Forbidden Passion
Chapter 517 She Made His Heart Ache

Phoebe was completely thrown off by Theodore's intense gaze. She was eager to see if her skills could earn his approval. Like anyone else, she craved some recognition from him. Theodore snapped, "Don't even think about it." Phoebe just went, "Oh."

Seeing her like that made Theodore mad. He took a long drag from his cigarette and blew out a thick smoke ring.

Theodore warned, "You just stick by my side and don't go anywhere."

With that bossy tone, it was clear Theodore wasn't fazed by anything.

"Since you're okay, I'll go get some work done." Phoebe turned to leave, but Theodore suddenly grabbed her wrist and yanked her back.

Theodore asked, "Where were you this morning?"

Phoebe licked her lips, scared to mention Cindy, worried Theodore would remember how she and Cindy teamed up to beat him last night. She cautiously said, "Would you believe me if I said I got lost?" Theodore gave her a cold stare, making it clear he wasn't buying any of it.

Phoebe sneaked a glance at the bite mark on Theodore's earlobe, her tongue pressing against her teeth. She guiltily looked away.

Her look seemed to remind Theodore of something. He rubbed her wrist artery with his thumb and said, "Seems like someone called me a scumbag last night."

Phoebe never thought Theodore would remember and plan to settle the score after the whole morning had passed.

She asked, dejected, "Really? Who's that bold?"

Theodore looked at her quietly. "What do you think?"

"Well, there's a document from the planning department I need to deliver. I'll go now!" Phoebe said and tried to slip away, but Theodore was ready.

He grabbed Phoebe's wrist and pulled her back, his hand holding the cigarette loosely around her back. Phoebe was scared the cigarette butt would burn her clothes, so she didn't dare move. Theodore said, "I'll give you a chance to make up for it."

Phoebe asked, "What?"

Theodore suddenly pulled Phoebe into his arms, holding her tightly. He rested his chin on her shoulder and said softly, "Let me hold you for five minutes."

They were in a super intimate position. Theodore's strong heartbeat resonated through the thin fabric, vibrating Phoebe's heart.

Phoebe actually liked hugging Theodore. That unique closeness made her feel they weren't so distant after all.

At times, Phoebe even had the illusion that she was deeply loved by Theodore.

At first, Phoebe's hands were awkwardly suspended in mid-air. Slowly, she tried to hug him back. Just as her hands were about to reach Theodore's waist, the office door suddenly opened. She almost jumped out of Theodore's arms, turning to the person standing at the door, her cheeks faintly blushing.

Lawton was speechless.

Theodore maintained the hugging posture for half a second before lowering his hands. He stared at Lawton and said sharply, "Since when do you enter my office without knocking?" Lawton quickly said, "Mr. Reynolds, Mr. Douglas from the Venture Capital Firm is here. He seems to have heard something."

Theodore frowned. He knew this wasn't the time for personal matters. He stubbed out his cigarette and said in a deep voice, "Lead him to the conference room. I'll be right there." Lawton retreated and closed the door.

Phoebe looked worriedly at Theodore's serious expression. "Will Bishop's joint shareholder impeachment affect your cooperation with Mr. Douglas?"

Theodore straightened his collar. This project was the biggest deal of the year. If it tanked, the shareholders would have more ammo against him. He said, "Don't sweat it. When have I ever dropped the ball?"

Phoebe was speechless.

"The hug still has 3 minutes and 18 seconds left. Don't forget, I'll come back to claim it later." Theodore said, buttoning his suit as he strode out. Phoebe dazedly watched Theodore's figure disappear from sight.

She thought, 'At a time like this, why is he still hung up on that hug?'

Theodore and Milton Douglas had a closed-door meeting for hours. When he escorted Milton out, neither of them looked too happy. The vibe in the executive office area was tense.

Could it be that Bishop's moves had messed up the project they'd been grinding on for months?

Phoebe knew that if the talks had gone well, the meeting would've wrapped up in an hour. Only failed negotiations dragged on for hours.

She felt uneasy. Seeing Lawton escort Milton out, she quickly ran to the conference room, which was filled with smoke.

Phoebe, still shaking off a cold, was choked by the smoke and coughed. She activated the smart system on the wall to clear the air. Theodore stubbed out his cigarette.

Phoebe walked up to him, seeing his furrowed brows. She said, "You said there were 3 minutes and 18 seconds left. Does that still count?"

Theodore half-sat on the conference table, his long legs stretched out. He reached out to her, and Phoebe obediently fell into his arms, hugging him tightly.

Phoebe comforted, "It's okay. If Milton doesn't want to team up with us, it's his loss. We'll find another partner."

Theodore said gloomily, "Phoebe, if I really get booted from the Reynolds Group, and Bishop takes over, he'll definitely crush me and make sure no company hires me. By then, I won't make a dime. Will you think I'm a loser?" Phoebe hadn't realized the situation was so serious. "It's okay. I can support you," she comforted.

"I burn through a lot of cash every day," Theodore said.

"I can find part-time gigs, work two jobs a day, and give you all the money I make. You don't have to save for me. Just like before, eat whatever you want, buy whatever you want. All the money I earn is yours." Phoebe was afraid he wouldn't believe her. "I'll give you my salary card when we get back. I'll support you from now on."

Theodore was stunned.

Phoebe didn't notice his reaction. She said, "I'll work hard. Even if my current salary isn't enough for you to spend freely, I'll gradually achieve financial freedom. Don't worry, I can definitely support you."

Theodore had never heard Phoebe say such sweet things. His heart softened completely. He said, "But I can't stand to see you work so hard."

"It's not hard," Phoebe hurried to assure him. She tried to pull away from his embrace, but Theodore firmly held her neck. "Believe me, I've been juggling part-time jobs since high school. I'm a pro; it's not hard at all." Theodore was taken aback. "You started working part-time in high school?"

Phoebe replied, "Yeah, so don't worry or feel bad. Even if no company in the world hires you, I can still make money to support you."

Theodore's heart ached. He had only wanted to act spoiled and coax Phoebe into saying something sweet. Now, her past experiences were breaking his heart.

No wonder Phoebe was so independent and strong-willed, never leaning on him. The world had never been kind to her.

Phoebe really made his heart ache.