Love and Devotion No Longer His to Claim (Angela and Dexter) novel Chapter 33

Chapter 33 

Before Angela could respond, Cecilia suddenly exclaimed, “Oh my, Angela, what happened to your face? It’s all red. Did someone slap you?” 

Angela had tried covering the handprint with foundation before coming here, but it hadn’t done a thorough job. 

Meanwhile, the slap she had given Fiona earlier, though seemingly harsh, had barely left a 

mark. 

“Fiona, this really isn’t right. Angie may not come from a wealthy family, but she’s a good girl. How could you treat her so harshly? Imagine how heartbroken her parents would be if they knew!” 

Ursula’s putrage seemed genuine, as though she was standing up for Angela. 

At that moment, Joseph’s expression darkened to a degree that felt almost palpable. 

Fiona stood silently, clearly in a precarious position. Yet, she refused to glance at Angela. 

She had indeed slapped Angela. She wasn’t the type to bow her head or apologize to someone she deemed unworthy. Especially not when she had acted in Dexter’s interest. 

“Grandpa, you’ve misunderstood,” Angela quickly interjected with a smile. “The redness 

face is just an allergic reaction to a face mask. 

on my 

“Mom may come across as cold, but she genuinely cares about Dexter and I. She’s also. incredibly busy. Without her, Bamford Co. wouldn’t have survived all the negative press unscathed.” 

She only said a few simple sentences, yet they skillfully shifted the narrative. 

Joseph was slightly taken aback. He glanced at Angela with a flicker of admiration in his 

eyes. 

“Is that so?” he muttered. “If you say so, I’ll believe it. But remember, no matter what happens, harmony within the family is the key to everything.” 

Realizing her attempt to stir the pot had failed, Ursula became visibly annoyed. She opened her mouth to speak, but Cecilia stopped her. She shot her a look, signaling for Ursula to be patient. 

“Grandpa, let Mom stay here. Dexter’s sudden injury has her more worried than anyone else,” Angela added. 

Joseph looked at Angela, a hint of suspicion gradually filling his eyes. 

Seizing the opportunity, Ursula added tactfully, “Dad, since Fiona is staying, Cece and I will take our leave. If Dexter wakes up, please let us know so we can rest easy.” 

Chapter 33 

+25 BONUS 

Her sense of timing was impeccable. 

Joseph nodded, granting his approval. 

Before leaving, Ursula gave Angela a sly smile. Angela maintained her perfectly poised demeanor. Her smile betrayed no flaws. 

As Ursula walked away, Angela’s mind drifted to the past. 

She had once admired Ursula. Despite knowing that Miles and Dexter’s father, Marcus Bamford, were at odds, Angela had often seen Fiona suffer in Ursula’s presence. Time and again, Ursula and Cecilia had managed to snatch away resources meant for Fiona. 

Back then, Ursula and Cecilia had frequently extended their friendliness toward Angela. Upon discovering this, Fiona had scolded Angela harshly, accusing her of siding with outsiders and being utterly foolish. 

At the time, Angela hadn’t given it much thought. She felt a warmth from Ursula and Cecilia that she had never experienced before, which made her increasingly distant from