Love and Devotion No Longer His to Claim by Dream Fish

Chapter 17

"You're so useless, Dexter. You can't even help someone up properly! I still don't know what Angie saw in you. Oh right, I was the one who arranged your marriage, after all.

"Without my aid, how would you have been lucky enough to marry such a beautiful and outstanding wife like Angie? You should count your blessings..."

Joseph went on and on, scolding Dexter endlessly. Dexter had no choice but to listen, and it

was torturous.

"Grandpa, don't bother with him. Let's go. I'll make you your favorite bouillabaisse and grilled fish." Angela took Joseph's arm and led him away, giving Dexter an exaggerated eyeroll over her shoulder as she went.

Dexter was furious, yet he had nowhere to vent.

That night, Angela retreated to her bedroom early and locked the door. With Joseph gone, she had temporarily lost her protector and couldn't afford to provoke Dexter too much.

"Mrs. Bamford, Mr. Bamford has gone out. You're free to come out." Donna's voice came from the other side of the door.

Angela felt a rush of relief but remained cautious. She peered through the peephole and saw that there was indeed only Donna outside. Instantly, she relaxed upon learning that Dexter wasn't around.

"Where did he go?" she asked as she stepped into the living room.

Donna shrugged and replied, "I heard someone arranged a last-minute gathering and invited Mr. Bamford over. I don't know the details."

"Who cares,” Angela muttered.

Suddenly, an idea came to her. "Donna, I'll write you a list-please buy these items for me as quickly as possible."

Sometimes, when inspiration struck, she had to draw immediately, or the moment would pass. Angela had been in an excellent creative state lately. She had just come up with an idea for her latest artwork.

It would be a portrait of Joseph. Angela intended to give it to him to make him happy.

Donna returned quickly with everything on the list.

Angela took a shower and changed into her pajamas. She set up her new streaming equipment on her desk and spread out the paper.

It was going to be a long night.

Chapter 17

had reserved the largest private room to celebrate his birthday with a dozen

Dexter hadn't been planning on going. But when Zayn had mentioned that Elena would be there, he had

me!" Zayn raised his

up with their glasses in unison, except for Dexter, who

didn't mind at all-merely having Dexter present was already a

special someone this year.” Elena handed him a pair

lit up with delight.

and she glanced instinctively at Dexter, who happened to look up was steady just then. Their eyes met, and

flustered, she responded with a laugh, "Who's your

nonsense.'

and sat down to open his other

noticed a few of his friends

now.

on the couch. The others

screen was just a tabletop and a pair of delicate, fair hands. The streamer didn't speak, and only the sound of the brush could be heard in the background. There was the occasional chime of the viewers sending

you imagine how smooth they

the screen, where the pair of hands was working intently. His expression suddenly

Dexter was interested in the streamer. They all pulled out their phones and flooded the streamer's live room

second before she chuckled. Her

[}

Chapter 17.

you so

voice sounded modified, but it was unmistakably a

art, and a sweet voice. I bet she's

them noticed Dexter's expression growing darker by the second. He toyed with his phone wordlessly and drank another glass of

sat beside him. "What's wrong, Dexter?

upset.

The decor in the streamer's room looked suspiciously like that of the room in Bamford Estate. So, she suspected

"Nothing,” Dexter replied indifferently.

was a close friend, he wasn't interested in airing

Elena casually suggested, "Why don't you invite Angela to join

she's been out, and it's Zayn's birthday.