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Chapter 252
Kaugnay na kabanata
Love and Devotion: No Longer His to Claim Chapter 253
"Security, remove him," Angela ordered indifferently. "Take him directly to the police station."The dumbfounded Sean stepped back in disbelief, but he was still surrounded and forcibly taken away by the security personnel."Angela! Angela, you wretched woman! If Graham Group remains in your hands, it will be ruined by tomorrow! You'll die a miserable death!"His screams were quickly silenced as someone covered his filthy mouth.The entire spectacle lasted less than five minutes. Throughout the ordeal, Angela maintained a perfect smile—calm, composed, and utterly unfazed."You're truly decisive in action, Ms. Graham. I have learned something from you today," Harvey said with a smile as if he had just enjoyed a rare and spectacular show.Angela remained especially humble. "What I can do doesn't even come close to what you can, Mr. Collins. I am the one who still has much to learn from you."With that, their meeting came to an end.As soon as Harvey left, Angela headed straight f
Love and Devotion: No Longer His to Claim Chapter 254
"My dad's assistant told me." Sean closed his eyes, not daring to look at the person in front of him anymore.He felt a deep sense of fear—Angela was just too terrifying.A few minutes later, Andrew was brought in.He had anticipated that Angela would make a move, but he hadn't expected it to happen so quickly.He had indeed orchestrated today's incident—he wanted Angela to lose Harvey's trust so that he could continue to pressure her and make it impossible for her to hold her ground in the company.That way, Graham Group would still be under his control.What he didn't expect was the complete lack of commotion outside."Ms. Graham, what is the meaning of this?" Andrew stepped into the security office, immediately spotting Sean detained on the couch, looking nervous and fearful."Dad, this woman almost killed me just now!" Angela sat calmly on the couch, looking unbothered.Andrew, however, was furious. "Angela, what did you do? What gives you the right to treat Sean like th
Love and Devotion: No Longer His to Claim Chapter 255
Andrew's face darkened even more. He took two steps back, a hint of fear flashing in his eyes.Angela continued, "Let me be honest with you. If you had simply stayed in your lane as COO and done your job without making mistakes or causing trouble, I would have tolerated you."I might have even ensured that the company supported you in your retirement. Alas, why couldn't you just do so? Why must you insist on opposing me and forcing my hand?"Angela sighed softly. "Now that everything has been laid out on the table, you should understand where my resolve is coming from. So, I'll give you two choices."One—you voluntarily leave the headquarters and take a cushy position at one of Graham Group's subsidiaries for your retirement. Two—you can continue to oppose me, and I'll send Sean straight to the police.""You insolent brat!" Andrew roared, humiliated and furious. "You're just a young woman—do you really think you're all that? How dare you challenge me?""Haven't you already seen f
Love and Devotion: No Longer His to Claim Chapter 256
"That has nothing to do with me." Angela remained indifferent. "Dexter is free to do whatever he wants."She genuinely believed that avoiding unnecessary interactions with certain people would save her energy and prevent her from getting emotionally drained.Angela waited in the hospital lobby for nearly ten minutes, but when Dexter still didn't appear, she decided to head home.Spending the past two days at the hospital had indeed been exhausting. Now that Elena and Dexter could comfort each other, there was no need for her to linger around.Besides, there was a chance that her presence would ruin things for them. She knew better than to do what she shouldn't.Unexpectedly, she had barely sat down at home when Dexter called."Why didn't you come to the hospital?" he questioned. His voice was cold, carrying an undeniable sense of pressure.Angela shrugged. "I did, but when I heard that Ms. Carrey was with you, I decided not to disturb you. I even brought you some ravioli, but si
Love and Devotion: No Longer His to Claim Chapter 257
Dexter left the hospital and headed straight for Villa Heights.Meanwhile, Angela was having a relaxing evening in the living room. She was soaking her feet and watching a movie with a face mask on. Beside her was a cup of herbal tea. She was completely at ease.This was the life she had always dreamed of—work during the day, rest at night, and enjoy every moment."You seem to be having a relaxing time." Dexter's voice suddenly rang out, startling Angela."Why are you back? Didn't the doctor say you shouldn't move around for a week?" She sat bolt upright, half of her face mask slipping off.Dexter scoffed and sat down on the couch. "There's no one there to take care of me. Am I supposed to just sit there and wait for my death?"Angela was speechless.What the heck? Did he wake up on the wrong side of the bed? What was his deal?She quickly removed her face mask and got up. "How are you feeling then? A-aren't you being too—"Before she could finish, Dexter shot her a sharp, icy
Love and Devotion: No Longer His to Claim Chapter 258
"Bribery? So you bought them off? I don't think that would work. They'll probably just mock you behind your back." Dexter sounded a bit concerned."No, no." Angela continued, "Each of them was given a different gift."Dexter looked a little shocked for a moment, then a glimmer of admiration showed in his eyes—though he quickly masked it. "Explain."Angela crossed her arms, looking triumphant as if she had the whole world in her grasp. "Francis is obsessed with collecting antique artwork, so I sent him an antique painting that Bill had bought at an overseas auction years ago."He was suspicious of my intentions, but he couldn't resist the allure of the artwork and ended up accepting it, albeit hesitantly. "As for Dale, he's a simple brute. He's not particularly capable but is obsessed with money. He's also as stingy as they come. So, I gifted him a black card that had a million dollars on it. The one Grandma gave me back then was—""What?" Dexter was stunned. "That card is one
Love and Devotion: No Longer His to Claim Chapter 259
"Yeah, Pete! How could you do this to us?" Francis reproached him with knitted brows.Outwardly, he was backing Andrew up, but on the inside, he was filled with doubts.He hadn't expected Angela to send gifts not just to him, but to Pete as well. He believed Angela must be desperate, resorting to such a foolish strategy as buying them off.However…Francis stroked his chin. That painting was exquisite—so much so that he couldn't stop admiring it. He had already hidden it away at home, reluctant to let anyone else lay eyes on it."Uncle Andrew, I just want to gain some experience away from headquarters. Don't worry, even if I go to the subsidiary, I would never betray you. Angela wants you to move to a subsidiary too, right? That way—""You're an absolute fool!" Andrew interrupted Pete with a cold sneer. "Can't you see this is clearly a ploy to weaken you? Once you leave for the subsidiary, there's no telling if you'll ever return. By the time she dismantles everything you've pa
Love and Devotion: No Longer His to Claim Chapter 260
Just then, Angela's phone rang unexpectedly. It kept ringing repeatedly. Zack was calling her. He would never come to her without a reason. If he was this anxious, something serious must have happened."Angie, come out now. I'm in your office."Angela rushed to her office, where Zack was already on his feet to greet her. "Angie, Dad suddenly vomited blood. I got someone to take him to emergency care. You need to come with me. I think it's really bad this time."Angela put down her bag and asked as she hurriedly followed Zack outside, "What happened?" His brows were furrowed tightly. "I don't know either. Oh, right—earlier today, I went to visit him. He asked how things were going, and I told him you were doing great. I even praised you like crazy, telling him how you've turned the company around with your leadership skills and landed a huge deal—""Stop right there." Angela was at a loss. "Are you really not aware that he has a problem with me? What is wrong with your brain? Di
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Love and Devotion: No Longer His to Claim Chapter 435
Angela felt her throat tighten, and a rush of a sweet, metallic taste surged up from it.Genevieve… Her mentor…She had already abandoned Genevieve once, leaving her in despair and on the brink of collapse. Was she now going to let Genevieve pass away with regrets?"You're so selfish." The voice suddenly turned ice-cold. "Genevieve poured her heart and soul into you, gave you everything she had, and even wanted to entrust her life's work—her company—to you."And this is how you repay her? You've pushed her to the brink of death with your own two hands! How powerful and capable are you really?"Shaking her head repeatedly, Angela stepped back in denial. No… She didn't do anything…"You didn't? Where is Ms. Lawson now? How many days does she have left? If it weren't for what you said, would she be like this?"How could you be so selfish? You knew Ms. Lawson wanted you to leave Dexter, but you insisted on staying with him. Are neither Ms. Lawson nor Austin as important to you as th
Love and Devotion: No Longer His to Claim Chapter 434
It felt as if a pair of deadly hands had tightened around Angela's throat, forcing her to confront the deepest and most inescapable fear buried within her heart.Angela kept trying to convince herself that Dexter had changed. He was no longer the same person he used to be. He treated her well now. He had even risked his life for her.She couldn't let her inner demons control her. She had to live in the present instead of allowing herself to be tormented by the shame of the past over and over again."Do you really think he has changed? A person's nature is impossible to change, you fool."A voice echoed in the void, like a mirage of a mountain. Light as a feather yet crushing with the weight of a thousand boulders. It pressed down on Angela's heart, making her tremble."Who are you?" she asked, her voice shaking."I am you," the voice sneered. "A fragment of your consciousness. Your thoughts. Your mind."Angela took two shaky steps back, almost collapsing to the ground. Was she
Love and Devotion: No Longer His to Claim Chapter 433
Austin let out a deep sigh, saying nothing more.For the next few days, Genevieve showed no signs of improvement. She remained bedridden, drifting in and out of consciousness. She occasionally murmured in her sleep, making it even more painful for those around her to watch.Angela stayed by her side for two whole days and nights without eating or drinking. She poured all her energy into guilt and self-reproach, unable to understand why she had been so insistent that day.Regret was the only thing left."You should come out and eat something. I'll take over," Austin's deep voice came from outside the room.Angela snapped out of her daze and turned around, locking eyes with his dark gaze.Tears streamed down her face as she whispered, "Am I bad?"Austin paused for a moment before a faint smile tugged at his lips. "This isn't your fault. You only did what your heart told you to do."Angela's thoughts were a mess. One moment, she thought of Dexter, and the next, Genevieve. They sto
Love and Devotion: No Longer His to Claim Chapter 432
Knitting her brows, Angela lowered her head in silence."Angie, I know you're afraid of Austin. He just appears cold on the outside, but when it comes to you, he…" Genevieve suddenly trailed off, as if she had second thoughts.Summoning her courage, Angela piped up, "Ms. Lawson, Dexter has been very good to me lately. We had already decided to start over. I feel—""You've been completely fooled by him. You can't even tell who's truly good to you and who isn't. Don't think I don't know what kind of life you've been living these past few years. If I hadn't found out that you eventually pulled yourself together, I wouldn't have bothered with you anymore!"Genevieve's voice suddenly rose, her tone sharp and filled with agitation.Angela felt a heavy jolt in her heart, and she was bewildered."You were so talented back then. If you had stayed with me and worked diligently under my guidance, your achievements would have rivaled, if not surpassed, Austin's. Do you realize how foolish it
Love and Devotion: No Longer His to Claim Chapter 431
Angela never expected this to happen. Genevieve, her beloved teacher, had now changed beyond recognition overnight. It was as if her soul had been drained away, leaving behind only a mere shell of her old self.Austin rushed over, joining everyone in an attempt to calm Genevieve down. After exhausting all efforts, they eventually called her doctor, Oswald Reid, over to give her a tranquilizer. In the following days, Genevieve's condition was still the same. She drifted in and out of consciousness, and her lucid moments grew shorter with each passing day. However, she regained an unusual surge of clarity on the fourth day. After calling Angela and Austin over, she declared her intention to transfer all shares of Horizon, the brand she had founded during her younger days, to Angela and appoint her as the company's president. Hearing her words, Angela went numb. She rushed to dissuade Genevieve, convinced that she was still in a state of confusion, but Austin stopped her just befor
Love and Devotion: No Longer His to Claim Chapter 430
At night, Genevieve took a sleep-aid medication and fell into a deep slumber. Meanwhile, Austin wandered around the manor with Angela.The courtyard, featuring a garden, lawn, lake, forest, and horse stable, was illuminated by the peaceful light of the stars and moon, creating a dreamy atmosphere. To her surprise, behind the small forest near the horse stable, there was a secluded wooden cabin filled with various painting tools and art supplies.Angela couldn't help but recall the countless times she had casually mentioned that if she ever became wealthy, she would buy a vast manor. Then, she would fill the estate with trees and build a small wooden cabin among the trees, decorating it just the way she had always dreamed. Back then, Angela had still been a somewhat naive woman, indulging in romantic fantasies. However, after going through a difficult marriage and the stress that followed, she had long forgotten her past dreams."Do you like it?" Austin asked.Angela was briefl
Love and Devotion: No Longer His to Claim Chapter 429
Angela couldn't help but feel a bit nervous and uncertain. The last time she had painted was months ago during a livestream session. Though she still remembered what Genevieve and Austin had taught her, she worried that her rusty hands would fail her, earning her a scolding. "Ms. Lawson, what should I paint?" Angela asked as she spread out the canvas and carefully arranged the paints. Genevieve took a small sip of tea, sighing with gentle exasperation. "Why are you still so indecisive? Just paint whatever you feel like. As long as it makes you happy, that's all that matters." Angela shook her head with a wry smile. After that, she began sketching. She was capturing this very moment, with Genevieve sitting by the bed, gazing at her lovingly.Time passed slowly as Angela painted in silence, while Genevieve quietly admired her. She was calm and gentle.On the surveillance feed, Austin watched the scene with a complex expression, feeling conflicted.Elias stared intently at th
Love and Devotion: No Longer His to Claim Chapter 428
Elias and Austin clearly had a good relationship. He was extremely dedicated and responsible.As they reached the upper floor, a loud, furious roar came from the south-facing bedroom. "Get out, all of you! Who are you? Stop staying in my room!"Hearing that voice, Angela couldn't hold back any longer. She started crying again. It was Genevieve's familiar, slightly aged voice.At that moment, two maids rushed out in a panic. A loud thud followed from inside the room as if something had been thrown to the floor.Upon seeing Austin, the maids turned pale with fear, momentarily at a loss for words. After all, they knew that Austin cared deeply for Genevieve and wouldn't allow anyone to mistreat her."You can go now," Austin instructed, waving the two maids away calmly. Then, he pushed the door open and stepped inside.Angela followed closely behind. The moment she entered, her eyes fell on a middle-aged woman crouched in the corner, trembling with fear. She was thin, her hair strea
Love and Devotion: No Longer His to Claim Chapter 427
Austin watched the scene in silence, his expression unreadable. Though he remained indifferent, his fists clenched ever so tightly.Angela walked over, closing the transparent umbrella. "Austin, let's go."Her fingers tightened around the handle, her knuckles pale, and her lips had lost all color. It was an undeniable sign of exhaustion and weakness. "Let's go." Austin reached out to take the umbrella, but she didn't hand it over. Instead, she silently brushed past him and headed toward the airport. A faint pain stirred in his chest as he watched her stubborn figure disappear into the distance. Only now did he truly realize that she was no longer the same person she used to be.After an eight-hour flight, they landed in Yedren. Another exhausting ten-plus hours by car brought them to a remote, almost isolated town on Yedren's border. Unlike Yedren's bustling cities, this place offered beautiful natural landscapes, with mountains on one side and the sea on the other.The to
