Love and Devotion No Longer His to Claim by Dream Fish

Chapter 18

Chapter 18

"Hey, it's Angela! Long time no see. Come on in!" Zayn's attention shifted immediately from the streamer to Angela as soon as he saw her.

The others watched intently, sensing the drama. Compared to some random streamer, Angela was far more interesting.

After all, among the socialites and heiresses in Eldmere, she was the only one who had managed to marry Dexter. It was still an incredible feat, even though her marriage was far from a fairytale.

"No, thank you,” Angela replied with a polite smile. "I'm here to take Dexter home. He said he was drunk."

Her demeanor was graceful, and her tone was gentle. She had an air of elegance about her. Dressed simply and untouched by heavy makeup, she radiated a calm beauty that made her stand out among the other women present in their flashy outfits.

-Zayn glanced at Dexter, feeling perplexed. He looked perfectly sober. There wasn't any

sign of drunkenness at all.

“Since you're here, come in and have something to eat before you leave, Ms. Graham,” Elena offered warmly, standing up and attempting to lead her inside.

However, Angela subtly evaded her touch. She looked over at Dexter, who wore an expression so glum that it seemed like someone had stolen millions from him. This irked her even more.

“Come on, Angela. It's my birthday today, and the night's still young. Dexter's only had two glasses of wine at most. How about you let him enjoy himself?

“I promise I won't stop you from taking him home once he's really had enough,” Zayn pleaded, ignoring any protests and guiding her to the seat beside Dexter.

Suddenly, the room's ten or so guests turned their attention to them. It was as if they were watching monkeys at a zoo.

Elena, seated on Dexter's left, was calmly slicing a peach. She then pierced a piece with a toothpick and handed it to him.

It was a seemingly harmless gesture, but with Angela present, it took on a different tone.

Someone commented with a smirk, “Everyone knows Angela never joins us. I wonder for whose sake she came tonight."

her voice laced with sarcasm while she

Chapter 18

said mockingly, "Dexter always likes to throw his family's weight around and use threats against the insignificant Graham family to get his way. Otherwise, do you think I'd want to come here and

said everything with a smile, her words

she had endured them for Dexter's sake, out of misguided devotion. In the end, she had only

no need for her

fell, everyone's expression

Dexter, so she used to brush off even the harshest

put Dexter on the spot. His expression soured considerably as he fixed an icy gaze on the defiant

words. "Didn't you say you were drunk? The

was still holding the toothpick with a slice of peach

said, "Ms. Graham, there's no need for such talk. Dexter only wanted to introduce his wife to his friends. He's doing it for the

Angela's eyes

firmly in place. How

so you do know that the Bamford family name is something to be maintained? If I'm here as Dexter's wife, then what's your role here exactly? Are you just a friend? I've never seen friends who

paused, and then pretended to realize something. “Oh, this must be that kind of close friendship that people talk about, right? You know—the kind where everything's

her lip in embarrassment. Even her

“Enough!” Dexter reprimanded coldly.

fury

Chapter 18

his gaze boldly and said, "The car is outside. If you want to go home, come with me. If not,

and endure their jabs. She would not put her dignity on a silver platter for Dexter's

up and walked toward the door. Behind him, Elena's eyes flashed with bitterness.

returned home, Angela

her with a

and turned to face him. "What

now.

him.

from the couch. His slightly drunken state made his stare even

asking yourself!” His tall figure loomed