Love and Devotion No Longer His to Claim (Angela and Dexter) novel Chapter 38

Chapter 38 

“Fine!” Dexter shot Angela a cold glance before leaving. 

As soon as he left, Shelley immediately dropped the act. 

“Angela, I really don’t get why you even bothered showing up. You knew you’d be humiliated, yet you still came here. I’ve got to admit that you’ve got guts. It almost makes 

me respect you. 

“Alright, let’s go. The ceremony’s about to start.” Elena tugged at Shelley’s arm to stop her from saying anything further. 

Throughout it all, Angela remained calm and collected. She knew exactly what she was there for the rest didn’t matter to her. 

“I heard the first prize is already decided. Apparently, the winner has some connection with Mr. Bamford, the organizer. She’s trained under a famous designer,” one whispered. 

“Well, then we’re just competing for the honorable mentions, I guess. At least we’re all top designers at big companies. But what’s Angela even doing here?” 

“She’s probably here to fill the numbers. Who knows what she’s trying to do? How could a clueless housewife possibly win?” 

The murmurs cut through the air. Even though Angela was sitting in the farthest corner, she still heard every word. Yet she remained unfazed. 

Elena turned back from the front row, stealing a quick glance at Angela… 

The latter sat there, calm and composed, with a quiet confidence, as if she already knew she was going to win. 

Elena’s chest tightened. She pretended to withdraw her gaze indifferently. She was sur that Angela would be utterly humiliated later. 

“Alright, everyone! It’s time for the moment of truth. Get ready to witness a miracle. In three, two, one… Who will take first place?” 

As the host, Benton Bradley, spoke, the lights suddenly went out. 

The room plunged into darkness. Spotlights began to flicker unpredictably, as though waiting for the moment they would settle on the winner. 

The audience held their breath. The only sound was the collective thumping of their nervous hearts. 

Angela’s heart raced as well. She silently prayed, hoping to win. 

It didn’t even have to be first place. Just a third–place finish would be enough to secure the 

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+25 BONUS 

Chapter 38 

five million dollars. 

Suddenly, a brilliant beam of light landed on her. 

Angela instinctively shielded her eyes. Her mind went blank. She couldn’t even comprehend the significance of the spotlight. 

“And the winner is… Ms. Angela Graham!” Benton announced with excitement. 

As the announcement echoed, the sound of simulated fireworks filled the air, and the atmosphere instantly reached a peak. 

But after that brief moment of excitement, a heavy silence followed. 

No one could believe that this was the result. 

Angela an outsider–had won first place. How was that possible? 

Angela was shaken to her core, but quickly, overwhelming joy flooded her. 

This was incredible! She won the prize money! She could finally redeem her mom’s house! No longer would she be held back by Dexter. She could even get a divorce! 

“Let’s give a warm round of applause as we welcome Ms. Graham to the stage to receive her award!” Benton maintained his professionalism. Smiling, he gave a cue for Angela to step onto the stage. 

“How could it be her? She knows nothing!” Shelley shouted as she stood up. 

Beside her, Elena was brimming with fury,