Forbidden Passion
Chapter 213 A Desperate Love

"Indeed, Mr. Vanderbilt can attest to my sentiments. I have always maintained that you are the epitome of beauty with the intellect to match," declared Mr. White, deftly adjusting his spectacles on the bridge of his nose. Edward chimed in, his smile broadening, "Mr. White, Phoebe is an exceptional alumnus of Harvard University. She secured both her master's and doctoral degrees in Financial Management just last year. Her talent is truly remarkable." As the two men began to engage in a friendly business banter, singing her praises, Phoebe interjected, "In terms of credentials, Mr. White himself is a postdoctoral fellow from an Ivy League business school. I would be remiss to accept your compliments without mentioning your own extraordinarily talented background as well."

After exchanging a few mutual compliments about their respective accolades, they transitioned to the business discussion at hand.

Mr. White was on the verge of launching a new variety show, a fusion of travel and adventure, which was nearly ready to debut. There was no shortage of artists clamoring for a spot on the show.

"We're producing twelve episodes over a span of two months, and we've confirmed four guests thus far. I'm contemplating inviting Noah Myers and Jason Miller from Mr. Vanderbilt's company for the remaining two spots." Phoebe, who was present on behalf of Noah, was thrilled at Mr. White's immediate suggestion of him as a guest. She concurred without hesitation.

After finalizing his appearance fee, Mr. White excused himself due to other commitments.

With no one else in the vicinity, Phoebe rose to depart as well, but Edward swiftly seized her wrist, imploring, "Phoebe, I've yet to have lunch. Would you care to accompany me?" Phoebe gently extricated herself from his grip and met Edward's gaze. "Edward, you know our relationship doesn't permit us to casually be seen sharing a meal together." "Why not?" Edward countered. "Even if we're not romantically involved, doesn't our history of being childhood friends and growing up together hold any significance to you?" Phoebe pursed her lips, evading Edward's pained expression. "You're well aware of Theodore's animosity towards us being seen together."

"But we didn't do anything that night," Edward protested, his eyes glinting with a hint of red.

Phoebe averted her gaze. True, they had done nothing, yet the miscarriage had still occurred. Theodore had accused her of betrayal and held her accountable for the loss of their child. "Edward, it's best if we stopped seeing each other," Phoebe uttered the harsh words with difficulty.

She had always been resolute, never wavering in her decisions, but with Edward, she had hesitated for far too long.

Their bond since childhood had been unbreakable, virtually inseparable. As he had stated, if not lovers, they were childhood friends. Severing ties so abruptly was a daunting task. However, due to Edward, over the past three years, she had endured so much and suffered for so long in silence. She no longer wished to continue in this manner. She needed a clean break. Edward looked as though he had been struck by lightning, his handsome face instantly turning pale.

"Phoebe, for over two years, you've been avoiding me as if I were the plague. Do you also believe that I had orchestrated what happened that night, that I arranged for Theodore to find us in bed together?" Phoebe's hands, hanging limply by her sides, clenched into fists. "No, I don't."

"You do!" Edward's eyes were brimming with tears, trying to hold back the pain. "You evaded me all this time and now you dismiss any chance for me to explain myself. Phoebe, how can you be so heartless?" Phoebe had never suspected that Edward had manipulated the events from that night. She was avoiding him solely to prevent Theodore from despising her.

"I..."

"It's because she loves me desperately, and doesn't want to have anything to do with you, her ex. Isn't that right, darling?" A familiar voice resonated from behind them, sending a jolt through Phoebe's heart. She swiveled around, and there he was- Theodore. Who else could it have been?