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

Zayn had reserved the largest private room

Dexter hadn't been planning on going. But when Zayn had mentioned that

on, happy birthday to me!" Zayn raised his glass, toasting everyone

in unison, except for Dexter, who remained

mind at all-merely having Dexter present

special someone this year.” Elena handed him a pair of limited-edition

face lit up with delight. “Thanks, Elena darling.

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

a

nonsense.'

it off and sat

few of his friends huddled in

a streamer painting live right now. It's

phone and plopped down on the couch. The others

delicate, fair hands. The streamer didn't speak, and only the sound of the brush could be heard in

this? Sure, her hands look soft and fair. Can you imagine how smooth they must feel?” Zayn commented,

screen, where the pair of hands was working

the streamer. They all pulled out their phones and flooded

stunned for a second before she chuckled. Her voice

[}

Chapter 17.

“Thank you

sounded modified, but it was unmistakably a

a sweet

He toyed with his

his odd behavior and sat

upset.

suspiciously like that of the room in Bamford Estate. So, she suspected that

"Nothing,” Dexter replied indifferently.

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

sip of her drink, Elena casually suggested, "Why

since she's been out, and it's