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Chapter 9
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2024-11-18 15:38:05Related chapters
Love and Devotion: No Longer His to Claim Chapter 10
Angela didn't look up. "Please move aside."She was polite, but the person in front of her didn't budge."It's only been a few days, and you've turned yourself into a beggar? Angela, would you really rather degrade yourself like this?" A familiar, cold voice came from above. The speaker's tone was dripping with contempt.Angela froze and looked up, meeting Dexter's deep, dark gaze. As their eyes met, she swallowed nervously. Nevertheless, her initial surprise quickly turned to annoyance."Why can't you just leave me alone?" She gathered up her chicken thigh and snacks, ready to leave.Her days had been fulfilling and busy lately, so she had barely thought of him. But she had only managed to take a few steps before Dexter grabbed her by the collar and dragged her back to his car.As he leaned close, Angela glared at him warily. "If you come any closer, I'll bite you again."Dexter pulled a long face instantly, and he grabbed her wrist."You look ugly. How am I supposed to take y
Last Updated : 2024-11-18Love and Devotion: No Longer His to Claim Chapter 11
After a brief pause, Angela smiled. "Oh, really? I didn't know that. Dexter bought this dress for me. As for where he got it, or how many there are in the country—I honestly have no idea. I have plenty of dresses like this in my closet, Ms. Carrey. If you like, I can give you a few."Angela's voice was clear and pleasant to the ears. Her gaze was pure and free of any hint of sarcasm. It was as if she hadn't noticed the mocking undertone in Shelley's and Elena's words.Elena's face fell instantly. She couldn't believe that the dress she had been so proud of was nothing more than one of the less remarkable pieces in Angela's closet. It was impossible. Dexter would never take Angela shopping, let alone buy her such a dress!Shelley noticed Elena's reaction and took a step forward. She snapped at Angela, "What nonsense are you saying? Why would Dexter buy you clothes? Everyone knows you threw yourself at him. He—" "Why are you so worked up, Ms. Ruthford? You're getting a bit too emo
Last Updated : 2024-11-18Love and Devotion: No Longer His to Claim Chapter 12
Instinctively, Dexter turned to look just as Angela glanced back at him. She flashed him a smug smile."Angie, you look beautiful today. This dress suits you so well. Dexter and I spent quite some time picking it out for you. It really is stunning!" Joseph praised her with a smile.With that, all doubts were dispelled instantly.It turned out that Joseph himself had chosen this dress for Angela. Of course, he wouldn't buy her counterfeit dress.Elena felt as if she had been slapped across the face. It left a stinging, burning sensation on her cheek. The faces of those who had mocked Angela earlier turned pale as they fell silent too.Angela's nose tingled as she fought back the urge to tear up. Of all the Bamford family members, only Joseph had ever shown her true kindness. She knew very well that Dexter would never care about her clothing. Joseph had said that the dress was from him to salvage her dignity.As the drinks flowed and the guests mingled, Angela remained by Joseph'
Last Updated : 2024-11-18Love and Devotion: No Longer His to Claim Chapter 13
Inside the bag were… adult toys!"My goodness…" Angela's face flushed red. She looked down, unable to say a word.Fiona laughed mockingly and said, "What's the matter? Are you still some innocent little girl? You've been married for so long, yet you can't even produce a child. What value do you have left in the Bamford family?"Angela froze instantly. Fiona's words hit her like a bolt of lightning. She didn't know how she had put up with this in the past.From the beginning until now, she had been nothing but a birthing machine in Fiona's eyes."I can't get pregnant because your son refuses to cooperate, and I'm not capable of asexual reproduction either," she retorted coldly, placing the bag of items back on the coffee table.This was the first time she had spoken up so firmly.Fiona's gaze darkened, surprised by her response. Then, she let out a cold laugh."Oh, I see. Someone has grown a spine." Fiona stood slowly, her tone sharp with authority. "I'm warning you, if there's
Last Updated : 2024-11-18Love and Devotion: No Longer His to Claim Chapter 14
"Mr. Bamford, isn't that Mrs. Bamford?" Erica spoke cautiously. In contrast to her somewhat anxious expression, she was secretly thrilled and was barely able to contain her excitement.Dexter's gaze was locked on the slender figure behind the floor-to-ceiling glass. He took out his phone and dialed Angela's number. Then, he watched as she pulled out her phone, glanced at it briefly, and casually hung up his call.The two business associates who were with Dexter asked tentatively, "Mr. Bamford, what's going on? Why aren't we leaving?" Erica responded on his behalf, "Mr. Hart, Mr. Levin, please come this way. Let's take a look at the other facilities in the mall." At that moment, Angela was still unaware of the impending danger."Are you really giving me this painting? Can you bear to part with it just like that?" Finn smiled as he admired Angela's artwork, obviously delighted.Angela raised an eyebrow. "Why? You don't want it? If that's the case, I'll take it back." She reac
Last Updated : 2024-11-18Love and Devotion: No Longer His to Claim Chapter 15
Angela seemed oblivious as she sat calmly on the couch and sipped her now-cold coffee.Erica found nothing and could only cross her arms as she emerged. Her eyes were filled with mockery as she looked at Angela."It seems you've hidden it well. Could it be on you?" she said with a sneer, casting a disdainful glance over Angela."It's not," Angela replied curtly, too tired to argue further. She set down her cup and got up, ready to go to bed. The maids could clean up the mess later on."Stop!" Erica snapped, grabbing her arm to stop her from leaving. "If you won't bring it out yourself, strip down so I can check. That necklace is a Bamford family treasure.""Get lost!" Angela had had enough and slapped Erica hard across the face. She shot back hotly, "It's always Bamford family this, Bamford family that—are you a dog belonging to the Bamford family?"Her gaze was icy, and her voice was filled with contempt. She then pulled out her phone and pressed three numbers."W-What are you
Last Updated : 2024-11-18Love and Devotion: No Longer His to Claim Chapter 16
Angela's hand that was drawing slowed down. She silently prayed that Dexter wouldn't notice her.Meanwhile, a few judges were quietly discussing in the panel."The contestants this time are of high caliber as they have gone through a preliminary round. If we spot someone suitable, we could consider hiring them as a designer in our companies.""Yes, during the initial screening, I remember seeing a piece titled 'Curse'. The style was remarkably unique. Designers with such a strong personal style are hard to find nowadays.""Do you know the artist's name?""That, I didn't catch…" Dexter sat silently, his slender fingers tapping lightly on his knee. His gaze swept over the contestants, then \became fixed on a slim figure in the distance. Instantly, his expression turned icy.Two hours later, the competition ended, and the contestants submitted their work.The judging panel scored the entries on the spot, after which the pieces were sealed away. The results and rankings were to be
Last Updated : 2024-11-18Love and Devotion: No Longer His to Claim Chapter 17
"You're so useless, Dexter. You can't even help someone up properly! I still don't know what Angie saw in you. Oh right, I was the one who arranged your marriage, after all. "Without my aid, how would you have been lucky enough to marry such a beautiful and outstanding wife like Angie? You should count your blessings…" Joseph went on and on, scolding Dexter endlessly. Dexter had no choice but to listen, and it was torturous."Grandpa, don't bother with him. Let's go. I'll make you your favorite bouillabaisse and grilled fish." Angela took Joseph's arm and led him away, giving Dexter an exaggerated eyeroll over her shoulder as she went.Dexter was furious, yet he had nowhere to vent.That night, Angela retreated to her bedroom early and locked the door. With Joseph gone, she had temporarily lost her protector and couldn't afford to provoke Dexter too much."Mrs. Bamford, Mr. Bamford has gone out. You're free to come out." Donna's voice came from the other side of the door.Ange
Last Updated : 2024-11-18
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Love and Devotion: No Longer His to Claim Chapter 100
"You've all seen the rules," Angela began, her sharp, unwavering gaze sweeping across the room. "Mr. Snowden has only given us two days. This time, we must shine for ourselves! Are you confident you can do that?"The 20 people in the room exchanged hesitant glances, but none dared to voice absolute confidence.They were still haunted by the oppression they had endured under Nora's leadership.Seeing the bowed heads of her team, Angela felt a wave of frustration but tempered it with an understanding of their struggles."Ashley, we do want to win for Division 1, but Division 2 has more than 80 people, and we're only a quarter of their size. Plus…""Plus what?" Angela interrupted before Clara could finish. "Numbers don't matter if you've got the right people. So what if they have more people? Only one in eight of their members might make it. For us, it's one in every two. What's there to fear?"Her fierce gaze swept across the room, and after a brief pause, she declared boldly, "Don
Love and Devotion: No Longer His to Claim Chapter 99
Angela instinctively glanced at Fiona."Wrongdoings deserve punishment," Fiona said with a faintly grim expression, casting a cold look at the flustered Talia. "You have three days to recover all the stolen items. If not, don't expect me to show any leniency."Talia's tears flowed like a river. The stolen items had already been sold; how could she possibly get them back?"Fiona, isn't this too harsh? If her family had the money, would she have resorted to this? It's clear you have no intention of letting them off." Ursula's voice carried a cold edge, her growing frustration with Fiona evident."And if you were handling this, what would you do?" Fiona replied, her tone sharp yet faintly amused. She fixed her gaze on Ursula, her eyes unyielding. "Since you're so kind-hearted, why not pay for their medical expenses and redeem Natalie's valuables yourself?"Ursula's expression darkened, and she retorted coolly, "What does this have to do with me?"She had only come to watch the drama
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
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 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 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 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 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 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
