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Chapter 226
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Love and Devotion: No Longer His to Claim Chapter 227
Once the meeting concluded, Angela invited Clara to her office. After shutting the door, she could finally relax. She took a sip of water as she steadied her heartbeat.Clara eagerly closed the blinds, her face glowing with excitement."Wow, Angela! You were absolutely fantastic just now! Did you see their expressions? They looked like they had just eaten something awful. You're incredible! How did you come up with so many ideas?" Clara quickly moved a chair to sit next to Angela, but she was so thrilled that she struggled to speak clearly.Angela grinned. "I heard that this management style is incredibly ruthless yet remarkably effective. So I was eager to give it a try.""Who told you about these tricks? Was it Mr. Bamford? Or Mr. Snowden?" Clara was curious.Angela simply responded with a smile.After work, she bought ingredients from a nearby supermarket and prepared barbecue at home while waiting for Dexter and Fiona. She had informed them beforehand, so they arrived one a
Love and Devotion: No Longer His to Claim Chapter 228
Angela and Clara occasionally secretly visited each floor of the company building to observe which departments were operating with the least concerns. In a short span of time, Angela accomplished a lot, the most important of which was developing a comprehensive understanding of the company's operations.Yet, there was troubling news. Andrew had been hospitalized once more. His supporters had been swayed by Angela, and despite his best efforts to change their minds, he had been unsuccessful. This stress had exacerbated his condition, landing him in the hospital. This time, Angela wasn't involved and had no plans to visit him.Dexter hadn't brought up Zayn's engagement in the last few days, leading Angela to believe he had forgotten about it. She decided to take the opportunity to enjoy a leisurely Saturday, intending to sleep until she woke up in her own time. She spent the majority of the day at home, engrossed in her favorite series. It turned out to be one of the most rejuve
Love and Devotion: No Longer His to Claim Chapter 229
Angela lowered her head, feeling curious about what kind of person Mia was. As they approached the Jewell residence, they heard people giving their congratulations in the distance. When they reached the entrance, there was a large crowd of guests. It appeared that many people were more curious than she was."Did you know that the fiancée is a horse trainer who has recently launched an equestrian club?""Really? The Jewell family is regarded as a prestigious family. How could a Jewell marry someone like her?""Could it be that they're getting engaged because she's already pregnant? So the family has no choice but to accept her?"Occasionally, a few speculative voices emerged from the crowd. Though they weren't particularly loud, Angela could hear them distinctly.In the banquet hall, many guests chatted in groups. With only a few friends in that social circle, Angela felt fine being alone. She quietly nibbled on snacks away from the crowd, planning to leave early.Out of the blu
Love and Devotion: No Longer His to Claim Chapter 230
"Ms. Spencer, you're flattering me," Angela replied calmly, though she felt a bit surprised.She wasn't sure if she was imagining things, but it seemed like Mia was paying extra attention to her. Ever since Mia had arrived, her eyes had been on Angela."I'm not. I heard you just inherited your family's business, and that's truly impressive." Mia praised again, her voice ringing out so that everyone nearby could hear.If she wanted to connect with Angela, she could have been more subtle. Angela wondered why Mia didn't choose Bella, who was standing next to her. She suppressed her suspicion and quickly changed the subject.After the newly engaged couple had moved on to toast elsewhere, Bella turned to Angela. "Did you two know each other before? It seems like she's quite interested in you.""No, we haven't met before," Angela replied, feeling confused as well.She found the party long and boring, so she told Dexter and escaped to the back garden. She found a secluded spot next to
Love and Devotion: No Longer His to Claim Chapter 231
The commotion outside abruptly ceased, and everyone turned their heads in astonishment as Angela stepped forward from the back."Well, if it isn't the legendary Mrs. Bamford? What's this? Instead of staying quietly in your corner, you've decided to meddle in other people's business?"The woman speaking was someone Angela recognized—Olivia Quimby, who used to tag along with Elena. She had striking features, was dressed head to toe in high-end brands, and exuded the air of a wealthy heiress.Beside her stood two other women Angela didn't know, but their expression mirrored hers—haughty, arrogant, and dismissive of everyone else."That's right. I am meddling," Angela said coolly, pulling out her phone and aiming the camera at Olivia's face. "If you don't come to your senses, Ms. Quimby, I'll capture this ugly side of yours and project it on the big screen for everyone to see."Olivia's face darkened instantly. She glared at Angela, her eyes brimming with fury."You! You dare threate
Love and Devotion: No Longer His to Claim Chapter 232
"Mia, are you okay?"Zayn arrived in a hurry, bringing people with him. He anxiously checked Mia from head to toe, only relaxing once he confirmed she wasn't hurt."They went too far. Don't worry; I won't let them off the hook," Zayn said, clenching his jaw in anger. Angela had no interest in listening to the two of them pour their hearts out and quickly walked away.As she stepped outside the banquet hall, she ran into Dexter. He took one look at her and immediately noticed something was off. His gaze darkened."Where were you? What happened?"Angela lowered her voice. "It doesn't feel right to stay here for too long. I'm leaving."Before Dexter could say anything, Zayn and Mia had already caught up with them.Zayn reached out and grabbed Angela's wrist. "Angela, you really helped us out just now. You can't just leave like this. Dexter, take her inside—she hasn't even had dinner yet."His enthusiasm matched Mia's. What were these two up to?Angela sighed inwardly. She had n
Love and Devotion: No Longer His to Claim Chapter 233
Angela pressed her lips together, making no comment. At that moment, one of the maids stepped forward."Ms. Graham, Mrs. Jewell Senior would like to see you. Would you please come with me?"The maid carried herself with utter professionalism and had a polite smile on her face. She seemed more like a head housekeeper than an ordinary maid.Angela frowned slightly. "Mrs. Jewell Senior?"The maid nodded.Layla Anderson, Zayn's paternal grandmother, had always been a fan of Sue's designs. Angela wondered if she had perhaps begun to suspect something.Angela's brows knitted together, but she didn't refuse.She, too, wanted to know whether Layla was doing well.Following the maid upstairs, she made several turns through the grand house before arriving at Layla's study.Downstairs, the banquet hall was still lively, but up here, the atmosphere was completely different.Layla sat by the floor-to-ceiling windows, quietly reading. The spacious study was so silent that even a pin drop w
Love and Devotion: No Longer His to Claim Chapter 234
Angela was already feeling irritated and had no patience to deal with Mia."I'm fine. I'm leaving. Ms. Spencer, don't follow me."But Mia grabbed her wrist. "Ms. Graham, if there's something bothering you, you can talk to me. This is the Jewell residence; if there's anything I can help with, I—""Ms. Spencer, you're overestimating yourself."Angela pulled her hand back, her gaze sharp."Instead of spending time trying to make friends, you should focus on improving yourself. Otherwise, even if you had a hundred friends, the people who look down on you still won't see you any differently."Her words were blunt, cutting straight through Mia's intentions and laying them bare for all to see.Mia's face paled. "I—I wasn't… I just thought, since you helped me, I—""I helped you?" Angela let out a cold chuckle."Or did you guide me into helping you? Who can really say? Tell me, as the hostess of the banquet, how did you just happen to end up in the back garden, where Olivia and her gr
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Good looks really did have their perks. Frederick's face, paired with a seemingly sincere attitude, managed to soften the tide of criticism in the live stream chat once he started speaking.Some viewers even began defending him, saying things like, "With a face like that, no wonder people go crazy for him and would even be willing to risk it all."While Frederick was still giving his public apology, Austin handed Angela his phone, showing her the live stream chat.Angela casually used her nameplate to shield the screen from view, then glanced down to scan the comments."What were those two rich women thinking? How did they fall for some baby-faced young man who probably hasn't even grown a single chest hair? Can he even satisfy anyone? I'm way better than him.""Why hasn't a classy sugar mama picked me up yet? I'm so good-looking that I'm charmed by my own reflection.""Frederick is definitely hot. These salty guys in the comments are just bitter. They always trash-talk women who
Love and Devotion: No Longer His to Claim Chapter 524
Meanwhile, in the live stream chatroom, someone commented, "Damn, she's got such presence now. She even looks different somehow.""You can question her personal life, but don't you dare question her looks. That face is a masterpiece—like God's magnum opus.""She's just exuding power now. No wonder she used to be with a big shot."At that moment, Dexter was sitting quietly in a conference room adjacent to the venue of the press conference, watching the live stream on his phone.Royce looked puzzled. "Mr. Bamford, you're literally next door. Why not just go over and watch it live?"Dexter had a faint, unreadable smile on his lips. He was completely focused on the live stream comments and didn't even hear Royce's question.It seemed as though people still liked him and Angela as a couple.That was great."Mr. Bamford? Mr. Bamford?" Royce waved his hand in front of Dexter. "Should we head inside to watch?""Where?" Dexter's smile dropped instantly, his face turning cold.The conf
Love and Devotion: No Longer His to Claim Chapter 523
To avoid any long-term repercussions from Frederick's scandal, Angela decided to put an end to it once and for all.She arranged for the PR department to hold a press conference, where she would personally represent the company and address the situation in public."Are you serious? You're actually going to do it yourself? Isn't that a little unnecessary?" Ingrid was surprised when she heard Angela's plan. "We can handle this ourselves. There's no need for you to make an appearance."Ingrid had a hunch about Angela's reasoning. Angela was currently the talk of the town, with discussions about her wherever she went.If she appeared in the public eye to bear the brunt of the criticism or insults, it would take much of the pressure off Horizon.It was a calculated risk."There's no need to dissuade me." Angela added indifferently while packing up her things, "I've already made up my mind. If I can't take responsibility for something like this, then what kind of CEO am I? What kind of
Love and Devotion: No Longer His to Claim Chapter 522
These old-fashioned, narrow-minded fossils! When would they finally evolve some new brain cells?Angela kept that thought to herself, forcing down a sigh. Just as another board member was about to voice their doubts again, Ingrid stood up."I support Ms. Graham's proposal." With a voice full of resolve, she made her point and made sure it stuck."Ms. Graham's capabilities are evident to all of us. I trust she can balance her health and responsibilities, and I have full confidence in her sharp insight and sound judgment."She has a keener sense of market trends and consumer demand than most people here. And if this policy is implemented, it will undoubtedly elevate our company's image and increase public goodwill—a form of hidden capital that's hard to quantify."Without using grand words or fanfare, she expressed herself calmly, but her energy and passion were impossible to miss.Angela was honestly taken aback. She hadn't expected Ingrid to speak up for her at such a crucial m
Love and Devotion: No Longer His to Claim Chapter 521
With Angela already feeling incredibly unwell, this naturally was the last straw for her."Yes, I am pregnant, and I'm indeed experiencing morning sickness, but I haven't let it interfere with my work. So why should I be criticized for it?"She was pretty composed as she calmly yet firmly directed her powerful question at the board member who had expressed his displeasure.The man scratched his bald head awkwardly."Ms. Graham, since you're unwell, you should hand over your responsibilities to the COO for the time being and go home to rest. It's only natural for women to take time off during pregnancy. As such, someone else should temporarily fill your position."Oh, heck no. This was a disguised attempt at a coup if she had ever heard one.If she showed weakness now—if she gave in to this veiled attempt to push her out—then what hope would any other pregnant employee in the company have?"Tell me, has my existence inconvenienced you personally in any way?" Her brow raised, she
Love and Devotion: No Longer His to Claim Chapter 520
"Currently, people online are speculating that you'll get back together with Mr. Bamford and that he still has feelings for you and is trying to win you back," Joanne added bluntly, conveying her thoughts just as she had been asked to.Angela was so speechless that she nearly choked on her water.She grabbed her phone to check out the trending topics herself. She'd been so busy lately—rushing around nonstop, working through even her worst morning sickness—that she hadn't had time to keep up with the gossip.A comment read, "Gotta hand it to her—she's seriously badass. We watched her go from a discarded wife to a business mogul, and now she's involved with a hot young guy.""Right? I think she made the right call by getting a divorce. Sure, Dexter's rich and handsome, but Angela's not hurting for cash. Staring at the same face every day? Anyone would get tired of that.""But does Dexter still have feelings for her or what? Why is he always showing up wherever she is? The paparazzi
Love and Devotion: No Longer His to Claim Chapter 519
With a sorrowful gaze, Frederick looked at Angela, clearly trying to tug at her heartstrings."Ms. Graham, I had no choice… If I hadn't done that, I would've been tormented to death…" While begging for mercy, he tried to inch closer to Angela and reach for her hand."Get lost." Before Angela could speak, Dexter snapped coldly, swatting Frederick's hand away.Frederick was then escorted out.The gossip at the company only grew more outrageous after that. Some even claimed Angela had gone too far, so much so that even her ex-husband, Dexter, couldn't bear to watch any longer and personally stepped in to handle the problem.Ingrid came to see Angela. "Ms. Graham, how would you like to handle this?"Unexpectedly, she wasn't as emotional as usual, and her eyes no longer held their usual hostility as she faced Angela.Raising an eyebrow, Angela asked instead of answering, "What can you do?" "Fire Frederick, release a formal apology, appease public opinion with some customer incentiv
Love and Devotion: No Longer His to Claim Chapter 518
Angela instinctively wanted to avoid it, but she told herself she couldn't back down. After a brief pause, she nodded firmly. "Austin, this baby is mine. I'll do everything I can to protect the baby."Austin was momentarily stunned. After a long silence, he finally said, "If you've already made up your mind..."But halfway through, he suddenly stood up. He placed his hands on his hips and paced around the office.It was clear he couldn't bring himself to accept the reality. He was visibly upset. "You could have another baby anytime. Why are you so hung up on this one? You still can't let go of him, can you?""That's right," Angela answered without hesitation, speaking her mind bluntly.Both of them froze for a moment.Austin frowned deeply. He stared at her for a long time, a trace of self-mockery flashing in his eyes. He already knew the answer. Why had he even bothered to ask? "Austin, stop pushing me. This baby is my bottom line. As long as I have the baby, I can keep myse
Love and Devotion: No Longer His to Claim Chapter 517
Angela asked, "Who is your current partner? Do you know who spread this rumor?"Frederick scratched his head, looking completely at a loss. "Ms. Serrano and I are in a normal relationship. As for who dug up my past, I really have no idea. I swear I'm innocent."Kara Serrano was an A-list celebrity. Though she was already 40, she was known in the entertainment world for her youthful appearance. Her skin was flawless and radiant—the kind that countless people envied.Angela wondered if she could also date a fresh graduate when she turned 40. She could take good care of herself and make a lot of money. She would be more than willing to spend lavishly on a young boyfriend.Dexter cleared his throat again, giving her a resentful look tinged with anger. It was as if he could see right through her and knew what she was thinking. Angela suddenly felt guilty for no reason and quickly looked away.But to Austin, who caught that brief exchange of glances, it looked like a sign that the two
