Forbidden Passion
Chapter 450 There Is No Man I Can't Get

Phoebe's head bumped into Theodore's solid muscles, and she felt a surge of anger, especially with everyone in the car watching. If they hyped it up, she'd be the one embarrassed.

Theodore said coldly, "I know you would get car sick. Stay put, I'll sit in the back."

He walked past her to the back of the bus and took Violet's seat, leaving the troupe stunned.

Violet saw Theodore sitting next to her colleague and felt a pang of jealousy. All her efforts to stir things up had gone to waste, leaving her seething with fury. Phoebe glanced at Violet and saw her twisted expression. She thought, 'No matter how beautiful a woman is, once desire fills her eyes, she becomes ugly.' Just as she sat down, Orlando got on the bus. "Is everyone here? If so, let's get going. Violet, why aren't you in your seat? We're about to leave."

Violet bit her lip and sat next to Phoebe.

Orlando noticed Violet sitting in Theodore's seat and whispered, "This is Mr. Reynolds' seat. You should move to the back."

Violet flipped her hair and said flirtatiously, "Mr. Reynolds was worried I'd get car sick, so he graciously offered me this seat."

Orlando was surprised and looked at the back seat, where Theodore was indeed sitting in Violet's spot. He felt a pang of sympathy for Phoebe.

He thought, 'Is Phoebe falling out of favor?'

Orlando counted the people, confirmed everyone was present, and signaled the driver to start the bus. He glanced at Theodore, who had his eyes closed, resting. Then he looked at Phoebe, who was gazing out the window.

Orlando scratched his nearly bald head, wondering if the two had a falling out.

Sitting in Theodore's seat, Violet sneakily eyed Phoebe. Phoebe's looks were kinda fragile, and if she could catch Theodore's eye, then Violet sure as heck could too.

In Violet's mind, there wasn't a man she couldn't charm-just women who weren't putting in the effort.

"Ms. Ziegler, when did you join the Reynolds Group?" Violet decided to get to know Phoebe first.

Phoebe wasn't asleep; she could feel Violet's scrutinizing gaze.

Violet practically had her ambition written on her face, afraid others wouldn't see her interest in Theodore.

Phoebe straightened up, gave her a faint glance, and said, "About four years ago. I interned at the Reynolds Group during my junior year of college, just when Mr. Reynolds returned to take over the company." Violet had heard that Theodore's first year back at the Reynolds Group was tumultuous, with the entire company in upheaval.

And it was during that time that Phoebe became Theodore's secretary. They had been together for four years, a bond that others couldn't compare to.

But from another perspective, four years was enough time for Theodore to lose his initial interest in Phoebe.

Violet didn't believe there was a man in the world who wasn't tempted by novelty, especially a successful man like Theodore.

"No wonder Mr. Reynolds is so special to you, Ms. Ziegler. You have a bond forged through hardship," Violet said. "I really envy you, Ms. Ziegler."

Phoebe smiled and said, "What's there to envy?"

Violet, seeing Phoebe's indifferent attitude, said, "A lot of people envy your luck, Ms. Ziegler. If I had that chance, I'd never let go."

"Some things are like sand; the tighter you grip, the faster it slips away. Holding on tight doesn't mean you can keep it," Phoebe replied, looking at Violet's young, ambitious face.

Violet sneered, "Only those who can't hold on would say that. I'm different."

Phoebe was taken aback, then shook her head. No point in arguing. She closed her eyes and ignored her.

Violet made a couple more attempts to make the conversation, but when Phoebe continued to gaze out the window, she bit her lip, feeling increasingly annoyed and belittled by Phoebe's indifference. She pondered, 'Phoebe must believe I'm just a joke, incapable of challenging her position. underestimating my abilities. She'll regret it.'

At ten in the morning, the convoy arrived at their destination. As soon as the bus stopped, they were greeted by a snowy landscape.

This was their first stop for poverty alleviation, Elm Village, even poorer than Phoebe had imagined.

The leader, wearing a windproof hat, was waiting outside. After some greetings, Orlando led the team to unload supplies from the truck.

Phoebe went to help, while the troupe members prepared for the evening performance at a small chapel ahead.

Theodore stood by the roadside, admiring the snowy scenery. Violet walked over, stepping on the thick snow. "Mr. Reynolds, aren't you cold in this weather? Want to sit in the chapel?" Theodore glanced at her and said, "No, thank you."

Violet lowered her head in disappointment, exhaling circles of white mist. "Mr. Reynolds, we'll performe tonight. Will you come to watch?"

Violet's intentions were transparent, and Theodore quickly caught on. "Make sure you perform well and represent the Reynolds Group with pride," he advised.

Violet, feeling encouraged, looked up at him with bright eyes. "Yes, I won't let you down."

Theodore frowned slightly.

Violet took out a carton of milk from her pocket and handed it to Theodore. "Mr. Reynolds, I kept this warm in my pocket. Feel free to have it. I'll be going now." Without waiting for Theodore to refuse, she turned and jogged away.

The milk was warm from Violet's touch, but to Theodore, it felt like a ticking time bomb. He frowned and called out to Orlando passing by.

Orlando jogged over. "Mr. Reynolds, what's up?"

Theodore handed him the milk and said, "You've worked hard. Drink it while it's warm."

He patted Orlando's shoulder and turned to enter the hotel.

Orlando, holding the milk, looked at Theodore's retreating figure with gratitude. Theodore had finally noticed his hard work. A promotion and raise were surely in his future.

From a distance, Phoebe noticed Violet and Theodore conversing by the roadside. After assisting in moving a box of supplies, she glanced up, only to find both Theodore and Violet had vanished. Her heart sank, and suddenly she heard someone shout from behind. "Watch out!"

Phoebe looked up to see a cardboard box flying towards her. She was too slow to react and watched as it got closer. Just as the box was about to hit her, someone pulled her into his arms. She heard a muffled grunt above her head. The voice sounded familiar. Phoebe looked up and saw a familiar handsome face.