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.

as Angela's but was more subdued. With her 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

him, she was truly a

Dexter took the initiative to raise his glass and clink it against

irritation in Elena's eyes dissipated. This was exactly the effect she wanted-to make her

tonight. Here's a toast

will you grace us with

is

was surrounded by admirers. She basked in their attention, exchanging toasts and

a murmur spread through the crowd near

wearing the same

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

does seem a little different

wherever she went,

beginning, everyone had seen her as the desperate fool who clung to him, only to be constantly dismissed.

different.

center of the ballroom with her head

will be here shortly, Please wait a moment," Igor Chase. whispered in her ear. He was Joseph's personal assistant, and he was the only reason she had managed to

Graham just told us that you bought

know? We'd love to

you

the

he wouldn't hesitate to deny it in front of

stepped forward and linked her arms with his enthusiastically.

just commented that my dress is the same as the one worn by Ms. Carrey

urgently in Dexter's ear, “If you embarrass me, I'll

two of them could hear what she had just said, and Dexter was momentarily

arm in his. From the corner of his eye, he noticed the guarded look in Angela's