Love and Devotion No Longer His to Claim (Angela and Dexter) novel Chapter 8

Chapter 8 

Zack hung his head in shame, unable to say a word. 

The man in black sneered. “Desire is a bottomless pit, lady. Your brother has no real skills but dreams of getting rich overnight. He took a high–interest loan from me. The interest is Just piling up. If you don’t want to help him, it’s fine. I’ll just take one of his hands to teach. him a lesson.” 

“Angle, I swear I’ll never gamble or borrow money again! This is the last time I’ll turn over a new leaf! If not for me, then for your mom’s house! If I’m gone, they’ll definitely take it!” Zack prostrated himself before Angela and begged desperately. 

Angela bit her lip and reluctantly took out her wedding ring. This was her masterpiece, and when it had initially been released, it had caused a sensation in the design world. So many diamond wedding rings on the market had since been inspired by hers. 

Yet, to this day, no one knew she was the designer. 

“Is this worth anything?” The man in black held up the wedding ring, examining it under the light. 

The 19 rare pink diamonds sparkled brilliantly, illuminating the entire basement. 

“You can have it appraised–it’s worth at least five million dollars.” Angela’s voice was icy, but her heart was bleeding from her loss. 

Her eyes stayed fixed on the ring she had given up. She silently reminded herself to remember this humiliation and pain. 

Someday, she would take back everything that was hers. 

“Where did this ring come from?” Dexter sat in his office chair, casually toying with the wedding ring in his hand. 

He seemed relaxed, but the air around him was chilling. The temperature in the large office seemed to have dropped in an instant. 

Zayn shrugged. “A buddy of mine said he found something good, so he brought it over to show me. You know, my grandma always liked Sue Zahn’s designs, but she vanished from the scene a few years ago. I’m not even sure if this is real, so I thought I’d ask for your opinion.” 

“Is that so?” Dexter’s expression was stern as he paused, his gaze fixed on the ring. After a slight pause, he said, “It’s a pity that this ring isn’t one of Sue Zahn’s creations.” 

Zayn was about to sip his coffee, but upon hearing that, he set down his cup 

in 

+25 BCAA 

disappointment. 

He remarked, “Really? Then who do you think designed it? I thought it was pretty unique. Even if it’s not Sue Zahn’s piece, I think I’ll still keep it. They say it’s worth over three million dollars.” 

He reached out, intending to take the ring back. However, Dexter didn’t hand it over. 

“It’s worthless. Your buddy got scammed. “His tone was lazy but had an edge. 

Zayn scratched his head and said, “I don’t mind. I think it looks nice, and I’d like to keep it. 

To his surprise, Dexter suddenly stood up and pocketed the ring. “What’s there to keep? It’s worthless. I’ll throw it away for you.” 

With that, he strode out the door. 

In the car, Chet glanced at Dexter through the rearview mirror hesitantly. He then looked over at Erica, who was in the passenger seat, 

Erica was Dexter’s longest–serving and most trusted secretary. But there was another reason for his trust her sister, Elena, had a special place in Dexter’s heart. 

Erica turned to Dexter and asked, “Mr. Bamford, where are we headed 

Before she was done asking, she caught a glimpse of the ring in Dexter’s hand and froze. Isn’t that Mrs. Bamford’s ring? How did it end up with you?” 

She recalled the confrontation she’d had with Angela the day before and felt nervous. 

“What exactly did you say to her yesterday?” Dexter questioned coldly. 

Erica’s heart raced as she lowered her head and replied, “I just told her not to handle the Bamford family’s properties recklessly.” 

Dexter loosened his tie irritably. “Go to Brighton Road.” 

Chet immediately started the car and drove off 

Angela was staying at a small motel on Brighton Road. It was the only place she had managed to secure a stay for now. 

When she got back to her room, she headed straight to the bathroom to wash away her frustration. As the warm water cascaded over her, it provided her with a sense of comfort. 

But strangely, she felt Dexter’s presence. 

Angela rolled her eyes at herself the moment the thought formed in her head. She was being ridiculous–why was she even thinking of him? 

She mourned the three years she had blindly wasted. Now, she was adamant about 

7/4 

+25 BONUS 

Chapter 8 

severing ties with him completely. 

Angela turned off the water and wrapped herself in a towel. She stepped out cursing,” Dexter Bamford, you scumbag! If there’s any justice in the world, may you go broke and 

starve…” 

The words had barely left her lips before her face turned pale in the next second. 

She just realized that there were people in her living room. The unwelcome guests were none other than Dexter and Erica. One was seated while the other was standing. 

Dexter’s tall, muscular frame looked out of place on her tiny, shabby couch. The sight of him made the whole room feel cramped. His legs were crossed as he watched Angela calmly. His eyes were dark and piercing as he took in her embarrassment and distress. 

“If I go broke, you’ll be worse off.” He smirked, his lips curling up in mocking amusement. 

“Damn it! Had he been here the whole time?” Angela wondered, feeling a chill run through 

her. 

Instinctively, she tightened her towel around her and gritted her teeth. “If you’re not here to deliver the divorce papers, then leave. You’re not welcome here.” 

“Mrs. Bamford, Mr. Bamford came here for your sake. How could you say that?” Erica rebuked her coldly as though reprimanding an unruly student. 

Angela shot her an icy glare. “Perhaps you’ve forgotten–this isn’t Bamford Estate. Nothing here belongs to Dexter. I am the one who owns everything here!” 

Her voice wasn’t loud, but every word held impact and exuded a strange sense of authority. 

Erica was momentarily stunned and frowned hard in response. Had Angela lost her mind How dare she speak this way? Surely Dexter would teach her a lesson for her audacious behavior. 

“Leave us,” Dexter ordered with a wave of his hand.