but laugh, but she didn't respond to the comment. Suddenly, she remembered something and asked, "Can you do me a favor?""Tell me," Fiona asked, lowering
"Back then, didn't you do the same by slowly seizing everything from Mom until you left her with nothing, making her die in despair? But unlike you, I'm not that ruthless. I won't drive you to death, nor will I harm Zack. "If you hand over the company sooner rather than later, I might even consider training Zack, turning him into a competent assistant for me in the future." Angela's tone was cold, and her gaze was fixed on Bill, filled with nothing but mockery.This man had never reflected on his mistakes. At his core, he was nothing but a selfish, despicable creature."You… you'll never get what you want!" Bill sneered through gritted teeth, his voice icy and resolute. "Even if you kill me, I'll never let you have your way!"Angela leisurely rose from her seat. "Suit yourself, then. Take care. I'll be leaving now."She truly didn't care. With Bill's doctor firmly in her grasp, she wasn't worried. This weak, pathetic man would eventually have to submit to her.…Time passed qui