Forbidden Passion
Chapter 372 I Think I just Can't Be Good to You.

They stepped into the elevator, and the office buzzed with excitement as the women gathered to chat.

"Did you hear what Mr. Reynolds said? I bet he and Ms. Ziegler have already met the parents."

"Looks like Ms. Ziegler's in the driver's seat now."

"Why call her a lover? I think she's Mr. Reynolds' wife. Look at her confidence. Could a mere lover act like that?"

"Not so sure. Some people are good at playing games," a sarcastic voice cut in, and everyone turned to see Madison. Madison stood there, looking smug. "Don't overestimate Phoebe. She's just a mistress who got lucky."

Everyone exchanged glances, some eager for gossip. "Madison, you're Mr. Reynolds' sister. Got any inside scoop? Spill it."

Drama lovers are everywhere.

Madison had been feeling left out lately. Vanessa didn't take her to the film set, and she was sidelined at Queen Entertainment. People were polite but never included her. Feeling isolated, Madison seized the chance to fit in.

So, she exaggerated stories about Phoebe and Theodore, conveniently leaving out that Phoebe was Theodore's legal wife, making everyone despise Phoebe.

Everyone was shocked. One woman asked, "So what's the deal with Mr. Reynolds and Miss Fitzroy now?"

All eyes turned to Madison.

Not knowing how to continue, Madison made up more. "Vanessa dropped everything to see Theodore in Starfall City. Their old feelings are back. Just wait; Theodore will dump Phoebe and hand the company to Vanessa." John walked out and overheard Madison's lies. He frowned and said, "Madison, come here!"

Madison saw John and shrugged, whispering to the others, "Gotta go."

She walked towards the elevator, not taking John seriously.

John quickly caught up, slipping into the elevator just as the doors closed. Madison was startled and glared at him. "What do you want? If you hit me, you're out of here tomorrow." John, towering at 6 feet, intimidated Madison with his angry gaze.

He stared at her. "You know Ms. Ziegler is Mr. Reynolds' legal wife, yet you slander her."

"So what if I do? If she hadn't gotten into Theodore's bed and used the child to force him to marry her, would she have succeeded?" Madison shot back.

John was furious. "You!"

Madison looked at him disdainfully. "John, I know you follow Phoebe, but here's some advice. Open your eyes. Don't pick the wrong side, or you'll lose your job."

"If Queen Entertainment didn't have Ms. Ziegler, I wouldn't care to stay," John said coldly.

Madison squinted as if figuring something out. She leaned closer. "No way. Do you also like someone like Phoebe?"

John looked away, frowning. "Madison, watch your mouth. Don't slander Ms. Ziegler."

Madison sneered. "So what if I insult her? I'd do it to her face. She's shameless."

"Madison!" John glared, his warning clear.

Seeing his anger, Madison laughed. "What's the use of getting mad? You won't hit me. You're just Phoebe's lapdog."

Even with John's patience, Madison's words pushed him over the edge. He grabbed her by the neck and pinned her against the elevator wall, his voice cold. "Say that again!" Madison was terrified. She hadn't expected John to react like this. She scratched at his hand. "Let go of me, you insubordinate jerk!"

Her nails left scratches on John's hand. He leaned in closer, tightening his grip. "Madison, others might fear you, but I don't. Speak ill of Ms. Ziegler again, and you'll regret it." He abruptly let go.

Madison, gasping for breath, slid down the elevator wall, coughing violently. "John Wolf, you won't get away with this!"

The elevator doors opened, and John walked out without looking back, ignoring her threats.

John didn't regret his impulsive action. He hated Madison's arrogance. Besides her status, she had nothing to boast about, and she dared to slander Phoebe.

Since Madison hadn't learned how to behave in over twenty years, John decided to teach her a lesson.

Meanwhile, Theodore dragged Phoebe to the International Finance Center, which was filled with luxury brands and even casual purchases cost tens of thousands.

Phoebe hadn't been here in a while, partly because she was busy and partly because the Reynolds family's birthdays were all before June, so she didn't spend money after June. Phoebe asked, "What are we doing here?"

Theodore, with one hand in his suit pocket, looked relaxed, like he was strolling through his own backyard. "Buying something. What does Evelyn like?"

Phoebe frowned. "Just get her a fruit basket."

"That's so insincere," Theodore said, annoyed. Seeing Hermès, he pulled Phoebe inside. He believed few women didn't love Hermès.

Phoebe, being dragged along, said, "You never used to come to places like this. What's up with you?"

Theodore stopped and glared at her. Seeing her genuine confusion, he angrily pinched her face.

Seeing Phoebe's face distorted in pain, her brows furrowing, he finally felt satisfied and let go. "I guess I can't be nice to you."

He wanted to be nice, but she thought he was acting strange.

Fortunately, he was in a good mood and didn't want to argue. Otherwise, they would have had another fight.

Phoebe rubbed her sore cheek as he dragged her into the Hermès store. The young and beautiful sales associate, Lisa Moore, immediately greeted them. "Looking for clothes, jewelry, or bags?" Theodore pulled Phoebe to sit on the sofa and casually pointed to several rare leather Birkin bags in the display case. "Bring those bags over for us to see."

Phoebe was speechless.