Love and Devotion No Longer His to Claim (Angela and Dexter) novel Chapter 342

Dexter's sulky yet handsome face finally softened a bit. He shot Angela a glare, muttering, "I thought you really had no conscience."

Angela ignored him, had someone put away the gown, and headed outside the banquet hall to welcome the guests.

Finn and Callum arrived together. The two brothers exchanged pleasantries with Angela in the foyer, but midway through their conversation, they suddenly fell silent.

Angela turned her head and, sure enough, saw Dexter standing behind her like a stone-faced guardian, his expression both arrogant and wary.

She quickly ushered Finn and Callum inside, then dragged Dexter to a secluded corner.

"What are you doing? Why are you walking around showing people your grumpy expression? What did they ever do to you?" Angela scolded him with a stern expression.

With a pout, Dexter replied honestly, "I just don't like them. This isn't a recent thing. How could you not know?"

On the surface, he acted defiantly, but deep down, he felt oddly pleased.

He was delighted that Angela would show him different sides of her while she only smiled at everyone else. Didn't that count as special treatment?

"You either fix that sour look or leave—I'll have your seat removed. Your choice!"

Angela had no interest in analyzing his micro-expressions. If anything, she felt the urge to punch that perfectly styled head of his.

A few minutes later, when they reappeared in public, Dexter had reluctantly put on a passable smile.

Many of the guests Angela invited recognized him. Seeing the usually aloof CEO of Bamford Co. being so approachable, they were pleasantly surprised.

One by one, they eagerly shook his hand, striking up conversations, making it seem as if Angela was the outsider instead.

Not that it mattered. As long as the event was lively, that was enough.

After the incident with Zack, Angela's online reputation hadn't been great, and quite a few media outlets were waiting to see her embarrass herself tonight.

This was her first anniversary event since taking over Graham Group. Any mistake, no matter how small, would become fodder for criticism.

After a brief introduction by the host, Angela was invited on stage to deliver a speech.

Brimming with passion and positivity, she radiated an indescribable warmth and vibrancy reminiscent of a thriving sunflower field.

Dexter sat quietly in the audience, his gaze locked onto her in the dim light.

It felt almost surreal to him. Hadn't it only been a short while? Yet, the woman who had once followed him so obediently had transformed into a towering tree, full of life and strength, without him noticing.

Her back was straighter now, and she was standing tall for all to see. Others could only look up to her.

Still, the gown she was wearing was his gift. That meant that he shared in the glory of her brilliance tonight.

The only flaw in this otherwise perfect moment was the fact that Finn was sitting right next to him.

In the darkness, Dexter didn't deliberately look at Finn's expression. Chances were, he wouldn't have been able to anyway, but he could clearly feel the person beside him smiling.

That irritated him.

Suddenly, a loud crash echoed through the space. The massive chandelier in the center of the stage had come crashing down without warning.