Forbidden Passion
Chapter 516 Bishop Stirring Up Trouble

Phoebe hurried into the company and noticed the tense atmosphere in the president's office area. Carol spotted her and waved her over, indicating urgency. Phoebe hustled over. "What's going on now?"

Carol filled her in, "Just now in the conference room, Mr. Reynolds almost threw down with Bishop. Seriously, it freaked me out."

Phoebe's brow furrowed. Ever since she heard about Bishop, she knew the Reynolds family was in for some serious drama.

But Bishop was sneakier than she thought. He played it slow, using Jimmy to get close to Theodore.

Then, at the Christmas Eve party, he showed up with Marlowe, causing Brandon and Taylor to split. Now, Bishop was teaming up with the shareholders to push Theodore out as president. Every move Bishop made was like a chess game, and it was scary how good he was at it.

Phoebe asked, "Where's Mr. Reynolds?"

Carol nodded towards the closed office door and whispered, "They are in there talking."

Phoebe asked, "How long have they been in there?"

Carol said, "About half an hour."

Phoebe stood by the secretary's desk, hearing the sound of a wheelchair rolling. She looked over and locked eyes with Bishop.

Bishop had his assistant push him over to Phoebe. He looked up at her and said, "Ms. Ziegler, long time no see. I was bummed not to see you at the Christmas Eve party."

Phoebe just frowned at him, staying silent.

Bishop chuckled, "Ms. Ziegler, we're family, no need to be so cold, right?"

"Family? With you?" Phoebe said flatly.

"Not now, but soon." Bishop winked. "I heard you've been at Reynolds Group for almost five years. You're talented, but stuck as a secretary. Such a waste. I ran into your old professor, and he thinks the same. Ever thought about switching jobs?"

The door behind them opened, and Theodore's icy voice cut in, "No!"

Bishop turned, smiling even wider. "Mr. Theodore Reynolds, I wasn't asking you."

Theodore walked over to Phoebe, wrapping an arm around her waist. "Bishop, if you want to steal my people, you gotta get past me first."

Bishop leaned on his hand, grinning provocatively. "Ms. Ziegler might want to get away from you, right, Ms. Ziegler?"

Before Phoebe could answer, she felt Theodore's grip tighten. She glanced at him; he looked ready to snap.

If Bishop pushed any more, things could get ugly.

Phoebe patted Theodore's hand gently. "Mr. Bishop Reynolds, sorry, but I'm not looking to change jobs right now."

"Is that so?" Bishop looked a bit let down. "No worries, I can wait. Ms. Ziegler, if you ever get tired of your boss, my door's always open."

Theodore's fist clenched so hard it hurt Phoebe's waist.

Just then, Brandon, who'd been quiet, spoke up, "Bishop, that's enough. Come with me."

Bishop just shrugged and let his assistant wheel him away. As he passed Phoebe, he threw her a wink. "Ms. Ziegler, don't forget I'm waiting for you. I value talent the most."

Theodore's patience snapped. He kicked the wheelchair, flipping it over.

Bishop was ready for it. He jumped out just in time, but his injured foot hit the ground, and he broke out in a cold sweat from the pain.

Everyone held their breath.

Theodore glared at Bishop, his expression ice-cold. "If you don't want your other leg busted, stay away from her."

Bishop's face went pale, but he kept his mouth shut.

In the end, Brandon stepped in, dragging Bishop away in disgrace.

Theodore pulled back and stormed into his office without a word.

Phoebe watched him disappear behind the door. She hesitated, and Carol nudged her. "Ms. Ziegler, go in and comfort Mr. Reynolds."

Phoebe was clueless about comforting people, especially Theodore. He always seemed so unshakeable, like he didn't need anyone.

She said, "He's not that fragile."

Carol looked like she wanted to shake some sense into her. "The Reynolds family is a mess, and Mr. Brandon Reynolds is clearly siding with that illegitimate son Bishop. If Mr. Theodore Reynolds doesn't feel anything, he's not human, he's a robot."

Phoebe said awkwardly, "But I'm terrible at comforting people."

"Then don't say anything, just hug him," Carol suggested, "At times like this, the stronger someone is, the more they need a hug." Phoebe bit her lip. "Really?"

"Trust me!" Carol placed a fist over her heart. "If it doesn't work, you can just punch me."

Phoebe chuckled at Carol. She figured she might as well try. If it didn't work, Theodore would just throw her out.

She walked into the office and saw Theodore standing by the floor-to-ceiling window, smoking. His back looked so lonely. Phoebe's eyes stung a little.

The Theodore she knew was always so confident and full of life. Now, he looked so down.

She walked over slowly, standing behind him.

Phoebe gathered her courage and was about to hug him from behind when he flicked the ash from his cigarette, almost burning her hand. Phoebe awkwardly pulled her hand back, her face turning red. She couldn't even time a hug right.

She spoke, "What did you say to Brandon just now?"

Theodore turned slightly to look at her, his gaze a bit cold. "Phoebe, do you mind being transferred back to the secretarial department?" Phoebe was stunned. "What?"

Theodore replied, "Bishop is right. Your abilities are wasted as a chief secretary. Even if you were given a general manager position, it wouldn't be too much." Theodore ignored Phoebe's surprise and continued, "Tell me what you want. Just don't go to Bishop's side. Don't make me find out you've betrayed me." Understanding Theodore's intent, Phoebe's racing heart gradually eased. She cast her gaze downward and replied, "I promise."

Regardless of what Bishop might offer, Phoebe had no intention of assisting him.

Phoebe wasn't naive. Aiding Bishop would mean opposing Theodore. Given Theodore's vengeful tendencies, she would essentially be inviting trouble. She hesitated for a moment and asked, "Do you really think my abilities qualify me to be a general manager?"

Phoebe was secretly thrilled, 'Does here really think that highly of me?'

Theodore glared at Phoebe, pondering, 'Is her focus off?'