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

a long sigh and met her gaze. "We did. He came to me first.

all made sense now. She frowned, her mind

to persuade her. Once, he'd even drugged her food in an attempt to forcibly

thinking clearly. She'd believed she'd finally found her true love and had

Austin had been completely right. Yet, she'd already been through

here? Could it be that he was invited to

here for

bright and dazzling lights of the banquet hall seemed to cast an indescribable glow

down Austin for her some time ago. But when nothing had

with a smug grin,

he really was behind it! Austin had originally been unwilling to return from overseas. Dexter had gone to great

worried and

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

that he

her. That would

embarrassing.

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 in speaking

simply stepped out

never expected he wouldn't come

her way home, an overwhelming sense of disappointment and regret settled deeply within her

Now I don't

with all his other contact details. Over the years, they'd completely

soon. I think he probably wanted to see you today. Who knows? He may reach

a moment of silence, she said, "Still,

over to the side of the road, then turned to her. The

lips tugged into a knowing smirk

out an awkward chuckle. She asked with a hint

"You only expressed your

appreciation verbally? Austin is

as hell. If I hadn't put in

to