Forbidden Passion
Chapter 46 Imposter

Click-clack, the sound of dress shoes on the pavement grew nearer, making Phoebe's heart feel like it was about to burst out of her throat. Thankfully, the footsteps faded away into the distance. She breathed a sigh of relief, peering from behind the pillar to see Brandon enter the elevator. She nearly fainted from the ordeal.

Now, what was she supposed to do? Should she tell Mrs. Reynolds? But what if her revelation tore the family apart?

Phoebe immediately regretted arriving at the office so early. Had she come later, she might have avoided witnessing the scene and the moral dilemma it presented.

Lost in thought, her phone suddenly rang.

Picking it up, the caller ID displayed "Mr. Reynolds - CEO." In her panic, the phone slipped from her grasp and clattered to the ground. This was it; Brandon must have seen her.

To her amazement, the phone continued to ring even after the fall. She bent down, picked it up with trembling hands, and answered. Brandon's authoritative tone came through, "Phoebe, come to my office."

"Oh... okay." After hanging up, Phoebe smacked her forehead, feeling as if even drinking water would somehow result in bad luck.

She dragged her feet to the CEO's office. The executive floor was unusually quiet, and she could hear her heart pounding in her ears.

She knocked on the door, and Brandon's imposing voice commanded from within, "Come in."

Entering, Phoebe saw Brandon, freshly changed into a new shirt, sitting on the sofa. He gestured towards the opposite couch, "Sit."

Phoebe perched awkwardly on the sofa, unable to keep her gaze on Brandon.

Three years into her marriage with Theodore and having lived at the Reynolds estate for a good part of that time, she didn't often cross paths with Brandon. As the patriarch of the Reynolds family and helmsman of Reynolds Group, his presence was formidable.

With his traditional and stern persona, he was not easily approachable.

Couple that with the inherent distance in the father-in-law and daughter-in-law relationship, and Phoebe's instinct was to keep Brandon at arm's length, maintaining just a superficial connection.

"Dad... I mean, Mr. Chairman, you asked to see me..."

Noting her fearful demeanor, which was far removed from her usual composure, Brandon knew she must have seen something. He frowned slightly, "Phoebe, how many years have you been part of the Reynolds family?" "It's been three years," Phoebe blurted out hastily.

"Three years already. Time flies. How's your relationship with Theodore?" Brandon inquired.

Phoebe lowered her head, her fingers interlaced tightly. "We're... we're okay."

Brandon didn't mean to pressure her. He leaned forward, sliding a signed check across the table towards her. "Get whatever you need, Phoebe. Don't shortchange yourself."

Glancing at the string of zeros on the check's back, Phoebe understood it was hush money. She stood up quickly, locking eyes with Brandon. "Dad, I didn't see anything today. I wasn't early to the office, and you didn't see me either."

After a respectful bow to Brandon, she hurried out of the office. She didn't dare cash that check; if by chance the affair came to light and Mrs. Reynolds found out she was involved, she'd be torn to pieces. Rushing out of the office, her mind was filled with regret. What should she do now?

If she stayed silent, Mrs. Reynolds would never learn about Brandon's mistress. But if she spoke out, it would throw the Reynolds family into chaos.

She was in a really tough spot!

As the elevator doors opened, Phoebe dashed in like a chicken with its head cut off, almost barreling into someone. The person steadied her shoulders. "Phoebe, what's got you in such a panic?"

She looked up to see the very person who infuriated her, glaring at her. She didn't know where she found the courage, but she thumped a fist against his chest. "It's all your fault, all your fault!" Caught off guard by the accusation, Ted grabbed her wrist. "What's all my fault? Speak clearly, Phoebe."

Already at her breaking point and now confronted by Ted's stern demand, Phoebe couldn't hold back her tears any longer.