Forbidden Passion
Chapter 714 Closer Than Ever

Outside the reception room, a familiar voice accompanied by a child's laughter reached Phoebe's ears, causing her to pause. She pushed the door open and walked in.

Bianca, sitting on the sofa, turned her head and looked at her with a smile. "Phoebe, long time no see. You look more beautiful than ever."

Phoebe's expression quickly shifted from a scowl to a smile when she saw Bianca. She walked over, and Bianca stood up to hug her. "Bianca."

"Why are you so thin?" Bianca wrapped her arms around Phoebe's waist and said, "You're getting thinner, but I'm getting fatter. I can't even show myself in public anymore."

"Stop talking nonsense, your figure is voluptuous. I'm envious." Phoebe pulled Bianca to sit down and looked at Benjamin, who was playing nearby.

"Benjamin has grown so tall, Bianca. He's looking more and more like you." Phoebe observed Benjamin.

Benjamin had rosy lips and white teeth, a chubby little face, thick and long eyelashes, and big round eyes, making him very endearing.

Bianca waved at Benjamin and said, "Benjamin, come over and greet with Aunt Phoebe."

Benjamin ran over and jumped into Bianca's arms, looking at Phoebe with clear, innocent eyes. He called out crisply, "Aunt Phoebe, my mom said you almost married into our family. Is that true?" Phoebe's expression turned a bit awkward.

Bianca pinched Benjamin's mouth and looked at Phoebe awkwardly, saying, "Phoebe, Benjamin speaks without a filter. Don't take it seriously."

Phoebe replied with a faint smile, "It's okay. Kids are innocent and say whatever comes to mind. Don't blame him."

Bianca was speechless.

Bianca coughed lightly, and Phoebe handed her a cup of water. "Bianca, have some water. How have Delilah and the others been these past two years?"

"Well, we're just worried about Edward's marriage. You know, Edward's heart has always been with you. He turned down all the blind dates Delilah arranged for him." Bianca took a sip of coffee and quietly observed Phoebe's reaction. Bianca actually liked Phoebe quite a bit. Phoebe's character made her easy to get along with. If Phoebe became Edward's wife, she wouldn't be like other wealthy people, always at odds with her. Besides, Bianca had her own selfish reasons.

If Phoebe and Edward got together, Sandra could smoothly marry into the Reynolds Family. Then, with the Reynolds Family's support, the Ramirez Family would be more respected in the Vanderbilt Family. Seeing Phoebe not responding, Bianca smiled and said, "I think he's still waiting for you. He's been going to Caneda a lot these past two years. Have you two gotten back together?"

Phoebe said, "Bianca, I've been divorced. It's not fair to him."

"If he loves you, fairness doesn't matter. It's about willingness." Bianca put down her cup and held Phoebe's hand. "Phoebe, all the wealth in the world can't compare to someone who truly loves you. You must cherish it." Phoebe understood Bianca's intentions. She said directly, "Bianca, did Edward ask you to talk to me?"

"No, I'm just worried about you being single. Phoebe, Evelyn treated Brian and Edward like her own children back then. We all appreciate her kindness. If you marry Edward, our families will be even closer."

Phoebe withdrew her hand and said, "Bianca, it's impossible between Edward and me. Don't bring it up again."

Bianca was stunned, her face slightly blushed. "Phoebe, is there something wrong between you and Edward?"

Phoebe replied, "Does Delilah know you came to persuade me to be with Edward today?"

Bianca looked embarrassed, feeling as if Phoebe had seen through her. Phoebe could tell from her expression that she had come without Delilah's knowledge.

"Vanderbilt Family helped us back then. From the moment I agreed to marry Theodore, it became impossible for Edward and me. It wasn't possible before, it's not possible now, and it won't be possible in the future," Phoebe said. Bianca smiled awkwardly. She was a pampered young lady and had never been so disrespected.

Bianca was furious. "I'm doing this for you. If you don't have feelings for Edward, why keep stringing him along? Now you're acting all high and mighty in front of me, as if I'm begging you to marry him." Phoebe was silent.

After her outburst, Bianca felt a bit regretful. Seeing Phoebe's shocked expression, she felt awkward. "Anyway, think about it yourself."

With that, Bianca picked up Benjamin and walked out of the reception room.

The sound of high heels gradually faded away. Phoebe rubbed her temples. She didn't want to maliciously speculate about Bianca's intentions in persuading her to marry Edward. But Phoebe couldn't help but think deeply.

She and Bianca weren't that close. Wasn't Bianca so concerned about her marriage because she was afraid that her being single would block Sandra's path?

Phoebe didn't dwell on it. She had been through too much in the past two years, and ordinary harsh words couldn't hurt her anymore.

In the afternoon, Phoebe went to the hospital to pick up Ruby and Ethan.

After recovering, Ethan's cheeks were much rosier, and he didn't look as pale and thin. Phoebe felt much better seeing this.

"We'll go back to your place and pack your things first. You two can move to Golden Apartment today. Ruby, what do you think?" Phoebe asked Ruby while holding Ethan and walking ahead. Ruby's eyes flickered as she said, "No need, I'll move by myself later."

"Don't worry about troubling me. There's a driver today. If there's anything you need to move, he can help," Phoebe said.

Ruby lowered her head and said, "We don't have much to move."

"But you still need to pack up. I also want to see where Ethan grew up. Let's go." Phoebe made the final decision.

Ruby bit her lip but didn't refuse again. She got in the car with Phoebe. After leaving the city, Ruby gave directions from the front while Phoebe chatted with Ethan in the back. Before long, the car stopped in front of a dilapidated building. There weren't many residents around, indicating that it was built by the caretakers of the nearby cemetery. Phoebe had imagined how rundown Ruby and Ethan's place might be, but seeing it in person still made her feel uncomfortable.

Saying nothing, Phoebe followed Ruby upstairs.

Ruby and Ethan lived on the second floor. The exterior walls were peeling, and the door was an old-fashioned one that looked like it could be kicked open easily. Ruby glanced back at Phoebe before taking out the key to open the door.

The inside was tidy, but a damp, musty smell hit them as soon as they entered. Phoebe stood at the door, coughing twice from the stench.

Phoebe stared blankly at the place. Ruby and Ethan practically did everything in this small room.

Phoebe was shocked and asked in confusion, "You live in a place like this?"