Forbidden Passion
Chapter 718 We Wealthy People Don't Survive on Dew

Phoebe's face darkened. She tried to pull her hand away forcefully, but couldn't free it from Theodore's grasp; instead, he held it even tighter.

She angrily said, "Let go of me!"

Not only did Theodore not release her, but he also placed her hand on his thigh, making Phoebe too scared to move.

She glared at Theodore, saying, "Stop!"

Theodore raised an eyebrow, not feeling that this overly intimate gesture was inappropriate at all. He leaned towards her and whispered in a voice only the two of them could hear, "We can do something else." As he spoke, Theodore moved her hand further inward.

Phoebe was terrified by Theodore's action, unable to believe that he would be so shameless in public.

She didn't dare to move, feeling waves of heat rushing to her face, blushing so hard she felt like she could bleed. After almost three years, she was still shocked by Theodore's shamelessness.

Phoebe stayed still, but Theodore didn't. His fingers interlocked with hers, his thumb gently stroking the back of her warm hand.

A proper gesture, but when Theodore did it, it had a seductive undertone.

The film on stage changed one after another, but Phoebe barely paid attention to what was being said, only vaguely remembering the lead actors.

When the screening ended and the lights came on, Phoebe quickly pulled her hand back and stood up with the other guests. "I need to go to the restroom."

Saying that, Phoebe hurriedly left there.

Theodore watched Phoebe's retreating figure with amusement, his palm still tingling with the sensation of her soft touch. He put his hands in his pockets and said to Stanley, "Mr. Rogers, If you don't mind, how about having a meal?"

Stanley looked at the guests either chatting or leaving and nodded graciously, "Sure, Mr. Reynolds."

"Let's go wait for Ms. Ziegler together."

Phoebe stood by the sink, looking at herself in the mirror. She bit her lip hard and lowered her head to repeatedly wash her hands under the faucet.

Theodore's fingers had intertwined with hers, a seemingly innocent gesture that felt anything but when he did it. Phoebe pumped soap and washed her hands three times, scrubbing them red before she finally felt less ashamed. Phoebe took a deep breath and left the restroom.

Outside the side hall, guests were gradually leaving. Phoebe immediately spotted Theodore standing at the entrance, chatting with acquaintances.

Theodore's height made him stand out in the crowd, making it hard not to notice him.

Phoebe walked over slowly. Theodore reached out and pulled her closer, saying, "I've arranged to have a meal with your classmate. Let's go."

Phoebe frowned and said, "What does your plan have to do with me?"

"You're the intermediary," Theodore said, pulling Phoebe along without giving her a chance to refuse. They arrived at the entrance of Todi Stadium just as Stanley was saying goodbye to an acquaintance.

Jack drove the Rolls-Royce over, and the three of them got in, heading to a nearby outdoor barbecue spot.

The place had a serene environment, with a large swimming pool in the middle reflecting the lights, surrounded by tables and chairs spaced far apart, adorned with warm yellow fairy lights, creating a cozy atmosphere.

The waiter led them to a side of the terrace. Phoebe wanted to sit next to Stanley, but Theodore quickly pulled her to sit beside him in a wicker chair. Phoebe was speechless.

Theodore sat across from Stanley, took the menu from the waiter, and handed it to Stanley, "Mr. Rogers, see what you'd like to eat."

Stanley took the menu, quickly ordered some dishes, and then passed the menu to Phoebe, saying, "Phoebe, see if there's anything else you want."

Phoebe said with a slight smile, "I like everything you ordered. We can add more later."

Theodore watched Phoebe and Stanley's natural interaction, saying, "Mr. Rogers seems to know Ms. Ziegler quite well?"

Stanley leaned back in his chair, saying with a gentle smile, "We used to work on projects together a lot, and after submitting our assignments, we'd go for a barbecue. Over time, I naturally learned what she likes. But Mr. Reynolds, you surprise me."

The swimming pool beside them reflected the lights, the water rippling gently, casting a small flame-like reflection in Theodore's eyes.

"What do you mean?"

Stanley said, "I thought someone as wealthy as Mr. Reynolds would have late-night snacks in five-star hotels."

Phoebe chuckled, but Theodore pinched the back of her hand, seemingly warning her. Remembering the scene at the venue, she stopped laughing.

Theodore said with a cold smile, "Even wealthy people don't live on air. Mr. Rogers, your perspective is quite narrow."

Stanley was speechless.

Phoebe didn't expect Theodore to chat calmly with Stanley. Aside from the initial veiled remarks, they actually agreed on many points later.

Suddenly, the atmosphere became very awkward.

Theodore noticed that Stanley's care for Phoebe mostly stemmed from their classmate bond, so he let go of his prejudice against Stanley and enjoyed their conversation.

After paying the bill and leaving the barbecue place, the driver was waiting downstairs. Stanley and Theodore shook hands and said goodbye, and Stanley got into his car and left.

Theodore stood beside Phoebe, watching the car's taillights fade away. He said, "Your classmate is quite interesting. No wonder he climbed to a management position at Facebook at such a young age."

Stanley was Insightful and emotionally intelligent.

Phoebe, having sparred with Theodore all night, was now full and tired. She said, "He had a clear vision for his future even in school. His current position is the result of his hard work."

"You hold him in high regard," Theodore said, looking at Phoebe with some displeasure.

Even though he knew Phoebe and Stanley were just classmates, hearing her praise another man still made Theodore jealous.

Phoebe looked at the dense night sky and said, "When we did group projects in school, he was in charge of coordination, I handled planning, and other classmates gathered information. So, his current success doesn't surprise me at all." Theodore chuckled.

Theodore knew that the roles people played in group projects often determined their roles in their careers.

"It seems he was already a manager back in school."

"Yes, so while he's a manager at Facebook, I'm doing odd jobs for you," Phoebe said.

Theodore couldn't help but laugh again, "What're you talking about? Back then, you were the president's wife, the future vice president of the company."

Phoebe laughed twice, clearly not believing Theodore's words.