After a brief pause, Angela smiled. "Oh, really? I didn't know that. Dexter bought this dress for me. As for where he got it, or how many there are in the country—I honestly have no idea. I have plenty of dresses like this in my closet, Ms. Carrey. If you like, I can give you a few."Angela's voice was clear and pleasant to the ears. Her gaze was pure and free of any hint of sarcasm. It was as if she hadn't noticed the mocking undertone in Shelley's and Elena's words.Elena's face fell instantly. She couldn't believe that the dress she had been so proud of was nothing more than one of the less remarkable pieces in Angela's closet. It was impossible. Dexter would never take Angela shopping, let alone buy her such a dress!Shelley noticed Elena's reaction and took a step forward. She snapped at Angela, "What nonsense are you saying? Why would Dexter buy you clothes? Everyone knows you threw yourself at him. He—" "Why are you so worked up, Ms. Ruthford? You're getting a bit too emo
Instinctively, Dexter turned to look just as Angela glanced back at him. She flashed him a smug smile."Angie, you look beautiful today. This dress suits you so well. Dexter and I spent quite some time picking it out for you. It really is stunning!" Joseph praised her with a smile.With that, all doubts were dispelled instantly.It turned out that Joseph himself had chosen this dress for Angela. Of course, he wouldn't buy her counterfeit dress.Elena felt as if she had been slapped across the face. It left a stinging, burning sensation on her cheek. The faces of those who had mocked Angela earlier turned pale as they fell silent too.Angela's nose tingled as she fought back the urge to tear up. Of all the Bamford family members, only Joseph had ever shown her true kindness. She knew very well that Dexter would never care about her clothing. Joseph had said that the dress was from him to salvage her dignity.As the drinks flowed and the guests mingled, Angela remained by Joseph'
Inside the bag were… adult toys!"My goodness…" Angela's face flushed red. She looked down, unable to say a word.Fiona laughed mockingly and said, "What's the matter? Are you still some innocent little girl? You've been married for so long, yet you can't even produce a child. What value do you have left in the Bamford family?"Angela froze instantly. Fiona's words hit her like a bolt of lightning. She didn't know how she had put up with this in the past.From the beginning until now, she had been nothing but a birthing machine in Fiona's eyes."I can't get pregnant because your son refuses to cooperate, and I'm not capable of asexual reproduction either," she retorted coldly, placing the bag of items back on the coffee table.This was the first time she had spoken up so firmly.Fiona's gaze darkened, surprised by her response. Then, she let out a cold laugh."Oh, I see. Someone has grown a spine." Fiona stood slowly, her tone sharp with authority. "I'm warning you, if there's
"Mr. Bamford, isn't that Mrs. Bamford?" Erica spoke cautiously. In contrast to her somewhat anxious expression, she was secretly thrilled and was barely able to contain her excitement.Dexter's gaze was locked on the slender figure behind the floor-to-ceiling glass. He took out his phone and dialed Angela's number. Then, he watched as she pulled out her phone, glanced at it briefly, and casually hung up his call.The two business associates who were with Dexter asked tentatively, "Mr. Bamford, what's going on? Why aren't we leaving?" Erica responded on his behalf, "Mr. Hart, Mr. Levin, please come this way. Let's take a look at the other facilities in the mall." At that moment, Angela was still unaware of the impending danger."Are you really giving me this painting? Can you bear to part with it just like that?" Finn smiled as he admired Angela's artwork, obviously delighted.Angela raised an eyebrow. "Why? You don't want it? If that's the case, I'll take it back." She reac
Angela seemed oblivious as she sat calmly on the couch and sipped her now-cold coffee.Erica found nothing and could only cross her arms as she emerged. Her eyes were filled with mockery as she looked at Angela."It seems you've hidden it well. Could it be on you?" she said with a sneer, casting a disdainful glance over Angela."It's not," Angela replied curtly, too tired to argue further. She set down her cup and got up, ready to go to bed. The maids could clean up the mess later on."Stop!" Erica snapped, grabbing her arm to stop her from leaving. "If you won't bring it out yourself, strip down so I can check. That necklace is a Bamford family treasure.""Get lost!" Angela had had enough and slapped Erica hard across the face. She shot back hotly, "It's always Bamford family this, Bamford family that—are you a dog belonging to the Bamford family?"Her gaze was icy, and her voice was filled with contempt. She then pulled out her phone and pressed three numbers."W-What are you
Angela's hand that was drawing slowed down. She silently prayed that Dexter wouldn't notice her.Meanwhile, a few judges were quietly discussing in the panel."The contestants this time are of high caliber as they have gone through a preliminary round. If we spot someone suitable, we could consider hiring them as a designer in our companies.""Yes, during the initial screening, I remember seeing a piece titled 'Curse'. The style was remarkably unique. Designers with such a strong personal style are hard to find nowadays.""Do you know the artist's name?""That, I didn't catch…" Dexter sat silently, his slender fingers tapping lightly on his knee. His gaze swept over the contestants, then \became fixed on a slim figure in the distance. Instantly, his expression turned icy.Two hours later, the competition ended, and the contestants submitted their work.The judging panel scored the entries on the spot, after which the pieces were sealed away. The results and rankings were to be
"You're so useless, Dexter. You can't even help someone up properly! I still don't know what Angie saw in you. Oh right, I was the one who arranged your marriage, after all. "Without my aid, how would you have been lucky enough to marry such a beautiful and outstanding wife like Angie? You should count your blessings…" Joseph went on and on, scolding Dexter endlessly. Dexter had no choice but to listen, and it was torturous."Grandpa, don't bother with him. Let's go. I'll make you your favorite bouillabaisse and grilled fish." Angela took Joseph's arm and led him away, giving Dexter an exaggerated eyeroll over her shoulder as she went.Dexter was furious, yet he had nowhere to vent.That night, Angela retreated to her bedroom early and locked the door. With Joseph gone, she had temporarily lost her protector and couldn't afford to provoke Dexter too much."Mrs. Bamford, Mr. Bamford has gone out. You're free to come out." Donna's voice came from the other side of the door.Ange
"Hey, it's Angela! Long time no see. Come on in!" Zayn's attention shifted immediately from the streamer to Angela as soon as he saw her.The others watched intently, sensing the drama. Compared to some random streamer, Angela was far more interesting.After all, among the socialites and heiresses in Eldmere, she was the only one who had managed to marry Dexter. It was still an incredible feat, even though her marriage was far from a fairytale."No, thank you," Angela replied with a polite smile. "I'm here to take Dexter home. He said he was drunk." Her demeanor was graceful, and her tone was gentle. She had an air of elegance about her. Dressed simply and untouched by heavy makeup, she radiated a calm beauty that made her stand out among the other women present in their flashy outfits.Zayn glanced at Dexter, feeling perplexed. He looked perfectly sober. There wasn't any sign of drunkenness at all."Since you're here, come in and have something to eat before you leave, Ms. Grah