Love and Devotion No Longer His to Claim by Dream Fish

Chapter 16

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 tare 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, | 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, | didn't catch..."

Dexter sat silently, his slender fingers tapping lightly on his knee. His gaze swept over the contestants, then

\becfixed 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 announced later.

As soon as the competition was over, Angela donned a mask and wrapped herself up tightly in her clothing.

Then, she took a cab home.

It was already 11:00 am. She needed to be back in her room by noon.

Angela could easily escape, but her mother's house couldn't do the same. She couldn't risk the house being sold

off..

Upon arriving at Bamford Estate, she hurried to the hole in the yard and pushed aside the thick weeds. She

hastily began to crawl through

Angela was halfway crawling in when she heard a burst of laughter coming from above. She froze, unsure

whether to go forward or back.

"I haven't seen you in a few days, and it seems you've beca dog." Dexter was inside. the yard, watching her

with a leisurely smile.

Angela's face flushed with embarrassment as she cursed at the despicable man inwardly. He must have

recognized her at the competition and waited back hon purpose!

She shot him a furious glare.

Chapter 16

Embarrassing as it may be, she had no choice but to proceed. Ignoring the debris sticking to her, Angela

squeezed the rest of the way through.

“Being a dog is still better than being your wife Angela said huffily, glaring at him as she brushed past him and

bolted.

"Angela!" Dexter growled through gritted teeth.

She was swiftly restrained. "Your unruly behavior and smart mouth are deserving of punishment." Dexter

crouched down, lifting her chin with a piercing gaze. He then barked, "Bring the stick."

Erica walked over with a wooden paddle while casting Angela a smug glance. Two burly maids pinned Angela

down on the lawn. She could only struggle helplessly.

Dexter's expression was frosty. "Apologize now, and | might let it slide.”

Behind him, Erica gripped the paddle and waved it around slightly.

“That's not going to happen! Dexter, you-"

Angela barely got the words out before a searing pain shot through her backside, making her whole body

tremble. She could hear the maids snickering under their breaths.

At that moment, she wanted to disappear from the face of the earth. This was just as humiliating as it would be if

she had been stripped naked in front of everyone.

Unexpectedly, Dexter's expression soured considerably, and he turned to glare at Erica." Who told you to start

hitting her?"

Erica flinched and quickly apologized, “I'm sorry, Mr. Bamford. | thought-

n

Dexter impatiently waved her off. Then, he knelt with his hand pressing on the grass as he looked directly at

Angela.

She gritted her teeth, her face pale. Yet, she glared back at him with defiance. “Dexter, you're going too far!"

Before she could finish her words, her eyes reddened, and her nose stung. She almost couldn't hold back her

tears.

Dexter was taken aback for a moment as he saw his reflection in her tear-filled eyes.

“Apologize. | won't say it again." His voice was laced with annoyance, but he kept his

composure.

Angela clenched her jaw and refused to do as he ordered.

While they were momentarily distracted, she suddenly broke free and shoved away the maids. She swiftly

snatched the paddle from Erica. Reversing the situation, she struck at

Chapter 16

Erica without hesitation.

Caught off guard, Erica's ann took the blow. Her face blanched instantly from the pain.

Upon seeing this, Dexter shouted, "Stop it, Angela!"

He stepped forward quickly, intending to grab the paddle.

But Angela, overwhelmed with anger and frustration, swung the paddle around wildly. Her reckless swinging

forced everyone to back away. Even Dexter wasn't spared-his arm that was hit went numb.

He was infuriated, and his face contorted in fury. "What are you all standing around for? Hold her down!"

Outnumbered, Angela lost the paddle and was restrained. Dexter gripped her chin tightly and forced her to look

at him. Her eyes were filled with unshed tears, but she didn't allow them to fall. Hatred filled her eyes. "You're

outrageous, Mrs. Bamford! How could you crawl through a hole and even injure Mr. Bamford?" Erica continued to

fan the flames in hopes of worsening the situation.

“Angie, where are you? Angie..." Joseph's voice suddenly cfrom afar.

Someone who could save her was here!

Angela was about to call out when Dexter covered her mouth.

He pulled her close and hissed, "Say a word, and you won't leave this house for the rest of the year!"

"You can't stop me!" Angela had thought about telling on Dexter to Joseph. But given her current circumstances,

she quickly reconsidered and changed her mind.

“Unless you letgo and stop lockingup!" Angela bargained.

"No way!" Dexter responded with a sneer.

By now, Joseph was nearly upon them.

“I missed you, Grandpa!” Angela waved to Joseph cheerfully. She then whispered to Dexter, “You're done

for."

"Fine, | agree!" Dexter conceded helplessly as he held Angela by the waist. "But listen well, Angela. If | see you

with anyone suspicious again, you'll regret it."

"Dexter, why were you holding Angie down like that? Are you bullying her again?" Joseph questioned with

concern.

He looked her over carefully. When he saw that she was unharmed, he relaxed.

“No, that's not it. | fell down, Grandpa," Angela quickly said, linking her arm through his

Chapter 16

with a smile. She added, “Dexter tried to help, but he accidentally trippedup again.”

Her beautiful eyes sparkled brightly. They were like a cat's eyes-innocent yet sly at the stime. Those eyes

were unforgettable after one took a single glance at them. Moments ago, those seyes had brimmed with

tears, filled with hurt and anger. Now, Angela was smiling as if the past minutes were nothing but a

fleeting dream.

Dexter watched her with a conflicted expression, not noticing that Joseph had begun his usual tirade. How many

faces did Angela have? Which one of those was the real her?

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