Forbidden Passion
Chapter 578 Tonight, I'll Let You Go

Phoebe looked up at Theodore, still as intimidating and distant as ever, just like when they first met. The guy who once seemed out of reach was now right in front of her, saying in a cool tone, "Beg me." Phoebe's eyes traced Theodore's sharp brow, narrow eyes, and straight nose like she was painting a picture. She smirked, "I beg you to let me go!"

Theodore's fingers suddenly tightened around Phoebe's waist, pulling her close. He leaned down, whispering in her ear, "Tonight, I'll let you go."

Phoebe felt a jolt through her body. She couldn't take it anymore, so she shoved him away and turned to leave.

It wasn't until the door slammed shut that Theodore felt all his strength drain away. He leaned weakly against the closet door, wiping his face with his hand.

"Phoebe, if you come keep me company, won't Mr. Reynolds say something?" Grace asked, looking at Phoebe, who had changed into pajamas and was now sitting on the bed.

Grace could tell that Phoebe and Theodore's relationship wasn't like a typical married couple. There was always something between them, a distance that fluctuated.

Phoebe propped a pillow behind her and leaned back, saying lightly, "It's fine; he'll understand."

Grace hugged her knees, burying her face in her arms, and mumbled, "You really don't seem like a couple."

Phoebe was taken aback.

Indeed, she and Theodore didn't seem like a couple.

In the past three years, almost no one knew she was Theodore's wife because there was no vibe of a married couple between them.

Some couples couldn't hide their love when they looked at each other.

But Theodore only had hatred for her.

Phoebe changed the subject, "How does it feel to be home on the first day?"

Grace was stunned for a moment, then lost interest in analyzing Phoebe and Theodore's relationship. After a long pause, she said, "The mansion is huge, the rooms are spacious-much larger than the one I had at the Sullivan family's house. It even has a private bathroom and walk-in closet. I used to dream of having such a house, without the smell of fish, clean and tidy."

Phoebe looked at Grace, noticing the mix of longing in her tone and the underlying melancholy in her expression.

"Then why aren't you happy?" Phoebe asked.

Grace buried her face in her arms completely, her voice tinged with tears, "I'm not unhappy, I'm just too happy, really."

Phoebe sighed. Grace was still just a kid and needed time to adjust to such a big change.

Grace spoke, "Phoebe, do you think I am too greedy? During this time, I worked day and night to save up for medical bills, wishing I could clone myself to get more done. I was so poor I couldn't even afford a bottle of water, but I was happy and content. But now, I live in this mansion, playing the role of a wealthy heiress, drowning in endless cash, I'm just not feeling it."

Phoebe felt a pang of sadness. She patted Grace's shoulder, "Don't think too much."

Grace continued, "I don't know where I belong. I actually hate gutting fish, hate the fishy smell that won't wash off, but even though I hated it, that life made me feel secure."

Phoebe leaned over and gently hugged Grace, "Grace, if you want to cry, just cry it out. After you cry, pull yourself together, okay?"

Phoebe understood the disparity in Grace's heart. Grace's previous life was poor but fulfilling. Now, she felt like she was floating in the air. Her former parents weren't her real parents, and her current parents weren't her parents either. Grace had a home, but suddenly she felt like she didn't belong anywhere.

Grace didn't want to cry, but the tears just kept coming. Phoebe didn't say much after that. She just stayed quietly with Grace, letting her vent all her unease and sadness.

Eventually, Grace cried herself to sleep.

Phoebe sat by the bed for a long time until the sky started to lighten. Her phone buzzed, and she got a new email.

Phoebe opened it to find just a photo. In the pic, Vanessa was standing in front of a car dealership, the same place where Donovan used to get his car serviced. Phoebe sat up straight.

Bryan sent a message: [Ms. Ziegler, this is the best I could find for the $500,000 you gave me. You don't need to pay for the remaining payment. We can collaborate again in the future.] Phoebe stared hard at the photo.

She knew one photo didn't prove anything, but if Vanessa had been to the dealership, she could be a suspect.

She got out of bed, careful not to wake Grace, and quietly went to the bathroom to change. Then she left the bedroom.

Outside the villa, the sky was gradually getting brighter. Phoebe went downstairs and saw Sarah sitting in the living room, staring blankly out the floor-to-ceiling window.

Phoebe pressed her lips together and walked into the living room, "Sarah, why aren't you sleeping?"

"I'm getting old and can't sleep. Phoebe, why are you up so early? Why not sleep a bit more?" Sarah's kind face was nothing like the harsh one from last night's scolding of Marlowe. Phoebe said, "Today is the seventh day since Donovan passed away. My mom is preparing to pray for him and honor his soul."

Sarah turned to look at her, "You've had a rough time lately with everything that's happened. I hope things will slowly get better." "Yeah." Phoebe murmured.

Sarah added, "Phoebe, send a message to Evelyn for me. The dead can't come back to life."

"Okay." Phoebe replied.

"I'm too old to handle such occasions, so I won't go. I'll have Taylor and Brandon go instead. By the way, why isn't Theodore up to go with you?" Sarah asked, frowning.

"I asked him to go with Taylor and Brandon later. I need to go back and help my mom prepare. I'll be leaving now," Phoebe said.

"Go ahead." Sarah said.

Phoebe turned and left the villa. Sarah watched her cross the courtyard and head to the parking lot. Riley came out with breakfast just in time to see Phoebe driving away. Riley asked, "Mrs. Reynolds, why is Phoebe leaving so early?"

Sarah sighed, "She thinks I didn't notice, but I saw last night that something was off between her and Theodore. When will they ever give us a break?"

Riley recalled some rumors she heard while delivering food to the hospital and thought it wasn't surprising that Phoebe was upset. Theodore's on-and-off relationship with Vanessa would be hard for any woman to tolerate. Riley comforted, "Mrs. Reynolds, don't worry. They've been going back and forth for over three years. Their relationship was very close recently. Once Phoebe has a child, things will get better."

Sarah's expression softened, "I wonder if I'll live to see their child."

"Don't say ominous words, Mrs. Reynolds. Mrs. Taylor Reynolds is always urging them. They're still young. Having a baby is just a matter of time. You'll see, good news will come soon," Riley said with a smile. Sarah fiddled with the bracelet on her wrist, "I hope so."