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 two

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

all made sense now. She frowned,

trying to persuade her. Once, he'd even

back then, she hadn't been thinking clearly. She'd believed she'd finally found her true love and had been determined to be

had been completely right.

that he was invited to share his experience?"

for you," Dexter

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

Angela remembered that Dexter had tried to track down Austin for her some time ago. But when nothing had come of it, she'd assumed he'd given up. She wondered if this was his

me," Dexter said with a smug

from overseas. Dexter had gone to great lengths, offering various benefits,

worried and

anxious about meeting

he wouldn't

her. That would

embarrassing.

stage to give a speech. Seeing his confident demeanor made Angela more anxious. Unfortunately, after finishing,

moment, Angela thought he'd simply stepped out to take care of

She'd never expected he wouldn't come back

an overwhelming sense of disappointment and regret settled deeply

you think I should've just approached him to talk? Now I don't even

long ago, along with all his other contact details. Over the years, they'd

soon. I think he probably wanted to see

a moment of silence,

side of the road, then

lips tugged into a knowing smirk as he

an awkward chuckle. She

"You only expressed your

appreciation verbally? Austin is

as hell. If I

to