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 wouldnt 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 . Angelas 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 Josephs side until someone whisked him away for a toast . She then discreetly slipped into a corner and snacked on an exquisite piece of cake . As she nibbled on the cake , she took in the scene before her . The radiant crystal chandeliers , the guests clinking glasses , the opulent yet understated decor , and the rare delicacies at the buffet all combined into a vibrant image of high society life . The scene before Angela was imprinted into her mind . Graham , why are you here alone ? Elena approached out of nowhere , holding a glass of wine . Angelas gaze dimmed slightly , but she kept her expression composed and unruffled . Arent you alone as well , Ms. Carrey ? Wheres Dexter ? Isnt he keeping you company ? When she mentioned Dexter , there was no longer an edge to her tone but rather a calm and detached nonchalance , as though she was speaking about a stranger . Elena raised an eyebrow . Graham , you seem different today . Even a dress can cause such fuss from you all its clear Im not the same as you lot , Angela replied , standing up and clinking her glass against Elenas . She felt the slight vibration at the tip of her fingers as their glasses touched . Then , she took a sip and savored the rich taste of the wine as it slid down her throat . It was slightly bitter +25 BONUS Chapter 12 at first , and then the sweetness came forth . The taste lingered in her mouth .. At that moment , a cheer arose from somewhere nearby , drawing Angelas attention . Upon turning to look , she saw Dexter approaching . He just couldnt leave her alone . Then again , it made sense that he was headed this way . He was very protective of Elena . He would do anything in his power to prevent anyone from harming his precious lady . Youre here , Dexter . We were just discussing your refined taste , Elena said with a smile .. She paused for a bit and continued , By the way , I think Ms. Graham has misunderstood the events of the other night . I was genuinely unwell on your birthday . I never intended to ruin your time alone with Dexter . Dexters gaze darkened as he cast a warning glance at Angela . But Angela didnt look back at him . She had just picked up a small blueberry flavored cake from a server . It was sweet but not cloying , and it melted in her mouth instantly . What ? she asked upon noticing the both of them watching her with different expressions . Elena laughed drily and said , Dexter , why dont you explain to her ? She seems a bit upset . Dexter snorted coldly , a flicker of annoyance passing through his eyes . What was there to explain ? Did she deserve an explanation ? Theres no need . I know Im not worthy enough to demand that , Angela interjected . Good that you know , Dexter responded with a sneer . Ignoring him , Angela got up and headed toward Joseph . She intended to say goodbye and make an early exit . Inspiration had struck her suddenly , so she couldnt wait to return and start painting . Once she was outside the ballroom , she felt a sense of relief and lightness . It seemed that these rigid settings didnt suit a free spirit like hers . Taxi ! she called out , waving for a cab . To her surprise , a cold , austere voice came from behind her . Where do you think youre going ? Angelas back stiffened , and she instinctively tried to flee . However , he held her arm tightly . Let go of me ! she demanded , yanking her hand away . She spat , Dexter , are you interested in me ? Otherwise , why would you keep following me ? Chapter 12 +25 BONUS Interested in you ? What makes you think youre worthy ? he retorted with a scoff . Towering over her , he looked down at her like a master looking down at his slave . His words bore down on her , pinning her to a pillar of shame . The blood in her veins seemed to flow backward as all the humiliation she had ever endured resurfaced , trapping her within . Of course , she wasnt worthy . With a cold , mocking smile , she replied , If Im so unworthy , then why are you blocking my way ? Her eyes seemed to glisten with unshed tears , which she quickly forced back . Dexter felt strangely irritated seeing her being stubborn like this . Come back with me . He grabbed her hand and forced her into his car . Moms here today . She wants to see you . Im not going back . Angela tensed up and made to escape . But Dexter had already gotten in , thus blocking her exit . If 70 % of the pain in Angelas life over the past few years had been caused by Dexter , the remaining 30 % was undeniably due to her mother in law , Fiona . Fiona had come from an elite family . She had an assertive personality and had long held the position of head of PR at Bamford Co. The companys growth was closely tied to her efforts . However , Angela had a strained relationship with Fiona . She had tried to find common ground and ease the tension , but it had been impossible . Fionas sole expectation of Angela was that she bore a child with Dexter . Angela had once wanted that too , but Dexter had never given her the chance . Not only had he refused , but he had also left her to face Fionas harsh criticisms alone . Every time Fiona had visited , Angela had had to brace herself to be on the receiving end of a barrage of reproachment . Are you a man , Dexter Bamford ? If you are , solve your own problems instead of pushing a woman you have no regard for to face them alone . Have you no shame ? Angela questioned furiously , gritting her teeth . Unfortunately , nothing she said could stop the car from moving . Listen , Angela , Dexter began , his grip on her shoulder tightening . He used so much force that she felt like he was crushing her bones . I admit youve changed lately , but that doesnt work on me . No matter how hard you try , I wont give you a second glance . Your only job now is to make the most of your remaining value and stop irritating me . Otherwise , the Graham family wont get to enjoy their current +25 BONUS Chapter 12 life of comfort for long ! Dexter ended his speech with a harsh shove , sending her crashing into the car door . Angela winced in pain , and her tears nearly fell , Still , she held them back . She couldnt cry or escape . Dexter still had something he could use against her . She needed to find a way to make him willingly divorce her . Otherwise , who knew what he might do next with his unpredictable nature ? When they arrived at Bamford Estate , Fiona was in the living room with a laptop in front of her . There were some colorful items nearby that Angela couldnt make out . As usual , Dexter left Angela and went straight upstairs . Good evening , Mom , Angela greeted , looking at the imposing woman before her . The biggest difference between Fiona and other wives of rich men was that she continued to work . She wasnt interested in attending meaningless social gatherings , shopping , or pampering herself . To her , work was more important than anything else even her husband and son . Once , Angela couldnt understand her . However , she now saw Fiona in a different light . Perhaps one day she could find her own value besides having the title of Mrs. Bamford too . By then , she would be free from these invisible shackles that bound her . Fiona nodded expressionlessly at Angela . Have you had your body checked ? Any news ? It was the same two questions she always asked . Angela remained silent . Fiona was unsurprised at her response . She simply picked up the bag beside her and handed it to Angela . Here , these might be useful . Take them . Angela looked into the bag and froze . She was utterly stunned by what she saw inside . 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