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

choice but to proceed. Ignoring the debris sticking to her, Angela squeezed the rest of the

dog is still better than being your wife Angela said huffily, glaring at him

Dexter growled through gritted

are deserving of punishment." Dexter

smug glance. Two burly

"Apologize now, and I might let

him, Erica gripped the paddle

going to

her backside, making her whole body tremble. She could hear

the earth. This was just as humiliating as it

and he turned to glare

quickly apologized, “I'm

Π

Then, he knelt with his hand pressing on the grass as he looked

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

moment as

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

composure.

and refused to

broke free and shoved away the maids. She swiftly snatched

Chapter 16

Erica without hesitation.

the blow. Her face blanched instantly from the

seeing this, Dexter shouted, "Stop it,

intending to grab

swung the paddle around wildly. Her reckless swinging forced everyone to back away.

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!

Joseph's voice