Love and Devotion No Longer His to Claim (Angela and Dexter) novel Chapter 12

Chapter 12 

Instinctively, Dexter turned to look just as Angela glanced back at him. She flashed him a smug smile. 

“Angie, you look beautiful today. This dress suits you so well. Dexter and I spent quite some time picking it out for you. It really is stunning!” Joseph praised her with a smile. 

With that, all doubts were dispelled instantly. 

It turned out that Joseph himself had chosen this dress for Angela. Of course, he wouldn’t buy her counterfeit dress. 

Elena felt as if she had been slapped across the face. It left a stinging, burning sensation on her cheek. The faces of those who had mocked Angela earlier turned pale as they fell silent 

too. 

Angela’s nose tingled as she fought back the urge to tear up. Of all the Bamford family members, only Joseph had ever shown her true kindness. 

She knew very well that Dexter would never care about her clothing. Joseph had said that the dress was from him to salvage her dignity. 

As the drinks flowed and the guests mingled, Angela remained by Joseph’s side until someone whisked him away for a toast. She then discreetly slipped into a corner and snacked on an exquisite piece of cake. 

As she nibbled on the cake, she took in the scene before her. The radiant crystal chandeliers, the guests clinking glasses, the opulent yet understated decor, and the rare delicacies at the buffet all combined into a vibrant image of high society life. 

The scene before Angela was imprinted into her mind. 

“Ms. Graham, why are you here alone?” Elena approached out of nowhere, holding a glass 

of wine. 

Angela’s gaze dimmed slightly, but she kept her expression composed and unruffled.” Aren’t you alone as well, Ms. Carrey? Where’s Dexter? Isn’t he keeping you company?” 

When she mentioned Dexter, there was no longer an edge to her tone but rather a calm and detached nonchalance, as though she was speaking about a stranger. 

Elena raised an eyebrow. “Ms. Graham, you seem different today.” 

“Indeed. Even a dress can cause such fuss from you all–it’s clear I’m not the same as you lot,” Angela replied, standing up and clinking her glass against Elena’s. 

She felt the slight vibration at the tip of her fingers as their glasses touched. Then, she took a sip and savored the rich taste of the wine as it slid down her throat. It was slightly bitter 

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Chapter 12 

at first, and then the sweetness came forth. The taste lingered in her mouth.. 

At that moment, a cheer arose from somewhere nearby, drawing Angela’s attention. Upon turning to look, she saw Dexter approaching. 

He just couldn’t leave her alone. 

Then again, it made sense that he was headed this way. He was very protective of Elena. He would do anything in his power to prevent anyone from harming his precious lady. 

“You’re here, Dexter. We were just discussing your refined taste,” Elena said with a smile.. 

She paused for a bit and continued, “By the way, I think Ms. Graham has misunderstood the events of the other night. I was genuinely unwell on your birthday. I never intended to ruin your time alone with Dexter.” 

Dexter’s gaze darkened as he cast a warning glance at Angela. 

But Angela didn’t look back at him. She had just picked up a small blueberry–flavored cake from a server. It was sweet but not cloying, and it melted in her mouth instantly. 

“What?” she asked upon noticing the both of them watching her with different expressions. 

Elena laughed drily and said, “Dexter, why don’t you explain to her? She seems a bit upset.” 

Dexter snorted coldly, a flicker of annoyance passing through his eyes. What was there to explain? Did she deserve an explanation? 

“There’s no need. I know I’m not worthy enough to demand that,” Angela interjected. 

“Good that you know,” Dexter responded with a sneer. 

Ignoring him, Angela got up and headed toward Joseph. She intended to say goodbye and make an early exit. Inspiration had struck her suddenly, so she couldn’t wait to return and start painting. 

Once she was outside the ballroom, she felt a sense of relief and lightness. It seemed that these rigid settings didn’t suit a free spirit like hers. 

“Taxi!” she called out, waving for a cab. 

To her surprise, a cold, austere voice came from behind her. “Where do you think you’re going?” 

Angela’s back stiffened, and she instinctively tried to flee. However, he held her arm tightly. 

“Let go of me!” she demanded, yanking her hand away. She spat, “Dexter, are you interested in me? Otherwise, why would you keep following me?” 

Chapter 12 

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“Interested in you? What makes you think you’re worthy?” he retorted with a scoff. 

Towering over her, he looked down at her like a master looking down at his slave. His words bore down on her, pinning her to a pillar of shame. The blood in her veins seemed to flow backward as all the humiliation she had ever endured resurfaced, trapping her within. 

Of course, she wasn’t worthy. 

With a cold, mocking smile, she replied, “If I’m so unworthy, then why are you blocking my way?” 

Her eyes seemed to glisten with unshed tears, which she quickly forced back. 

Dexter felt strangely irritated seeing her being stubborn like this. “Come back with me.” He grabbed her hand and forced her into his car. “Mom’s here today. She wants to see you.” 

“I’m not going back.” Angela tensed up and made to escape. But Dexter had already gotten in, thus blocking her exit. 

If 70% of the pain in Angela’s life over the past few years had been caused by Dexter, the remaining 30% was undeniably due to her mother–in–law, Fiona. 

Fiona had come from an elite family. She had an assertive personality and had long held the position of head of PR at Bamford Co. The company’s growth was closely tied to her efforts. 

However, Angela had a strained relationship with Fiona. She had tried to find common ground and ease the tension, but it had been impossible. 

Fiona’s sole expectation of Angela was that she bore a child with Dexter. 

Angela had once wanted that too, but Dexter had never given her the chance. Not only had he refused, but he had also left her to face Fiona’s harsh criticisms alone. 

Every time Fiona had visited, Angela had had to brace herself to be on the receiving end of a barrage of reproachment.