Love and Devotion No Longer His to Claim (Angela and Dexter) novel Chapter 4

Dexter cleared his throat with a light cough before pressing the answer button. "Yes, Grandpa?"

The robust voice of an old man came from the other end. "Dexter, I may be sick, but I'm not dead. Did you even know it was Angie's birthday yesterday?"

Upon hearing this, Dexter glanced at Angela before speaking politely into the phone. "Of course I knew it was her birthday yesterday. I even organized a grand celebration for her."

"Hmph! Don't try to fool me!" Joseph Bamford scolded.

The next moment, there was the sound of Joseph angrily handing the phone over to his butler, Gary Butler.

Gary took over the call and spoke respectfully to Dexter. "Mr. Bamford Jr., Mr. Bamford Sr. has been feeling some discomfort in his chest over the past couple of days. If you have the time, bring your wife along to visit him at Bamford Manor. Mr. Bamford Sr. might not say it, but he probably misses the pasta she makes."

Dexter remained silent for a moment before agreeing. "I'll bring her over shortly, Mr. Butler."

After hanging up, Dexter calmly adjusted his cuffs and asked in a seemingly casual tone, "Didn't you post any birthday photos yesterday?"

With just that question, Angela understood what he meant—the lack of photos had caused Joseph to worry.

"Grandpa isn't well, and he's getting on in years. Whatever you may be thinking, keep it to yourself in front of him. Understood?" Dexter warned.

Angela nodded wordlessly and got up to get dressed.

Joseph was the only one in the Bamford family who had ever truly treated her well.

When she had been ten, Marie had died saving Joseph. After that, Bill had gotten married again, and Judy had become her stepmother. Bill had used this debt of gratitude to secure Angela a foothold in the Bamford family.

Feeling sympathy for her and having always liked Angela, Joseph had forced Dexter to marry her.

She and Dexter getting divorced was a private matter. So, there was no need to trouble Joseph about it. He didn't need to know.

Dexter went downstairs first and picked out a Cullinan from the garage. He didn't ask Chet to drive him to Bamford Manor. Instead, he drove the car out himself. The engine emitted a low hum in the night.

Angela changed into a white camisole dress and draped a pale blue shawl over it, accentuating her curves. Her long hair cascaded down her shoulders, and the pale skin on her neck was partially visible, adding a touch of allure.

She forcefully tugged on the handle of the door to the back seat, but it wouldn't budge.

The window on the passenger side rolled down halfway, and Dexter's impatient voice came from inside. "Get in the front."

Angela hesitated only briefly before opening the door and getting in.

Dexter stepped on the accelerator pedal somewhat heavily as he drove off.

The inertia caused Angela to be thrown back into her seat slightly, making her frown. She glanced sideways at Dexter, who had one hand resting on the wheel. He was completely focused on the road, seemingly oblivious to her presence.

He had always been like this. In their three years of marriage, he had seldom given her any of his attention unless it had been necessary.

Over the years, Angela had rarely gotten to ride in his car. The times she had gotten to sit in the passenger seat were few and far between.

Now that she was preparing to divorce Dexter, she didn't bother to engage him further. Hence, the drive was silent.

The car stopped in front of Bamford Manor, which was on the outskirts of town. With its lush greenery and vast expanse, it resembled castle grounds from the last century—rustic yet grand on the outside and luxurious on the inside.

Just as Angela was about to open the door to get out, Dexter grabbed her wrist. "Hold on."

She turned around in puzzlement to see Dexter looking unusually serious.

"What?" she asked curtly.