Chapter 7

"Elliot." Angelica took a deep breath, prying off Elliot's finger one by one before shoving him away. "You're a hypocrite." To make her compromise and protect Rosie's reputation, Elliot had offered to spend a night with Angelica just like that. This was something she could only dream of in the past. But now, she wanted to laugh. However, she couldn't fight back her tears, and it was all she could do to keep her emotions together. Before Elliot could speak, she said, "It's not impossible for me to let Rosie go for stealing my work." When the words left her lips, Elliot felt his tensed heart relaxing, and the knot between his brows gradually eased up. Just as he thought, Angelica was throwing a huge tantrum because she wanted to sleep with him. All they needed to do was have a pillow talk under the blanket. He didn't mind compromising for a night to do that. "As you saw, this design secured Rosie a spot in the toy design industry. I'm not asking for much. I'll be kind and give her the design for 20 million dollars." Calm and steady, her words utterly shattered Elliot's daydream in his mind. Shock faded from his eyes, and he clenched his fists, his expression turning menacing. "Are you asking for 20 million dollars, Angelica?" Between him and money, Angelica had chosen the latter, to his utter surprise. Panic from the sense of losing control surged in his chest and triggered a wave of resentment in him. He scrutinized the plump woman in front of him but couldn't remember when was the last time he looked her in the eyes. All of a sudden, she felt familiar but also strange at the same time to him. Angelica nodded. "Yes, I'm asking for 20 million dollars." She knew that this amount of money meant nothing to Elliot. Since she couldn't post her rights, she might as well sell the rights. Coincidentally, she needed money now. Out of the blue, Elliot chuckled. "Angelica, I did not expect you to be so greedy. 20 million dollars? What if I don't give it to you?" Angelica was patient and exuded calmness. "I'll expose her if you don't pay me. She's the one who is going to be criticized anyway, not me." Elliot's knuckles cracked from holding his fists. His expression darkened, and he hissed through gritted teeth, "Well done. Well done." Angelica knew that he was at the peak of his anger. If this had happened in the past, she would have humbled herself and coaxed him. But now, she merely sniggered silently. She was the last person who would coax him. Meanwhile, Rosie witnessed the entire scene downstairs. She saw the moment Elliot hugged Angelica from behind willingly. Her delicate face contorted into a scowl, and the seed of jealousy sprouted in her heart. … There were less than two weeks left until the new year. It was beginning to snow in Mubathro, and the temperature outside had fallen to 23 degrees. Angelica had asked Lydia to safeguard the 20 million dollars Elliot transferred to her. This was to prevent Elliot from going back on his words and demanding the money unexpectedly. "That damn jerk is really willing to spend money for Rosie's sake." Lydia stepped out of the kitchen with hot tea and plopped into the seat across from Angelica, feeling indignant. "But Angelica, don't you think it's a shame to sell that copyright to her?" Dressed in a black V-neck sweater, Angelica held the glass and smirked. "I'll have better designs in the future. Selling this is the best solution now." She was no fool. Rosie had the support of the Quigley family. If Angelica wanted to get to the bottom of the plagiarism, she would have a long way to go until this chapter closed. After all, she had neither money nor power. The only things she had were time and energy. Rather than making a fuss over such a menial matter, it was better for her to get some money and make something out of it. Angelica had made up her mind to pick up her dream again and become the top toy designer in the world. "You're right," Lydia said. "Back then, everyone knew how talented you were. If Elliot hadn't stood in your way, you would have made a name for yourself in the industry, and Rosie wouldn't have had the chance to steal your design." They chatted for a while until Lydia suddenly lowered her voice. "Angelica, my brother told me that Dominic is returning." Angelica paused for a moment. Dominic Lawson was Elliot's uncle. When she and Elliot got married, Dominic had given them almost ten million dollars as a wedding gift. However, he didn't show up at their wedding, and they didn't meet him afterward, either. From the Quigleys, Angelica learned that Dominic ran a business abroad and was preparing to settle down abroad. Why did he return all of a sudden? "Angelica, this is a great opportunity. Don't let it slip!" Angelica didn't understand what Lydia meant. She wasn't close with Dominic. What opportunity was she referring to? "You know that Dominic has a son, don't you? For the sake of his son, he wants to focus on the toy market. "You just have to design a toy to please his son, and it won't be long until you surpass Rosie," Lydia explained. This was good news, and Angelica's dull eyes suddenly lit up. "Thanks, Lydia!" If she could start with Dominic, she would save more than a decade of struggling in the industry. "But Angelica, Dominic's son is a little different from other children," Lydia added tentatively. "How is he different?" "He's autistic." That day, Angelica only returned at night. Seeing that only the maids were busy in the villa, Angelica breathed a sigh of relief. Back in her room, she found Dominic's contact number in the only family group chat she was in. His profile picture was the back of a cat and a child. He seemed like an approachable person, but Angelica had heard that he was an aloof and ruthless person. Would a man like that help her? She wasn't sure. After all, the Quigleys placed Rosie in high regard, whereas Angelica was merely a blood bank. Suddenly, the door knob twisted. Startled, Angelica flipped her cellphone over in reflex, accidentally tapping on the "Add contact" button. "Fatso, I'm hungry. I want to eat! Make me dinner!" Holden's sharp voice sounded. He burst in and punched Angelica's arm without another word. He had no control over his strength as a child, and Angelica winced in pain. Elliot's voice echoed from his smartwatch, saying, "Angelica, I'm away on a business trip with Rosie for a couple of days. Take care of Holden. "If anything happens to him, I'll hold you accountable." His tone was cold and harsh at first, but he softened it for a moment. "Holden, look for Angelica if you have any problem. If she bullies you, call and tell me." Holden shot a smug smirk at Angelica and answered sweetly, "Okay, Uncle Elliot." With a beep, the call ended. Holden wanted to continue hitting Angelica, but she gripped his hands instead. Angelica no longer sounded submissive, and her eyes were filled with disdain. "Holden, look for a maid if you're hungry. Stop bothering me." She had ignored Elliot's order to pick up Holden the last time. This time, they placed Holden directly in her care before informing her about it. They were so sure that she'd take care of him, but that was the last thing she wanted to do.