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.

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

handle of the door to the

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

before opening the door and

the accelerator pedal somewhat heavily

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

In their three years of marriage, he had seldom given her any of his

The times she had gotten to sit

didn't bother to engage him further.

of town. With its lush greenery and vast expanse, it resembled castle grounds from the

to open the door to get out, Dexter grabbed her wrist. "Hold

in puzzlement to see

"What?" she asked curtly.

surprises. Think carefully before you speak,"

her tone cold

she shrugged her shoulders against the chilly night air.

up with her in a few strides and placed a hand over her

body stiffened for a brief

on the first floor, Dexter's mother, Fiona Rosewell sat elegantly, holding a steaming cup of dandelion

Gary announced Dexter and Angela's return. Angela wasn't surprised. For the past three years, Fiona had

shoulder. But now that she was on the

Dexter would never take the initiative to greet Fiona,

moment, Fiona reluctantly nodded and said, "Oh, you're here. Go greet

for them to leave her alone. Her gaze lingered on Dexter's hand

usual, ignored her and walked straight