Forbidden Passion
Chapter 571 Mr. Reynolds Was Cunning

Patrick swirled the amber liquid in his glass, the ice cubes catching the light just right. He glanced at Theodore, "Why's she digging into you?" "Donovan's dead," Theodore said, like it was no big deal.

Patrick's jaw dropped, "What? How'd that happen? He was the Zieglers' only son."

Theodore paused, then laid out the whole mess. Patrick thought for a bit, "You're screwed, man."

Theodore had tried to set up Bishop, but Donovan ended up dead instead.

Even if he managed to kick Bishop out of Kedora, Donovan's death would always be a wedge between him and Phoebe. No way they'd be together without some serious baggage. Theodore downed his drink, looking all gloomy, "She has every right to blame me."

Patrick asked, "So, what's your next move?"

Theodore poured another drink, the amber liquid reflecting in his eyes, and chuckled bitterly, "No clue, let her dig."

No matter what, he couldn't stand being apart from Phoebe.

Phoebe was right; within a couple of days, the cops called her in. Craig and Phoebe had a long chat, but basically, they talked to everyone who knew Donovan and came up empty. The car had gone into the sea, wrecking all the evidence. They had to call it a cold case and wrap it up.

Calling Phoebe in was just a formality.

Phoebe knew the cops closing the case meant they had no leads and wouldn't find any more evidence, no way to nail anyone.

She signed the papers, accepting the police's closure.

But with a life lost, the police's closure meant nothing but an eternal unresolved case in Phoebe's mind.

After leaving the station, Phoebe called Bryan to see what he had found.

Bryan stammered on the other end, clearly getting nowhere. If the cops called it a cold case, how could Bryan dig up more in just two days?

Feeling down, Phoebe hung up and sat in her car for ages, almost turning into an ice sculpture, before finally driving off.

Back at the Golden Apartment, Evelyn had just seen off some friends. Seeing Phoebe looking a mess, she asked, "Where've you been?"

"Met someone. Did we have guests?" Phoebe asked, noticing the tea and snacks still out.

Evelyn nodded, "Some friends came to check on me."

Evelyn started cleaning up, glancing at Phoebe, "You've been here for days. I'm better now; you don't need to stay. Go home tonight." Phoebe plopped on the sofa, "Got it."

Evelyn stopped nagging and mentioned Donovan's funeral, "In a few days, it'll be a week since Donovan passed. I want to go to the accident site and pray for him."

Phoebe felt a pang in her heart. She looked at Evelyn, whose hair, under the light, was silver and shimmering, but her face showed little sadness, indicating that Evelyn had buried her grief within. Phoebe closed her eyes and murmured, "Alright."

"Donovan didn't even leave a body behind, just like your dad. I don't know what I did wrong. Lost my husband young, now my son in my old age," Evelyn said, her words cutting deep. Phoebe clenched her fists, "You only have me now, so you gotta be good to me. Otherwise, if something happens to me..."

"Shut up!" Evelyn snapped, her eyes red with anger, "Don't say that. My luck can't be that bad. If something happens to you, I won't make it either."

Seeing Evelyn shaking with anger, Phoebe leaned over and hugged her waist, burying her face in Evelyn's stomach, quickly apologizing.

"I was joking. Don't take it to heart," Phoebe pleaded.

Evelyn slapped Phoebe lightly, "How can you joke about that? Phoebe, you're killing me here."

"I'm sorry, I was wrong." Phoebe said, genuinely sorry.

Evelyn hit her a couple more times, her hand raised high but landing softly, "I'll make dinner. After you eat, go home. Don't stay here and bother me." she commanded firmly. Phoebe was speechless.

She hadn't told Evelyn about her split with Theodore. At work, they barely spoke except for necessary stuff.

They shared the same office space, but there was a noticeable distance between them.

After work, they went their separate ways, not interfering with each other.

Phoebe knew she couldn't let go of this grudge or forgive him.

After all, Theodore wasn't entirely innocent in Donovan's death.

Phoebe watched Evelyn head to the kitchen. She hadn't told Evelyn the truth about Donovan's death. Evelyn had already lost a son; she didn't want her to live in hatred. Evelyn had just set the table when the doorbell rang. She asked Phoebe to get the door. Phoebe got up slowly and opened the door on the fourth ring.

Phoebe saw Theodore standing outside, wearing a gray cashmere coat and a scarf, wrapped in cold air.

Phoebe frowned, "Why are you here?"

"Evelyn called me for dinner and to take you home," Theodore said innocently, but his eyes had a sly glint.

Phoebe was about to speak when Evelyn came out of the kitchen, "Theodore's here, come in quickly, it's cold outside."

"Not too bad," Theodore said as he walked in. Phoebe instinctively let go of the door handle and stepped back. Theodore closed the door and walked in like he owned the place. Phoebe's face turned cold. She understood Theodore's intentions now.

No wonder he agreed so easily when she said she wanted to stay at the Golden Apartment. He knew Evelyn would persuade her to go back home.

She turned and walked into the dining room, sitting down and starting to eat without waiting for Theodore.

Evelyn glared at her, "Theodore isn't here yet, and you're already eating. Do you have any manners?"

Phoebe, feeling angry, replied stiffly, "This is my home. If he doesn't like it, he can eat at his own place." Evelyn yelled, "Phoebe."

Theodore walked in, smiling as he sat next to Phoebe, "It's okay, don't scold her. We're all family; no need to be so formal."

Phoebe scoffed internally, thinking that Theodore could only play the good guy in front of Evelyn. She reached for a drumstick, and Evelyn slapped her hand.