Chapter 4 Dexter cleared his throat with a light cough before pressing the answer button . Yes , Grandpa ? The robust voice of an old man came from the other end . Dexter , I may be sick , but Im not dead . Did you even know it was Angies birthday yesterday ? Upon hearing this , Dexter glanced at Angela before speaking politely into the phone . Of course I knew it was her birthday yesterday . I even organized a grand celebration for her . Hmph ! Dont try to fool me ! Joseph Bamford scolded . The next moment , there was the sound of Joseph angrily handing the phone over to his butler , Gary Butler . Gary took over the call and spoke respectfully to Dexter . Bamford Jr. Bamford Sr. has been feeling some discomfort in his chest over the past couple of days . If you have the time , bring your wife along to visit him at Bamford Manor . Bamford Sr. might not say it , but he probably misses the pasta she makes . Dexter remained silent for a moment before agreeing . Ill bring her over shortly , Mr. After hanging up , Dexter calmly adjusted his cuffs and asked in a seemingly casual tone , Didnt you post any birthday photos yesterday ? With just that question , Angela understood what he meant the lack of photos had caused Joseph to worry . Grandpa isnt well , and hes getting on in years . Whatever you may be thinking , keep it to yourself in front of him . Understood ? Dexter warned . Angela nodded wordlessly and got up to get dressed . Joseph was the only one in the Bamford family who had ever truly treated her well . When she had been ten , Marie had died saving Joseph . After that , Bill had gotten married again , and Judy had become her stepmother . Bill had used this debt of gratitude to secure Angela a foothold in the Bamford family . Feeling sympathy for her and having always liked Angela , Joseph had forced Dexter to marry her . She and Dexter getting divorced was a private matter . So , there was no need to trouble Joseph about it . He didnt need to know . Dexter went downstairs first and picked out a Cullinan from the garage . He didnt ask Chet to drive him to Bamford Manor . Instead , he drove the car out himself . The engine emitted a # 25 BONUS Chapter 4 low hum in the night . Angela changed into a white camisole dress and draped a pale blue shawl over it , accentuating her curves . Her long hair cascaded down her shoulders , and the pale skin on her neck was partially visible , adding a touch of allure . She forcefully tugged on the handle of the door to the back seat , but it wouldnt budge . The window on the passenger side rolled down halfway , and Dexters impatient voice came from inside . Get in the front . Angela hesitated only briefly before opening the door and getting in . Dexter stepped on the accelerator pedal somewhat heavily as he drove off . The inertia caused Angela to be thrown back into her seat slightly , making her frown . She glanced sideways at Dexter , who had one hand resting on the wheel . He was completely focused on the road , seemingly oblivious to her presence . He had always been like this . In their three years of marriage , he had seldom given her any of his attention unless it had been necessary . Over the years , Angela had rarely gotten to ride in his car . The times she had gotten to sit in the passenger seat were few and far between . Now that she was preparing to divorce Dexter , she didnt bother to engage him further . Hence , the drive was silent . The car stopped in front of Bamford Manor , which was on the outskirts of town . With its lush greenery and vast expanse , it resembled castle grounds from the last century rustic yet grand on the outside and luxurious on the inside . Just as Angela was about to open the door to get out , Dexter grabbed her wrist . She turned around in puzzlement to see Dexter looking unusually serious . What ? she asked curtly . Let me remind you again Grandpa cant handle surprises . Think carefully before you speak , Dexter reminded warily . Angela nodded , her tone cold as she replied , I know . As she got out , she shrugged her shoulders against the chilly night air . With brisk steps , she walked toward the entrance . Dexter watched her back , noticing that she didnt wait for him . He caught up with her in a few strides and placed a hand over her shoulder . He felt her halt , and her body stiffened for a brief second . Ultimately , she didnt pull away . In the main hall on the first floor , Dexters mother , Flona Rosewell sat elegantly , holding a steaming cup of dandelion tea prepared by the maids . She didnt even look up when Gary announced Dexter and Angelas return . Angela wasnt surprised . For the past three years , Flona had always been indifferent toward her . Once , Angela would have felt hurt upon being given the cold shoulder . But now that she was on the brink of divorce from Dexter , none of it seemed to matter anymore . Knowing that Dexter would never take the initiative to greet Fiona , Angela took the initiative to greet her instead . After a moment , Fiona reluctantly nodded and said , Oh , youre here . Go greet your grandfather . She sipped her tea daintily a signal for them to leave her alone . Her gaze lingered on Dexters hand that was on Angelas shoulder , and she frowned slightly . She had always disliked seeing them being intimate . Dexter , as usual , ignored her and walked straight past her . Fiona and Dexter had been estranged for years . Once , Angela had tried to act as a mediator between them . Now that she had her own troubles , she no longer had any energy to spare them . She followed Dexter into Josephs bedroom and found the latter looking somewhat weary as he leaned against the headboard . Upon hearing the door open , Joseph looked up . His eyes lit up with joy when he saw it was them . Youre here , Angie ! I was just thinking of you , birthday girl . Gary , go bring the gift I prepared for Angie . Josephs cheerful expression nearly brought tears to Angelas eyes . In this household , he was probably the only one who had bothered to prepare a gift for her . Grandpa , I heard youve been unwell lately . Dont worry about me . Your health means more to me than any gift you could give , Angela said with concern . She chatted with Joseph for a while before going off to make him some fresh pasta . ra As soon as she left , Josephs expression became grim . He looked up and narrowed his eyes at Dexter , who had been silent since he had entered the room . Cat got your tongue ? The corners of Dexters lips became slightly downturned . Didnt I bring her back to see you ? Dont act innocent , Dexter . Im warning you , dont keep this up until its too late . Angie is 374 +25 BONUS Chapter 4 a good woman dont take her for granted ! Keep an eye on the Graham family . Theyre not easy to deal with either . As for that other Carrey woman … Youd better cut ties with her completely ! Dont upset Angie , you fool . Dexter mumbled a few vague responses , hoping to end the conversation . Joseph was about to lose his temper when Angela returned with the fresh pasta . Heres the pasta , Grandpa . Give it a try and see if it is as good as you remember , Angela said . Joseph noticed that Dexter and Angela had barely had any interaction with each other ever since they had arrived . In his eyes , this was a clear sign of trouble . He was especially worried because Angelas eyes no longer shone when she looked toward Dexter . Joseph felt an urgency to intervene on behalf of his oblivious grandson . He took a spoonful of the pasta and praised it . Then , he asked with a smile , Angie , Im getting older . I hope that my home can be a bit more lively , you know ? When are you two planning to give us a new family member ? 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