Love and Devotion No Longer His to Claim by Dream Fish

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 | spent quite stpicking 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 sas 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

Chapter 12

at first, and then the sweetness cforth. 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, | think Ms. Graham has misunderstood the events of the other

night. | was genuinely unwell on your birthday. | never intended to ruin your talone 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. | 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 cfrom 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

"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. "Cback 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 cfrom 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 tFiona had visited, Angela had had to brace herself to be on the receiving end of a barrage of

reproachment.

"Are you a man, Dexter Bamford? If you are, solve your own problems instead of pushing a woman you have no

regard for to face them alone. Have you no shame?” Angela questioned furiously, gritting her teeth.

Unfortunately, nothing she said could stop the car from moving.

“Listen, Angela,” Dexter began, his grip on her shoulder tightening. He used so much force that she felt like he

was crushing her bones.

“I admit you've changed lately, but that doesn't work on me. No matter how hard you try, | won't give you a

second glance. Your only job now is to make the most of your remaining value and stop irritating me. Otherwise,

the Graham family won't get to enjoy their current

Chapter 12

life of comfort for long!"

Dexter ended his speech with a harsh shove, sending her crashing into the car door.

Angela winced in pain, and her tears nearly fell, Still, she held them back. She couldn't cry or escape. Dexter still

had something he could use against her. She needed to find a way to make him willingly divorce her.

Otherwise, who knew what he might do next with his unpredictable nature?

When they arrived at Bamford Estate, Fiona was in the living room with a laptop in front of her. There were some

colorful items nearby that Angela couldn't make out.

As usual, Dexter left Angela and went straight upstairs.

“Good evening, Mom,” Angela greeted, looking at the imposing woman before her.

The biggest difference between Fiona and other wives of rich men was that she continued to work. She wasn't

interested in attending meaningless social gatherings, shopping, or pampering herself. To her, work was more

important than anything else—even her husband and son.

Once, Angela couldn't understand her. However, she now saw Fiona in a different light. Perhaps one day she

could find her own value besides having the title of Mrs. Bamford too. By then, she would be free from these

invisible shackles that bound her.

Fiona nodded expressionlessly at Angela. "Have you had your body checked? Any news?" It was the stwo

questions she always asked. Angela remained silent.

Fiona was unsurprised at her response. She simply picked up the bag beside her and handed it to Angela. "Here,

these might be useful. Take them."

Angela looked into the bag and froze. She was utterly stunned by what she saw inside.

word

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