Forbidden Passion
Chapter 397 Forming an Alliance

Vanessa had a rough night, obsessively checking Theodore's social media and staring at that photo. Her hatred and jealousy grew with each look.

She somehow made it to dawn. When the morning light peeked through the window, her eyes were sore and swollen, but she wasn't sleepy at all. The nurse came in and noticed Vanessa's bloodshot eyes and dark circles. "Miss Fitzroy, did you stay up all night? Why are your eyes so red?" Vanessa almost cried. "I just miss my mom."

She missed her family. She had stubbornly left home for Theodore, and her family hadn't contacted her since.

Their actions were undeniably callous. When they mentioned severing ties, they were resolute in their decision.

She thought, 'What did I do wrong for them to treat me like this? I just wanted to win back the person I loved. Was that so wrong?'

"Miss Fitzroy, is your mom still alive?" The nurse had been taking care of Vanessa for a while and had never seen any family visits, assuming she was an orphan. Vanessa glared at her. "Of course, my mom is still alive. Why are you cursing her?"

"I'm sorry," the nurse quickly apologized. "I just never saw any of your family visit. If you miss your mom, you can call her and ask her to come see you." Vanessa's expression turned gloomy. "She won't come."

The nurse said, "No mother can ignore her child. Call her, act a little spoiled, and she'll definitely come."

Vanessa shook her head. "Take me downstairs for a walk. I need some fresh air."

"Sure, it's nice today, no wind," the nurse agreed, helped Vanessa into the wheelchair, and pushed her out the door.

They took the elevator downstairs. As soon as they reached the small park, Vanessa saw a familiar figure.

Actually, it wasn't that familiar, but she couldn't forget that face. It was the woman she had seen with Brandon last time.

Vanessa had looked her up. Her name was Marlowe, and she was a teacher.

Marlowe was pushing a wheelchair with a young man sitting in it. He was Bishop.

Vanessa had a thought and said to the nurse behind her, "Push me over there. I know them."

The nurse looked at Marlowe and Bishop ahead and pushed Vanessa over. When they were close, Vanessa dismissed the nurse.

Vanessa wheeled herself over to Marlowe and Bishop. "Hello, I'm Vanessa. I think I've seen you somewhere before?"

Bishop had investigated the people around Theodore, so he naturally recognized Vanessa. He said sarcastically, "I didn't expect Miss Fitzroy to be in the hospital too. What a coincidence." Marlowe didn't know Vanessa, but hearing Bishop's tone, she smiled at Vanessa and said, "Hello, how did you hurt your leg?"

"I had a mishap and fell from a wire. It's nearly recovered. Marlowe, what happened to Bishop that caused his injury?"Vanessa looked at Bishop's cast and bandages, curious.

Marlowe said, "He was in a car accident."

Vanessa noticed Bishop's angry, resentful expression. "How did the accident happen? Was it a new driver?"

Bishop sneered. "If it were a new driver, I'd accept it, but it wasn't."

"Bishop," Marlowe frowned. "Don't say things without evidence. If you keep this up, you'll break Brandon's heart."

Bishop retorted, "Why should I care if he's heartbroken? If he cared about me, he wouldn't have let you be a mistress for so many years. Mom, he doesn't have feelings for you anymore. You're still hung up on him. It's hopeless." Marlowe glanced at Vanessa, looking embarrassed. "Bishop!"

Vanessa sensed a story in their conversation. "Marlowe, I totally understand how Bishop feels."

"You understand nothing," Bishop mocked.

Vanessa didn't expect Bishop to be so rude. She was taken aback. Marlowe said, "Bishop, don't talk to her like that."

"Mom, do you even know who she is? You're defending her. If you want to be a saint, don't drag me into it." Bishop was very hostile towards Vanessa.

Vanessa realized Bishop knew her identity-no need to hide it.

"Marlowe, let me talk to Bishop. We're in similar situations now, and I understand his feelings better."

Vanessa's words had a double meaning. Marlowe smiled wearily. "Then I'll leave Miss Fitzroy to you. I'll be nearby if you need anything."

Bishop replied, "Okay."

Marlowe glanced at Bishop again and walked away.

Vanessa wheeled herself closer to Bishop. "Mr. Reynolds, I think we both know who each other is. I don't want to beat around the bush."

Bishop sneered. "I was curious why you suddenly decided to get close to me. It seems even a fox reveals its tail eventually."Vanessa's face turned pale. She bit her lip, resisting the urge to leave. "Yes, I'm a fox. Aren't you a wolf?" Bishop finally took Vanessa seriously, seeing the ambition in her eyes. He suddenly remembered seeing Phoebe's face on the surveillance footage.

People say appearance reflects the heart. Vanessa's features were striking and beautiful, but her eyes showed such strong desire that it made people uncomfortable.

Phoebe's features were softer, making people want to protect her at first sight.

"So, Miss Fitzroy, are you here to ally?" Bishop asked bluntly.

Vanessa didn't hide her ambition. "Yes, I understand your desire. We can collaborate. Help me break up Theodore and Phoebe in exchange for what you want."

Bishop laughed heartily as if he had heard a joke. "Miss Fitzroy, do you have any leverage to work with me?"

"What do you mean?" she asked.

Bishop looked at Vanessa's angry expression and smirked. "You've already become useless to Theodore. What's in it for me to work with you?"

Vanessa's face changed. "Bishop, I've known Theodore for over ten years. That's my leverage. I can achieve my goal without you, but without me, it'll be hard for you to infiltrate the Reynolds family."