Chapter 16 Angelas hand that was drawing slowed down . She silently prayed that Dexter wouldnt 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 artists name ? That , I didnt 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 mothers house couldnt do the same . She couldnt 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 havent seen you in a few days , and it seems youve become a dog . Dexter was inside . the yard , watching her with a leisurely smile . Angelas 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 ! She shot him a furious glare . Chapter 16 +25 BONUS 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 . Dexters expression was frosty . Apologize now , and I might let it slide . Behind him , Erica gripped the paddle and waved it around slightly . Thats 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 , Dexters expression soured considerably , and he turned to glare at Erica . Who told you to start hitting her ? Erica flinched and quickly apologized , Im sorry , Mr. I thought- Π 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 , youre going too far ! Before she could finish her words , her eyes reddened , and her nose stung . She almost couldnt hold back her tears . Dexter was taken aback for a moment as he saw his reflection in her tear filled eyes . Apologize . I wont 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 +25 BONUS Chapter 16 Erica without hesitation . Caught off guard , Ericas 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 wasnt 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 didnt allow them to fall . Hatred filled her eyes . Youre 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 … Josephs voice suddenly came from 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 wont leave this house for the rest of the year ! You cant 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 let me go and stop locking me up ! 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 , Youre done for . Fine , I agree ! Dexter conceded helplessly as he held Angela by the waist . But listen well , Angela . If I see you with anyone suspicious again , youll 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 , thats not it . I fell down , Grandpa , Angela quickly said , linking her arm through his +25 BONUS Chapter 16 with a smile . She added , Dexter tried to help , but he accidentally tripped me up again . Her beautiful eyes sparkled brightly . They were like a cats eyes innocent yet sly at the same time . Those eyes were unforgettable after one took a single glance at them . Moments ago , those same eyes 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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