Forbidden Passion
Chapter 13 The Reunion

Phoebe didn't want to have any interaction with Vanessa. The relationship between the ex-girlfriend and the current wife was so awkward that she could dig out a villa from the soles of her shoes just by thinking about it. What was Theodore thinking?

"Thanks to Mr. Reynolds' guidance over the past two years, I have learned a lot from following you," Phoebe quickly flattered.

Actually, it wasn't really flattery. Phoebe did learn a lot from him.

Theodore sneered, "No matter how one dresses, flattery is the only thing that remains, right?"

Phoebe laughed awkwardly, "Why are you exposing me?"

"Don't call me 'Mr. Reynoldsyou' all the time. I'm not that old, I'm under thirty," Theodore said irritably.

Haha, what a burden. Who's the one who always has a coffin-face and acts old?

Phoebe thought, they really don't get along, they always argue as soon as they speak. She wondered if he acted the same way with Vanessa.

But she quickly found out.

The limousine stopped outside the airport terminal, Theodore got out first, his tailored pants hugged his slender and well-proportioned legs, and the fabric outlined the lines of his calves, thin and smooth, very attractive. Phoebe snapped back to reality, just hearing the impatient voice of the man, "Aren't you getting out?"

"Oh, oh." Phoebe quickly shook her head, getting rid of those scattered thoughts, and hurriedly got out of the car.

Theodore was tall with long legs, taking big steps, leaving her behind. She had to jog to catch up. Upon arriving at the arrival gate, Phoebe soon realized that there were quite a few people waiting. "Who are we here to pick up?" Phoebe asked, panting for breath.

Theodore, wearing an expressionless face, stared at the exit gate and replied, "We're here to pick up Vanessa. She's returning home today." Phoebe was taken aback. Her assistant and the people on Vanessa's side confirmed that she would only be returning next week. So why today? Soon, the passengers started streaming out from the gate, and Phoebe stood on tiptoes, trying to catch a glimpse of Vanessa in the crowd. She wasn't familiar with Vanessa, and even after studying her information for days, it would be impossible for her to recognize her in the crowd.

It was not until a vibrant and confident woman rushed over, embracing Theodore as she greeted him warmly, that Phoebe finally recognized her. This woman, with a baseball cap and a youthful and lively aura, was Vanessa. "Theodore, I've missed you so much. I'm finally back," Vanessa said as she continued to hold onto Theodore. Her exquisitely structuredmade-up face blushed, radiating an indescribable beauty.

Phoebe stood next to them, watching the two of them embracing each other. At this moment, it felt as if there was an insurmountable chasm separating her from them, a rift she couldn't penetratenavigate. Theodore didn't say a word nor did he push her away. He simply looked at her with a gentle gaze, as if through the passage of time, he was looking at the love of his life, the one he missed the most.

Vanessa was moved by his gaze, and her eyes became slightly moist.

Years ago, she had acted impulsively and went to Poland, thinking that he would follow. However, she never expected that after waiting for two months, she unexpectedly received the news she received was that he had married someone else. Some nearby people started recognizing Vanessa and began taking pictures of her. It seemed like a passionate and romantic kiss was about to unfold at the airport.

Stepping forward, Phoebe blocked the camera lens and said, "Forgive me for interrupting, but can we continue pouring out our hearts to each other after getting in the car?"

Finally, aware of her presence, the two of them looked at her. Theodore gave her a cold glance, and suddenly the other passengers started to become unruly.

"Isn't that the piano queen, Vanessa? She's back in the country. Who's that handsome guy next to her? They seem so intimate."

"Ah, Vanessa is so beautiful! She's even more stunning in person than on TV. Is she joining the entertainment industry? She's bound to become popular! Let's take pictures to remember this."

"She's a big celebrity. Quick, take her picture!" someone in the crowd exclaimed. Initially, only a small number of people were taking photos, but soonnow almost everyone was pushing towards them, brandishingwaving their phones. Frowning, Theodore realized the situation had become difficult. Quickly sheltering Vanessa in his embrace, he said, "The car is outside. Let's geto out firstof here!."

Seeing the crowd surging towards them, Phoebe hurriedly stood in front of them. "Please do not take photos... Do not push. Please be careful..."

However, joining in the excitement was a part of human nature.

Especially in the age of entertainment, where celebrities reigned supreme. Even if it was just a small internet celebrity appearing at the airport, it would cause quite a commotion, not to mention intentionally stirring up trouble.

Phoebe was pushed back by the crowd, struggling to protect Vanessa's luggage. It was a chaotic scene. Suddenly, someone pushed her and she slipped, falling to the ground. Before she could get up, someone stepped directly on her. The madness continued as they relentlessly pursued the "star", trampling over Phoebe's hands and legs.

"You're stepping on me..." Phoebe managed to utter in pain.

She turned her head in difficulty, only to see Theodore hastily walking out of the airport, protecting Vanessa, without even looking back at her. As the crowd dispersed, Phoebe struggled to get up from the ground, feeling pain all over her body. She stood in the same spot for a while until her phone vibrated in her pocket, bringing her back to her senses.

She answered the call, and a man's voice on the other end angrily demanded, "Where did you go?"

Phoebe's ears buzzed as she heard the familiar voice. Her eyes welled up with hot tears, overwhelmed by a sense of helplessness. She almost cried as she replied, "I... I'm still at the airport."

She had underestimated Vanessa's popularity in the country. She had not expected her to be recognized even when picking her up. If she had known in advance, she would have taken better security measures. On the other end of the phone, there was a commotion, perhaps someone knocking on the car window. Theodore impatiently interrupted, "We're going back first. You can take a taxi to the company by yourself."

After saying that, he hung up the phone. Phoebe stood motionless in the middle of the airport, feeling like an abandoned puppy with an indescribable sense of pity. She put her phone back into her pocket, not knowing what she had touched, causing a burning pain on the back of her hand.

She looked down and saw that her right hand had swollen like a steamed bun, with a piece of skin peeled off on the back, staining her entire hand red with blood, even smearing on her sleeves, a horrifying sight.

The other hand was not any better. She closed her eyes and tried to force the sourness back into her heart. Enduring the pain, she dragged her luggage towards the exit of the airport.

Just as she walked away, someone came out from behind. The person wore a duckbill cap and sunglasses, almost covering half of her face. However, from her tall and slender figure, it was clear that she was a woman. She sneered, "Phoebe, you deserved this! You occupied Mrs. Reynolds' position for three years. Now that the rightful owner has returned, it's about time for you to step aside."

As Phoebe sat in the taxi, she sneezed repeatedly. She returned to the company and before she could even tend to her injured hand, Theodore called her to the top floor. Judging from his tone, he was quite angry.

Phoebe didn't delay and took the elevator upstairs. Just as she entered the CEO's office, a file came flying towards her, hitting her directly.