Forbidden Passion
Chapter 214 Looks Like We're Both in Rough Waters

Theodore's utterance of "darling" was a harsh whisper through clenched teeth, devoid of any kindness. He strode towards Phoebe, wrapping his arm around her waist with practiced ease. Over his shoulder, Phoebe's gaze fell upon Vanessa, who was trailing closely behind him.

Their eyes locked, and Vanessa, with a flirtatious flick of her wrist, brushed a stray lock of hair from her face. A toothy grin spread across her lips as she said, "What a coincidence, Miss Ziegler. Who knew we'd bump into each other at a coffee

shop?"

A frown formed on Phoebe's forehead.

It seemed as though she couldn't escape from stumbling into vexing individuals, no matter where she went!

Feeling a firm grip tighten around her waist, Phoebe winced and turned away, only to be met with Theodore's stormy gaze, sending a shiver of fear down her spine.

From the sidelines, Edward watched, his heart boiling with jealousy and rage as Theodore held Phoebe possessively. "Mr. Reynolds," he began, his voice laced with bitterness, "don't forget, Phoebe and I were friends since childhood. We're thick as thieves, and no one can sever our bond, not even you."

Internally, Phoebe pleaded with Edward to hold his tongue and not provoke Theodore further.

A frosty aura radiated from Theodore as he lowered his gaze, focusing intently on the woman he held. His lips twisted into a cold smirk, "Thick as thieves, you say?" Phoebe's heart fluttered nervously.

She knew all too well that when Theodore and Edward clashed in her presence, she was the one who bore the brunt of their rivalry.

She addressed Edward, "Kedora is vast, Edward. If we both make an effort to steer clear of each other, it's unlikely our paths will cross."

Edward's eyes weakened at her words.

He was taken aback that Phoebe was willing to sever their friendship for Theodore. His fists clenched at his sides, his knuckles turning white as he tried to suppress his emotions. "Phoebe, are you really going to forsake our friendship for the likes of him?"

Phoebe bit her lip, her heart wrenching at the sight of Edward's pained expression.

She knew she had to make a decision. If she hesitated, Edward would remain anchored in the past, waiting for her to return.

But she had fallen for Theodore.

Even if he didn't reciprocate her feelings for him, she couldn't return to her past with Edward.

As Phoebe remained silent, Theodore, unsettled by her lingering gaze on Edward, felt a pang of jealousy.

He leaned in, his hot breath tickling her ear as he whispered ominously, "Phoebe, you remember what happens when you anger me, don't you?"

Phoebe clenched her fists, her voice steady yet cold as she addressed Edward, "Yes, I like him. I don't want any misunderstandings. Edward, from now on, we should avoid each other."

Edward's eyes blazed, but his expression wilted instantly. He stared at Phoebe in disbelief.

He couldn't comprehend that she would utter such harsh words to him.

"No, Phoebe. I don't believe it. I don't believe a word you're saying. Is he forcing you? Don't be afraid, Phoebe. I'll protect you."

"Huh!" Theodore scoffed, "She's my wife. She doesn't need your protection, Mr. Vanderbilt. Didn't you hear? Stay away from her from now on."

A sharp pain pierced Edward's heart, leaving him breathless. He watched helplessly as Theodore walked away with Phoebe, his heart like fragile glass shattering into tiny fragments. He stumbled and collapsed into a chair. Vanessa sauntered over, taking a seat opposite him. Seeing his distraught expression, she remarked, "Looks like we're both in rough waters, huh?"

Edward lifted his gaze, immediately on guard at the sight of Vanessa. He knew she was Theodore's ex, and that her sudden departure for Europe had caused Theodore to shift his attention to Phoebe.