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Chapter 90
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Love and Devotion: No Longer His to Claim Chapter 91
Dexter's gaze bored into Angela, his sharp eyes catching a faint whiff of alcohol on her. His displeasure deepened."Was dinner supposed to take that long?" His tone was icy. His stare was piercing, almost as if he could see through every secret she tried to hide.Angela rolled her eyes at him. "That's my business. What's the matter? Even though we're divorced, do you still want to pluck my feathers, break my wings, and keep me by your side like some pitiful recluse, only to cast me aside when you tire of me?"She gave a cold laugh and turned to leave without looking back.Dexter froze, his eyes locked on her swaying silhouette as she walked away. His throat tightened, an unfamiliar ache rising. For a moment, he recalled the woman Angela had been before their marriage—a fiercely independent individual.Back then, when she insisted on marrying him despite his objections, he had laid down one condition: she must abandon everything and stay home as a housewife. Without hesitation, sh
Love and Devotion: No Longer His to Claim Chapter 92
Even so, Angela kept one thing in mind—she knew that Nora wouldn't let things slide so easily. They were bound to find another excuse to stir up trouble, so she waited patiently.She didn't expect it to happen so quickly."Ms. Graham, that gown cost two million dollars just to make. And yet you casually dismissed it? How am I supposed to explain this to the company?"Nora stood with her arms crossed, her expression blank but her voice loud enough for everyone to hear.Angela remained calm, seated at her desk, reviewing the submitted design drafts. Occasionally, she paused to give feedback."Nora, I hadn't planned on holding you accountable for this, but what are you doing now? Are you volunteering to take the blame?" Angela glanced at her with faint amusement, her tone as light as a feather.Over the past few days, Angela had already looked into everything she needed to know. She couldn't fathom why Nora would still try to escalate things.Nora froze, a fleeting panic flashing t
Love and Devotion: No Longer His to Claim Chapter 93
Clara froze, confused by the sudden turn of events."Angela, what nonsense are you spouting? Are you out of my mind?" Nora snapped."Enough. Be quiet." Angela rubbed her temples. "You're giving me a headache."Without another word, Angela turned to her laptop, pulled up a video with a few swift clicks, and played it for everyone.The footage showed their former colleague, Rachel Carter—a petite woman often seen in a sunflower-patterned dress. She had a delicate and pleasant appearance.In the video, Rachel accidentally bumped into Clara in passing, causing a piece of clothing to fall to the ground. Rachel was quick to pick it up, glancing at it briefly before handing it back to Clara."Hey, look at this! Doesn't she have a small knife in her hand?" Alan's sharp eyes caught the detail immediately.His comment drew everyone's attention to the screen. He paused the video, zoomed in on the frame, and pointed. "Right here, see? That's a knife!"A murmur spread through the crowd as p
Love and Devotion: No Longer His to Claim Chapter 94
Nora's face was a kaleidoscope of emotions. Just moments ago, she had been vehemently defending herself, but now her mouth seemed glued shut, unable to form a single word.In the end, the matter escalated to Callum.Angela's proposed resolution was straightforward: terminate Nora's employment."This woman has nothing but ill intentions and is a constant source of trouble," Angela said coldly."I've already agreed to apologize, and you…""I don't accept it," Angela interrupted, her icy gaze cutting through Nora. "Someone as selfish as you, who is willing to jeopardize the company's interests for your own gain, is a liability. Keeping you around will only lead to bigger problems."Nora fell silent, instinctively looking to Stephen for help. He was the only one she could count on now."Mr. Snowden, Nora is under my supervision. I take responsibility for her actions," Stephen said, his voice hoarse and heavy."Then let her work at reception," Callum replied without looking up. "If
Love and Devotion: No Longer His to Claim Chapter 95
By the time they arrived at the hospital, Angela was trembling all over, unable to speak due to the pain."Acute appendicitis. It needs to be removed," the doctor said bluntly.Angela flinched, instinctively grabbing Dexter's large hand, her eyes filled with fear.Surgery? She was terrified of the pain."There's no other way. Leaving it untreated will hurt even more." Dexter sighed.It wasn't a major surgery, but Angela's fear was palpable. She was taken into the operating room and came out about three hours later. The night passed in a haze of antiseptic smells as she dozed on and off in the ward.Dexter stayed by her side the entire time, refusing to rest."What's going on with you and Angela? Are you two sleeping in separate rooms?" Fiona asked as she entered the room, scrutinizing Dexter.He froze for a moment."We've been arguing lately," he admitted. "She doesn't want to share a room with me."Fiona scoffed. "You're constantly seen with other women. No wonder she's fed
Love and Devotion: No Longer His to Claim Chapter 96
"Since you know your place, stop chasing after men who don't want you. Understand?" Fiona's voice cut through the tension as she entered the room, carrying several containers of food.Clad in a sharp business suit, Fiona exuded a cold and commanding presence that sent a chill through the room.Elena froze, her face stiff with embarrassment. "Aunt Fiona, I… I was just…""Dexter and Angela are a proper married couple. They have the right and duty to care for each other," Fiona said calmly, her expression unreadable. "As an outsider, a polite inquiry is more than enough. There's no need to go out of your way, and certainly no need to show up looking so elaborately dressed when Angela is sick and unwell."Elena's eyes reddened like a scolded child's. She stammered, "Aunt Fiona, you've misunderstood. I only think of Dexter as a close friend. I… I…"Halfway through, her voice faltered.Back when Dexter and Angela's relationship was on rocky ground, rumors about Elena and Dexter had cir
Love and Devotion: No Longer His to Claim Chapter 97
Angela was nearly choked by Fiona's words.Good grief, Fiona's way of thinking was way too bold."Mom, do you have to be this blunt? Could you at least pretend to say something comforting?" Angela said, caught between laughter and exasperation."What's the point of that?" Fiona replied, unbothered. "Feelings are what they are. If they're gone, they're gone. No use clinging to something that's already lost. Look at me and Dexter's father—we haven't spoken in over a year. The last time we exchanged words was during last year's Christmas dinner, when we said 'Merry Christmas.' And yet, here I am, living just fine."Fiona's tone carried the air of someone who had already planned out Angela's future. She spoke like a seasoned veteran of life's harsh realities."How can two people live under the same roof without any affection?" Angela forced a weak smile. The thought alone left her heart feeling heavy and dull.She had only ever loved one person in her life, only to be discarded like
Love and Devotion: No Longer His to Claim Chapter 98
Using her position, Talia had entered the room once occupied by the late Natalie, stolen valuables, and taken a few small antique vases from storage, hiding them beneath the floorboards in her room. The stolen items were discovered during the search, leaving no room for denial."She's the one, Dad," Fiona said coldly, her tone laced with anger.The servant, Talia, immediately showed fear, casting a quick, terrified glance at Fiona before lowering her head and trembling.Angela observed the scene, an uneasy feeling settling in her chest."Talia, you've worked here for over eight years. You're practically a veteran in this household. What made you do something so reckless?" Joseph asked with a heavy sigh.Talia, in her early 30s, had been working for the Bamford family alongside her husband, drawn by the generous benefits."Sir, I had no choice," Talia began, her voice breaking. "My son was diagnosed with acute leukemia. He needs money for treatment. I tried asking Madam Fiona for
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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
Love and Devotion: No Longer His to Claim Chapter 426
Angela was completely taken aback, puzzled by the meaning behind his words. For a brief moment, she found herself at a loss for how to reply.Dexter looked into her eyes, showing a hint of tenderness. Suddenly, he softly brushed his fingers through her messy hair and sighed quietly. His voice was gentle, tinged with an unmistakable hint of vulnerability. "I don't want to see you struggle.""You…" Angela hesitated, her gaze softening with a hint of heartache."I'm not someone who falls in love easily. And I believe you're the same. So, go handle your own matters first. As for us… We can talk about it later." He smiled sincerely.Angela's entire body tensed as if she had been hit, leaving her feeling broken. She couldn't believe that he could be this direct and understanding. That wasn't like him at all.She had never imagined facing such a difficult choice. Seeing Genevieve was something she had to do. Yet, Dexter had also become someone she couldn't bear to part with. Feeling
Love and Devotion: No Longer His to Claim Chapter 425
When Angela woke up, the room was utterly silent. She felt like she was being held in someone's embrace, a weight pressing on her chest, making her uncomfortable. "You're up?" Dexter's deep voice, filled with satisfaction, came from right beside her.Angela froze. She instinctively wanted to turn and sit up, but she was firmly held in his strong arms, unable to move. "I... I'm a little thirsty. I want to get some water." She avoided looking at his face. Her voice carried a hint of unease. "Hmm." Dexter stood up and turned away from her to pour a glass of water.He wore only black boxer briefs, showcasing his impressive physique. It was simply mesmerizing. His broad shoulders, trim waist, defined abs, and long legs were striking. But the most captivating feature was his face with sharp features, a chiseled jawline, and icy eyes that exuded indifference. He was absolutely stunning.Angela couldn't shake off the wild memories of last night and suddenly realized how much she h
Love and Devotion: No Longer His to Claim Chapter 424
"You're just getting back? Have you eaten yet? What's going on?" Fiona looked at Angela, surprised to see her return with such a heavy heart. Angela forced a faint smile and shook her head before heading upstairs. After shutting herself in her room, she didn't do anything. She didn't shower or change her clothes. She simply lay there, motionless, for two hours.A little past eleven, Angela heard a door open in the adjacent room. It must be Dexter coming back. She quickly got out of bed, kicking off her high heels and slipping into quieter slippers before stepping out. From the slightly ajar door, she could already smell the faint scent of alcohol. Dexter had been drinking. Without hesitation, she barged in. Before he could react, she switched off the lights and pushed him onto the bed.Dexter was startled. Instinctively, he tried to push her away. But the moment he realized it was her, he stopped moving. In the darkness, he looked at her intensely, feeling puzzled. He a
Love and Devotion: No Longer His to Claim Chapter 423
Austin was surprised by Angela's directness.After all, in the past, Bill and Judy had kicked her out of her home more than once. Despite being a wealthy socialite, she had ended up being a waitress and washing dishes in a restaurant just to make a living, even becoming the subject of ridicule. At that time, she had never even considered defying her family. She had accepted every word they said without hesitation. Her compliance had been so extreme.But at the very least, she'd still had a tiny spark of ambition. Otherwise, Genevieve wouldn't have chosen her as her last mentee.When they arrived at the top-floor office, Clara was already waiting outside. Seeing Angela approach, she quickly stepped forward and handed her an acquisition contract. Angela introduced Clara to Austin before taking the contract and leading both of them into the office. She asked Clara to take care of Austin while she focused intently on reviewing the document. Austin sat on the couch, quietly watc
Love and Devotion: No Longer His to Claim Chapter 422
Angela told Mia about what had happened earlier, hoping to get her opinion.Mia, who already felt that her life was complicated enough, found herself caught in a dilemma at this moment. "Angela, your situation is really tough. Just when Mr. Bamford is being the best to you, Austin suddenly showed up. It's really tricky," Mia said, holding Leo in her arms and furrowing her brows in thought.Angela collapsed onto the couch, staring at the ceiling in deep thought. If she agreed to break up with Dexter, he would be utterly heartbroken. Their relationship would be irreparably damaged. In fact, it might be even worse. Dexter's pride would prevent them from ever crossing paths again.After all, he was the one being abandoned. To him, it was the greatest humiliation.Yet, if she didn't break up with him, she would miss her last chance to see Genevieve. When it came to life and death, everything else should be secondary. She was conflicted, but it felt like she was gradually leaning to
