Forbidden Passion

In the afternoon, Evan took his team to Queen Entertainment and signed a contract with Phoebe. He announced the partnership on Queen Entertainment's official Facebook page. Evan posted a picture of the contract cover and a photo of him shaking hands with Phoebe, announcing their collaboration.

Queen Entertainment shared Evan's post, adding, "Mr. DeRoss, looking forward to our collaboration!"

In the director's office at Queen Entertainment, Evan let go of Phoebe's hand and said, "Ms. Ziegler, how about we grab a meal to celebrate our first successful collaboration?" Phoebe smiled. "Isn't the best actor in a TV show afraid of the paparazzi?"

Evan smirked. "Best actor in a TV series is small-time. I need to hit the big screen and win a Best Leading Actor award."

Phoebe chuckled. "You'll have to get Patrick's approval first."

"Doesn't matter. As long as I agree, Ms. Ziegler, soon you'll be calling me the best leading actor in a film," Evan said confidently.

Phoebe smiled, handed the contract to John, and asked, "Is the restaurant booked?"

John replied, "Yes, it's booked."

Phoebe looked at Evan. "Let's go, future best leading actor in a film. I'll celebrate for you in advance."

Seeing Phoebe's smile, Evan felt an urge to pinch her cheek but resisted.

They, along with their assistants, headed out and waited for the elevator. Evan shared some funny moments from their filming, making Phoebe laugh.

When the elevator opened, Phoebe laughed heartily. Inside was Theodor, who paused when he saw them.

Theodor's sharp gaze fell on Phoebe's laughing face, her eyes curved in a beautiful smile.

He was momentarily stunned.

Theodor felt a pang of jealousy, thinking, 'It was Phoebe's smile that once captivated me. Now, I have to rely on others to see it.'

Phoebe's smile faded a bit when she saw Theodor. She said calmly, "Mr. Reynolds."

Evan, with his hands in his pockets, glanced between Theodor and Phoebe, then casually nodded at Theodor. "Mr. Reynolds, I've heard a lot about you." Theodor maintained his composure and extended his hand. Evan raised an eyebrow and shook it.

"Are you going out for a meal?" Theodor asked, looking at Phoebe.

Phoebe nodded. "Yes."

Theodor smiled faintly, pretending not to notice Phoebe's reluctance. He said, "Perfect, I don't have any lunch plans. Mind if I join you?"

Evan squinted slightly, sensing the tension between Theodor and Phoebe. He smiled and said, "Of course, if Ms. Ziegler doesn't mind."

Phoebe pressed her lips together and met Theodor's gaze. After a moment, she asked John, "John, do we have an extra seat?"

John wanted to say no but reluctantly replied, "Yes."

Phoebe said, "Then let's go together."

In the restaurant's private dining room, Theodor pulled out a chair for Phoebe and said, "Phoebe, sit here."

Not wanting to embarrass Theodor in front of Evan, Phoebe sat down, and Theodor took the seat next to her. Evan glanced at Theodor and then sat on Phoebe's other side.

After ordering, Theodor said, "Mr. DeRoss, you made a smart move partnering with Queen Entertainment. My Phoebe is very dedicated and treats every actor like her own child. You won't be disappointed." Evan was speechless, thinking, 'Treating like a child? I'm older than Phoebe, aren't I?'

"Mr. Reynolds, I trust Ms. Ziegler's abilities, which is why I signed with Queen Entertainment." Evan turned to look at Phoebe, only to find her lost in thought, her ears slightly red.

Phoebe's ears and heart tingled at Theodor's words, 'my Phoebe.' In their three years of marriage, Theodor had never said anything like that.

"Here's to a successful collaboration." Theodor raised his glass. Seeing Phoebe still in a daze, he placed his hand over hers. "Phoebe?"

Collecting her thoughts, Phoebe noticed both men holding their glasses and looking at her. Quickly, she picked up her water glass and said, "Evan, to a successful collaboration!" The three clinked glasses and enjoyed a friendly lunch.

Evan had another engagement in the afternoon, so he didn't stay long. He and his assistant got into the car and left. As the car drove away, Phoebe removed Theodor's hand from her shoulder. She turned and walked back towards the company.

Theodor quickly caught up with her, casually putting his hands in his pockets. "It's Friday. Let's go to the estate together tonight."

Phoebe pressed her lips together. "Not this week. I need to go back to Golden Apartment."

"Then I'll go with you," Theodor said.

Phoebe glanced at him and stopped. "They'll feel uncomfortable if you go. Let's just go our separate ways."

Theodor's expression darkened. "Phoebe, either we go to the estate together, or we go to Golden Apartment together. You choose."

"Theodor." Phoebe looked at him wearily. "Why do I have to be with you? I just want to go to Golden Apartment alone. Can you give me some space to breathe?" Theodor gritted his teeth. "No!"

Phoebe closed her eyes briefly, then turned and continued walking. Theodor quickly caught up and grabbed her wrist. "Phoebe."

Phoebe eventually compromised. "I'll call my mom. We'll go there tonight."

If they went to the Golden Apartment together, they would just have dinner and then return to the Imperial Apartment because Theodor would never stay there.

It had always been this way. Theodor never hid his inherent arrogance and superiority. Even if Evelyn kept the place spotless, he still looked down on it. Theodor was satisfied. He slid his hand down from her wrist and held her hand.

Phoebe was startled and tried to pull her hand back, but Theodor tightened his grip. His hand was cold, but his palm was warm. Their fingers intertwined, palms pressed together. Phoebe suddenly feared that the contact would reveal her frantic heartbeat. Theodor put Phoebe's hand into his coat pocket and said, "It's only November, and your hand is so cold. Let me warm it up." Phoebe bit her lip and looked at his profile.

Phoebe had to admit that Theodor's desire to be gentle was quite captivating. Her heart started to race uncontrollably.

Theodor noticed her gaze and tilted his head towards her, a smile playing on his lips. "Are you staring at me because you think I'm handsome?" Phoebe rolled her eyes and pulled her hand away, walking off.

Theodor watched her arrogant back and couldn't help but laugh. Then, he took a long stride to catch up. "Phoebe, let's walk together."