Love and Devotion No Longer His to Claim (Angela and Dexter) novel Chapter 11

Chapter 11 

After a brief pause, Angela smiled, “Oh, really? I didn’t know that. Dexter bought this dress. for me. As for where he got it, or how many there are in the country–I honestly have no Idea. I have plenty of dresses like this in my closet, Ms. Carrey. If you like, I can give you a few.” 

Angela’s voice was clear and pleasant to the ears. Her gaze was pure and free of any hint of sarcasm. It was as if she hadn’t noticed the mocking undertone in Shelley’s and Elena’s words. 

Elena’s face fell instantly. She couldn’t believe that the dress she had been so proud of was nothing more than one of the less remarkable pieces in Angela’s closet. It was impossible. 

Dexter would never take Angela shopping, let alone buy her such a dress! 

Shelley noticed Elena’s reaction and took a step forward. She snapped at Angela, nonsense are you saying? Why would Dexter buy you clothes? Everyone knows you threw yourself at him. He-” 

“Why are you so worked up, Ms. Ruthford? You’re getting a bit too emotional,” Angela said with a faint smile, unfazed. “Here I was, thinking that you only paid attention to others‘ clothes, but I see you’re also interested in their men.” 

Shelley shut up upon hearing that. 

“It would be better for you to mind your own business, Ms. Ruthford. You can’t always jump to defend others just because they give you a look, only to end up with nothing for yourself while they laugh at you behind your back,” Angela reminded, smiling as innocently as ever. 

Shelley was furious and was practically itching to tear her apart, but something did feel off. Hadn’t she stepped in because Elena had left the opening for her to confront Angela? 

Could it be… 

“Let’s go, Shelley. If Ms. Graham doesn’t appreciate our company, we should keep our distance from her,” Elena said, taking Shelley’s hand and leading her toward the ballroom. 

Shelley suppressed her suspicions and followed without further comment. 

Elena’s beauty, gentle demeanor, and reputation as an artist made her a natural center of attention wherever she went. As soon as she appeared, all eyes turned to her. 

Dexter noticed her as well. 

Her beauty wasn’t as striking as Angela’s but was more subdued. With her resilient personality and intelligence, she far surpassed the less intelligent and refined young ladies in their circle. On top of that, he owed her a debt of gratitude too. 

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Chapter 11 

To him, she was truly a rare confidante. 

“Nice dress.” Dexter took the initiative to raise his glass and clink it against hers. 

The irritation in Elena’s eyes dissipated. This was exactly the effect she wanted–to make her presence known. 

“Elena, you look gorgeous tonight. Here’s a toast to you.” 

“Ms. Carrey, when will you grace us with your new work?” 

“Your dress is stunning, Elena.” 

Within minutes, Elena was surrounded by admirers. She basked in their attention, exchanging toasts and moving gracefully among them like a proud princess. 

Just then, a murmur spread through the crowd near the entrance. 

“Isn’t that Mrs. Bamford? She’s wearing the same dress as Ms. Carrey. 

“Trying to mimic Elena, huh? So what if she’s pretty? She’s timid and has no class. Everyone knows Mr. Bamford has no interest in her.” 

“Hmm… But she does seem a little different tonight.” 

Whispers followed Angela wherever she went, all because she had married Dexter. 

Since the beginning, everyone had seen her as the desperate fool who clung to him, only to be constantly dismissed. Angela was used to it by now, but tonight, things were going to be 

different. 

Angela had a confident air about her that night. She walked to the center of the ballroom with her head held high, looking down on everyone and everything. 

“Mrs. Bamford, Mr. Bamford Sr. will be here shortly, Please wait a moment,” Igor Chase. whispered in her ear. 

He was Joseph’s personal assistant, and he was the only reason she had managed to get in. 

“Dexter, Ms. Graham just told us that you bought her dress. Where did you buy it? Could 

let us know? We’d love to get one too,” Shelley asked loudly. 

you 

Dozens of eyes turned toward Angela’s dress. People thought that the dress was exquisite -as expected of something Dexter had bought 

Angela stiffened and felt a sense of numbness take over her. Knowing Dexter, he wouldn’t hesitate to deny it in front of everyone or say something to humiliate her. She couldn’t let that happen! 

Before Dexter could speak, Angela quickly stepped forward and linked her arms with his enthusiastically. 

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She smiled and replied, “Aren’t you asking the obvious, Ms. Ruthford? While we were at the entrance, you just commented that my dress is the same as the one worn by Ms. Carrey that’s from Amoure Royale. Have you forgotten so soon?” 

After that, she lowered her voice and whispered urgently in Dexter’s ear, “If you embarrass me, I’ll tell Grandpa.” 

Only the two of them could hear what she had just said, and Dexter was momentarily stunned. 

He glanced down with a complicated expression as he looked at her arm in his. From the corner of his eye, he noticed the guarded look in Angela’s eyes. 

Those eyes had once held only resentment and an unfulfilled love that was burdensome he had been repulsed by that desperate and deferential look. 

But tonight, there was something different in those very same eyes. There was a mix of wariness, mischief, unease, and a touch of a threat… It was an array of emotions he had never seen in her eyes before.