Forbidden Passion
Chapter 436 I Am Willing

Phoebe tried to dodge but couldn't; Theodore's sharp teeth nipped her ear, causing a sting.

She elbowed him hard, making him grunt, and broke free.

Without a word, Phoebe grabbed a tissue, wiped her ear, and tossed it at him before walking out.

Theodore rubbed his chest, glaring at her with that stubborn arrogance. He really wanted to pin her against the wardrobe door. He closed his eyes, imagining it, feeling like he might explode.

Better to wait. Phoebe was too thin right now.

Theodore grabbed a down jacket from the wardrobe, slung it over his arm, and followed Phoebe to the dining room.

Breakfast was ready, and Phoebe sat down.

Ollie jumped onto her lap, meowing affectionately.

Phoebe glanced at Theodore as he entered. She fed Ollie a small dried fish and placed the cat in Theodore's spot.

Theodore saw Ollie in his seat and squinted at Phoebe.

Seeing her mischievous smirk, he knew he could move Ollie if he wanted to.

But he let her have her moment, not wanting her to sulk and get sick.

Theodore sat across from Phoebe and said, "There's a meeting this morning. You'll take the minutes, and then I'll have Carol Olsen transfer the business to you ASAP."

Phoebe, sipping her porridge, asked, "What about Carol?"

"She'll assist you," Theodore replied, noticing a spark of life in Phoebe's eyes.

He sensed that Phoebe's recent runaway and car crash were because he had pushed her too far.

He almost made the same mistake Edward had. Phoebe valued her work above all else; she could do without a man but not her job.

Realizing he was secondary to her work, Theodore felt frustrated but helpless. Phoebe almost pushing Vanessa down through the window had scared him.

He feared pushing her further might lead to something worse.

Phoebe said, "I understand."

Theodore looked at her and reminded, "You're still recovering, so no overtime or business trips, or I'll give you a long vacation to rest at home." Phoebe bit her lip and retorted, "I'm fine now."

"Listen to me," Theodore said firmly.

Phoebe shrugged. Knowing she couldn't leave Kedora for a business trip under his watchful eye, she didn't argue.

After breakfast, Phoebe fed Ollie and changed the cat litter before grabbing her coat to leave.

It was December, and the north wind in Kedora was fierce. A coat wasn't enough, especially since Phoebe's health had declined. Theodore took the coat from her and draped the down jacket over her shoulders. "It's freezing today. Wear this to stay warm."

Phoebe glanced at the coat on the sofa and obediently put on the down jacket.

Theodore was surprised she didn't argue. He bent down and zipped up her jacket, finding her rare compliance endearing.

Feeling a surge of affection, he gently ruffled her hair and said, "Let's head to the office."

The Imperial Apartment was right next to the Reynolds Group, just a short walk away. Usually, Phoebe would make breakfast, wake Theodore, and head to the office first. But today was different.

They took the elevator to the basement, where the driver, Jack, was waiting to drive them.

Phoebe frowned and said, "I can walk."

Theodore pushed her into the car. "You're not well, and it's freezing. The wind might blow you away."

Phoebe laughed, "I'm at least 110 pounds."

"Actually, it's 99 pounds. Jack, drive," Theodore said calmly.

Jack drove out of the parking lot. Phoebe rolled her eyes and looked out the window, ignoring Theodore.

A few minutes later, they arrived at the Reynolds Group just as the workday started. Employees braved the wind and snow to get there.

Seeing the Rolls-Royce, everyone paused. It was rare to see Theodore, and no one wanted to miss it.

The back door opened, revealing Theodore's long legs. He stepped out, looking distinguished in a black coat. He held the door and extended a hand inside. "Come on out." Everyone craned their necks, eager to see who Theodore was helping.

Just then, the other door opened, and someone bundled in a heavy down jacket stepped out.

Phoebe, in high heels, exhaled puffs of white breath, looking like an angel.

Everyone gasped.

They all recognized Phoebe. Seeing her step out of the car and give Theodore the cold shoulder, they couldn't help but admire her.

They thought, 'Look! This is the woman who has Theodore wrapped around her finger. It's truly extraordinary!'

Phoebe nodded slightly to her stunned colleagues and walked calmly into the building.

Theodore closed the car door and quickly caught up with her, his chest almost touching her back. He whispered, "Ms. Ziegler, believe me. In less than half a minute, rumors about us will spread through the employee chat group." Phoebe looked at him coldly. "Sorry for embarrassing you, Mr. Reynolds. Should I explain this in the chat group?"

"No need," Theodore replied quickly. "I'm willing."

Phoebe sneered inwardly and quickened her pace. She thought, 'I never understood Theodore's quirks. Does he dislike people fawning over him and prefer being a simp instead?'

In front of the elevator, several employees were waiting. Seeing Theodore and Phoebe, they greeted them and made way for the CEO's exclusive elevator.

Everyone discreetly observed them until they entered the elevator, then breathed a sigh of relief.

"Oh my God, did they come together? Are they already living together?" someone questioned.