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.

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

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Chapter 11

she was truly a

took the initiative to raise his glass and clink it against

dissipated. This was exactly

you look gorgeous tonight. Here's a toast to

will you grace us with

is

their attention, exchanging toasts and moving

then, a murmur spread through the crowd near the

Mrs. Bamford? She's wearing the same dress as Ms.

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

seem a little different

she went,

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

different.

a confident air about her that night. She walked to the center of the

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

just told us that you bought

know? We'd love to

you

of eyes turned toward Angela's dress. People thought that the dress

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

could speak, Angela quickly stepped forward and

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

lowered her voice and whispered urgently in Dexter's ear, “If you embarrass

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

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