Love and Devotion No Longer His to Claim by Dream Fish

Chapter 11

Chapter 11

After a brief pause, Angela smiled, “Oh, really? I didn't know that. Dexter bought this dress. for me. As for where he got it, or how many there are in the country-I honestly have no Idea. I have plenty of dresses like this in my closet, Ms. Carrey. If you like, I can give you a few.”

Angela's voice was clear and pleasant to the ears. Her gaze was pure and free of any hint of sarcasm. It was as if she hadn't noticed the mocking undertone in Shelley's and Elena's words.

Elena's face fell instantly. She couldn't believe that the dress she had been so proud of was nothing more than one of the less remarkable pieces in Angela's closet. It was impossible.

Dexter would never take Angela shopping, let alone buy her such a dress!

Shelley noticed Elena's reaction and took a step forward. She snapped at Angela, nonsense are you saying? Why would Dexter buy you clothes? Everyone knows you threw yourself at him. He-”

“Why are you so worked up, Ms. Ruthford? You're getting a bit too emotional,” Angela said with a faint smile, unfazed. "Here I was, thinking that you only paid attention to others' clothes, but I see you're also interested in their men."

Shelley shut up upon hearing that.

"It would be better for you to mind your own business, Ms. Ruthford. You can't always jump to defend others just because they give you a look, only to end up with nothing for yourself while they laugh at you behind your back,” Angela reminded, smiling as innocently as ever.

Shelley was furious and was practically itching to tear her apart, but something did feel off. Hadn't she stepped in because Elena had left the opening for her to confront Angela?

Could it be...

"Let's go, Shelley. If Ms. Graham doesn't appreciate our company, we should keep our distance from her," Elena said, taking Shelley's hand and leading her toward the ballroom.

Shelley suppressed her suspicions and followed without further comment.

Elena's beauty, gentle demeanor, and reputation as an artist made her a natural center of attention wherever she went. As soon as she appeared, all eyes turned to her.

Dexter noticed her as well.

resilient personality and intelligence, she far surpassed the less intelligent and refined young ladies in their circle. On top

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Chapter 11

she was

took the initiative to raise his glass and clink

exactly

gorgeous tonight. Here's

you grace us with your new

dress is

their attention, exchanging toasts and

murmur spread through the crowd near the

wearing

pretty? She's timid and has no class. Everyone knows Mr. Bamford

seem a little

went, all because she had married

had seen her as the desperate fool who clung to him, only to be constantly

different.

center of the ballroom with her head held high, looking down

in her ear. He was Joseph's personal

just told us that you bought her dress. Where did

know? We'd love to get one too," Shelley asked

you

the dress was exquisite -as expected of

hesitate to deny it in front of everyone

Angela quickly stepped forward and linked her arms with his enthusiastically.

we were at the entrance, you just commented that my dress is the same as the one worn by Ms. Carrey

her voice and whispered urgently in Dexter's ear, “If you embarrass me, I'll

what she had just said, and Dexter was momentarily

as he looked at her arm in his. From the corner of