Forbidden Passion

Chapter 30 The Wise Lady Reynolds

Because sometimes reality speaks louder than words.

Vanessa stood up. "Miss Ziegler, rest up. I'm looking forward to your comeback."

"Hey, have you no shame?" Mrs. Ziegler burst in, pointing accusingly at Vanessa.

She'd been fuming outside, eavesdropping. Were mistresses so brazen these days?

Vanessa remained cool and collected. "Auntie, it was your daughter who stole someone's love. It's pretty clear who lacks shame."

Phoebe looked at her coldly. "My memory might be failing, but wasn't it Miss Fitzroy who left Theodore first? There's no basis for your accusation."

She refused to carry that burden!

Mrs. Ziegler, bolstered by her daughter's words, retorted, "Yeah, you left Theodore. Can't he marry someone else?"

front, Vanessa left, her face turning a

that woman. Phoebe, you can't let her get to you. You are rightfully Theodore's wife now." Phoebe massaged her temples, weary. "I'm

held back further words, but deep down, she harbored a seething resentment toward Vanessa. She had always known Vanessa's return spelled trouble. And Phoebe's

she needed to have a talk with

*

days in the hospital, Phoebe had visits from Mrs. Reynolds with Madison and Christopher twice, and Theodore's father Brandon stopped by once. Theodore was the only one who hadn't shown up. Mrs. Reynolds mentioned he was on

that Theodore

the truth. He didn't want to see her. Fine by

to see him

her to cough up blood, were mostly healed after her

to persuade Phoebe otherwise, Mrs. Ziegler

sooner had she left than

watched as he entered her room. His facial bruises had faded, but his expression bore marks of weariness. He stood by her

unconscious, Edward had remained by her side. Somehow the Vanderbilts had caught wind of his fight with Theodore, and the fact that he was keeping a vigil for Phoebe, prompting his elder brother to bring

his brother finally released him. He raced to the hospital straight