Love and Devotion No Longer His to Claim (Angela and Dexter) novel Chapter 348

"But this whole issue started because of Mr. Graham," Clara explained. "Apparently, he and Joel were love rivals in their youth, which made them particularly dislike each other.

"Their rivalry has lasted to this day. Even though Mr. Graham is no longer involved in company affairs, Joel still refuses to let us off."

Angela was stunned. "Love rivals? Joel also liked Judy?"

Clara shook her head fervently. "No, not her. I believe he liked Madam Marie."

The moment those words left her mouth, Clara looked a bit uneasy, not daring to lift her head.

Marie was no stranger—she was Angela's mother.

Angela remained silent, flipping through the information Clara had compiled on Joel. Her gaze lingered on his picture. He was a man in his 50s who still had an air of refined elegance.

Joel Crawford… Marie had never mentioned him, nor had she left behind any notes about him.

Angela couldn't help but wonder whether Joel had gone against Bill all these years as a way to avenge Marie.

It seemed quite plausible to her.

"What if I go see him?" she asked.

Clara gave her a disapproving look. "That might not work. Everyone knows you're Mr. Graham's daughter—there's no way Joel doesn't know that. Even if he knows you're Madam Marie's daughter, he'll still hold a grudge against you for following Mr. Graham for so long."

Angela nodded. "Alright, let me think it over."

When she got home that evening, Dexter noticed something was off with her mood and asked what was wrong.

After Angela told him everything, Dexter asked if she needed him to step in and help resolve the issue.

The next morning, a man named Nigel Barnes appeared in Angela's living room.

Joanne introduced him briefly. "This is Nigel Barnes, my elder brother. He's a retired kickboxing champion and currently a state kickboxing team coach."

Nigel had slicked-back hair and a stern expression. He extended his hand toward Angela, his voice icy. "Nice to meet you."

His simple greeting carried an unmistakable sense of pressure and intimidation.

Angela was stunned. That was fast. Besides Dexter, who else could have found someone like this so quickly?

"Nice to meet you, coach." Angela greeted him respectfully while shaking his hand.

"If you choose me as your coach, prepare to experience hell," Nigel stated coldly, sounding like an emotionless machine.