Forbidden Passion
Chapter 388 Theodore's Little Romance

"Grace, why are you arguing with the customers?" Mason Sullivan, the restaurant owner, hurried over when he saw the commotion. His eyes widened when he noticed Theodore.

Grace turned to see Mason limping over and quickly went to support him. "Dad, they said our fish is dirty and will poison them."

Mason's face changed. He spoke kindly, "We have a health permit. I promise it's clean. If you're still worried, this meal is on us."

"Dad, why aren't we charging them?" Grace looked at Mason in disbelief. He was never this submissive, even with tough customers.

Seeing Theodore eyeing Grace, Mason quickly pulled her behind him. "When adults are talking, kids shouldn't interrupt. Don't you have classes this afternoon? Go get ready for school. We don't need your help here." "I'm free this afternoon," Grace stated. "And why should we let them have our fish for free? They don't seem impoverished."

Madison retorted, "Just because we're wealthy, you believe you can serve us this? What if we fall ill? Can you afford to reimburse us?" Mason finally noticed Madison. His gaze fixed on her face, unable to look away, as if he was both excited and trying to restrain himself. Seeing Mason's odd expression, Madison shrank back. "Don't touch me. Theodore, what's he trying to do?"

Realizing his behavior, Mason quickly stepped back and became humble again. "Sorry for scaring you. This meal is my treat to make it up to you." "Who cares? Do you think we can't afford it?" Madison hid behind Theodore, afraid Mason's greasy hands would dirty her clothes.

Seeing her reaction, Mason's eyes dimmed. He slumped his shoulders. "Fine, you eat. I won't bother you anymore."

With that, Mason limped away. Grace had never seen him so out of sorts. Worried, she followed him. "Dad, what's wrong?"

"Nothing, Grace. Change your clothes and go to school." Mason patted Grace's hand and turned to the kitchen.

Grace looked at Mason's aging back and then at the customers sitting under the umbrella outside. She was puzzled.

'Our restaurant's been open for years and is well-known. Big shots come for a fresh meal, but I've never seen Mason like this,' Grace thought. Under the umbrella, the wind was blowing.

Phoebe picked up her utensils and started eating the fish. She liked fish but never had time to cook it. She took a bite. The fish was tender, spicy, and flavorful.

"It tastes pretty good. Why aren't you eating?" Phoebe's eyes gleamed as she noticed Madison's suspicious expression. "These small restaurants may not look clean, but the food is really good."

Theodore glanced inside the restaurant, unsure of what he was looking for. He just knew Mason's gaze at Madison was unusually intense.

Madison had no appetite, staring at the fish. Even at home, Riley was particular about presentation. Madison had never eaten such unrefined food.

Theodore saw Phoebe eating with gusto and asked, "Is the spicy fish really spicy?"

Phoebe replied, "It's okay, just a bit numbing. You should try it. If you can't handle it, there's non-spicy fish too. It's also good."

This restaurant had been open for over a decade and had exceptional flavors.

Theodore leaned over and took a bite of the fish Phoebe had just deboned. First, he felt numbness, then spiciness, and finally, his head felt like it was on fire.

He quickly swallowed the fish and grabbed his water cup. Phoebe pushed over a half-drunk yogurt. "Drink yogurt. It helps with the spiciness."

Theodore took it, sucked on the straw, and finally suppressed the numbing spiciness. His mouth felt like it was on fire.

He fanned his mouth with his hand. "Why is it so spicy?"

"It's okay. You guys just aren't used to spicy food. I've been eating spicy food since I was a kid," Phoebe said, a bit proud. 'Although I'm not as smart or capable as Theodore, I can handle spicy food better,' she thought, amusing herself.

Watching Phoebe eat with relish, Madison picked up her utensils several times but put them down without tasting the fish.

Inside the restaurant, Mason occasionally glanced their way. Seeing Madison not touching the fish, he couldn't hide his disappointment. After the meal, the three went to the market.

As soon as they entered, a mix of floral and other scents hit them. Madison pinched her nose. "What's that smell? It's awful."

Phoebe glanced at her. "If you can't stand it, wait outside. We'll pick a few pots of flowers and come out."

Madison didn't want to go in, so she waited at the entrance.

Theodore and Phoebe walked in together. Inside, it was a riot of colors. Phoebe ran over and saw a round cactus with two pink buds. She exclaimed, "Do cacti bloom?" "They do," the owner came out. "Some varieties bloom if well cared for."

Phoebe glanced at the owner, interested. "Does it need good care? Then I can't do it. Any plant I take care of dies within two months, let alone making a cactus bloom. That's hard." The owner said, "Cacti like sunlight and little water. Don't overwater it, and it won't die."

Phoebe shook her head. "Even without watering, it won't last two months. Theodore, let's buy this one and see if I can make it bloom."

Theodore was touched by the idea of making it bloom. His eyes softened. "Sure, let's look at others, too."

Phoebe stood up and looked at the other flowers. "Forget it. I'll focus on this one. I can't manage more."