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 I'm not dead. Did you even know it was Angie's 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! Don't 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. "Mr. Bamford Jr., Mr. 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. Mr. Bamford Sr. might not say it, but he probably misses the pasta she makes."

Dexter remained silent for a moment before agreeing. "I'll bring her over shortly, Mr. Butler."

After hanging up, Dexter calmly adjusted his cuffs and asked in a seemingly casual tone, "Didn't 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 isn't well, and he's 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 didn't need to know.

Dexter went downstairs first and picked out a Cullinan from the garage. He didn't ask Chet to drive him to Bamford Manor. Instead, he drove the car out himself. The engine emitted a 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 wouldn't budge.

The window on the passenger side rolled down halfway, and Dexter's 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 didn't 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. "Hold on."

She turned around in puzzlement to see Dexter looking unusually serious.

"What?" she asked curtly.

"Let me remind you again—Grandpa can't 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 didn't 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 didn't pull away.

In the main hall on the first floor, Dexter's mother, Fiona Rosewell sat elegantly, holding a steaming cup of dandelion tea prepared by the maids.

She didn't even look up when Gary announced Dexter and Angela's return. Angela wasn't surprised. For the past three years, Fiona 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, you're here. Go greet your grandfather."

She sipped her tea daintily—a signal for them to leave her alone. Her gaze lingered on Dexter's hand that was on Angela's 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 Joseph's 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.

"You're here, Angie! I was just thinking of you, birthday girl. Gary, go bring the gift I prepared for Angie."

Joseph's cheerful expression nearly brought tears to Angela's eyes. In this household, he was probably the only one who had bothered to prepare a gift for her.

"Grandpa, I heard you've been unwell lately. Don't 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.

As soon as she left, Joseph's 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 Dexter's lips became slightly downturned. "Didn't I bring her back to see you?"

"Don't act innocent, Dexter. I'm warning you, don't keep this up until it's too late. Angie is a good woman—don't take her for granted! Keep an eye on the Graham family. They're not easy to deal with either.

"As for that other Carrey woman… You'd better cut ties with her completely! Don't 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.

"Here's 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 Angela's 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, I'm 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?"