Forbidden Passion
Chapter 341 What am I to You?

Donovan saw she was still mad and said, "I made a huge mistake.. Phoebe, I stole five million from the company. Can you ask Theodore to cover for me? I'll pay him back once I get the money." "Five million? You say it like it's nothing. I don't even know how to ask him," Phoebe replied.

"You two are married. It's no big deal. He's been with you for three years; can't he lend you five million?" Donovan said, getting more worked up.

He suddenly stood up and walked out. "I'm going to find him. He can sleep with you for free."

"Donovan!" Phoebe glared at his back, her eyes red. "What do you want? Are you trying to drive me crazy?"

Donovan paused, turned around, and saw Phoebe's tear-filled eyes. He panicked. "Phoebe, I didn't mean it. It's unfair to you. You were fine with Edward. You would have been Edward's wife without him. I wouldn't be in this mess if Edward treated me better."

When he graduated, he wanted to work at the Reynolds Group, but Theodore wanted him to start from the bottom. As a Harvard grad, Donovan found it humiliating to deliver documents.

As Phoebe's brother, Donovan thought he should have been a manager.

He was furious and left. Later, he complained to Phoebe about Theodore, but Phoebe sided with Theodore.

Donovan realized then that Phoebe couldn't be relied upon and would always side with Theodore.

Phoebe clenched her fist, resisting the urge to punch him. "Donovan, don't feel sorry for me. Think about yourself. You've known that woman for only a few days, and you're already gambling and stealing for her."

"I truly love her. So, I'm willing to take on high-interest loans for her. What about Theodore? I don't think he even likes you," Donovan said.

Phoebe closed her eyes. "You see her as true love, but she sees you as an ATM. Your so-called true love is worthless."

Donovan retorted, "Phoebe, just because you haven't experienced love doesn't mean you can belittle mine. Even though I hate her now, we were genuinely in love these past few months."

She felt that if she stayed any longer, she would explode from anger. She turned and walked towards the door.

Donovan quickly grabbed her wrist. "Phoebe, talk to Theodore for me. As your brother, he can't just leave me to die, right?"

"Talk to him yourself. I really can't ask." Phoebe shook off his hand, opened the door, and left.

Donovan gritted his teeth behind her. "You're ungrateful. Mom did so much for you. She wanted you to marry Theodore, so our family could rise to the top. But you haven't done anything for us." Phoebe paused, her heart aching.

"I'm not your tool for social climbing. If you want to rise to the top, work hard and don't think about shortcuts." With that, Phoebe slammed the door shut.

She stood in the hallway, pale. Donovan's words were too hurtful.

Actually, back then, Theodore had told her that he wanted Donovan to start from the bottom for his own good. He thought Donovan was too impulsive and needed to settle down.

Who knew Donovan would quit on the first day?

When she went to find Donovan, he scolded her. She clearly remembered his disdainful words: "The status you gained by sleeping with someone is unreliable. You'd better hold on to your position as Theodore's wife and not let someone else take it."

Phoebe closed her eyes, holding back tears.

She quickly walked out, passing through the living room without stopping, and headed straight for the door. She opened it and left, standing in front of the elevator, waiting.

Theodore followed her out. "Where are you going?"

Phoebe didn't look back, afraid he'd see her distress. "I'm going downstairs for a walk."

"I'll go with you." Theodore joined her in the elevator. He looked down at her, noticing her trying to hold back tears. "Did you fight with Donovan?"

The door had slammed loudly. He wasn't deaf; he heard it.

Phoebe lowered her head, her tears silently falling onto the carpet.

After a while, she choked out, "I just don't understand. He did something wrong, so why is he so self-righteous?"

Theodore pressed his lips together and gently pulled her into his arms. "Don't cry. It's not worth it."

He used to think Phoebe was cheerful and lively. When she smiled, she was like the sun, warming everyone around her.

He was curious why she was always so happy. After getting to know her, he realized her life wasn't easy.

Phoebe leaned against his chest, her tears soaking his black shirt.

The elevator doors opened and closed, and people got on and off.

Phoebe allowed herself to be weak for two minutes. By the time the elevator reached the first floor, she had composed herself. "I'm fine now."

Theodore frowned, looking at her red eyes. "Let me take you out for a drive."

Phoebe replied, "Okay."

They didn't bring any bodyguards, and they drove away from the hotel. The car passed through the old town and headed to the outskirts, away from the city's hustle and bustle, with the vast desert in sight. The view suddenly opened up. Phoebe rolled down the window and screamed.

Her voice quickly disappeared into the vast night. After a few shouts, she felt much better.

She smoothed her wind-blown hair and said to Theodore, "My mom spoiled Donovan. He doesn't know how dangerous individuals can be. When I heard he was sent to Starfall City on a business trip, I had a bad feeling. And sure enough..." Phoebe paused. "The funny thing is, Donovan was deceived so badly, yet he still thinks Darlene is his true love. I shouldn't have come to Starfall City. Letting him bear the consequences himself would have been better."

Theodore held her hand. "Donovan lacks social experience. It's okay. When he returns, I'll teach him how to be a man."

Phoebe shook her head. "No, he'll hold a grudge against you."

No matter how much she argued with Donovan, they were still family. But Theodore was always an outsider.

Theodore raised an eyebrow and smiled. "I'm not afraid of him holding a grudge."

"I know you're not," Phoebe said. "But I don't want you to get involved. This is my family matter. I'll handle it myself."

Something in her words seemed to trigger Theodore. He suddenly slammed on the brakes, stopping the car by the roadside, and turned to stare at Phoebe.

He asked her coldly, "Phoebe, what am I to you?"