Forbidden Passion
Chapter 324 There Must Be a Struggle

Downstairs at QUEEN Entertainment, when Vanessa finished her class and walked out of the dance studio, Ruby was waiting for her at the door. They headed towards the lounge together. Once inside the lounge, Ruby couldn't wait to tell Vanessa, "Mr. Reynolds just had a huge outburst in Phoebe's office and even hinted at not letting Noah perform." Hearing that, Vanessa didn't look happy at all.

Last night, Theodore went to her place and she personally cooked him pasta, accompanying him while he ate. She originally thought that since he went to see her so late at night, he would definitely stay overnight, but after finishing the pasta, he left.

She almost couldn't resist stripping down to seduce him and tried everything she could to make him stay, yet feared that even if she did strip down, she still wouldn't be able to keep him. Just as she hesitated, he had already left. She regretted it all night, feeling she had been too shy to get such a good opportunity. She vowed to keep Theodore in her bed the next time he came over.

"What's there to be happy about if Theodore doesn't let Noah perform?" Vanessa said coldly.

Her tone was like a bucket of cold water, instantly dousing Ruby's excitement. Ruby looked at Vanessa cautiously. "Aren't you happy?"

"If he were to ban Phoebe and kick her out of QUEEN Entertainment, that would be worth celebrating," Vanessa said.

Ruby didn't quite get it at first. She said, "Phoebe brings up Noah, who is her most valuable artist. Not allowing Noah to perform is equivalent to undoing all of her hard work. All her efforts during this time would be in vain." Vanessa looked at her and said, "You're still thinking too simply. Theodore is suppressing Noah to force Phoebe to beg him and bow down to him."

"Is that so?" Ruby hadn't thought that deeply.

Most of the people who heard Phoebe and Theodore arguing this afternoon probably hadn't thought that deeply, either. They all thought Phoebe was about to fall out of favor.

But it was quite the opposite.

Theodore's anger showed that he cared about Phoebe. Taking it out on Noah was just a way to shake things up and make Phoebe behave.

Vanessa rolled her eyes impatiently. "I've known Theodore for 12 years. I understand his character. He never used to take his anger out on others."

It was precisely because he had never done it before and now only did it to Phoebe that made her uncomfortable.

If Theodore had no feelings for Phoebe, he wouldn't care who she made headlines with.

Ruby bit her lip. Seeing Vanessa's gloomy face, she didn't dare say anything. "Persistence pays off. Don't rush, and we'll take it step by step."

Vanessa snorted. "I can't afford to slow down."

"But rushing won't help either. We need to take it one step at a time. Theodore and Phoebe's relationship can't be destroyed in a day. Be patient, or we'll end up pushing Mr. Reynolds and her closer together," Ruby advised earnestly. If Ruby's mom knew she would one day give such advice, she would probably be relieved that her daughter had finally grown up and matured. Vanessa was agitated. She glanced at the snacks on the table and suddenly had an idea. She squinted slightly. "I'm going upstairs for a bit."

With that, she picked up the bag of snacks and walked out.

Ruby called after her several times, but she didn't look back.

Vanessa took the snacks and rode the elevator upstairs. When Carol saw her coming, she put on a fake smile. After all, she was just a small employee. If Vanessa ever became Theodore's wife, she needed to consider her future. "Miss Fitzroy," Carol greeted.

Vanessa nodded haughtily and asked, "Is Theodore in?"

"He is," Carol said, watching Vanessa head towards the CEO's office. She quickly added, "Miss Fitzroy, Phoebe is also in there." Vanessa paused and turned back to glare coldly at Carol. "She's in there, but I can go in too."

Carol looked awkward. "Of course, let me check with Mr. Reynolds first."

"No need. I've known Theodore since childhood. He won't blame you if I go in," Vanessa said, pushing open the office door.

Carol said, "Miss Fitzroy."

Carol's voice alerted the people inside the office. Phoebe had been staring at Theodore in a daze. Hearing Carol's voice, she immediately composed herself and turned to look.

Vanessa, wearing Chanel from head to toe, exuded the aura of a wealthy woman. She glanced at Phoebe briefly before her gaze landed on Theodore.

Theodore glanced at her. "Why are you up here?"

Vanessa smiled brightly and walked up to Theodore, taking the snacks out of the bag. "I heard from Miss Ziegler that you like cupcakes. I make these myself this morning. Would you want to try one?" Theodore looked uninterested. "Just leave them there."

"I made them myself. Please try one," Vanessa coaxed.

Theodore couldn't resist her tone and looked at Phoebe. "I haven't finished reviewing the documents. Let Phoebe try one."

Phoebe thought, 'Are you crazy?'

Vanessa's face turned pale instantly. She bit her lip and looked at Phoebe pitifully. "I only made five. Miss Ziegler, would you like to try one?" Phoebe declined. "Sorry, I'm allergic to eggs. Leave them for Mr. Reynolds."

Theodore remained silent. 'Phoebe, you've gotten better at lying. When we made cupcakes together that day, you weren't allergic at all.' Vanessa looked at Theodore with hope. "Theodore."

Theodore opened the box and picked out a beautifully packaged cupcake. He unwrapped it and took a bite, his expression changing slightly. Vanessa watched him nervously. "How is it? Is it good?"

Theodore couldn't hold back his expression. He bent over and spat the cupcake into the trash can, then wiped his mouth with a tissue. "Vanessa, don't make snacks anymore." Vanessa said, "Is it that bad?"

"Try it yourself." Theodore threw the rest of the cupcakes into the trash can and picked up his pen to continue reviewing documents.

Vanessa didn't believe him. She unwrapped one and took a bite. It tasted fine. The crust was crispy, and the sweetness was just right. Vanessa thought, 'Why does Theodore dislike it so much?'

She turned to Theodore, but she noticed him glancing at Phoebe with a subdued glance that struck her like a lightning bolt. She finally understood.

It wasn't that her cupcakes were bad. He just wanted to please Phoebe.

Vanessa hated herself. She suppressed her humiliation and spat the cupcake into the trash can. "You're right; it's not very good. I'll throw them all away."

With that, she threw the remaining cupcakes and their packaging into the trash can. Looking at the cupcakes lying in the trash, she felt as if she had seen her rejected feelings. Vanessa's heart ached.