Love and Devotion No Longer His to Claim (Angela and Dexter) novel Chapter 10

Chapter 10 

Angela didn’t look up. “Please move aside.” 

She was polite, but the person in front of her didn’t budge. 

“It’s only been a few days, and you’ve turned yourself into a beggar? Angela, would you really rather degrade yourself like this?” A familiar, cold voice came from above. The speaker’s tone was dripping with contempt. 

Angela froze and looked up, meeting Dexter’s deep, dark gaze. As their eyes met, she swallowed nervously. Nevertheless, her initial surprise quickly turned to annoyance. 

“Why can’t you just leave me alone?” She gathered up her chicken thigh and snacks, ready to leave. 

Her days had been fulfilling and busy lately, so she had barely thought of him. But she had only managed to take a few steps before Dexter grabbed her by the collar and dragged her back to his car. 

As he leaned close, Angela glared at him warily. “If you come any closer, I’ll bite you again.” 

Dexter pulled a long face instantly, and he grabbed her wrist. 

“You look ugly. How am I supposed to take you to the banquet?” he muttered in irritation, barely wanting to look at her. 

Angela had once had a hint of elegance, but now, there was none of the polished refinement as all she wore were casual and carefree clothes. 

If it hadn’t been for Joseph’s orders to attend the event with her, Dexter would never have lowered himself to come to this dump. 

“What are you talking about? I never agreed to go with you.” Angela pushed him away and got out of the car. 

Dexter went after her and said irritably through gritted teeth, “Don’t push your luck, Angela. You’ve been throwing this tantrum long enough. I’m giving your one last chance. Come home with me, or you’ll forever-” 

“I choose the second option,” Angela cut him off bluntly before he could finish. She asserted, “From now on, I will never, ever return to that house of yours. Please give me the divorce papers as soon as possible, and stop showing up in front of me!” 

Her voice, which was usually soft and calm, was now sharp and assertive. It startled Dexter, causing him to frown as he stared at her. 

‘Angela, what right do you have to demand a divorce? Without me, who will support the Graham family? Who will protect your useless half–brother? I guess I’ve been too kind 

+25 BONUS 

Chapter 10 

lately. You seem to have forgotten your place.” 

Dexter laughed coldly, stepping closer to tower over her. He knew her weak points, and he chose to tear open her wounds without mercy. 

Angela realized he had never considered her feelings at all as she stared into those cold. 

eyes. 

Her eyes stung, and she fought back the prickling sensation in her nose. “Think what you like. I’m not going ” 

She turned to leave, but Dexter grabbed her again. His grip was so tight that it felt as if he would crush her bones. 

“You don’t have a choice!” Dexter glared at her. “If you’re not at the banquet venue by 7:00 pm tomorrow, I guarantee that your mother’s house will have a new owner by then.” 

Not only would he control her, but he would destroy everything she held dear without a second thought. 

Angela clenched her fists, her expression unwilling. Yet, there was nothing she could do. The next day at 6:40 pm, Dexter’s black SUV pulled up outside the motel. 

“Where is she?” he asked as he stepped out of the car, his clothes billowing slightly in the cool evening breeze.. 

Erica’s gaze froze for a moment as she hesitantly asked, “Mr. Bamford, do you really plan to take Mrs. Bamford with you?” 

Lately, Angela seemed to be pulling all–nighters, which made her look worn and unkemp. She wasn’t fit to be seen in public. 

Dexter shot Erica a look. “Are you questioning my decisions?” 

He wasn’t really asking for her opinion. 

Erica quickly lowered her head and murmured, “No, what I mean is that Mrs. Bamford’s gown for tonight is champagne–colored, so you might want to coordinate your attire accordingly.” 

Erica’s heart pounded anxiously. Something had seemed off with Dexter for the past few days, especially his attitude toward Angela. 

In the past, thanks to Elena, he had been lenient with Erica. But recently, she had nearly gotten into trouble with him more than once. 

“Mr. Bamford, Mrs. Bamford is almost ready. There’s just the hair styling left. Please wait a moment.” The stylist emerged to inform them. 

Dexter, however, glanced at his watch impatiently. “There’s no time. Tell her to meet us 

24 

Chapter 10 

there.” 

He got back in the car, unwilling to walt another second. Erica exhaled in relief upon seeing his impatience. 

With no one to accompany her, Angela had to get to the venue on her own. The event was hosted by Joseph, who intended it to be a large networking opportunity for the elite. 

When Angela stopped out of the car, she struggled to manage the long train of her dress. She climbed the steps, only to find two ushers checking invitation cards at the door. 

Unfortunately, she didn’t have one. 

“I’m sorry, miss. Even Mr. Bamford would need an invitation tonight. You could ask someone to take you in, though,” one of the ushers said politely with a smile. 

Angela froze, her face burning with embarrassment. The despicable Dexter had called her here only to leave her stranded outside. Did he want her to make a fool of herself? 

She pulled out her phone to call him, but just then, two people approached. 

“Elena, isn’t that Ms. Graham? It seems she’s wearing Amoure Royale’s latest collection. I think she’s trying to compete with you,” one of them remarked in a voice all too familiar to Angela. 

Upon turning back, Angela saw an equally familiar face. 

Shelley Rutherford, the young heiress of the Rutherford family, was beautiful and vivacious. She was popular among the scions of the other elite families. 

Shelley had always looked down on Angela for getting married to Dexter. She was of the opinion that it was undeserved good fortune on the Grahams‘ part. 

Next to Shelley stood a poised woman wearing a champagne–colored gown identical to Angela’s fishtail dress. 

It was Elena. 

She glanced over Angela, and a subtle, cold glint passed through her clear eyes. This gown was something Elena had specifically prepared for tonight. After waiting an entire month, she had only received it that morning. 

The brand representative had assured her that there were no more than five of these dresses worldwide and that they wouldn’t be sold in the same area. 

Yet here was another one, right in front of her. And to make matters worse, Angela was wearing it. 

In her four–inch heels, Elena took two steps toward Angela nonchalantly. “What a coincidence, Ms. Graham. Who would have thought we would have such similar tastes in 

3/4 

Chapter 10 

clothes?” 

Sho 

then turned to Shelley. 

+25 BONUS 

Shelley smirked and said, “There’s no way you have similar tastes, Elena. Your gown is the latest design from Amoure Royale’s head designer. There shouldn’t be another one like it in Aldairia. Where could Ms. Graham have gotten hers? I hope she didn’t buy a counterfeit dress.” 

With just a few words, Shelley attracted the attention of those nearby. People began to gossip, speculating that Angela’s dress was probably from some flea market or thrift shop. 

Angela sneered inwardly. In the past, she had been oblivious and celebrated her anniversaries only for Dexter to reaffirm his loyalty to Elena. 

Today, this dress fiasco was likely yet another setup by the Carrey sisters. 

Unfortunately for them, she would no longer let others manipulate her and walk all over 

her.