Forbidden Passion
Chapter 653 Blocked a Knife

After dinner, Phoebe dropped Claire off at her place, telling her to hit the sack early and not to go wild just 'cause she had some free time.

Claire waved her hand nonchalantly with her back to Phoebe, letting her words go in one ear and out the other, and walked into the elevator holding the vibrant red roses. Phoebe slid into the back seat and told the driver to get moving.

The streets were lit up like a Christmas tree, shadows dancing on her face. Phoebe covered her eyes with her hand and tried to catch some shut-eye. She felt tired to the bone.

No clue how long it had been, but the car finally stopped, and Guadalupe's voice came from the front, "Ms. Ziegler, Mr. Vanderbilt's car is up ahead." Phoebe opened her eyes and saw Edward leaning against his car. Her headache got worse. She took a deep breath, pushed the door open, and got out. Edward stayed put, leaning against the car, turning his head to look at her. The dim streetlight gave his face a soft glow.

Phoebe stood in front of him, tilting her head up a bit, "When did you get here? Why didn't you call me?"

"Just passing by, it's late, didn't wanna bug you," Edward looked down at her, his eyes all soft and loving.

Phoebe got what Edward was hinting at right away. It made her feel even more weighed down than if he'd just come to see her. She said, "Wanna come up for a bit?" "No, just seeing you is enough for me," Edward's voice paused, but his eyes stayed glued to her face, "You look beat, go get some rest."

Phoebe stood there with Edward for a bit. She was in high heels, and her feet were starting to go numb. She shifted her weight, and Edward noticed, a gentle smile in his eyes.

"Go on up, don't just stand here like a dummy with me."

Phoebe smiled a little, "Yeah, it is kinda dumb, I'll head up."

"Okay." Edward raised his hand and waved at her. Phoebe grabbed her bag from Guadalupe, turned, and walked into the complex. Her figure slowly faded into the night.

Edward pulled his gaze back and waved at Guadalupe. Guadalupe quickly walked up to him, looking all humble, "Mr. Vanderbilt."

"Where's Phoebe been these past few days, and who's she been hanging with?"

Guadalupe knew what Edward wanted to hear and reported respectfully, "Ms. Ziegler went to Eternal Love Hospital yesterday and stayed for almost two hours."

"Eternal Love Hospital?" Edward said, puzzled.

Theodore was at Eternal Love Hospital. Phoebe spent so much time there; was she getting back with Theodore?

Seeing Edward's face darken, Guadalupe got cautious and chose his words carefully, "Yeah, Taylor visited Ms. Ziegler at the office yesterday morning. They talked for a bit, and after work, Ms. Ziegler went to Eternal Love Hospital. Judging by the stuff she bought, she was probably visiting an elder. She didn't look too happy when she came out."

Edward's frown eased up, "Is that so? Alright, I'll handle your son's issue. Make sure you drive Phoebe safely."

"Yes." Guadalupe saw Edward wave him off, and he quickly got into the car and drove away.

Edward stood by the roadside, lit a cigarette, and slowly blew out a puff of smoke. He stared at the tall buildings hidden in the night, deep in thought.

For the past two years, he'd made sure to keep tabs on the people around Phoebe, even placing Pamela by her side. He needed to know who was around Phoebe at all times to feel at ease.

Edward flicked the ash off his cigarette, the glowing tip briefly lighting up his eyes. The usual gentleness was gone, replaced by a determined ruthlessness.

After a bit, Edward tossed the cigarette butt on the ground, stomped it out, and got back in the car.

He rolled up to Eternal Love Hospital just as visiting hours were about to end and headed straight to the VIP suite. Theodore was propped up against the headboard, nose deep in a book. Hearing footsteps, Theodore glanced up.

Edward strolled in with a grin, lugging a few boxes of fancy nutritional supplements. Theodore's brow twitched when he saw the labels.

Theodore squinted at Edward, "If I remember right, we're not exactly buddy-buddy enough for you to be visiting me, are we?"

Edward set the supplements on the bedside table and plopped down in a chair, "Of course, Mr. Reynolds, you saved Phoebe, so I came to say thanks."

"No need, she already thanked me." Theodore's eyes darkened, his voice dripping with provocation.

"Phoebe thanking you is her way of showing appreciation, and my thanking you is my way of showing appreciation on her behalf; the two don't clash." Edward crossed his legs all smooth-like, his lowered eyelids hiding a quick flash of malice. When he looked up again, he was back to his usual self.

Edward's words screamed territorial claim.

Theodore narrowed his eyes, "Mr. Vanderbilt, you're very considerate. When's the big wedding? I'll make sure to get a gift."

Edward smiled, "Soon, Mr. Reynolds, you'll see that day."

Theodore's fingers tightened on the blanket. He looked at Edward and said, "Have you convinced your folks? They cool with you marrying Phoebe?"

Edward's smile faltered for a second, "My parents are pretty open-minded. They've watched Phoebe grow up and are very fond of her. They don't care that she's been divorced."

"Really?" Theodore's gaze turned icy, "If the Vanderbilt family were so open-minded, they wouldn't have come to the Reynolds family to propose to Grace."

Last year, Delilah brought a bunch of fancy gifts to propose on Edward's behalf, but Taylor politely turned her down.

Edward's face changed, like Theodore had hit a nerve, his handsome features twisting with embarrassment and anger.

"That was my mother's doing."

Delilah's visit to the Reynolds family was a desperate move after multiple failed attempts to get Edward to stay away from Phoebe. At that time, the Vanderbilt family was under a lot of pressure from the Reynolds family. Delilah's proposal on Edward's behalf was basically a promise to Theodore that they wouldn't let Edward marry Phoebe.

"Seems like they don't approve of your marriage to Phoebe. Why keep chasing a pipe dream?" Theodore quietly enjoyed Edward's embarrassed and angry look.

"Mr. Reynolds, do you think you can really control someone else's life?" Edward sneered, "Don't be so ridiculous. If Phoebe had even a shred of affection for you, she wouldn't have gone on a hunger strike to get away. In this world, if there's one person she can't stand, it's you. If I were you, I wouldn't show up in front of her to make her sick."

Theodore clenched his fists, glaring coldly at Edward's disdainful expression.

Theodore took a deep breath, slowly pushing down his irritation. He said with a heavy gaze, "This is between her and me, it has nothing to do with anyone else."

Edward laughed like a maniac, standing up and looking down at Theodore, "Mr. Reynolds, do you think saving her life will win her back? Wake up!"

With that, Edward ignored Theodore's furious expression and slammed the door on his way out.