Forbidden Passion
Chapter 198 One for All, All for One

Phoebe's expression remained composed as she returned Evelyn Craft's look with a faint smile. Only then did she notice that Vanessa actually resembled Evelyn Craft more than Prof. Fitzroy, especially the seductive flair between their brows. They were nearly identical.

Unlike Prof. Fitzroy, whose features bore an innate integrity that made her seem unapproachable but certainly not of poor character.

Phoebe said, "22 is the legal age for marriage; there's nothing offensive about that. As for Evelyn Craft, perhaps since you're over 50 and still single, you must be so engrossed in a flourishing career that she has no time for love or marriage, right?"

In reality, Evelyn Craft had neither lacked time for romance nor marriage; it was her tarnished reputation from her younger days that deterred suitors, earning her the label of a woman not known for her honesty or decency.

This story went back to when Evelyn Craft had fallen for a painter, a man deeply in love with his wife and blessed with two children. But she didn't care and desperately tried to break up their marriage.

The painter, devoted to his wife, remained indifferent to Evelyn Craft's persistent advances. Eventually, she planned to force his hand by getting caught in a compromising situation with him, hoping to push him into divorcing his wife and marrying her.

However, her plan backfired spectacularly. She got caught but with a vagrant instead of the painter. The scandal rocked Kedora, causing the Fitzroys much embarrassment for a considerable time. Now, however, as an established figure in the design world, few would dare mention this past in Evelyn Craft's presence.

With Phoebe's subtle reference, everyone present knew the history, keeping an unspoken understanding, appreciating the grace Phoebe afforded Evelyn Craft with her words.

Evelyn Craft struggled to maintain her coy smile, fixating on Phoebe with a cold laugh, "Mrs. Reynolds, you have quite the sharp tongue."

Old Lady Reynolds, ever the peacemaker, interjected with a chuckle, "Phoebe, pour Evelyn Craft some coffee. It's so hot these days, a drink might help cool us down."

Evelyn Craft, internally fuming when she heard Old Lady Reynolds speak up for her granddaughter-in-law, dared not create a scene and had to swallow her anger.

Phoebe obediently picked up the coffee pot and poured Evelyn Craft a cup, "Please enjoy your coffee, Ms. Craft."

Evelyn huffed lightly and turned away.

Vanessa hadn't expected Phoebe to silence her aunt in just a few words. This really irritated her. She shifted the topic, saying, "Miss Ziegler, I ran into Edward the other day. He was asking about you." Phoebe pursed her lips, locking eyes with Vanessa. Why would she deliberately bring up Edward now?

Seeing Phoebe remain silent, Vanessa smiled and added, "Back at Harvard University, you two were the golden couple envied by all. Now you're married to Theodore, and he's still single. It looks like he might wait for you forever." She was insinuating that Edward was still waiting for Phoebe, suggesting the possibility of infidelity on Phoebe's part.

However, to Mrs. Reynolds and the rest of the family, Vanessa's statement carried a different connotation.

Outsiders didn't know the true story, but the Reynolds family did.

They were all surprised when Theodore announced his intention to marry Phoebe, especially Mrs. Reynolds who was vehemently opposed, knowing Phoebe and Edward were lovers.

It was only later that Theodore revealed the truth. He had always harbored feelings for Phoebe and took advantage of her while drunk, leading to an unintended pregnancy. He wanted to take responsibility now that he had gotten what he'd always wanted: her.

Now that Phoebe was part of the Reynolds family, whether they truly liked her or not, they presented a united front to the world: one for all, all for one.

So, Vanessa's remark wasn't very astute.

Old Lady Reynolds commented, "Edward is indeed a faithful man, but sadly, he and Phoebe weren't meant to be. He should move on and not dwell on what cannot be. Isn't that right, Vanessa?"