Forbidden Passion
Chapter 362 I've Spoiled You Too Much

The video call connected quickly. John and Lawton sat up straight, greeting Phoebe and Theodore.

Theodore, looking serious, asked, "What's going on?"

Lawton and John exchanged glances. Lawton, eyeing the stern Theodore, said, "John and I checked. Miss Fitzroy loosened the harness herself and fell." Theodore's expression shifted. "What did you say?"

"Eight cameras and a drone were filming. We reviewed the footage. No one else was involved," Lawton explained.

Theodore's face darkened. "Send me the footage and handle everything on set. I don't want any rumors about Vanessa."

Lawton nodded. "Got it."

The call ended. Theodore, irritated, pulled out a cigarette, lit it, and took a drag. Smoke rose into the night sky, highlighting his sharp features. Phoebe glanced at Theodore, clutching her phone.

The moonlight cast a soft glow on Theodore. He was clearly upset. Phoebe thought, 'I wouldn't be happy either if facts contradicted me.'

She stayed silent as her phone buzzed. John had sent a two-minute video showing Vanessa's fall.

After watching, both Theodore and Phoebe were quiet.

In the video, Vanessa's actions were clear. It was hard to call it an accident, and the lead actress wasn't near her.

Phoebe cleared her throat, recalling Theodore's earlier questioning. She felt embarrassed for him.

"Seems like Miss Fitzroy doesn't want to stay in the industry. Mr. Reynolds, maybe you should stop supporting her before she harms others," Phoebe said.

Theodore's sharp gaze cut through the smoke. "Are you happy?"

"How could I be?" Phoebe barely hid a smile. "I just think Miss Fitzroy is wasting your kindness." Theodore held his cigarette, smoke curling up. He sneered. "You have ambition, but unfortunately..." He thought, 'Unfortunately, you didn't love me.'

Vanessa fell for his attention, but no matter how well he treated Phoebe, she stayed indifferent. Sometimes, he wondered, 'Is everything I did for Phoebe worth it?'

Phoebe asked, "Unfortunately, what?"

Theodore took a drag, leaned in, and blew smoke in her face. "Unfortunately, you're a fool."

Phoebe was speechless.

She coughed from the smoke, watching Theodore stand. She wished she could kick him for being so mean.

Phoebe stood too. "Theodore."

Theodore paused, his gaze dark. "Phoebe, have I spoiled you too much, making you disrespectful?"

Phoebe pressed her lips together. "Now that it's clear, Miss Fitzroy can't film for a while. Someone needs to replace her." Theodore held the cigarette, his expression cold under the moonlight. "Got someone in mind?"

"Claire Brown can clear her schedule. Mr. Clark praised her acting," Phoebe said.

Theodore twirled the cigarette, not smoking it, just staring at Phoebe, making her uneasy.

She added, "Or if you want the crew to wait for Miss Fitzroy, that's fine too. You have the money."

Theodore chuckled. "Alright, Phoebe, I'll give you a chance."

Phoebe looked up, confused. Under the moonlight, Theodore's smile was almost devilish.

Raising his hand, he placed the half-smoked cigarette between her lips. Leaning in slightly, he uttered, "If you wish for your associate to grace the stage, plead with me." Phoebe was speechless.

Watching Theodore walk away, she spat out the cigarette butt in anger. Her eyes were red from the smoke, and her heart was pounding. Theodore was truly a devil!

Phoebe didn't want to miss this rare opportunity. She had read the script for Hank's movie, and the character of Luna Hughes was perfect. Luna was a female general defending the city, the emperor's beloved. To protect the kingdom, she sacrificed herself, shocking the nation. Luna was loyal and patriotic, a tragic character who died in battle, sacrificing her love.

Phoebe found the script moving. With such a character, anyone with some acting skills could become famous. But Vanessa, short-sighted, only cared about love. If she could secure this role for Claire, Queen Entertainment would gain another star within the year.

Phoebe bit her lower lip, determined. She had to get this role for Claire!

The air conditioner hummed in the hospital room. Theodore sat by the bed, looking at Vanessa lying there.

Vanessa looked fragile, yet she was crazy at heart.

Theodore replayed the scene of her falling. He couldn't help but be moved by her courage.

It made him reluctant to blame her.

Vanessa frowned, the pain making it hard to sleep. She slowly opened her eyes, feeling dizzy.

It was unpleasant, so she closed her eyes again.

Theodore stood up, one hand on the bed, leaning over her. "Vanessa, are you awake?"

Vanessa's eyes opened. She was surprised to see Theodore's concerned expression. "Theodore, didn't you leave?"

Her throat was dry, and she started coughing before she could finish.

Theodore nodded. "The doctor said someone needs to stay. I was worried. Don't talk. I'll get you some water."

Vanessa had never seen him take care of her personally. Her heart warmed, and even the pain lessened.

Her eyes followed him to the table and back with a cup of water. Tears filled Vanessa's eyes. Only in moments like this would he be so close to her. Theodore returned to the bedside, helping Vanessa sit up. He brought the cup to her lips. "Drink some water."