Forbidden Passion
Chapter 627 Stop Gossip, Study More

The word "girlfriend" hit Phoebe like a ton of bricks, and she was momentarily stunned. Then she shrugged it off, saying, "It's cool."

Mary tilted her head, checking out Phoebe's perfectly sculpted profile. Maybe it was the lighting or something, but Mary caught a hint of sadness in Phoebe's vibe. Mary decided to drop the subject and turned her attention to the stage performance.

The charity gala wrapped up around ten. As the stage lights dimmed, Noah hustled over from the celeb section.

"Phoebe, let me take you home," Noah said, all eager.

Phoebe got up, stretching her slightly numb legs. She smiled and said, "No need. There are paparazzi outside. With your current fame, it wouldn't be good to be photographed." "But I want to take you home," Noah insisted, his eyes practically begging. In the dim light, the affection in his eyes was hard to miss.

Mary, standing nearby, chimed in, "If it's not too much trouble, could you give me a ride too? I still want to discuss the reality show details with Ms. Ziegler."

With Mary tagging along, even if the paparazzi snapped a pic, it wouldn't be a big deal. Phoebe then agreed, "Alright, let's go."

Phoebe led the way towards the exit. Noah quickly caught up and whispered, "Phoebe, what reality show?"

"I'll fill you in later in the car." With so many people around, Phoebe wasn't sure how far Mary and her team had planned. Spilling the beans too soon might mess things up. "Okay."

As they walked away, Sandra stood next to Theodore, watching Noah's retreating figure. She deliberately said in front of Theodore, "Theodore, does Noah have a thing for Ms. Ziegler?" Theodore's eyes flickered with a dark light, his handsome face showing no emotion. "Stop gossiping and study more."

Sandra pouted, clearly annoyed. "How am I gossiping? I'm just curious. Theodore, Ms. Ziegler is quite the catch. I heard Mr. Vanderbilt has been visiting her in Caneda a lot these past two years. Are they getting hitched or what?" Patrick, hearing her naively bring up Edward, was ready for some drama.

Theodore looked down at Sandra quietly. She got more and more nervous under his gaze, clutching her dress anxiously. "Theodore, did I say something wrong?"

Theodore's eyes were deep and unreadable. "If you can't keep quiet, don't stay by my side anymore."

Sandra's face fell. "Theodore."

But Theodore didn't look at her again and walked away.

Sandra was left behind, fists clenched, filled with resentment towards Phoebe. Why did Phoebe have to come back and mess up her thing with Theodore?

Patrick quickly caught up with Theodore and put a hand on his shoulder. "Come on, let's grab a drink."

Theodore easily shrugged off Patrick's hand and said coldly, "I'm busy with work, not as free as you."

Patrick looked skeptical. "I'm just worried you'll go home and drink alone. Want me to find out where Phoebe's staying now?"

"No need."

Patrick clicked his tongue. "Blame me for meddling, but I can't help feeling a bit sorry seeing you go through this alone." "I have a cat," Theodore said stiffly.

Patrick thought of Theodore's house-wrecking cat, Ollie, and said, "Alright, then you can spend your life with your cat."

Patrick and Theodore left Todi Stadium. While waiting for their car at the entrance, they ran into Phoebe and her crew again.

The white minivan rolled up, and Noah practically shielded Phoebe as he helped her inside. Patrick, hands stuffed in his pockets, turned to Theodore and said, "Sandra's got a sharp eye. I wouldn't have noticed, but Noah's definitely laying it on thick with Phoebe."

Theodore's icy gaze flicked over Noah, lingering for a moment before he looked away.

Patrick smirked, a hint of mischief in his voice, "Some folks are about to lose their girl and still act all cool."

Theodore didn't even bother responding and just walked off.

Inside the minivan, the AC was cranked up too low. Noah draped a thin blanket over Phoebe's shoulders, totally ignoring Mary, who was shivering next to them. His favoritism was obvious.

"Ms. Ziegler, this is the first time I've seen Noah being so sweet and caring to anyone. You don't know, back at Extraordinary Entertainments, everyone called him 'Cool Guy," Mary teased. The former SR boy band was under Extraordinary Entertainments, and Mary had dealt with Noah after taking over the company.

Noah always seemed aloof, brushing off the advances of female artists. Mary had thought Noah was just naturally distant, but now she saw he had someone special in his heart. Phoebe smiled at Noah. "Really?"

Noah turned to Mary. "Ms. Watson, what kind of reality show are you talking about? Aren't all the TV networks' reality shows already played out?"

Mary replied, "True, so our reality show is about protecting and promoting local intangible cultural heritage. It's basically a travel show with a cultural twist. We can't ignore what worked for others."

"Got a program plan?" Noah asked.

Mary nodded. "Yep, I'll have my assistant send it to Ms. Ziegler's email when I get back. We're thinking of having you and Patrick as guests, which should guarantee the show's ratings." Noah frowned and instinctively glanced at Phoebe. He'd seen Theodore sitting in front of Phoebe at the event, and it had thrown him off all night.

Noah asked, "Is Patrick also in?"

Mary raised an eyebrow. "Yeah, I remember he's been all about acting these days and hasn't done any variety shows. He's making an exception this time, thanks to Ms. Ziegler, to boost our ratings." "My popularity alone can carry the show," Noah muttered.

Noah didn't want to be on the same show as Patrick because Patrick was tight with Theodore. Working with Patrick could mean more chances for Phoebe and Theodore to cross paths, which Noah hated. Phoebe cut in, "Noah, be humble."

Mary laughed. "It's fine, Ms. Ziegler. Confidence is good. But for the investors, they wouldn't mind an extra layer of assurance."

Noah pursed his lips, clearly annoyed.

Noah continued, "There are plenty of stars more popular than Patrick. We don't need him."

Seeing Noah's sulking, Phoebe gave Mary a look and said calmly, "Yes, but having the gimmick of a variety show debut and a willing participant is unique to him. Noah, don't be childish." Noah turned his face away, sulking.

Noah knew that in Phoebe's eyes, he was always just a kid, a little brother. But he wanted to be more her boyfriend, her husband.