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 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 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 become a 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 home on purpose!

shot him a furious

Chapter 16

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

Angela said huffily, glaring at him as she brushed

growled through

unruly behavior and smart mouth are deserving of punishment." Dexter crouched down, lifting her chin with a piercing gaze. He then

with a wooden paddle while casting Angela a smug glance. Two

"Apologize now, and I might let

Erica gripped the paddle

to happen! Dexter,

the words out before a searing pain shot through her backside, making her whole body tremble. She could hear the maids snickering

face of the earth. This was just as humiliating as it would be if she had

to glare at Erica." Who told you

apologized, “I'm sorry,

Π

his hand pressing on

Yet, she glared back at him with defiance. “Dexter, you're going too far!"

as he saw

voice

composure.

her jaw and refused

and shoved away the maids. She swiftly snatched the paddle from Erica.

Chapter 16

Erica without hesitation.

Erica's ann took the blow. Her face blanched instantly

Dexter shouted, "Stop

quickly, intending to grab

Her reckless swinging forced everyone to back away. Even Dexter

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

Angie..." Joseph's voice suddenly came from