Forbidden Passion

At that moment, Brian pushed the door open and saw this scene. He raised an eyebrow and said, "Seems like I came at a bad time."

Phoebe quickly withdrew her hand and stood up to face Brian. "Brian, I just brewed some tea. Would you like to try it?"

Brian walked over and sat down next to Theodore. The aroma of tea filled the room, making it feel refreshing. He said, "Phoebe, it's always so comfortable being with you."

Phoebe poured a cup of tea and handed it to him, placing it on a coaster. She smiled lightly, "If Bianca heard that, she'd be jealous."

"What's there to be jealous about? We've grown up together and have a great relationship. Honestly, I wish you were my real sister," Brian sighed.

He genuinely liked Phoebe, but it was more of a brotherly affection.

"It was Edward's loss. He should have married you back then. And you would be my sister-in-law now."

Theodore snorted, "Mr. Vanderbilt, do you think I'm invisible?"

Brian had just lifted the tea cup to his lips when he glanced at Theodore and sneered, "Of course you're not invisible, you're just clueless."

Theodore was left speechless.

Brian grew more agitated as he continued, "Honestly, I've never understood your decision back then. Even if I'm a jerk, I still know how to prioritize. If my wife and Valerie were kidnapped at the same time, I would undoubtedly choose to save my wife. What were you thinking, leaving the smart and sensible wife to save that Vanessa?"

No one expected Brian to ask such a sharp question in front of Theodore and Phoebe.

The previously relaxed atmosphere suddenly became tense.

Theodore squinted at Brian. Whoever said Brian was straightforward was wrong; Theodore thought Brian was calculating.

Asking such a question in front of Phoebe was clearly an attempt to sow discord. What a schemer.

Theodore's lips tightened.

Seeing Theodore's discomfort, Brian felt a secret satisfaction. This incident alone could ruin Theodore's good standing with Phoebe.

Why had Edward pursued Phoebe for so many years without success, while Theodore, who had humiliated Phoebe, easily reconciled with her?

The atmosphere grew increasingly tense. Phoebe said calmly, "Brian, since you mentioned Valerie, I'm here today because of her." "What about Valerie?" Brian asked.

Brian thought to himself that his plan to sow discord had already succeeded, so it didn't matter whether Theodore answered or not. Phoebe then told Brian about Valerie taking on multiple roles at the same time.

Brian was indifferent, "Phoebe, I invested in this film to make Valerie happy. Recouping the costs isn't my priority."

Phoebe pursed her lips, frustrated by Brian's indifferent attitude. It made those who worked diligently on the film look like fools. But that was how capitalists were.

These capitalists squander money to please a small-time actress, oblivious to the fact that some people practice day and night to better fit a role.

"But Valerie is an actress, and an actress should have professional integrity," Phoebe said.

Brian didn't get why Phoebe was so insistent. "Phoebe, don't compete with Valerie. She's just a young girl with no grand dreams. If you feel your company's artists are being wronged, you can have them sign on to new projects."

Phoebe felt that talking to Brian about dreams was like talking to a wall. She rubbed her temples, "Forget it, I'll have someone bring the food."

Just as she stood up, Brian received a call. A sweet, coquettish voice came from the other end. Though Phoebe couldn't hear the words, the tone alone gave her goosebumps.

Brian exchanged a few words and then hung up, turning to Phoebe, "Phoebe, I have something to attend to, so I won't be joining you for dinner. You and Theodore enjoy."

Phoebe chased after him and called out to Brian in the hallway, "Brian, what's going on with you and Bianca now?"

That voice definitely wasn't Bianca.

Brian sighed, "Phoebe, it's normal for men to have flings. No matter how many lovers I have, there's only one wife."

Phoebe was speechless at his playboy attitude.

"I know you think I'm a philanderer, but no matter how much I fool around, I know who's most important to me," Brian looked at Phoebe. "I don't know what's going on between you, Edward, and Theodore, but don't make the same mistake twice. That's my advice to you."

Phoebe didn't know how to explain her relationship with Theodore to Brian, "Brian..."

"I'm leaving. I still hope you end up with Edward." Brian patted her shoulder and walked away.

Phoebe stood in the hallway, watching Brian's figure disappear.

When she returned to the tea room, Theodore was sitting in the shadows. Since Brian had asked that question, his mood hadn't improved.

Phoebe stood at the door for a moment before walking in. Theodore lifted his eyes slightly to look at her and said in a low voice, "He's gone?"noveldrama

Phoebe sat down across from Theodore. Under the warm yellow light, she seemed to be deep in thought. "Yes, he's gone."

A waiter came in to serve the dishes, quickly filling the table with delicious food before quietly leaving. The tea room was once again left with just the two of them.

Phoebe stood up and picked up the teapot, pouring a cup for Theodore. "I was originally going to treat Brian, but it looks like you get to enjoy it instead."

Theodore picked up the teacup but didn't drink it, twirling it between his fingers. "Ms. Ziegler, a table full of gourmet food paired with tea is quite a waste. If there's good food, there should be good wine." Phoebe paused, raising an eyebrow at him, "You want to drink?"

"I have some wine stored at the Golden Harvest Diner. I'll have someone bring it over." Theodore snapped his fingers, and a waiter immediately entered. "Mr. Reynolds, what can I do for you?"

Without turning his head, Theodore said, "Bring me my finest bottle of wine."

"Yes, sir." The waiter left to fetch the wine.

Phoebe took a sip of her tea, her eyes sparkling as she looked at him. "A 1982 Lafite?"

Theodore shook his head, "A 1982 Lafite isn't good enough for you. Phoebe, you deserve better wine."

Phoebe squinted her eyes, set down her teacup, and picked up a fork to eat. The food at Golden Harvest Diner was as delicious as ever, but something still felt off.

Before long, the waiter returned with the wine. The aroma of aged wine filled the room. Theodore stood up, took the decanter from the waiter, and poured a glass for Phoebe. "Try it."

Phoebe looked at the deep red liquid filling the bottom of the glass. Just from the rich aroma, she could tell the wine was aged.

She took a sip, letting the wine linger in her mouth, savoring its flavor. She smiled, "It's indeed good wine, but I'm a lightweight, so I won't drink too much."