Forbidden Passion
Chapter 651 Destroyed Much of My Tenderness

She hit the intercom, "Lori, get in here."

Phoebe never believed in getting something for nothing. If something good did come her way, it was probably a trap. But the spot of special guest for the 12th episode was given to the artists from her company, and she really couldn't refuse. Lori strutted in, heels clicking like a metronome. She stood there, all business in her sharp outfit. "Ms. Ziegler."

Phoebe glanced up, "I need the guest and sponsor list for Extraordinary Entertainments' new show. Keep it on the down-low, got it?" Lori nodded, "On it."

Phoebe waved her off and went back to her paperwork. Lori's footsteps faded, and the door clicked shut.

A bit later, there was a knock. Phoebe didn't even look up, "Come in!"

The door flew open, and before she knew it, she was wrapped in a hug, a familiar scent filling the air.

Only one person smelled like that-Claire.

"Phoebe, why didn't you tell me you were back? I would've picked you up!" Claire pouted, clinging to her neck like a koala.

Phoebe tried to push her off but failed. She laughed, "Let go, are you trying to strangle me?"

Claire let go and perched on the armrest of Phoebe's chair, one hand still on her shoulder. "If it weren't for the trending news, I wouldn't have known you were back. You went to Noah's farewell concert but didn't come see me on set." A year ago, Hank's movie made over a billion, and the lead actors blew up. Claire, who played General Luna Hughes, nailed her role so hard that both she and her character became instant hits.

Hank's movies turning supporting actresses into stars was no joke.

But when Claire was at her peak, she quietly signed with a new entertainment company. Everyone thought she was starting her own company with some industry big shots.

Turned out, she was just repaying a favor to Phoebe.

Phoebe was used to Claire's antics. She smiled, "Still craving attention at your age? I'll visit you on set when your next film starts."

Claire's next film was starting in half a month, so she'd be back on set soon.

Claire leaned on the desk, "Phoebe, I just wrapped a film, and you're already talking about the next one. Is work all you care about?" "Yeah, I'm just a heartless money-making machine."

Claire pretended to laugh coldly, "To me, you're a heartless money-making machine. To Hubert, Boris, and Noomi, you're a sweetheart!" Phoebe patted Claire's head, smiling, "Don't worry, you're my favorite too."

"That's more like it." Claire grinned. Phoebe had spotted her among a bunch of new artists and gave her a shot.

Even though Phoebe had been abroad for the past two years, they stayed in touch. Claire even dodged paparazzi to visit her in Caneda.

Back then, Phoebe had just popped out her three ones and was still feeling pretty wiped. She was already gearing up to launch Superstar Entertainment, and Claire was all in, saying she wanted to be the first artist signed.

"Phoebe, did your kids come back with you? Can I see them?" Claire was crazy about those kids and always sent them a ton of stuff she bought online.

Phoebe shook her head, "Not now. Wait till we move to Lakeview Estates; you can see them then. The paparazzi can't get in there."

"Alright."

"Oh, and you've got a game endorsement shoot tomorrow. Don't sleep in," Phoebe reminded her.

"I know." Claire paused, "Phoebe, let's party tonight. I finally wrapped up the film, and I need to let loose." Phoebe feared nothing except Claire's wild streak. "You're a public figure, better go back and sleep."

The light in Claire's eyes dimmed instantly, "This artist gig has killed a lot of my fun."

Phoebe was speechless.

She pulled out her phone, opened the home video app, and tossed it to Claire. "Go sit on the couch and watch Hubert, Boris, and Noomi. I'll take you out tonight." Claire grabbed the phone, and when she saw the kids on the screen, her heart melted. "Oh my, they've grown so much!"

Phoebe waved her off, "Go sit on the couch and don't bug me while I work."

"Okay." Claire watched the phone intently. Hubert was holding a bottle and trying to climb over the playpen. He used too much force and face-planted.

Even though there was no sound, it looked like a painful fall. Claire gasped, but Hubert got up like nothing happened, grabbed the bottle, and started sucking on it again. Claire murmured, "No wonder he's a foodie."

Phoebe finished her document, rubbed her sore neck, and saw Claire asleep on the couch.

The phone was resting on Claire's chest, still silently playing the video from home.

Phoebe tiptoed over, picked up the phone, turned off the video, and covered Claire with a thin blanket.

Phoebe lowered her gaze, carefully observing Claire.

Despite her dazzling public persona, Claire was just an ordinary person in private. She'd crash on the couch without a care and cry in secluded corners.

A soft knock on the office door made Phoebe look up and see Lori entering.

Phoebe put a finger to her lips, signaling for silence. Lori instinctively stopped at the door, seeing Claire lying on the couch. She pointed outside.

Phoebe tiptoed out and stood with Lori at the office door. Lori lowered her voice, "Ms. Ziegler, I found out. The new variety show has tentatively set seven regular guests. The confirmed list includes Patrick, Noah, and Ernest from Queen Entertainment."

Phoebe frowned and interrupted her, "Queen Entertainment's got someone on this show too?"

"Yeah," Lori pursed her lips, "because the main sponsor is the Reynolds Group. Everyone knows Queen Entertainment and the Reynolds Group are tight. They had to send an artist, and Extraordinary Entertainments couldn't say no." Phoebe sneered, "They just can't seem to let go, can they?"