Love and Devotion No Longer His to Claim by Dream Fish

Chapter 416 However, Angela appeared nonchalant. She was experienced in public speaking, having frequently delivered speeches at the company and even gained a following of admirers. To her, a speech at a homecoming didn't seem like anything particularly impressive.

Sure enough, the first speaker was the nephew of Westbridge High School's principal. As a newcomer with little experience, he was supported by a group of backers, and his speech was passionately and eloquently written.

However, his slightly hoarse voice and trembling hands made it clear to everyone just how nervous he really was.

"Just a rookie. Nothing special." Angela leaned back in her seat absentmindedly. She was clearly unimpressed. Dexter wasn't interested either. Every so often, he glanced toward a seat ahead of him as if something had caught his attention.

Angela was curious. He was typically the one intriguing others and was always calm and distant. She wondered why he was suddenly so distracted.

Following his gaze, her eyes landed on a familiar figure. She was shocked to realize it was Austin Howard, her former senior. He was a legend in the international design industry.

She wondered why he was there. No... She couldn't be certain just yet. She needed to verify if it really was him. Angela struggled to compose herself, forcing down the wave of nervousness rising within her. Her eyes remained fixed on that silhouette, the familiarity growing stronger with each passing second.

Then, as if sensing her stare, he suddenly turned his head.

It was really Austin! Although they hadn't seen each other in years, Angela could still instantly recognize that face and unmistakable demeanor.

Austin was the most valued mentee of their shared mentor, Genevieve. He'd inherited Genevieve's design company and taken it to new heights, significantly impacting the global market.

Angela just recalled that he'd also graduated from this very high school. However, he hadn't returned from abroad in years.

"Stop staring. Everyone's starting to notice your behavior." Dexter's deep voice snapped Angela back to reality. Indeed, whispers had already begun spreading around her.

Her heart raced. She had no tto care about the murmurs. She asked, "Do you know him? He's Austin. Austin Howard!" Dexter chuckled casually, his tone indifferent. "Of course, I know him. How could I not? Before we got married, he showed up and picked a fight with me. We both walked away with sbruises." Angela froze. "What? You two fought?" Dexter let out a long sigh and met her gaze. "We did. He ctofirst. He wantedto call off the wedding." It all made sense now. She frowned, her mind racing.

Before her wedding, Austin had approached her more than once, trying to persuade her. Once, he'd even drugged her food in an attempt to forcibly take her away.

However, back then, she hadn't been thinking clearly. She'd believed she'd finally found her true love and had been determined to be with Dexter. There was no way she'd back out at the last minute.

Looking back now, Austin had been completely right. Yet, she'd already been through so much.

"Why was he here? Could it be that he was invited to share his experience?" Angela murmured, lowering her head.

"He's probably here for you," Dexter replied softly.

Angela was stunned, staring at Dexter in shock. The bright and dazzling lights of the banquet hall seemed to cast an indescribable glow on him.

Suddenly, Angela remembered that Dexter had tried to track down Austin for her stago. But when nothing had cof it, she'd assumed he'd given up. She wondered if this was his doing.

"Go ahead-thank me," Dexter said with a smug grin, a flicker of satisfaction in his eyes.

So he really was behind it! Austin had originally been unwilling to return from overseas. Dexter had gone to great lengths, offering various benefits, and barely managed to convince him.

Angela was worried and didn't even notice what the host was saying. She felt anxious about meeting Austin, afraid that she wouldn't know what to say. She was scared that he wouldn't want meet her. That would be embarrassing.

As tpassed, Austin even took the stage to give a speech. Seeing his confident demeanor made Angela more anxious. Unfortunately, after finishing, he took a phone call and left, showing no interest in speaking to her.

At that moment, Angela thought he'd simply stepped out to take care of something briefly. She'd never expected he wouldn't cback at all.

As she made her way home, an overwhelming sense of disappointment and regret settled deeply within her heart.

"Do you think I should've just approached him to talk? Now I don't even know where he's staying, let alone how to contact him," she asked.

Austin had changed his phone number long ago, along with all his other contact details. Over the years, they'd completely lost touch.

"Don't worry. Since he's back, he won't be leaving anytsoon. I think he probably wanted to see you today. Who knows? He may reach out to you in a couple of days," Dexter replied.

After a moment of silence, she said, "Still, thank you." Dexter pulled the car over to the side of the road, then turned to her. The corners of his lips tugged into a knowing smirk as he looked at her meaningfully.

Angela paused for a moment, then let out an awkward chuckle. She asked with a hint of guilt, "What's wrong?" "You only expressed your appreciation verbally? Austin is stubborn as hell. If I hadn't put in so much effort to persuade him, he wouldn't have agreed to cback.

Don't you think you should properly show your gratitude?" He looked at her, his expression suggesting she owed him for the trouble he'd gone through.

Angela thought for a moment. "How about I transfer you smoney?" He nodded. "That works." She was taken aback by how

effortlessly the issue had been resolved. As she reached for her m phone to complete the transfer, an accidental slip led her to add an extra zero, resulting in a staggering 214 thousand dollars being sent. They were technically a couple now. She'd seen people online sending money like this as a romantic gesture.

Dexter casually glanced at his phone for the transfer confirmation before turning to her and asking, "Anything else?"

"What?" Angela was dumbfounded.

There was nothing else she could give him.

wim. The only thing she was able to offer was money, though he hardly needed it. Dexter pointed to his cheek. Angela wasn't sure if her brain had short-circuited, but she instinctively gave him a light slap.

It didn't hurt at all. Yet, it made her look completely unhinged, like there was something seriously wrong with her.

He'd been hinting for a kiss, and yet she'd responded with a slap? In an instant, Dexter becvisibly upset. He rolled his eyes at her in frustration, turned to look out the window, and said nothing.

"My bad. I think something's wrong with my brain. How about I transfer another 214 thousand dollars to you? Angela apologized with an awkward smile.