Chapter 11 After a brief pause , Angela smiled , Oh , really ? I didnt know that . Dexter bought this dress . 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. If you like , I can give you a few . Angelas voice was clear and pleasant to the ears . Her gaze was pure and free of any hint of sarcasm . It was as if she hadnt noticed the mocking undertone in Shelleys and Elenas words . Elenas face fell instantly . She couldnt believe that the dress she had been so proud of was nothing more than one of the less remarkable pieces in Angelas closet . It was impossible . Dexter would never take Angela shopping , let alone buy her such a dress ! Shelley noticed Elenas reaction and took a step forward . She snapped at Angela , 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 ? Youre getting a bit too emotional , Angela said with a faint smile , unfazed . Here I was , thinking that you only paid attention to others clothes , but I see youre also interested in their men . Shelley shut up upon hearing that . It would be better for you to mind your own business , Ms. Ruthford . You cant always jump to defend others just because they give you a look , only to end up with nothing for yourself while they laugh at you behind your back , Angela reminded , smiling as innocently as ever . Shelley was furious and was practically itching to tear her apart , but something did feel off . Hadnt she stepped in because Elena had left the opening for her to confront Angela ? Could it be … Lets go , Shelley . Graham doesnt appreciate our company , we should keep our distance from her , Elena said , taking Shelleys hand and leading her toward the ballroom . Shelley suppressed her suspicions and followed without further comment . Elenas beauty , gentle demeanor , and reputation as an artist made her a natural center of attention wherever she went . As soon as she appeared , all eyes turned to her . Dexter noticed her as well . Her beauty wasnt as striking as Angelas but was more subdued . With her resilient personality and intelligence , she far surpassed the less intelligent and refined young ladies in their circle . On top of that , he owed her a debt of gratitude too . 1/4 +25 BONUS Chapter 11 To him , she was truly a rare confidante . Nice dress . Dexter took the initiative to raise his glass and clink it against hers . The irritation in Elenas eyes dissipated . This was exactly the effect she wanted to make her presence known . Elena , you look gorgeous tonight . Heres a toast to you . Carrey , when will you grace us with your new work ? Your dress is stunning , Elena . Within minutes , Elena was surrounded by admirers . She basked in their attention , exchanging toasts and moving gracefully among them like a proud princess . Just then , a murmur spread through the crowd near the entrance . Isnt that Mrs. Bamford ? Shes wearing the same dress as Ms. Trying to mimic Elena , huh ? So what if shes pretty ? Shes timid and has no class . Everyone knows Mr. Bamford has no interest in her . Hmm … But she does seem a little different tonight . Whispers followed Angela wherever she went , all because she had married Dexter . Since the beginning , everyone had seen her as the desperate fool who clung to him , only to be constantly dismissed . Angela was used to it by now , but tonight , things were going to be different . Angela had a confident air about her that night . She walked to the center of the ballroom with her head held high , looking down on everyone and everything . Bamford , Mr. Bamford Sr. will be here shortly , Please wait a moment , Igor Chase . whispered in her ear . He was Josephs personal assistant , and he was the only reason she had managed to get in . Dexter , Ms. Graham just told us that you bought her dress . Where did you buy it ? Could let us know ? Wed love to get one too , Shelley asked loudly . you Dozens of eyes turned toward Angelas dress . People thought that the dress was exquisite -as expected of something Dexter had bought Angela stiffened and felt a sense of numbness take over her . Knowing Dexter , he wouldnt hesitate to deny it in front of everyone or say something to humiliate her . She couldnt let that happen ! Before Dexter could speak , Angela quickly stepped forward and linked her arms with his enthusiastically . Chapter 11 +25 BONUS She smiled and replied , Arent you asking the obvious , Ms. Ruthford ? While we were at the entrance , you just commented that my dress is the same as the one worn by Ms. Carrey thats from Amoure Royale . Have you forgotten so soon ? After that , she lowered her voice and whispered urgently in Dexters ear , If you embarrass me , Ill tell Grandpa . Only the two of them could hear what she had just said , and Dexter was momentarily stunned . He glanced down with a complicated expression as he looked at her arm in his . From the corner of his eye , he noticed the guarded look in Angelas eyes . Those eyes had once held only resentment and an unfulfilled love that was burdensome he had been repulsed by that desperate and deferential look . But tonight , there was something different in those very same eyes . There was a mix of wariness , mischief , unease , and a touch of a threat … It was an array of emotions he had never seen in her eyes before . To be fair , Angela looked stunning tonight . The stylist had brought out the best of her beauty and made her look radiant . All traces of exhaustion from recent days were all but gone . Her features were flawless , and she was breathtakingly gorgeous . A strange sense of irritation rose in Dexters chest . The atmosphere grew tense . Shelleys face darkened , as she had expected Dexter to deny Angelas claim . Yet , he had allowed Angela to cling to him . It was unbelievable ! Beside her , Elenas expression soured too . Its just a misunderstanding . No need to take it so seriously , Ms. Ruthford only mentioned that my dress was from Amoure Royale . She didnt know which brand yours is from , so she was just curious . Elena smiled warmly , exuding grace as she looked toward Dexter . However , he remained silent . Unease stirred within her , and she softly prompted , Dexter , are you alright ? Dexter finally snapped out of it , and upon realizing he had been dazed for a moment , displeasure started to show on his face . How dare Angela threaten him in public ? His expression grew cold as he attempted to pull his hand away . But to his surprise , Angela held on tightly . Dexter fumed inwardly , thinking , Shes getting ridiculous ! +25 BONUS Chapter 11 Just then , Joseph arrived . Angela immediately released Dexter and flitted over to Joseph like a joyful canary . The sudden emptiness in Dexters arm made him feel a strange pang of loss . In fact , he felt as if he had just been abandoned . Todays Bonus Offer In CrushReel's ongoing romance novel, "All the Wrong Reasons," the protagonist, Andrea, faces a pivotal choice: either write a sex column or risk losing her job due to her lack of experience in that area. Determined to succeed, Andrea embarks on a journey to explore this unfamiliar territory. Along the way, she encounters Just, setting the stage for unexpected twists and emotional revelations in their blossoming relationship within the realms of a modern setting. This unique tale delves into themes of personal growth, unexpected challenges, and the complexities of navigating relationships in a high-stakes environment. 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