Forbidden Passion
Chapter 696 She Doesn't Like Phoebe

Phoebe pulled out a jewelry box and a check from her bag and handed them to Theodore.

"Mr. Reynolds, thanks for your help last night, but I don't like owing people," Phoebe said, all serious.

Theodore glanced at Phoebe's wrist. The bruises from being tied up were gone, but they left a mark on his heart.

He gently took her wrist. Phoebe flinched and tried to pull away, but he led her towards the office. "Let's talk inside."

Inside, everything was just like she remembered. Even her old desk was still there.

Phoebe pulled her hand back and walked to the desk. It was spotless, with a computer, some files, and her usual coffee mug.

This place, like her old apartment, was stuck in time from the day she left.

She felt a mix of emotions and turned to Theodore, who was standing nearby. "Doesn't the desk take up space here?"

Back then, Theodore insisted on moving her workspace to the CEO's office. She never got why. It seemed out of place, but he kept it there. Theodore walked over and leaned on the desk, looking deep into her eyes. "No, it doesn't."

Phoebe felt uneasy.

She placed the jewelry box and check on the desk and pushed them towards Theodore. "I have to go."

Theodore sighed and stood up straight. "I'll see you out."

"No need, Mr. Reynolds, please stay." Phoebe raised her hand to stop him. He didn't insist, and she walked out of the office.

The door closed behind her, and Phoebe closed her eyes.

Every time she was around Theodore, she felt nervous and oppressed. If she could, she'd avoid him altogether.

Phoebe opened her eyes and was startled by a face suddenly appearing in front of her. She quickly stepped back and, seeing who it was, patted her chest in relief. "Carol!" Carol laughed, as carefree as ever. "Ms. Ziegler, long time no see."

Phoebe smiled faintly. "Long time no see."

Carol linked arms with Phoebe and pulled her away from the office door, seating her in the secretary's swivel chair.

Carol took out a bunch of snacks from the drawer, looking like she wanted to chat.

"When I saw you on TV, I almost didn't recognize you. Is that really the Ms. Ziegler I know? You've changed so much, for the better," Carol said excitedly.

Phoebe rubbed her forehead. "How have you all been?"

"We're good, except for Mr. Reynolds," Carol said, watching her closely. "Since you left, he's become even colder, like a money-making machine."

Phoebe nodded. "I can see that."

Carol looked concerned. "You can't blame Mr. Reynolds for what happened back then. The finance department tried everything to gather five billion dollars in cash from nearby cities' banks. Mr. Reynolds didn't hesitate to decide to save you first. But Miss Fitzroy's parents somehow found out about her kidnapping and rushed to the company to beg Mr. Reynolds."

"Carol, stop," Phoebe cut in.

But Carol kept going, "Mr. Reynolds still wanted to save you first, but they begged him to save Miss Fitzroy. He didn't give in until Sophia had a heart attack and died right in front of him."

Phoebe shot up, almost knocking over her chair. She looked distressed. "Carol, I have to go. No need to see me out."

With that, she grabbed her bag and hurried out of the stifling office.

"Ms. Ziegler," Carol called after her, watching Phoebe leave. She took a few steps but then stopped, raising her hand to her mouth.

"Why can't you just keep quiet and stop talking nonsense?" A cold voice came from behind.

Carol turned around, startled to see Theodore leaning against the office door. She straightened up and said weakly, "Mr. Reynolds."

Theodore's gaze shifted from the closed elevator door to Carol, who looked like she was bracing for a scolding. He said indifferently, "Carol, just do your job."

Carol's face went pale, and she clenched her hands tightly. "I'm sorry, Mr. Reynolds. I shouldn't have said anything."

Theodore didn't respond and turned back into the office.

Phoebe stood in the elevator, staring blankly ahead. Her reflection in the shiny metal wall stared back at her.

She forced a smile, and the person in the elevator wall awkwardly smiled back, looking like a sad, ridiculous clown.

Three years had passed, and Phoebe thought she had moved on.

But hearing Carol bring up the past today made her realize she had never let go. The resentment of being abandoned, the fear of watching her life slip away-those pains were buried so deep that Phoebe thought time had healed her.

But just now, her wounds were suddenly ripped open, bleeding and exposed to the sunlight, causing unbearable pain.

The elevator doors opened.

Phoebe quickly composed herself and walked out. As she crossed the lobby, she brushed past a stunningly beautiful woman.

The woman took a few steps, then stopped and looked at Phoebe's back. "Wait, isn't that Ms. Ziegler?"

Phoebe paused and turned to look at her.

Sandra, dressed in high fashion, looked playful and glamorous, exuding natural confidence.

Phoebe nodded slightly. "Ms. Ramirez."

Sandra narrowed her eyes and slowly walked up to Phoebe, scrutinizing her with a hint of disdain. "What brings Ms. Ziegler here?"

Sandra didn't like Phoebe.

For the past three years, she had lived in Phoebe's shadow. Whenever people mentioned Phoebe, it was always about how excellent she was and how much Theodore liked her.

Sandra scoffed at that. If Theodore really liked Phoebe that much, he wouldn't have left her to die and insisted on saving Vanessa first.

Phoebe looked at Sandra, not missing the flash of hostility in her eyes. She said calmly, "I had something to return to Mr. Reynolds."

Sandra's expression turned sour. "Such a small matter shouldn't trouble Ms. Ziegler to come in person. Next time, if you have something for Theodore, just call me. I have nothing but time and money."