Forbidden Passion
Chapter 440 The Posture of Begging for Food

When the elevator stopped on the first floor and the doors opened, Ruby hurriedly pushed Vanessa out, her back soaked in cold sweat. Vanessa noticed Ruby's fear of Phoebe and frowned. "Phoebe's not a demon. Why are you so scared?"

Ruby had every reason to be scared. She had once schemed against Phoebe, causing her to miscarry. If Phoebe ever found out, she might push Ruby off a rooftop in revenge. "Vanessa, let's not provoke her right now. Let's just heal first," Ruby said, her voice shaking.

Ruby knew her fear of Phoebe was irrational, but she couldn't help it. Ever since Phoebe had pinned Vanessa against the windowsill that day, Ruby had been haunted by fear. One really shouldn't do things against their conscience.

Vanessa frowned deeply and watched Phoebe walk away. A dark glint flashed in her eyes. 'Phoebe and I are lifelong enemies; I can't let her be happy at my expense,' she thought. Vanessa turned back and said, "It's fine. Let's rest and recover first. We'll deal with it later."

Ruby finally sighed in relief. She was truly terrified of Phoebe and didn't want to face her anytime soon.

When Phoebe finished the discharge procedures and returned to the ward, she found Taylor already dressed and looking much better. Riley was packing up and didn't notice Phoebe's return.

"Mr. Reynolds has a big project and is on a business trip. He couldn't come back to pick you up since you suddenly decided to leave the hospital," Riley said.

Taylor, twisting her wedding ring, replied, "It's no big deal."

Riley glanced at Taylor. Brandon's affair was no secret, and the servants gossiped about it. Everyone thought Taylor wouldn't let it go easily, especially since she had stayed in the hospital longer than needed. But now, it seemed she had come to terms with it.

Phoebe walked in. "Mom, the discharge procedures are done. Let's go home."

Taylor agreed, "Okay, let's go."

Phoebe took her arm, and they headed to the elevator.

Taylor's decision to leave the hospital was so sudden that no one at home knew. When Phoebe brought her back, Sarah was surprised to see them.

"Why didn't you tell me about the discharge? I could have picked you up," Sarah said.

Taylor looked at the villa where she had spent thirty happy years. She hadn't noticed before, but now she saw the peeling exterior walls, just like her love, weathered and withered.

"When Phoebe and I were chatting, I suddenly felt like leaving the hospital. I didn't want to trouble you," Taylor replied.

Sarah patted Taylor's hand. "You've suffered enough. Phoebe, help Taylor inside to rest. It's so cold; she might catch a cold."

"Okay, Grandma," Phoebe said, helping Taylor into the house.

Sarah noticed the closer bond between Phoebe and Taylor. She sighed and told the servant, "Did you call Brandon? Tell him to come back quickly. Taylor's discharged, and he didn't even show up. What's he thinking?" The servant replied, "I did. Mr. Reynolds is on a business trip."

Sarah frowned. "What kind of trip is so important? Tell him to come back immediately and ask if he still wants this family."

The servant, knowing Sarah's temper, stepped aside to make the call.

Phoebe helped Taylor to her room. Taylor wanted to take a bath, so Phoebe closed the door and went downstairs.

Sarah was on the sofa in the living room. When she saw Phoebe, she waved her over. "Phoebe, come here. Look at you, you've lost weight again."

Phoebe sat next to Sarah, who reminded her of her grandmother. "You've lost weight too," Phoebe said warmly.

Sarah held her hand and complained, "How could I not? I've been worried sick. You and Taylor taking turns in the hospital is enough to drive me crazy."

Phoebe lowered her head. "I'm sorry for making you worry."

"If you know it worries me, then take care of yourself. I've lived this long to see you all well and the family united," Sarah said.

Phoebe understood. It was like when she visited her grandmother; they always said they didn't want her to achieve great things, just to be safe and sound. Elders' wishes were always so simple.

"Yes, we will be united," Phoebe promised.

As they talked, the sky darkened, and Riley prepared some food. Phoebe took a few bites when she saw two bright headlights outside. The lights stopped in the yard, and soon Theodore's tall figure appeared at the door. Behind Theodore were Christopher and Madison, who had rushed back after hearing about Taylor's sudden discharge.

Madison had been acting weird lately, more subdued. Even when she saw Phoebe at the Reynolds Group, she wasn't as arrogant as before.

Sarah saw them and happily waved them over. "It's rare for all of you to be back today. The house finally feels lively again." Madison ran over and sat next to Sarah. "Grandma, I'm here every day, and you still say I make too much noise."

Sarah tapped her nose. "Noise is good. This house is too quiet; it's good to have some noise."

"Grandma, where's Mom?" Madison asked, not seeing Taylor.

Sarah nodded towards the dining room. "Taylor and Phoebe are in the dining room."

"I'll go too." Madison let go of Sarah and skipped into the dining room.

Theodore greeted Sarah and followed. Madison sat next to Taylor, chatting, while Phoebe quietly ate.

Theodore took a long stride, pulled out a chair next to Phoebe, and sat down. Phoebe glanced at him and continued eating.

Seeing Phoebe had no intention of talking, Theodore propped his elbow on the table, resting his face on his hand. "Is it good?" he asked.

Phoebe knew he was making conversation. "Yes," she replied.

Theodore leaned in. "Let me try."

Phoebe saw him open his mouth, his teeth neat and white, and he stuck out his tongue a bit. It was a simple gesture of wanting to be fed, but he made it look so seductive.