Love and Devotion No Longer His to Claim (Angela and Dexter) novel Chapter 155

That day, the entire Bamford family gathered, and Mateo was invited to join via video call to witness the occasion in the Bamford Manor's memorial hall.

Angela had never met Mateo before, but after seeing him on the video call, she couldn't help but find him handsome. Whispering to Dexter, she remarked, "Mateo is gentle and elegant—he has the air of a doctor."

Dexter snorted. "You're spot on. He is a doctor, and a skilled surgeon at that. But don't get any ideas. He's cold and impossible to win over."

Angela blinked, baffled by the unnecessary warning.

"Let's begin now that everyone's here. Angela, as Dexter's wife, you should be the first to pay your respects," Natalie ordered coldly.

Irritated, Angela glanced at Joseph for support, but he merely sighed and gestured for her to comply. She felt trapped.

Joseph had always been soft on Natalie, rarely challenging her demands. Now, he seemed powerless to intervene.

Taking the flower offered by the butler, Angela felt the strong fragrance sting her nose, almost making her sneeze. She stifled the urge, thinking how ironic it would be if the ancestors knew that Natalie had brought a rebellious illegitimate child into the family. Would they rise from their graves to express their disapproval?

As she moved to place the flower, a loud crack startled everyone. A framed photo toppled from the display and shattered on the floor.

"What happened? Angela, what did you do?" Natalie's voice was sharp, her face pale with fury.

Angela frowned. "Grandma, with everyone watching me, what could I possibly do? You're giving me too much credit."

Joseph bent down to pick up the broken photo, his voice trembling as he called out, "Dad..."

Joseph's voice cut through the tension. "Dad made his feelings clear. I've reminded you again and again, but you wouldn't listen. Now look at this.

"If you keep Trevor out of the family, give him support, and let him live his life, I won't object. But bringing him in? That goes against everything Dad stood for. I won't allow it."

Angela felt a surge of admiration for Joseph as he finally stood his ground.

Natalie stood there, feeling isolated and powerless. She glanced at Marcus, who appeared just as bewildered.

Trevor stepped forward, his eyes red. "Grandma, it's okay. I don't need to be part of the family. I'm just happy to be here with all of you and to take care of you when I can."