Forbidden Passion
Chapter 7 The Gossip

Phoebe put the neatly arranged things into a carton, which quickly filled up. She said, "The boss's mind is unfathomable, we just need to follow orders."

"But are you willing?" Carol asked softly.

Phoebe paused and restrained her smile.

Carol sympathized with her. "You've been with Mr. Reynolds for three years, I thought you two would have a future together. I didn't expect him to be so heartless..."

"Carol, be cautious with your words." Phoebe reminded her lightly, seeing that she still looked indignant. She sighed and picked up a manual, handing it to her. "These are some habits of Mr. Reynolds that I've recorded. Take a look for reference."

"Be careful not to touch his sensitive spot."

Carol eagerly took the document and flipped through it, but her face immediately fell. "Oh my, Mr. Reynolds has so many annoying habits. Phoebe, these past few years must have been really difficult for you." Phoebe patted her shoulder and picked up the box, walking out of the secretary's office and taking the elevator to the seventeenth floor.

Although QUEEN Entertainment is an independently operated subsidiary, their office is still located within the Reynolds Group building. Theodore had reserved an entire floor specifically for them to work in.

She reported to the HR department and completed all the necessary procedures. The HR manager, John, then led her to her office.

Compared to the secretary's office, her office was noticeably smaller, but it had everything she needed. There was a desk, a sofa, and good lighting. It was said that sunlight could be enjoyed from morning till evening. Phoebe was satisfied with her new office, the only drawback being the lack of a rest area. She could only take naps on the sofa.

"Phoebe, these documents are for the artists we are about to sign. From now on, you will be responsible for handling their contracts. Take a look at the information first." John brought over a stack of files and placed them on Phoebe's desk.

Aside from office supplies, there was also a shiny nameplate on the desk, engraved with the words "Director of Artists, Phoebe."

"Thank you, it' was no trouble," Phoebe nodded.

John felt a bit embarrassed and couldn't help but steal another glance at Phoebe. In the past, she was the chief secretary of the secretary's office, always following behind Theodore. Her posture was upright and composed, like a sharp and unsheathed sword, making it difficult for people to meet her gaze.

But after their recent interaction, he discovered that she wasn't as cold and distant as he had imagined. She was actually quite polite to him.

Phoebe opened the files and immediately saw Vanessa's photo. She paused for a moment, and John chuckled after looking at it too.

"Vanessa, she's the biggest star we have been in contact with at the moment. Mr. Reynolds personally went to negotiate with her. There are rumors saying they used to be lovers, and Mr. Reynolds invested heavily in creating QUEEN Entertainment just to welcome his beloved back to the country."

Phoebe's heart suddenly tightened. "Is that so?"

John thought she didn't know and his eyes were filled with gossip. "Phoebe, don't you follow Mr. Reynolds every day? It's said that Mr. Reynolds really loves Vanessa. He has been single for so many years waiting for her. People speculate that Mr. Reynolds established QUEEN Entertainment in the Reynolds Group building to be closer and eventually get back together with Vanessa."

Phoebe's face turned pale. Yes, she was with Theodore every day, but these rumors naturally wouldn't reach her ears.

After all, everyone believed she was Theodore's eyes and ears. Even if there were rumors, no one dared to speak of them in front of her, afraid of provoking Theo. Chapter 5: Unveiling Secrets

John didn't notice her expression and continued, "You know about the Chopin International Piano Competition that took place last month, right? Mr. Reynolds personally went to Poland. Reporters caught him sneaking into Vanessa's room late at night, and he didn't come out all night. Do you think something is going on between them?"

"John!" Phoebe couldn't bear to listen any longer and suddenly interrupted him. "Please leave for now, I will talk to you after I finish reading the documents."

"Oh, okay," John saw her displeased face and regretted speaking so freely in front of her. After all, Phoebe used to be Mr. Reynolds' former chief secretary, and naturally her loyalty lied with the boss.

Wasn't it a self-destructive act to gossip about their boss's rumors in front of her?

"Phoebe, I was just casually mentioning things, and you were just casually listening. It's all idle talk," John tried to explain desperately.

"Mhm." Phoebe waved her hand, and John nervously left the office.

As soon as he left, Phoebe's feigned calmness shattered completely. She had no idea that Theodore and Vanessa's scandal was spreading so widely in the company, even though she had been in the dark. Everyone in this building, except her, probably knew about it.

In the past, she wouldn't have cared. Her marriage to Theodore was originally a compromise, and it should have ended when they lost their child.

But since last night, when she saw him at the piano competition, his devoted gaze towards Vanessa pierced her heart like a thorn.

He had never looked at her with such deep and passionate affection before.

There is no pain without comparison.

She had never realized that, amidst his icy hatred towards her, he could also harbor such intense and fiery love for another woman.

Phoebe spent the afternoon going through the documents, familiarizing herself with the artists who would soon be under her care. This was an entirely unfamiliar field for her, and it gave her a tremendous headache.

Vanessa was Theodore's beloved, and she couldn't afford to neglect her. Even though she hadn't signed a contract yet, Vanessa already received the treatment befitting the top talent at QUEEN Entertainment. As for the other trainees, they could be sent to talent shows to gain experience and make their debut.

After dealing with all these matters that made her head spin, Phoebe looked out the window and saw that the night had completely descended. She tidied up her desk, grabbed her bag, and prepared to leave. She stood in the elevator lobby, waiting for the elevator. "Ding!" The door to the exclusive elevator for the CEO opened. She looked up and met the gaze of the man standing inside.

The two of them silently locked eyes, and Phoebe didn't move a muscle as the elevator door slowly closed in front of her. In an instant, the elevator doors opened again on both sides.

Theodore's brows furrowed tightly enough to crush a fly, and his voice was cold and deep. "Why are you just standing there instead of getting in? Do I need to invite you?"

Phoebe remained silent for a moment. Some people had such beautifully shaped lips, yet their words were so unpleasant. She walked into the elevator and instinctively stood a step behind Theodore. Theodore turned his head, his face turning ashen as he stared at her. "What are you doing?"

"I didn't do anything," Phoebe said, looking confused. "I've been standing here before, what's wrong with that?"

Theodore's jaw tightened. It used to be fine for her to stand behind him when she was his secretary, but she wasn't anymore.

He forcefully pulled her over and pushed her back, causing her to collide harshly with the metal wall. Before she could even let out a cry of pain, the man pressed against her forcefully.

"You did it on purpose, didn't you?" His breath was filled with anger. "Are you so dissatisfied with me transferring you to QUEEN Entertainment Company?"