Forbidden Passion
Chapter 455 Theodore Still Knows How to Flirt

Kristoff looked up and saw Theodore by the dining table. He jumped up, almost knocking over his chair. "Mr. Reynolds." Theodore stared at him intensely.

Kristoff stood stiffly, hands pressed against his pants, looking at Theodore like he was a predator.

Phoebe gave Kristoff a reassuring look, patting the seat next to her. "Kristoff, please have a seat. And Mr. Reynolds, go easy on him. He's just a good guy." Having conversed with Kristoff before, Phoebe was aware of his admiration for Theodore. Not wanting to crush his hopes, she decided to intervene. Theodore frowned, thinking Phoebe must be blind to be interested in someone like Kristoff.

Sensing the tension, Kristoff quickly offered the seat next to Phoebe. "Mr. Reynolds, please sit here."

Seeing Kristoff's quick thinking, Theodore sat next to Phoebe. "What were you looking at just now?"

Kristoff was about to answer when Phoebe cut in, "Kristoff took a picture of the sunset earlier. It turned out well."

"Really? Have you studied photography?" Theodore asked, a hint of jealousy in his voice.

Kristoff shook his head, nervous. "No, I just took it casually."

Theodore pressed on, "Well then, show me what you've got."

Worried Theodore might see candid photos, Phoebe quickly said, "I took some, too. Take a look at mine."

She pulled up her photo album and placed it between Theodore and Kristoff.

Theodore glanced at Phoebe, sensing something off, but started flipping through the album.

Phoebe had a keen eye for detail, capturing the sunset in a way that resembled a scene from a movie. Theodore commented, "Great shot."

Phoebe smiled. "Of course. I used to shoot all the promotional videos for our club."

Theodore noticed the pride in her eyes and smiled as he continued looking through the photos.

"Kristoff, order two more dishes," Phoebe said. Kristoff quickly agreed and went to talk to the owner.

Theodore flipped through a dozen landscape photos until he found one of a back view.

Though he'd never seen his own back, he knew it was him.

Just as he was about to look closer, the phone was snatched away. Theodore grabbed the wrist of the person who took it.

Phoebe yelped in pain, but Theodore didn't let go. He stared at her.

"When did you take a candid photo of me?" he asked.

Phoebe anxiously nibbled her lip, shocked that Theodore found her candid photos, feeling caught in the act. The photo was taken when they arrived at Elm Village in the morning. Theodore had been standing in the snow, smoking, and she wanted to capture the moment.

"I was taking a picture of the scenery, and you happened to be in it," Phoebe lied.

Theodore leaned in, closing the distance. "Was it really an accident, or did you want to take a picture of me?" His voice was low and seductive.

Phoebe nervously licked her dry lips and mumbled, "I was just taking pictures casually, not specifically of you."

They were so close that the dim light above reflected in Theodore's eyes like silent hooks, making Phoebe suddenly feel hot.

She fanned herself with her hand and looked away.

Theodore noticed and chuckled. He leaned in closer, his lips almost touching her ear. "Want to take pictures of me?"

The warmth in her ear made Phoebe's whole body tingle, and her heart pounded. Just as she was about to speak, Theodore said, "If you want to take pictures of me, just do it openly. Whether I'm dressed or not, it's up to you." Phoebe was speechless.

Theodore was indeed good at flirting. Phoebe's ears turned red instantly, and she stood up abruptly, her chair clattering to the ground.

Kristoff hurried over. "Ms. Ziegler, what's wrong?"

Phoebe's cheeks were burning, and she could still feel Theodore's gaze. She bit her lip and said, "I'm going to the restroom." She grabbed her phone and ran off.

Kristoff looked puzzledly at Phoebe's retreating figure, then turned to Theodore, who was sitting there, looking pleased and confident.

After dinner, the cultural performance at the small chapel was about to start. Theodore led the group over, where the mayor and other government officials were already present. After some pleasantries, Theodore saw Edward.

Since they had returned from the Ziegler family estate, Theodore hadn't seen Edward. Now, seeing him suddenly, he instinctively looked at Phoebe beside him.

To Theodore, Edward was always a thorn in his side.

Phoebe nodded at Edward and then looked away, showing no surprise. They must have met before.

Theodore's lips pressed into a thin line, and his displeasure grew.

The performance was about to start, and everyone took their seats. Phoebe sat in the row behind Theodore. The small chapel was heated, so it wasn't cold.

Shortly after they sat down, the performance began. They watched the show while the leaders occasionally chatted with them.

Theodore and Edward were seated next to each other. Theodore said coldly, "I didn't expect to see you here, Mr. Vanderbilt."

Edward retorted, "Well, I can't say I expected to run into the esteemed Mr. Reynolds either. Had I known, we could've arranged a better schedule - you come this year, I come next. That way, we keep the tradition alive without making it too cramped or too lonesome. You catch my drift, Mr. Reynolds?"Kristoff, sitting behind Edward, couldn't hold back his laughter.

As the performance drew to a close, Kristoff's sudden outburst of laughter caught everyone's attention. Feeling the eyes on him, he blushed and hastily explained, "The performance was so funny, I couldn't help but laugh." Phoebe was speechless.

Fortunately, the host soon came out to announce the next act, and everyone's attention returned to the stage. Kristoff covered his mouth and whispered to Phoebe, "Mr. Vanderbilt is so funny."

Phoebe hadn't expected Edward to be so witty and sarcastic. She looked up and saw Theodore turning to her.

The smile on Phoebe's lips immediately disappeared, and she sat up straight, not daring to look at Edward again.

Theodore glanced at Phoebe, then turned to Edward, his expression darkening. "Doing charity is a good thing. It's best if it's lively every year."

The mayor beside him quickly agreed, and the conversation shifted, easing the tension.

After the cultural performance, the leaders thanked them profusely. Theodore and Phoebe returned to their room. Theodore took off his coat and looked at Phoebe, who had followed him in, his expression displeased. "You knew he was coming?"