Forbidden Passion
Chapter 689 Neither Close Nor Distant

Phoebe stood in front of the gown, her phone buzzing non-stop in her bag. She picked it up and, no surprise, it was Theodore. With a slight smile, Theodore asked, "Do you like the gown?"

Phoebe glanced at the dazzling dress, the morning sun making the diamonds sparkle like crazy.

She replied, "Mr. Reynolds, since it's a gift from you, how could I not like it?"

Theodore chuckled at her formal tone, "If you don't like it, I can have Lawton send over a few more options. How about that?"

Phoebe quickly said, "No need, I really like it."

Getting Theodore to sweet-talk her even once was already a win in her book.

Phoebe didn't want Theodore showing up at the office and becoming the latest gossip.

Theodore laughed softly, "See you this afternoon then."

After hanging up, Phoebe stood there for a moment until Lori knocked and came in. She then casually sat back at her desk, pretending to be busy with documents. Lori walked in, almost blinded by the gown's diamonds.

Lori said enviously, "Ms. Ziegler, Mr. Reynolds is so generous. I just checked, this gown is worth a million dollars, designed by some hot new foreign designer."

A million-dollar gown, and it was the first time Lori had been this close to one.

Phoebe stayed cool.

"Ms. Ziegler, why aren't you surprised at all?" Lori continued.

"If you stick around the entertainment industry long enough, you'll be as chill as I am." Phoebe had seen it all while tagging along with Theodore.

During her two years abroad, every haute couture gown she borrowed for the red carpet was worth at least a million dollars, so she eventually stopped being surprised by them.

Lori looked at Phoebe's calm face and thought she should learn from her. Even if she hadn't seen much of the world, she shouldn't let it show.

Lori shifted her focus from the gown to updating Phoebe on recent work progress.

After listening, Phoebe made a few requests, which Lori quickly noted down and left.

The whole day flew by in a blur of activity.

In the afternoon, Cindy showed up with a makeup case.

Cindy walked in wearing sunglasses, looking like she meant business. If it weren't for the makeup case, the receptionist might've thought Cindy was about to pull out dual guns and start shooting. Until Cindy, all relaxed, leaned against the front desk and asked, "Where's Ms. Ziegler's office?"

Her soft voice totally clashed with her tough look.

The receptionist, like a cat caught by the neck, quickly called Phoebe's office.

After hanging up, the receptionist respectfully led Cindy to Phoebe's office, pointing out that Phoebe was inside. Cindy then pushed the door open and walked in.

Phoebe put down her work and stood up to greet her, "With that outfit, did you just come from a fashion show?"

Cindy had been living in Caneda for the past two years, catching shows whenever she had free time.

Somehow, Cindy had gotten in with the makeup artists at the shows and picked up a lot of tricks.

Cindy plopped the makeup case on the coffee table and flopped onto the sofa, "I'm beat. A makeup artist had an emergency today, and I got called in to cover. I almost didn't make it back to do your makeup." "If you really couldn't make it, it's okay. We have makeup artists at the company." Phoebe poured Cindy a cup of coffee and set it on the coffee table in front of her.

Cindy glared, "No way. I'm the only one who can do your makeup."

Phoebe sat down next to Cindy and started massaging her shoulders.

Cindy squinted comfortably and glanced at the gown hanging like a display piece, saying, "Who picked this gown? They have good taste."

Phoebe said flatly, "Theodore."

Cindy, who had been leaning bonelessly against Phoebe's shoulder, sat up straight like a startled cat upon hearing Theodore's name.

Cindy said in a questioning tone, "Why did he give you a gown?"

Phoebe, still massaging Cindy's shoulders, turned Cindy around to face away from her and continued to massage gently. Cindy immediately lost her strength and slumped back onto the sofa. Phoebe spoke softly, "I don't understand."

Cindy felt so comfortable from Phoebe's massage that she was tingling from head to toe, saying, "I think he might want to get back together with you."

Phoebe pursed her lips.

Before Phoebe could respond, Cindy turned her head to look at her and said, "Phoebe, what do you think?"

"What else can I think? With Hubert, Boris, and Noomi around, if he finds out, it'll be a disaster. It's best to keep a respectful distance," Phoebe said. Cindy sat up and looked at her seriously, "What are you afraid of? You didn't cheat during the marriage."

Phoebe sighed.

Cindy didn't understand Theodore's character. If Theodore had completely let go, Phoebe wouldn't be afraid.

Theodore's current attitude of being neither close nor distant made Phoebe anxious.

Phoebe said, "Let's not talk about this. Are you feeling better? I'll give you another massage."

Cindy grabbed Phoebe's hand, seeing that Phoebe's fingertips were red from massaging. She shook her head and said, "I'm much better. You take a break. Watching you busy around gives me a headache." Phoebe said with a beaming smile, "Having things to be busy with is a great blessing in life."

Cindy had no retort.

After resting for a while and regaining some energy, Cindy opened the makeup case and picked out the most expensive set of makeup to do Phoebe's makeup.

Cindy's makeup skills were extraordinary. Recently, she had been studying no-makeup looks with makeup artists from other countries. She effortlessly gave Phoebe the look of a wealthy heiress.

Lori knocked and entered to deliver documents to Phoebe. Seeing Phoebe, she didn't recognize her for a moment. "Ms. Ziegler?"

Phoebe turned her head, and though it was the same face, it inexplicably drew attention.

Phoebe's gaze was so innocent and alluring.

Lori covered her mouth and said in an excited tone, "Oh my God, I almost didn't recognize you. Ms. Ziegler, you will definitely steal the show tonight."

Phoebe extended her hand and said, "Give me the documents quickly."

Lori hurriedly handed over the documents, which were last month's financial statements.

Phoebe hadn't finished reading when her phone rang.

It was Theodore calling. He was already downstairs, asking if he should come up to get her.

Phoebe didn't want to cause a scene and declined Theodore's offer. She handed the report back to Lori, saying, "I'll review the report when I return tomorrow."

Lori took the report and watched Phoebe lift her gown and walk out of the office, thinking that with Phoebe dressed like this to meet Theodore, would Theodore be able to resist?