Forbidden Passion
Chapter 288 An Exciting Scene in the Morning

Phoebe slapped Vanessa hard across the face, using almost all her strength; the sound of the slap was exceptionally loud.

It was rush hour, and many employees were passing by the entrance. They were all drawn by the sound of the slap and saw Phoebe slap Vanessa again with a backhand.

The crowd didn't rush to clock in; instead, they stood at the entrance to watch the unfolding drama.

Vanessa's cheek visibly swelled up quickly. She covered her face, feeling extremely humiliated, then glared at Phoebe. "How dare you hit me?"

Ruby rushed over in a flash, standing in front of Vanessa and glaring at Phoebe. "Phoebe, why did you hit her? I demand you apologize to Vanessa!"

Phoebe had no more reservations. Vanessa had been pushing her limits; if she continued to hold back, she would go crazy.

She stared coldly at Vanessa. "Apologize? Does she deserve it? Vanessa, give you an advice. Please don't mess with me. When I go crazy, it's something you couldn't handle!!"

With that, she turned and walked away.

Suddenly, a sharp and familiar male voice came from behind. "Phoebe, stop right there!"

Phoebe sneered and didn't pause for a second, striding toward the company.

The employees who had been watching suddenly realized Theodore had arrived. They immediately scattered and rushed into the company.  

Theodore quickened his pace, trying to catch up with her, but Vanessa stepped in his way, tears welling up in her eyes and rolling down her cheeks.

"Theodore, how could Phoebe hit me?" Vanessa asked pitifully.

Theodore watched Phoebe walk away without looking back. He then turned his gaze to Vanessa's red, swollen cheek, feeling a wave of annoyance toward her for the first time.  

"Vanessa, if you hadn't provoked her, why would she hit you?"

Vanessa stared at him in shock. Her face burned with pain, and her heart sank into an abyss. "I..."

"Ruby, get an ice pack for Vanessa's face. Vanessa, don't come to the office unless necessary." With that, he walked past Vanessa and into the company, not giving her another glance.

Vanessa staggered back a couple of steps, staring in disbelief at Theodore's cold and heartless back. She couldn't believe he would react indifferently.  

"How can he treat me like this?" Vanessa's eyes were filled with despair and pain. Although they had known each other for many years, It was the first time he had spoken to her in such a tone.

Ruby was also momentarily stunned. She watched Theodore's back disappear behind the elevator doors, then turned to Vanessa.

"Vanessa, I told you before to show restraint and not to provoke Phoebe. Why didn't you listen to me?"

Phoebe had been hospitalized after being beaten by Tompson. Even if Theodore had a heart of stone, Phoebe was still his woman. Seeing Phoebe bullied like this by outsiders, he couldn't possibly feel anything.  

If he had any affection for Phoebe, provoking her at this time would only backfire and lead to a bad outcome.

Vanessa's eyes were bloodshot, her face twisted with anger and hatred. "Why should I restrain myself? I wish she were dead."

"Vanessa, watch your words." Ruby's face changed at her words. She quickly looked around and, seeing no one, finally relaxed and pulled Vanessa into the RV.