Forbidden Passion
Chapter 171 Why Are Your Ears Red?

Phoebe, with a start, suddenly straightened her posture and cast her gaze towards the entrance of the room. There, like an imposing statue, stood Theodore. His presence was commanding, reminiscent of a stern guardian deity, silently watching over everything. "John, could you please hand me those eye drops?" She requested, extending her hand to receive the small bottle from him.

Theodore's position in the room gave him a clear view of the exchange. He noticed Phoebe's delicate fingertip brush against John's fingers as she took the bottle. This seemingly insignificant touch caused Theodore's brow to furrow, and his expression darkened noticeably.

John, who was already somewhat uncomfortable, felt even more uneasy under Mr. Reynolds' grim gaze. The tone of Theodore's silence was almost accusatory, as if he suspected that John and Phoebe were engaged in some illicit affair. Phoebe handed him a file, "Please take this to HR for archiving, and thank you for the eye drops. They do help relieve fatigue."

John, understanding that Phoebe was trying to defuse the situation and prevent any misunderstanding with Mr. Reynolds, gave a small smile. He accepted the file, nodded respectfully at Theodore, and swiftly exited the room. Phoebe hadn't yet managed to apply the drops to her other eye. She tried again, but her aim was off - one drop landed on her eyelid, another rolled down her cheek. Frustrated, she was about to sit upright when her hand was suddenly enveloped by a warm, firm grip.

Casting a sidelong glance, she found Theodore standing beside her. He was tall, and his proximity was imposing. At that moment, he rested one hand on the back of the chair, while his other hand held hers, his focus solely on her eyes. They were so close that their breaths intertwined, creating an intimate atmosphere that made Phoebe's heart pound uncontrollably. "You..."

Theodore leaned in slightly, taking her fingers in his and letting a clear droplet of eye drops fall into her eye.

Her lashes fluttered lightly, and her eyes glistened. Her naturally innocent puppy-dog eyes, seen from such closeness, sparkled with clarity. They were breathtakingly beautiful. Theodore's throat tightened. Looking up at him, Phoebe was reminded of certain images that made her heart race and face flush. Realizing her thoughts were straying, she pushed him away forcefully.

Displeased, Theodore glared at her, and seeing her earlobes red and her hands fumbling with documents, he watched her puzzledly, "Why are your ears red?"

Phoebe scratched the back of her ear as her cheeks also turned pink, "Why... why are you here?"

After hearing her stammer, Theodore grew more suspicious of her blush and leaned against the desk, "What were you thinking just now?"

"Nothing!" Phoebe quickly replied, fearing he might discern her improper thoughts.

Theodore leaned closer, his hawk-like gaze piercing into her eyes sharply, "Really? Nothing?"

"Stop messing around and go back to work," Phoebe said. She felt uncomfortable under his gaze, so she reached out to cover his eyes.

Theodore's eyelashes brushed against the palm of her hand, giving Phoebe a jolt, and she withdrew her hand swiftly.

Suddenly, the air changed, as if it were filled with many pink bubbles.

Theodore hadn't expected such an intimate gesture from her, and he was still somewhat in a daze, as if the warmth from her palm lingered on his eyelids.

He blinked, still bewildered, and said, "Well, I'm heading up."

Without lifting her head, Phoebe responded dismissively with a "Hmm," listening to the sound of his footsteps growing fainter. Once alone, she slowly clenched her fist. The next few days passed without incident, and before they knew it, the night of the group's formation arrived.