Forbidden Passion
Chapter 467 The Biological Daughter of the Reynolds Family

Phoebe's chin lifted involuntarily from Theodore's kiss, making it hard to breathe. After a bit, he finally let her go.

He glanced at her lips, shiny with moisture, and said, "So sweet."

Phoebe took a deep breath, her mind a whirlwind of emotions, as he leaned in to kiss her once more before reluctantly releasing her.

In the big office, only their heavy breathing filled the air. Phoebe's eyes were a bit teary from the kiss, and she stared at the cake in front of her, almost seeing double.

Theodore spoke, "Phoebe."

She looked at him, "Hmm?"

His hand was still on her neck, thumb gently rubbing her skin, and he asked softly, "Do you like it when I kiss you?"

Her neck tingled, and his words made her ears burn. They rarely kissed before; actually, Theodore only kissed her during sex. However, since their return from Arotic Village, he had started kissing her at every opportunity. Honestly, Phoebe actually enjoyed it. Simple, affectionate kisses devoid of ulterior motives felt pleasant. But she was too bashful to confess her feelings. Changing the subject, she said, "I want to eat the cake." Theodore saw her red ears, already knowing the answer, but teased, "Don't like it? Then I'll kiss you until you do." He leaned in again. Afraid he'd kiss her again, Phoebe quickly shoved a spoonful of cake into his mouth, laughing awkwardly. "Kiss the cake instead." He ate the cake, seeing her face almost burning up. He stopped teasing, pulled back his hand, and joked, "Your lips are still softer." Phoebe was speechless.

Her phone suddenly vibrated, and she quickly checked it, feeling she might combust. It was a message from Evan.

Theodore glanced at the contact name, squinting, and asked, "Evan? What does he want?"

"He joined a crew. I asked if they needed a female role; I want to recommend a girl to him," Phoebe replied while typing.

Theodore frowned. "You're not a director anymore; you don't need to do this."

He thought, 'She's so busy with her job. How does she still have energy for this? Why not focus on me?'

Phoebe didn't catch his tone and said, "I just asked casually; it's no trouble."

Theodore asked, "Is it an artist from Queen Entertainment?"

Phoebe kept her gaze down, replying quietly, "Yes, a new artist. Her mom's sick and they need money for the hospital, so I'm helping out."

Theodore asked, "Why are you taking care of her so much?"

"She is that girl we met at dinner last time. She seemed familiar, so I wanted to help." Phoebe said, brightening up. "Evan said they need someone for a female victim role; she should audition." Theodore saw her joy and felt uncomfortable. "Don't bother others with small stuff; just tell me, I can help you."

Phoebe was stunned, realizing Theodore's possessiveness was acting up again. He hated her bothering other men. She replied, "Okay, got it."

Phoebe wanted to tell Theodore about Madison targeting Grace, but seeing his expression, she held back.

She thought, 'Forget it. Once Grace is busy with Evan's crew, she won't be around the company. Even if Madison wants to target her, she won't find her.'

After work, Phoebe drove Grace to the crew. Grace was still in her clothes from earlier, with a white down jacket over them, looking pitiful.

Phoebe said, "It's a small role, not much screen time, but if you do well, I'll help you find more roles. More screen time will be good for your career."

Grace clasped her hands together. "Thank you, I'll make the most of every opportunity and work hard to make money."

Phoebe glanced at Grace, then focused on the road. "By the way, why did you join Queen Entertainment?"

Grace hesitated, then looked at her. "Actually, I came because of you."

"Me?" Phoebe was surprised.

"Yes." Grace looked away, staring at her hands. "I have a senior at Queen Entertainment who admires you a lot. She said you made two artists famous in just half a year, and your marketing strategies could be a book. I was desperate to make money and didn't want to degrade myself, so I thought I'd try Queen Entertainment."

Phoebe tightened her grip on the steering wheel. "You came at a bad time; I've already been transferred back to the Reynolds Group."

"Yes, I found out the day after I signed the contract that you were transferred." Grace's smile was bitter. "Maybe it's God's punishment for me."

Phoebe comforted her, "It's not that serious; don't overthink it."

Grace looked at her again. "Actually, fate has been kind to me. Although I didn't become your artist, I still met you."

Phoebe smiled and asked, "Then why did you have a conflict with Madison?"

Grace bit her lower lip, taking a long time to speak, "I don't know either. At Queen Entertainment, I was practically invisible. After signing, they didn't arrange any work for me. I was anxious and went to ask Ruby about it, but I ran into Miss Reynolds. She remembered me and accused me of selling dirty fish that made her sick for days, demanding compensation. I said I had no money, and she told me to get out of Queen Entertainment if I couldn't pay." Phoebe frowned; this sounded like something Madison would do.

Phoebe asked, "And then?"

Grace replied, "My mom urgently needed money for surgery, and I had signed a five-year contract with Queen Entertainment. I couldn't go anywhere, so I stayed, thinking if I worked hard, I'd get opportunities."

Little did Grace anticipate that Vanessa, the new head of Queen Entertainment, lacked the skills to effectively run the company. Numerous artists with remaining screen time found themselves stuck in a company without proper leadership. Grace was worried about her mom's illness and her future, and being targeted by Madison made her feel hopeless.

Phoebe squinted, imagining how chaotic Queen Entertainment must be now. It was her hard work, and seeing it ruined by Vanessa was heartbreaking.

At the red light ahead, Phoebe slowed down and braked. She turned to Grace, the night lights shining through the glass onto Grace's face.

Grace's features were beautiful and bright, her eyes full of emotion.

Phoebe wondered, 'Is Madison targeting Grace really because of the fish her family sold, or is there another reason?'

"Ms. Ziegler, it's a green light." Grace heard a honk from behind and saw the light had turned green, but Phoebe hadn't moved. She couldn't help but remind her.

Phoebe looked away, started the car, and drove through the intersection, trying to clear her mind. She couldn't help but think, 'Could Grace possibly be the Reynolds family's long-lost daughter?'