Love and Devotion No Longer His to Claim (Angela and Dexter) novel Chapter 234

Angela was already feeling irritated and had no patience to deal with Mia.

"I'm fine. I'm leaving. Ms. Spencer, don't follow me."

But Mia grabbed her wrist. "Ms. Graham, if there's something bothering you, you can talk to me. This is the Jewell residence; if there's anything I can help with, I—"

"Ms. Spencer, you're overestimating yourself."

Angela pulled her hand back, her gaze sharp.

"Instead of spending time trying to make friends, you should focus on improving yourself. Otherwise, even if you had a hundred friends, the people who look down on you still won't see you any differently."

Her words were blunt, cutting straight through Mia's intentions and laying them bare for all to see.

Mia's face paled. "I—I wasn't… I just thought, since you helped me, I—"

"I helped you?" Angela let out a cold chuckle.

"Or did you guide me into helping you? Who can really say? Tell me, as the hostess of the banquet, how did you just happen to end up in the back garden, where Olivia and her group were waiting to corner you? And just by chance, I happened to be there too?"

Angela studied Mia with a half-smile, but the frustration in her heart was surging out of control.

"Given how intelligent you are, winning over the Jewell family shouldn't be too difficult. So do yourself a favor—stay away from me. Stop trying to curry favor. I won't accept it."

With that, she turned and walked away, her steps firm and unwavering.

Mia stood there, watching Angela's figure disappear, her expression darkening. She hadn't expected Angela to be so direct.

But then again, she liked dealing with smart people. It made things easier.

…

"Not interested."

As always, Clara was quick to lay out the pros and cons.

Angela sighed lightly. "I'll think about it."

But it was clear—she was already wavering.

Dexter found her helpless expression amusing. "You're overthinking it. Relax a little. Zayn just wants to help Mia get integrated into the social circle. That's all."

He was organizing a horseback riding event at Mia's equestrian club and had invited a large crowd. The first invitation had gone straight to Angela.

Angela gave a nonchalant shrug.

"Nothing's ever that simple. There's no such thing as a free lunch."

She saw things for what they were.