Love and Devotion No Longer His to Claim (Angela and Dexter) novel Chapter 318

"Since you've been so well-behaved today, pick anything you want to eat." Angela patted Zack's shoulder, a hint of approval in her eyes.

It was just around mealtime, and Zack immediately thought of a steakhouse on the fourth floor of the mall.

Angela didn't object. The three of them chatted merrily as they headed upstairs.

Zack soon started his flattery again. "Mia, I heard you and Zayn broke up. You're amazing! In my eyes, you're just as awesome as my sister."

"You sure know how to sweet-talk, huh?" Mia's smile faded slightly. It was obvious she wasn't keen on the topic.

Currently, only a handful of people—including Angela—were genuinely happy for her.

Most others, whether openly or behind her back, were criticizing her, calling her delusional, saying she had overestimated herself and had never been worthy of the Jewell family's son.

Mia didn't care about the gossip. Even while pregnant, she hadn't been idle. In the past few days, she had invested in an entertainment company with a friend, and soon, she would see returns.

She was determined to prove herself, just like Angela. She refused to be a fragile woman who could only rely on men.

"Mia. Mia?" Angela waved a hand in front of Mia. "What are you thinking about?"

Mia snapped back to reality. "Nothing. Let's go eat. I also want a smoothie."

The three chatted cheerfully as they walked and soon settled on a popular steakhouse. Two groups of people were already waiting outside.

A waiter came over to greet them, got them some chairs, and even brought out some fruit and snacks for them to munch on while they waited.

Angela and Mia were deep in conversation, not paying attention to the people coming and going around them. However, quite a few passersby were glancing at them—some subtly, some openly.

Peggy pouted, pointed at Angela, and instantly spun a lie. "Aunt Riley, this bad woman yelled at me and told me to get lost! You have to teach her a lesson!"

Riley's eyes darkened with anger. She lifted her gaze only to be momentarily stunned. She recognized Angela—and she was even more familiar with Mia, who was beside Angela.

"Ms. Zamora, what a coincidence." Mia smiled faintly, her expression gentle yet detached, her eyes showing not the slightest flicker of emotion.

"You two know each other?" Angela asked.

She also thought that Riley looked familiar—she must have seen Riley at some banquet before, but she didn't know her exact identity.

"Let me introduce you. This is Ms. Riley Zamora." Mia gave Angela a meaningful glance after speaking.

Their eyes met, and in that instant, Angela pieced things together.