Love and Devotion No Longer His to Claim by Dream Fish

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.

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

the handle of the door to the back seat, but

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

opening

pedal somewhat heavily as he

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

marriage, he had seldom given her any of his attention unless it had

in his car. The times she had

didn't bother to

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

was about to open the door to get out, Dexter grabbed her

turned around in puzzlement to

"What?" she asked curtly.

remind you again-Grandpa can't handle surprises.

tone cold as she replied, "I

she got out, she shrugged her shoulders against the chilly night air.

wait for him. He caught up with her in a few strides and placed a hand over

her halt, and her body stiffened for a

Rosewell sat elegantly, holding a steaming cup

Dexter and Angela's return. Angela wasn't

now that she was on the brink of

the initiative to greet Fiona,

moment, Fiona reluctantly nodded and said, "Oh,

lingered on Dexter's hand that was on Angela's shoulder, and she frowned slightly. She

as usual, ignored her and walked