Love and Devotion No Longer His to Claim (Angela and Dexter) novel Chapter 239

"Do you know how to ride?" Mia asked, gesturing toward the stable in the distance. "I can find you a gentle horse and walk you around a few times. I promise you'll love it once you get the hang of it."

Horses roamed the stable—some munching on feed, some snorting, while others kicked up dust as they pranced.

Angela's attention drifted to a group of socialites gathered outside the stable, picking out horses. Among them, she recognized Shelley. She stood arm-in-arm with Elena, pointing at the different horses in the stable.

Shelley's voice was loud as she complained that one horse was too fat and another's coat too dull. Meanwhile, Elena remained quiet and composed, though she occasionally glanced back at Angela, her expression unreadable.

"Just find me one that isn't too spirited. I'm not much of a rider," Angela said.

In truth, she was being modest. Growing up, she'd watched Tyler and Marie ride with ease and had picked up a lot just by observing.

Angela had even gone riding with friends from time to time. But that had been years ago, and she wasn't sure how much of it she still remembered.

Mia led her to a small black horse. "This is Charcoal. He might seem sluggish, but he's actually quite steady."

Angela couldn't help but be amused. Most people named their horses something grand like Windchaser or Snowhoof—names that carried a sense of elegance. But Mia? She'd simply named hers Charcoal.

"Charcoal, be good for me, alright?" Angela stroked the side of his face.

Charcoal snorted and blinked as if he understood.

Before Mia could say a word, Angela scoffed. "Who do you think you are? Either ride or get lost."

Angela would have to be blind not to catch the scorn in Shelley's eyes and the unmistakable satisfaction lurking in them.

Shelley's expression became dramatically shocked. "My goodness, Ms. Graham, what's that supposed to mean? Ms. Spencer can lead your horse, but not mine? Or do you think she's your personal stablehand? That's rather demeaning, don't you think?"

By now, a cluster of onlookers had gathered, relishing the unfolding drama.

Not far off, Dexter and Zayn were engrossed in conversation. They could see the tension brewing but were too far away to catch the words.