Love and Devotion No Longer His to Claim (Angela and Dexter) novel Chapter 416

However, Angela appeared nonchalant. She was experienced in public speaking, having frequently delivered speeches at the company and even gained a following of admirers. To her, a speech at a homecoming didn't seem like anything particularly impressive.

Sure enough, the first speaker was the nephew of Westbridge High School's principal. As a newcomer with little experience, he was supported by a group of backers, and his speech was passionately and eloquently written.

However, his slightly hoarse voice and trembling hands made it clear to everyone just how nervous he really was.

"Just a rookie. Nothing special." Angela leaned back in her seat absentmindedly. She was clearly unimpressed.

Dexter wasn't interested either. Every so often, he glanced toward a seat ahead of him as if something had caught his attention.

Angela was curious. He was typically the one intriguing others and was always calm and distant. She wondered why he was suddenly so distracted.

Following his gaze, her eyes landed on a familiar figure. She was shocked to realize it was Austin Howard, her former senior. He was a legend in the international design industry.

She wondered why he was there. No... She couldn't be certain just yet. She needed to verify if it really was him.

Angela struggled to compose herself, forcing down the wave of nervousness rising within her. Her eyes remained fixed on that silhouette, the familiarity growing stronger with each passing second.

Then, as if sensing her stare, he suddenly turned his head.

It was really Austin! Although they hadn't seen each other in years, Angela could still instantly recognize that face and unmistakable demeanor.

Austin was the most valued mentee of their shared mentor, Genevieve. He'd inherited Genevieve's design company and taken it to new heights, significantly impacting the global market.

Angela just recalled that he'd also graduated from this very high school. However, he hadn't returned from abroad in years.

"Stop staring. Everyone's starting to notice your behavior." Dexter's deep voice snapped Angela back to reality.

Indeed, whispers had already begun spreading around her.

Her heart raced. She had no time to care about the murmurs. She asked, "Do you know him? He's Austin. Austin Howard!"

Dexter chuckled casually, his tone indifferent. "Of course, I know him. How could I not? Before we got married, he showed up and picked a fight with me. We both walked away with some bruises."

Angela froze. "What? You two fought?"

Dexter let out a long sigh and met her gaze. "We did. He came to me first. He wanted me to call off the wedding."

It all made sense now. She frowned, her mind racing.

Before her wedding, Austin had approached her more than once, trying to persuade her. Once, he'd even drugged her food in an attempt to forcibly take her away.

However, back then, she hadn't been thinking clearly. She'd believed she'd finally found her true love and had been determined to be with Dexter. There was no way she'd back out at the last minute.

Looking back now, Austin had been completely right. Yet, she'd already been through so much.

"Why was he here? Could it be that he was invited to share his experience?" Angela murmured, lowering her head.

"He's probably here for you," Dexter replied softly.

Angela was stunned, staring at Dexter in shock. The bright and dazzling lights of the banquet hall seemed to cast an indescribable glow on him.

He looked at her, his expression suggesting she owed him for the trouble he'd gone through.

Angela thought for a moment. "How about I transfer you some money?"

He nodded. "That works."

She was taken aback by how effortlessly the issue had been resolved. As she reached for her phone to complete the transfer, an accidental slip led her to add an extra zero, resulting in a staggering 214 thousand dollars being sent.

They were technically a couple now. She'd seen people online sending money like this as a romantic gesture.

Dexter casually glanced at his phone for the transfer confirmation before turning to her and asking, "Anything else?"

"What?" Angela was dumbfounded. There was nothing else she could give him. The only thing she was able to offer was money, though he hardly needed it.

Dexter pointed to his cheek.

Angela wasn't sure if her brain had short-circuited, but she instinctively gave him a light slap.

It didn't hurt at all. Yet, it made her look completely unhinged, like there was something seriously wrong with her.

He'd been hinting for a kiss, and yet she'd responded with a slap?

In an instant, Dexter became visibly upset. He rolled his eyes at her in frustration, turned to look out the window, and said nothing.

"My bad. I think something's wrong with my brain. How about I transfer another 214 thousand dollars to you?" Angela apologized with an awkward smile.