Love and Devotion No Longer His to Claim by Dream Fish

Chapter 416

However, Angela appeared nonchalant. She was experienced in public speaking, having frequently delivered speeches at the company and even gained a following of admirers. To her, a speech at a homecoming didn't seem like anything particularly impressive.

Sure enough, the first speaker was the nephew of Westbridge High School's principal. As a newcomer with little experience, he was supported by a group of backers, and his speech was passionately and eloquently written.

However, his slightly hoarse voice and trembling hands made it clear to everyone just how nervous he really was.

"Just a rookie. Nothing special." Angela leaned back in her seat absentmindedly. She was clearly unimpressed.

Dexter wasn't interested either. Every so often, he glanced toward a seat ahead of him as if something had caught his attention.

Angela was curious. He was typically the one intriguing others and was always calm and distant. She wondered why he was suddenly so distracted.

Following his gaze, her eyes landed on a familiar figure. She was shocked to realize it was Austin Howard, her former senior. He was a legend in the international design industry.

She wondered why he was there. No... She couldn't be certain just yet. She needed to verify if it really was him.

Angela struggled to compose herself, forcing down the wave of nervousness rising within her. Her eyes remained fixed on that silhouette, the familiarity growing stronger with each passing second.

Then, as if sensing her stare, he suddenly turned his head.

It was really Austin! Although they hadn't seen each other in years, Angela could

still instantly recognize that face and unmistakable demeanor.

Austin was the most valued mentee of their shared mentor, Genevieve. He'd inherited Genevieve's design company and taken it to new heights, significantly impacting the global market.

Angela just recalled that he'd also graduated from this very high school. However, he hadn't returned from abroad in years.

"Stop staring. Everyone's starting to notice your behavior." Dexter's deep voice snapped Angela back to reality.

Indeed, whispers had already begun spreading around her.

Her heart raced. She had no time to care about the murmurs. She asked, "Do you know him? He's Austin. Austin Howard!"

Dexter chuckled casually, his tone indifferent. "Of course, I know him. How could I not? Before we got married, he showed up and picked a fight with me. We both walked away with some bruises."

"What? You

"We did. He came to me first. He

sense now. She

approached her more than once, trying to persuade her. Once, he'd even drugged her food in an attempt to forcibly take

her true love and had been

been completely right.

was invited to share

for you,"

The bright and dazzling lights of the banquet hall seemed to cast

her some time ago. But when nothing

said with a smug grin, a flicker of satisfaction in his

he really was behind it! Austin had originally been unwilling to return from overseas. Dexter had gone to great lengths, offering various benefits, and barely managed to convince

worried

what the host was saying. She felt anxious about meeting Austin,

he wouldn't

That would

embarrassing.

the stage to give a speech. Seeing his confident demeanor made Angela more anxious.

simply stepped out

never expected he wouldn't

way home, an overwhelming sense of

I don't even know where he's staying, let alone

changed his phone number long ago, along with all his other contact details. Over the years, they'd completely lost

to see you today. Who knows? He may reach out to you in a couple of days," Dexter

silence, she said, "Still,

the car over to the side of the road, then turned to

knowing smirk as he looked

out an awkward chuckle. She asked with a hint of guilt, "What's

"You only expressed your

appreciation verbally? Austin is

as hell. If I hadn't

effort to persuade