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."

froze. "What? You

met her gaze. "We did. He came to me first. He wanted me to call off the

sense now. She frowned,

approached her more than once, trying to persuade her. Once, he'd even drugged her food

and had been determined to

back now, Austin had been completely right. Yet, she'd

that he was invited to share his experience?" Angela murmured,

here for

at Dexter in shock. The bright and dazzling lights of the banquet hall seemed to cast

time ago. But when

ahead-thank me," Dexter said with a smug grin, a flicker of satisfaction in his

originally been unwilling to return from overseas. Dexter had gone to great lengths, offering various benefits, and barely

worried and didn't

was saying. She felt anxious about meeting Austin, afraid that she wouldn't know what to say. She

he wouldn't

That

embarrassing.

time passed, Austin even took the stage to give a speech. Seeing his confident demeanor made Angela more anxious. Unfortunately, after finishing, he took a phone call and left, showing no interest

thought he'd simply stepped out to take

expected he wouldn't

made her way home, an overwhelming sense

approached him to talk? Now I don't even know where he's staying, let alone

along with all his other contact details. Over the years,

to see you today. Who knows? He

of silence, she said, "Still,

of

lips tugged into a knowing smirk as he looked at her

then let out an awkward chuckle. She asked

"You only expressed your

appreciation verbally? Austin is

as hell. If I

to persuade him,