Love and Devotion No Longer His to Claim by Dream Fish

Chapter 421
Angela's eyes turned red, but her face became deathly pale. She stood there for a long time without saying a word.
Austin said gently, "Calm down first. This is also the reason I came back this time."
She asked emotionally, "Where is Ms. Lawson? I want to see her."
She hadn't seen Genevieve for years. Back then, Genevieve and Austin had strongly advised her not to marry Dexter, but she
had refused to listen. This led to a rift between them, and the two left in anger, never contacting her again.
Austin looked at her intently. "You can see her, but... you have to agree to one condition."
Angela was stunned. "What's it? Just say it."
She had absolute trust in Austin. He would never force her into something unreasonable, let alone make her do anything against
her morals.
"Cut all ties with Dexter," he replied firmly.

Angela almost nodded instinctively, but her mind suddenly went blank in chaos. She stared blankly at Austin, who was distant
and cold. She frowned. "Austin, why?"
"You still have the nerve to ask me why?"
Austin gritted his teeth, his tone suddenly turning sharp. "Don't think I don't know what kind of life you've been living these past
few years.
"Now you're standing here, looking all put together. But do you honestly believe that just because you seem stronger now, he'd
never hurt you again?"
Angela felt as if a heavy blow had struck her, leaving her unsteady on her feet. "It's not like that..." she murmured weakly, her
eyes glistening with unshed tears.
"Hasn't he neglected you? Hasn't he hurt you? Angela, when will you finally wake up? Dexter is not a good partner!" He looked
at her with deep frustration, as if exasperated by her unwillingness to see the truth.

"It's been three or four years now. How many more years of your life can you afford to waste? Men like him are everywhere in
Eldmere City. Why do you choose to remain with him?" Austin truly despised Dexter.
"Austin, he has changed now. For me, he..."

"It's just because you're useful to him now. Why are you being so stubborn? No matter how well he treats you, can it compare to
how Ms. Lawson has treated you?" Austin cut her off and stood up impatiently.
"I'm giving you two days to think it over. The day after tomorrow, I'll be leaving for Yedren. Whether you want to see Ms. Lawson
or not, it's up to you." With that, he left.
Angela stood in silence for a long time. Cold sweat clung to her skin as if someone had dumped a bucket of ice water over her,
leaving her completely drenched.
In an instant, she recalled that Dexter was seated in the adjacent booth. A wave of panic washed over her at the thought that he
might have overheard everything.
The thought sent a jolt through her, and she quickly went over to check. But when she approached, the seat was empty.
She let out a long breath of relief, only then realizing how fast her heart was pounding, her mind a tangled mess of chaos.
"Hey, what's up with you?" Dexter asked out of nowhere.
Angela looked up and saw him standing there with two wine glasses, a look of confusion on his face.
"Where did you just go?" she asked uneasily, trying to gauge if he had overheard anything.
Dexter shrugged. "I went to the restroom, then grabbed a bottle of wine. I was just about to have a drink. What happened? Has
he left?"
Angela nodded absentmindedly. "Let's... go back."
Dexter glanced at her before giving a noncommittal nod. As he turned away, a fleeting but unmistakable glint of cold sharpness
flickered through his eyes.