Forbidden Passion
Chapter 566 Twisting the Knife

Soon enough, it was just Phoebe and Theodore left in the office. Phoebe plopped down at her desk and shoved her bag into the bottom drawer. She hadn't been around for a couple of days, and her desk was bare. Looked like Theodore had everyone hand stuff straight to him. Footsteps echoed closer and closer until she saw the edge of Theodore's coat. Suddenly, a big hand grabbed her chin, lifting her head up. Theodore stared down at her, his eyes scanning her face. Her eyes were red and puffy, and no amount of makeup could hide how tired she looked.

"Why didn't you take a few more days off?" Theodore asked, his voice soft and concerned, like he wasn't the same guy who blew up at her in the stairwell yesterday. Phoebe turned away, not wanting to talk, especially after hearing that recording yesterday. She told herself not to believe Ruby's words, but she couldn't.

"Theodore, did you have anything to do with Donovan's death?" she asked, looking him dead in the eye.

Theodore's brow furrowed, and a storm brewed in his eyes. "If you think sending him to that party in my place caused his accident, then yeah, I guess I bear some responsibility." "You know that's not what I mean," Phoebe shot back.

Theodore leaned on the desk, his tall frame looming over her like a mountain, making her feel the pressure.

"So, what are you saying? That I messed with his brakes or planted a bomb?" His voice was laced with anger.

Phoebe stayed silent.

Theodore let out a cold laugh, standing up straight. His sharp features now had a mocking edge.

"We've been married for four years, and you think I'd go after your family like that? You really know how to twist the knife."

With that, Theodore didn't look at her again. He walked to his desk and ignored her for the rest of the day.

Deep down, Phoebe knew if Theodore wanted Donovan dead, he could've done it without leaving a trace.

Donovan's death was a mystery. Everyone wanted to pin it on Theodore, and the more they tried, the more it seemed to prove his innocence.

But her mind was a mess. Donovan's sudden death had her jumpy and suspicious of everyone.

After work, Phoebe didn't head back to the Imperial Apartment; she grabbed a cab to the Golden Apartment instead.

The weather was clear today, the sun had melted the snow during the day, but at night, the wind was icy, stinging her cheeks.

Phoebe walked into the building and saw Theodore by the elevator. He was in a black coat, broad-shouldered and tall, just standing there with an imposing presence. She froze.

Why was Theodore here?

He glanced at her, then looked away, still pissed about her harsh words that morning.

The elevator opened, and Theodore stepped in.

Phoebe stood at the entrance, not moving. The elevator doors slowly closed, and she stayed put. After a while, she finally moved her numb legs and walked towards the elevator.

The elevator stopped on the first floor. As Phoebe approached, the doors opened slowly, revealing Theodore pulling his hand back. She looked up, meeting his eyes.

Theodore towered over her, and she had to tilt her head to meet his gaze. They just stood there, staring, neither one breaking the silence.

After a few seconds, the elevator doors closed on their own. This time, the elevator didn't open again but started to ascend slowly. Phoebe closed her eyes, feeling the weight of the moment. She knew that no matter how many fights she and Theodore had in the past, they always found a way to patch things up. But this time, it felt different, like it wouldn't be so easy. When the doorbell rang, Evelyn went to answer it and saw Theodore standing there, making her feel a bit uneasy.

Even though Theodore was her son-in-law, she always felt a bit nervous around him. Glancing past him and not seeing anyone else, she asked awkwardly, "You came alone? Where's Phoebe?" Theodore replied, "She's right behind me."

Evelyn found his response odd. Why would they come back together but separately? Were they fighting again?

"Come in and sit down. I'll wait for her here," Evelyn said, stepping aside. Theodore didn't hesitate, changing into slippers at the door and heading to the living room to sit down.

He had just sat down when the sound of high heels clicking on the floor came from the hallway, followed by Evelyn's reproachful voice.

"What's going on between you two again, Phoebe? Can't you give me a break?" Evelyn's voice was low but still reached Theodore's ears. Theodore smirked.

Phoebe walked in, kicked off her high heels, changed into slippers, and closed the door behind her. "You just need to worry less," she retorted.

Evelyn, feeling drained, couldn't muster the energy to deal with Phoebe. She raised her hand and gave Phoebe a light slap on the back. "You're just asking for trouble. Let's see who can put up with your bad temper."

Phoebe was speechless.

She walked into the living room, hung her bag on the coat rack, and saw Theodore looking relaxed as if he were at home. She said nothing and went to the kitchen to help.

Evelyn was prepping vegetables. When she saw Phoebe come in, she said, "The kitchen's full of smoke. Go talk to Theodore."

Phoebe stayed put, leaning against the counter, watching the pot simmer with steaming soup.

"Did you know he was coming?" Phoebe asked.

Seeing the meat simmering in the pot, Phoebe knew Theodore must have called Evelyn in advance. Despite her grief, Evelyn had to muster the energy to cook for Theodore, which made Phoebe uncomfortable. "If he didn't come, would we not have dinner?" Evelyn shot Phoebe a glance. "Keeping busy is better than doing nothing and being alone."

Evelyn insisted on being alone, yet when she went to the cemetery to choose a burial plot today, she was on the verge of tears. Upon returning home, all Evelyn wanted to do was lie in bed and do nothing. But she got a call from Theodore, saying he'd come over in the evening. Evelyn had to force herself to prepare the meal.

Keeping busy was better; it might keep her from thinking about sad things.

Phoebe gritted her teeth but understood Theodore's intentions. Every time he came to the Golden Apartment, Evelyn would prepare a lavish feast.

This way, Evelyn wouldn't have time to dwell on her thoughts.

However, despite Phoebe's understanding, her heart ached genuinely. "You should rest. I'll do it."

"No. Go talk to Theodore. Go on," Evelyn said, pushing Phoebe out of the kitchen and closing the door.