Forbidden Passion
Chapter 626 He Changed His Perfume

Mary was chillin' on the couch, the big boss of Extraordinary Entertainments. She took the chance while the host was yappin' on stage to slide over to Phoebe.

"Hey, Ms. Ziegler, long time no see! That farewell concert the other night was lit. I heard Noah snagged a million new followers," Mary whispered.

Phoebe had tried to get Mary to manage Vanessa back in the day, but Mary had turned her down. After a year off, Mary got scooped up by Extraordinary Entertainments with a fat paycheck to be their artist director. Mary was rockin' a long gray dress and a blingy snake-shaped diamond necklace that sparkled under the lights.

Phoebe grinned and shook Mary's hand. "Yeah, it's been a minute. I was gonna hit you up last year, but then I heard you joined Extraordinary Entertainments. Bummed me out for a while."

"Ms. Ziegler, you're too kind. It's the first time a gorgeous lady like you has fought over me. I'm flattered," Mary joked.

Phoebe chuckled. "You're a rare gem, Ms. Watson. Not just a pretty face but crazy talented too. Every smart entertainment boss would want you."

Mary blushed a bit at the compliment. "Ms. Ziegler, you sure know how to make a girl feel special."

After some sweet talk, Mary got down to business. "By the way, Extraordinary Entertainments's teaming up with Kedora for a reality show about local cultural heritage. Think Noah would be down?" Phoebe had heard the buzz. She was at the banquet to chat with Mary about it.

"Noah's got some free time, but I need to see who else you're bringing on board," Phoebe said, all business.

Noah had been killing it the past couple of years, but leading a new show was still a big deal. It'd be best if there were other big names, so it wasn't all on Noah.

The stage lights shifted, making Phoebe's eyes sparkle. Patrick, sitting in the front row, suddenly turned around.

Phoebe and Patrick locked eyes for a few seconds before she shifted her gaze to the back of Theodore's head, who was next to Patrick. Theodore's hair was perfectly trimmed, and even his short stubble screamed cool and aloof. No wonder that head looked familiar; it was an old friend.

When Phoebe came back to Kedora, she knew she'd bump into Theodore eventually, but she didn't think it'd be this soon.

Patrick leaned back, one hand on the couch, and teased, "What big plans are you two lovely ladies cooking up? Mind if I join?"

Mary looked at Patrick and smiled. "Patrick, you're such a joker. Would our projects even interest you?"

"Totally, I just overheard, and your project sounds right up my alley," Patrick said with a grin.

Mary was stoked. With Patrick's current fame, just having his name attached would make the show a hit.

Mary glanced at Phoebe, still hoping Noah would join. A talented star and a popular idol could make some serious magic.

"I heard Patrick's booked solid until the year after next. Do you really have time for this reality show?" Phoebe's voice was cool and collected.

Theodore, sitting in the front row, kept his eyes on the stage. The lights played on his handsome face, calm but deep like the ocean at night.

"Yeah, totally. I've been sick of filming all these years. Jumping into a reality show for a change sounds dope. Ms. Ziegler, you cool with that?" Patrick asked, his eyes twinkling with mischief.

Phoebe couldn't quite read Patrick's vibe but figured he wasn't messing around. "Of course, I don't mind. It'd be awesome if you joined, Patrick."

Mary was trying hard to keep her excitement in check. "Patrick, it's a deal then. I'll hit up your agent later. No backing out."

"Sure thing," Patrick smirked, "consider it my welcome gift for Ms. Ziegler."

That made it clear Patrick was doing this for Phoebe. She couldn't just brush it off.

"Thanks, Patrick," she said, feeling a bit cornered.

"No biggie. If you wanna thank someone, thank my buddy here, right, Mr. Reynolds?" Patrick turned slightly, giving Theodore a playful look. He was curious how long Theodore could keep up his cool act.

Theodore's lips tightened, giving off that aloof vibe. He glanced at Phoebe, the lights casting a regal glow on his face.

Their eyes met. Phoebe didn't back down, smiling calmly. "Mr. Reynolds, nice to meet you!"

Theodore studied her perfect smile, like she'd practiced it a million times. It was flawless but fake.

He nodded slightly and turned away, tossing a cold remark to Patrick, "Handle your own favors." Patrick was left speechless.

He'd just handed over a reality show debut, and Theodore didn't even care. Fine, there'd be a time when Theodore would regret it. Sandra, sitting next to him, looked between Theodore and Phoebe a few times. She gracefully extended her hand to Phoebe.

"Ms. Ziegler, I've heard so much about you. I'm Sandra, Bianca's sister. We met at Bianca's wedding. Remember?" Sandra said. Phoebe leaned in and shook her hand.

Up close, she caught a whiff of a new scent from Theodore. Did he change his cologne?

"Nice to meet you!"

Phoebe quickly masked her surprise. She tried to pull her hand back, but Sandra held on tighter.

Phoebe looked up and saw a fleeting warning in Sandra's eyes. "Ms. Ziegler, Theodore's super busy, but I'm free. If you really wanna repay the favor, I can help."

Sandra knew Patrick was trying to set up Phoebe and Theodore. Did he think she was clueless? She'd been sticking to Theodore like glue, fending off countless women over the past two years. No way was she giving Phoebe a shot. Phoebe yanked her hand back. "Sorry, I'm pretty swamped. If Ms. Ramirez is so free, maybe you should go play in the mud with Benjamin."

Sandra was fuming.

Patrick chuckled but quickly stifled it when he got a dirty look. He cleared his throat, "Ms. Watson, let's chat more later."

"Sure, I'll be waiting for the good news," Mary said, leaning back and distancing herself after the drama.

Mary lowered her voice and whispered to Phoebe, "That's Mr. Reynolds' girlfriend. Aren't you worried about pissing him off?"