Chapter 8 Zack hung his head in shame , unable to say a word . The man in black sneered . Desire is a bottomless pit , lady . Your brother has no real skills but dreams of getting rich overnight . He took a high interest loan from me . The interest is Just piling up . If you dont want to help him , its fine . Ill just take one of his hands to teach . him a lesson . Angle , I swear Ill never gamble or borrow money again ! This is the last time Ill turn over a new leaf ! If not for me , then for your moms house ! If Im gone , theyll definitely take it ! Zack prostrated himself before Angela and begged desperately . Angela bit her lip and reluctantly took out her wedding ring . This was her masterpiece , and when it had initially been released , it had caused a sensation in the design world . So many diamond wedding rings on the market had since been inspired by hers . Yet , to this day , no one knew she was the designer . Is this worth anything ? The man in black held up the wedding ring , examining it under the light . The 19 rare pink diamonds sparkled brilliantly , illuminating the entire basement . You can have it appraised its worth at least five million dollars . Angelas voice was icy , but her heart was bleeding from her loss . Her eyes stayed fixed on the ring she had given up . She silently reminded herself to remember this humiliation and pain . Someday , she would take back everything that was hers . Where did this ring come from ? Dexter sat in his office chair , casually toying with the wedding ring in his hand . He seemed relaxed , but the air around him was chilling . The temperature in the large office seemed to have dropped in an instant . Zayn shrugged . A buddy of mine said he found something good , so he brought it over to show me . You know , my grandma always liked Sue Zahns designs , but she vanished from the scene a few years ago . Im not even sure if this is real , so I thought Id ask for your opinion . Is that so ? Dexters expression was stern as he paused , his gaze fixed on the ring . After a slight pause , he said , Its a pity that this ring isnt one of Sue Zahns creations . Zayn was about to sip his coffee , but upon hearing that , he set down his cup in +25 BCAA disappointment . He remarked , Really ? Then who do you think designed it ? I thought it was pretty unique . Even if its not Sue Zahns piece , I think Ill still keep it . They say its worth over three million dollars . He reached out , intending to take the ring back . However , Dexter didnt hand it over . Its worthless . Your buddy got scammed . His tone was lazy but had an edge . Zayn scratched his head and said , I dont mind . I think it looks nice , and Id like to keep it . To his surprise , Dexter suddenly stood up and pocketed the ring . Whats there to keep ? Its worthless . Ill throw it away for you . With that , he strode out the door . In the car , Chet glanced at Dexter through the rearview mirror hesitantly . He then looked over at Erica , who was in the passenger seat , Erica was Dexters longest serving and most trusted secretary . But there was another reason for his trust her sister , Elena , had a special place in Dexters heart . Erica turned to Dexter and asked , Mr. Bamford , where are we headed Before she was done asking , she caught a glimpse of the ring in Dexters hand and froze . Isnt that Mrs. Bamfords ring ? How did it end up with you ? She recalled the confrontation shed had with Angela the day before and felt nervous . What exactly did you say to her yesterday ? Dexter questioned coldly . Ericas heart raced as she lowered her head and replied , I just told her not to handle the Bamford familys properties recklessly . Dexter loosened his tie irritably . Go to Brighton Road . Chet immediately started the car and drove off Angela was staying at a small motel on Brighton Road . It was the only place she had managed to secure a stay for now . When she got back to her room , she headed straight to the bathroom to wash away her frustration . As the warm water cascaded over her , it provided her with a sense of comfort . But strangely , she felt Dexters presence . Angela rolled her eyes at herself the moment the thought formed in her head . She was being ridiculous why was she even thinking of him ? She mourned the three years she had blindly wasted . Now , she was adamant about 7/4 +25 BONUS Chapter 8 severing ties with him completely . Angela turned off the water and wrapped herself in a towel . She stepped out cursing , Dexter Bamford , you scumbag ! If theres any justice in the world , may you go broke and starve … The words had barely left her lips before her face turned pale in the next second . She just realized that there were people in her living room . The unwelcome guests were none other than Dexter and Erica . One was seated while the other was standing . Dexters tall , muscular frame looked out of place on her tiny , shabby couch . The sight of him made the whole room feel cramped . His legs were crossed as he watched Angela calmly . His eyes were dark and piercing as he took in her embarrassment and distress . If I go broke , youll be worse off . He smirked , his lips curling up in mocking amusement . Damn it ! Had he been here the whole time ? Angela wondered , feeling a chill run through her . Instinctively , she tightened her towel around her and gritted her teeth . If youre not here to deliver the divorce papers , then leave . Youre not welcome here . Bamford , Mr. Bamford came here for your sake . How could you say that ? Erica rebuked her coldly as though reprimanding an unruly student . Angela shot her an icy glare . Perhaps youve forgotten this isnt Bamford Estate . Nothing here belongs to Dexter . I am the one who owns everything here ! Her voice wasnt loud , but every word held impact and exuded a strange sense of authority . Erica was momentarily stunned and frowned hard in response . Had Angela lost her mind How dare she speak this way ? Surely Dexter would teach her a lesson for her audacious behavior . Leave us , Dexter ordered with a wave of his hand . Ericas eyes widened in shock as she pondered , What ? Hes not angry … And hes even asking me to leave ! She couldnt understand the shift , but she gave Angela a resentful look before brushing past her . Only Angela and Dexter remained in the room . You sold the wedding ring . Dexter gripped both armrests as support as he stood up . He closed in on Angela with his icy gaze locked onto her as though he wanted to tear her apart . Angelas breath hitched , and she instinctively backed away , only to find herself against the +25 BONUS wall . In a daze , she realized that he was right in front of her , holding her prized creation in his hand . Her eyes widened in disbelief . Hadnt she sold the ring to the loan sharks ? Why was it with Dexter? Yes . So what ? She scoffed , looking away from his accusatory gaze . He grabbed her chin sharply , causing her a flash of pain that almost brought tears to her eyes . Angela , are you out of your mind ? His chest was tight with an inexplicable sense of stifling frustration he couldnt quite comprehend . +25 BONUS Chapter 9 Chapter 9 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. The character dynamics between Andrea and Just offer readers a refreshing take on romance, blending elements of innocence and passion against the backdrop of a CEO's mansion and office setting. As CrushReel weaves this captivating narrative, readers are drawn into a world where love, ambition, and self-discovery intersect in compelling ways. "All the Wrong Reasons" stands out for its nuanced portrayal of characters grappling with real-world dilemmas while exploring the depths of human connection. With each episode unveiling new layers of intrigue and emotion, this story promises a captivating reading experience for fans of sweet romance and billionaire CEO narratives. Available to read online at CrushReel, immerse yourself in this engaging tale that transcends clichés to deliver a truly immersive storytelling experience.