Forbidden Passion
Chapter 451 Don't Underestimate Him

Phoebe stared blankly at Edward, who had suddenly appeared, while Orlando's voice echoed in her ear. "Ms. Ziegler, are you okay?" Edward stepped in front of Phoebe, backing up a bit. The truck workers kept apologizing. He waved them off and looked at Phoebe. "Are you hurt?" Edward asked.

Phoebe snapped out of it, instinctively stepping back from Edward. "I'm fine. What about you? Why are you here?"

Edward pointed to the Vanderbilt Group's convoy in the distance. "I came with the company's vehicles. I saw you from afar and thought I was mistaken, but it's really you. Why are you here?" Phoebe looked where he pointed. She hadn't known the Vanderbilt Group was involved in this effort.

"Doing good deeds is everyone's responsibility," Phoebe said.

Edward smiled, his eyes full of complex emotions. "It's a relief to see you looking so lively and well."

Phoebe glared at him. "Do people really say 'lively and well' like that?"

Edward raised his hand to ruffle her hair but then withdrew it. "The wound on your forehead has healed. Luckily, it didn't leave a scar."

Phoebe touched her forehead. "Yeah, maybe because I'm young, I heal fast. It's all good now."

The surface wound had healed, but only she knew if her heart had.

Edward put his hands back in his jacket pockets. "Alright, you get busy. If you need any help, come to me."

"Okay," Phoebe replied.

They looked at each other for a few seconds, then Edward turned and left.

Phoebe watched him disappear into the distance, his white jacket blending into the snowy landscape.

She bent down to pick up a box, but Orlando stopped her.

"Ms. Ziegler, let us handle this. It's freezing; you should rest in the hotel," Orlando said.

Phoebe noticed he was holding a can of milk. Her gaze paused.

Orlando shook the can in front of her, looking pleased. "Mr. Reynolds gave me this milk. It's still warm from his touch. He's so considerate."

Phoebe was speechless.

She picked up the box and walked away. "Orlando, make sure to drink it while it's warm. Don't waste Mr. Reynolds' kind gesture."

Orlando watched her walk away, scratching his head. 'Is she jealous of the attention Theodore gave me? But I'm a dude, so I shouldn't be a threat to Phoebe, right?' he thought, happily sipping the milk. It was the best he'd ever tasted. "Be careful with the boxes, don't let them hit Ms. Ziegler," he warned. "Do you know who she is? She's Mr. Reynolds' treasure. If you hurt her, be prepared for him to come after you."

Orlando strutted off, drinking his milk.

As soon as he entered the hotel, he saw the company's art troupe girls coming out. He greeted them with a smile.

Violet was at the back. When she saw the can of milk in Orlando's hand, her face turned pale.

Orlando, clueless, greeted her cheerfully, "Miss Morris, heading to the church for rehearsal? Do your best, I'm rooting for you."

Violet stared at the milk, feeling mocked. "Orlando, where did you get that milk?"

Proudly, Orlando said, "Mr. Reynolds gave it to me. He said I worked hard. Mr. Reynolds is so nice."

Violet heard some snickers from the front, her face paling even more. She bumped Orlando's shoulder and walked out.

"Why did she get angry?" Orlando rubbed his sore shoulder, confused.

Violet walked into the snowstorm, hearing the girls in front whispering.

"She should look in the mirror. She thought she was getting all cozy with him, but Mr. Reynolds ends up handing warm milk to Orlando instead. It's hilarious."

"I think she and Orlando are quite a match. Maybe she should lower her standards and pair up with Orlando."

"Exactly."

The mocking voices reached Violet's ears, filling her heart with coldness. She clenched her fists tightly.

In her mind, Violet contemplated, 'If Phoebe, a servant's daughter, can become a mistress by climbing into bed, why can't I? Once I secure Theodore's favor, those who now dare to mock me will soon be at my feet, seeking my approval. Then I'll deal with them all in my own way!'

After lunch, everyone was to distribute supplies to various impoverished families. Orlando finished assigning groups but didn't call Phoebe's name.

Phoebe asked, "Orlando, why aren't Mr. Reynolds and I assigned?"

Orlando wouldn't dare let them go out in the snowstorm. If they got sick, his hopes for promotion and a raise would be dashed.

"Ms. Ziegler, you and Mr. Reynolds should rest in the hotel. Leaders are coming this afternoon; you don't need to visit the families," Orlando said.

Theodore frowned. "Since we're here, we should do something meaningful. Staying in the hotel is pointless."

Seeing Theodore unhappy, Orlando quickly said, "Then you and Ms. Ziegler can join the first group and help carry supplies. But the snowy roads are slippery and the mountain paths are tough. Stay close to Kristoff Kessler." Theodore's expression softened. He glanced at Phoebe. "Let's go."

Phoebe nodded. As she passed Orlando, he uneasily tugged her sleeve. "Ms. Ziegler, I need to have a word with you," he implored.

Phoebe glanced at Theodore, who had already headed into the snowstorm, and walked with Orlando to a corner of the hall. She got straight to the point. "Mr. Reynolds didn't come all this way to relax. This isn't a place for enjoyment, so don't make decisions on your own. Whatever needs to be done, include Mr. Reynolds."

"But it's freezing out there. I'm worried about Mr. Reynolds' health." Orlando felt stressed.

Phoebe said, "Don't underestimate him."

With that, Phoebe left the bewildered Orlando and went outside.

The weather was freezing, especially with the snow wind blowing. Phoebe put on her hood and wrapped a scarf around her face, leaving only her eyes exposed.

She ran to Theodore's side. He had already shouldered a basket of supplies, still standing tall and looking handsome.