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!

him

Chapter 16

as it may be, she had no choice but to proceed. Ignoring

wife Angela said

growled through gritted

smart mouth are deserving of punishment." Dexter crouched down, lifting

casting Angela a smug glance. Two burly maids pinned Angela down on the lawn. She could

now, and I might let

paddle

not going to

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

just as humiliating as it would be if she had been

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

quickly apologized, “I'm sorry, Mr. Bamford.

Π

with his hand pressing on the

with defiance. “Dexter, you're going too far!" Before

aback for a moment as he saw his reflection in her

again." His voice was laced with annoyance, but he

composure.

clenched her jaw and refused to do as he

she suddenly broke free and shoved away the maids. She

Chapter 16

Erica without hesitation.

Erica's ann took the blow. Her face blanched

this, Dexter shouted, "Stop it,

intending to grab

and frustration, swung the paddle around wildly. Her reckless swinging forced everyone

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.

Angie..." Joseph's