At that moment, Dexter wanted nothing more than to crush Angela's jaw to make her remember. No one knew better than he did just how important that wedding ring was to her.Angela, on the other hand, struggled hard against him. Red marks appeared on her pale cheek from his vice-like grip. Her eyes were red, but she clenched her teeth and refused to beg for mercy.That illusionary love she had once held on to had vanished the moment she had discovered Elena's existence. Selling that ring had been a relief. Otherwise, it would have only reminded her of the humiliating life she had lived the last three years, being nothing more than a doormat to Dexter.As she struggled, her towel slipped and exposed her breasts—it was an alluring sight.Dexter's gaze darkened as his eyes shot to her exposed skin for a brief moment. He then smirked wickedly while remarking, "What's this? Are you trying to seduce me now? Do you think that using such cheap tactics will make me go easy on you?"His gaz
Angela didn't look up. "Please move aside."She was polite, but the person in front of her didn't budge."It's only been a few days, and you've turned yourself into a beggar? Angela, would you really rather degrade yourself like this?" A familiar, cold voice came from above. The speaker's tone was dripping with contempt.Angela froze and looked up, meeting Dexter's deep, dark gaze. As their eyes met, she swallowed nervously. Nevertheless, her initial surprise quickly turned to annoyance."Why can't you just leave me alone?" She gathered up her chicken thigh and snacks, ready to leave.Her days had been fulfilling and busy lately, so she had barely thought of him. But she had only managed to take a few steps before Dexter grabbed her by the collar and dragged her back to his car.As he leaned close, Angela glared at him warily. "If you come any closer, I'll bite you again."Dexter pulled a long face instantly, and he grabbed her wrist."You look ugly. How am I supposed to take y
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