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.

was more subdued. With her resilient personality and intelligence, she far surpassed the less intelligent and refined young ladies in

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Chapter 11

she was truly

took the initiative to raise his

was exactly the effect she

gorgeous tonight. Here's a

you grace us

dress is stunning,

by admirers. She basked in their attention, exchanging

through the crowd

She's wearing the same

huh? So what if she's pretty? She's timid and has no class. Everyone knows Mr. Bamford has no interest

But she does seem

wherever she went,

to him, only to be constantly dismissed. Angela was used to it by now, but

different.

night. She walked to the center of the

whispered in her ear. He was Joseph's personal assistant,

told us that you bought her

to get one too," Shelley

you

Angela's dress. People thought that the dress was exquisite -as expected of

numbness take over her. Knowing Dexter, he wouldn't hesitate to deny it in front of everyone or say something

quickly stepped forward and linked her arms with

Ruthford? While we were at the entrance, you just commented that my dress is the same as the one worn by

whispered urgently in Dexter's

them could hear what she had just said, and Dexter

with a complicated expression as he looked at her arm in his. From the corner of his eye, he noticed the