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

planning on going. But when Zayn had mentioned that Elena would be there, he had

to me!" Zayn raised his

with their glasses in unison, except for

at all-merely having Dexter present was already

you'll find your special someone this year.” Elena handed him a pair of limited-edition

up with delight. “Thanks, Elena darling. Love

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

with a

nonsense.'

off and sat down to open his

you guys looking at?" Zayn noticed a few of his friends huddled in the corner and staring at

right now. It's

plopped down on the couch. The others crowded around

fair hands. The streamer didn't speak, and only the sound of the brush

soft and fair. Can you imagine how smooth they must feel?” Zayn commented, handing

the phone and glanced at the screen, where the pair of hands was working intently. His expression suddenly shifted,

They all pulled out their phones and flooded the streamer's live room with gifts.

a second before

[}

Chapter 17.

you

voice sounded modified, but it was unmistakably a

the right vibe-beautiful art, and a sweet voice. I bet

by the second. He toyed with his

sat beside him. "What's wrong,

upset.

had sensed something unusual. The decor in the streamer's room looked suspiciously like that of

"Nothing,” Dexter replied indifferently.

close friend, he wasn't interested in airing his family's dirty

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

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