Forbidden Passion -
Chapter 537 Making Her Give Up Completely
Phoebe was listening to Vanessa, her eyes darting over to Theodore as he got up. Every time she saw those two together, it felt like a punch to the gut.
She knew she shouldn't be so hung up on it, but damn, she couldn't help the jealousy.
With a tight-lipped smile, Phoebe said, "Taylor, I'm heading down to the lobby."
"Sure thing, let me know if you need some cash." Taylor gave her hand a reassuring pat. Phoebe didn't even glance back at Theodore and Vanessa before making her exit.
Out of nowhere, Vanessa called after her, "Ms. Ziegler, I'm heading to the lobby, too. Let's go together."
Phoebe's brow furrowed. What was Vanessa playing at? She didn't want to deal with her, but walking away would make her look scared.
She shot Vanessa a look. "Miss Fitzroy, lead the way."
Theodore watched them leave, frowning. He turned to Taylor. "What's Phoebe doing in the lobby?"
"There's a kid at Queen Entertainment whose mom needs surgery. Phoebe's gonna help with the medical bills. She's got a big heart," Taylor explained.
"Yeah, she'd probably rescue a stray dog herself," Theodore muttered. He sat back down, eyeing the fancy food Vanessa had brought from some five-star joint. Taylor didn't even give it a second look before chucking it in the trash. Taylor plopped down next to Theodore. "I heard you were glued to Sophia's bedside recently. What was that about?"
"Sophia was in bad shape, and James was so stressed he got sick. Vanessa was all alone, and I was worried," Theodore said.
Taylor shot him a glare, clearly pissed. "Worried? Are you their son-in-law now? Theodore, you used to have more sense." "Mom, there's nothing going on between us," Theodore said, annoyed. Taylor's anger flared. "Who'd believe that? Does Phoebe buy it?"
"Why wouldn't she?" Theodore asked, genuinely confused.
Taylor was so mad she wanted to poke him in the forehead. "Hasn't Phoebe confronted you about this?"
Theodore didn't see the big deal. He was just at the hospital, no funny business with Vanessa.
"I didn't do anything wrong. What's the big deal?" Theodore shrugged.
Taylor was at a loss for words.
"Alright, let's flip the script. If it were Mrs. Vanderbilt who was sick, and Phoebe was taking care of her, staying out all night with Edward, how would you feel?" Taylor challenged. "She wouldn't dare!" Theodore's temper flared.
Taylor pointed at him, disgusted. "Look at yourself. I just made up a scenario, and you're losing it. But you actually did it. Think about how Phoebe feels."
Theodore was speechless.
Just imagining that scene made his blood boil. If Phoebe ever did that, he'd lock her up forever.
Seeing his angry face, Taylor said seriously, "Theodore, you need to think this through."
Theodore pressed his lips together, staying silent.
In the elevator, Phoebe pulled out her phone to send a text. She didn't know Alva's name, so she decided to ask Grace on WhatsApp.
Vanessa, leaning on a crutch, was making good progress in rehab. Her leg could bear weight now, but it would be at least six more months before she could walk normally.
Every time Vanessa thought about how her leg injury had worsened because of Phoebe, she wanted to strangle her.
"Ms. Ziegler, you're a real piece of work. Can't snag Theodore, so you butter up Taylor and Brandon instead. Smooth move!" Vanessa sneered.
Taylor's sudden shift in attitude had to be Phoebe's doing.
After sending her text, Phoebe slipped her phone back into her pocket. She looked at the fuming Vanessa and said coolly, "Jealousy really does make people ugly. There's some truth to that." Vanessa snapped, "What did you just say?"
Phoebe leaned against the elevator wall. "I remember the first time I saw you. You were back at Harvard for the anniversary, in a white dress, playing the piano like a pro. You were stunning back then." Vanessa was caught off guard by the compliment. She was stunned for a second, then got suspicious again. "You think buttering me up will make me give up on Theodore? Keep dreaming." Phoebe smirked and pointed at the shiny elevator wall. "Look at yourself now. You're a mess. Those who used to crush on you probably wish they could unsee you."
"You!" Vanessa's face twisted with rage, and she swung her crutch at Phoebe.
Phoebe caught it with one hand, her eyes icy. "Vanessa, if I were you, after all the crap you've been through, I'd stay far away from me and keep my head down."
She let go, causing Vanessa to stumble back and hit the elevator wall with a thud.
Vanessa's anger boiled over as she glared at Phoebe's back. "Phoebe, don't get cocky. Theodore is mine. You know why he stayed at the hospital with me and my mom? Because he loves me." Phoebe was taken aback.
Vanessa's smugness grew. "Phoebe, be smart and divorce Theodore. Don't wait until you're kicked out; that's just sad."
Phoebe stood tall, but her heart ached.
She knew Theodore had feelings for Vanessa, but as long as he didn't ask for a divorce, she could pretend she didn't know.
"Vanessa, if he loves you, have him ask for a divorce. As long as he asks, I won't say no," Phoebe said.
Vanessa's face fell.
If Theodore really loved her and wanted to marry her, would she need to provoke Phoebe?
Vanessa thought, 'Phoebe, you bitch! You must be banking on the fact that Theodore won't divorce you, which is why you can act so indifferent.'
She needed to find a way to make Phoebe give up completely.
Phoebe didn't look back and walked straight out of the elevator, missing Vanessa's calculating and vicious gaze.
After Phoebe headed to the payment window to prepay the surgery fees, her savings were almost gone. She took the receipt and went upstairs to find Grace.
Grace had just finished feeding Alva lunch and was about to talk to the doctor about the surgery when she saw Phoebe in the hallway.
She quickly ran over. "Phoebe."
Phoebe handed her the receipt. "This is the prepayment for the surgery. Keep it safe; you'll need it when you check out."
Grace looked at the receipt, her eyes widening. "Phoebe, the surgery doesn't cost this much. You've overpaid."
"There'll be chemo and other stuff after the surgery. If there's any left, you can return it to me later. Is Alva asleep?" Phoebe glanced into the room.
A frail woman sat on the hospital bed, her emaciated frame evident. Despite her haggard appearance, you could still see traces of her former beauty, bearing some resemblance to Madison.
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