Forbidden Passion
Chapter 585 Suspecting Him

Theodore leaned back, rubbing his chin like he was deep in thought. He didn't seem too rattled by the news. "Has Vanessa hit anyone up in the last couple of days?" Lawton shook his head. "No, she's been stuck in the hospital. Only time she left was to grab some takeout."

Theodore was quiet for a sec, then waved him off. "Got it. You can bounce."

Lawton hesitated. "Should we keep digging?"

Theodore shrugged. "The guy's dead. No point in poking around anymore. You've been busting your ass lately. Take a break, chill with your family." Lawton nodded, "Sure thing, boss."

As Lawton left, Theodore got up and strolled over to the big window. He lit a cigarette, staring at the stormy sky.

He had gone to see Vanessa, and then that repair guy just up and died at home. What were the odds?

Phoebe dropped the medical kit back at the infirmary. As soon as she stepped into the elevator, her phone buzzed. It was Vanessa.

"Hey, Ms. Ziegler, I just remembered something about Donovan. Can we meet up?" Vanessa's voice crackled through the line.

Phoebe frowned, gripping her phone tighter. "Where do you wanna meet?"

Vanessa replied, "You pick. I'm cool with anywhere."

Phoebe wasn't sure what Vanessa was playing at, but picking the spot herself made her feel better. "Alright, let's hit up the coffee shop near the office after work."

After hanging up, she stepped out of the elevator and saw Lawton leaving the CEO's office. He nodded at her and got into the elevator.

Phoebe paused. Lately, Lawton had been on these secret missions for Theodore, and it was driving her nuts not knowing what he was up to.

She walked into the CEO's office and caught a whiff of tobacco.

Looking up, she saw Theodore by the window, smoking. He was tall, rocking a black suit, looking all sharp and stuff.

She put her phone on the desk and walked over, a bit hesitant. "Mr. Brown's been pretty busy lately. Haven't seen him around much."

Theodore turned and gave her a quiet look.

Phoebe felt a bit uneasy under his gaze. She frowned, "Why are you staring at me like that? Can't I ask about him?"

"The repair guy from the auto shop is dead," Theodore said flatly.

"What?" Phoebe's eyes widened, her heart sinking. "No way. That can't be true."

Seeing her reaction, Theodore continued, "You were curious about Lawton's recent gigs, right? I had him check out the repair guy. The dude had a heart attack and died before they could get him to the hospital." Phoebe was stunned. She shook her head. "No, that's too much of a coincidence."

Theodore reached out and pressed her shoulder, stopping her from backing into a shelf. "Phoebe, he's really dead."

"Did you or Vanessa do it?" Phoebe's eyes filled with tears, realizing how far they'd go to shut her down.

Theodore's eyes narrowed. "Phoebe, it was an accident."

"Do you really believe that, Mr. Reynolds?" Phoebe looked at him, disappointed. "The only ones who knew about the repair guy were you and Vanessa."

"Phoebe, are you accusing me?" Theodore's voice was filled with anger.

Phoebe shoved Theodore's hand off her shoulder, feeling totally let down. "Who else could it be besides you two? I shouldn't have told you. Why did I even trust you?"

She knew Theodore had a thing for Vanessa. If Vanessa was the one who did it, she'd end up behind bars. No way Theodore would let that happen.

She realized she'd been stupid, tipping off the enemy and now all the leads were gone.

Theodore's hand hung in the air as he watched Phoebe's regretful face. He stepped forward, trying to pull her into a hug.

"Phoebe, why don't you believe me? I swear, I didn't kill that repairman. He had a heart attack. No one murdered him. It's just how things played out," Theodore tried to reassure her. Phoebe dodged his hand. "Fate? Do you think I'm an idiot, Theodore? You've let me down so much. Why did I ever meet you?"

With that, Phoebe bolted out of the CEO's office.

Theodore was stung by her words. She regretted meeting him, joining the Reynolds Group, knowing him, and being his wife for four years. Was that really how she felt? Phoebe ran out of the building, the cold wind slapping her face. Only then did she realize she was crying.

People on the street gave her weird looks, but she didn't care. Her heart was shattered.

The clues were gone. She couldn't find out who killed Donovan. She couldn't get justice for him. Why?

Why did Theodore have to cover for Vanessa?

Did he ever think about her feelings? Did he ever consider that she'd be hurt?

Right now, Phoebe hated herself and hated Theodore.

This was the guy she'd loved for four years. No matter how much he hurt her, a little kindness from him would make her think he cared.

But now she saw her love was one-sided. It only moved her, not Theodore.

Someone bumped into her, making her fall to the ground.

"Watch where you're going! You bumped into me and didn't even notice," the person said, looking at Phoebe. "Just a bump, can't you get up?"

Phoebe sat there, feeling weak, tears streaming down her face, scaring the person. They reached out to help her.

"Get up. Don't try to extort me," the person urged.

Phoebe covered her face, not wanting anyone to see her like this. "You can go. I'm fine."

"Are you really okay?" The person was worried, noticing Phoebe's thin suit, which looked pretty fancy.

In this cold weather, how could she not wear a coat? Wasn't she freezing?

Phoebe insisted, "I'm fine."

The person sighed in relief and, seeing that Phoebe was thinly dressed, said, "Let me help you to the coffee shop ahead. You're dressed so lightly; you'll catch a cold." "Thanks."

The coffee shop was just up ahead, and the person helped Phoebe to her feet and into the shop, where they found a place to sit.

"Are you okay by yourself? Do you need to call your family? You don't look well. Did something bad happen?" the person asked. Phoebe shook her head. "Thanks, but no."

"Alright, then." The person looked back repeatedly, watching Phoebe's heartbroken expression, and then went to buy her a cup of hot coffee before leaving with peace of mind. Phoebe stared at the hot coffee in front of her, the steam making her eyes sting. Tears rolled down her face uncontrollably.