Forbidden Passion

Chapter 169 How Ironic

As Vanessa stepped out of the Reynolds Mansion, the sunlight could not maintain the luster on her face, which twisted into a scowl. The fickleness of human affection struck her with cruel clarity. Once the beloved darling of the family, now she was replaced, her place in their hearts usurped by another within a mere span of three years.

Phoebe was nothing more than a daughter of a housemaid, so how had she ensnared the hearts of the Reynolds clan? The question gnawed at Vanessa as jealousy burned hotly in her veins. Her train of bitter thoughts was abruptly derailed by the insistent buzzing of her phone. Seeing Ruby's name flash across the screen only fueled her irritation, and she flung the device onto the car's center console in annoyance.

The phone continued to ring, and finally, out of irritation, she grabbed it and answered, "Ruby, what is it?"

Ruby, sensing something amiss in her voice, quickly asked, "Vanessa, what's wrong? Did you get upset again? Did that wretch Phoebe make you suffer?"

Vanessa sniffled, "It's nothing; I'm really fine."

"I knew it," Ruby declared with conviction. "Don't worry, Vanessa, I'll take care of her sooner or later." The things Vanessa couldn't handle herself; Ruby would handle.

Vanessa's tears turned into laughter, "Ruby, thank you. It's so good to have you as a friend."

asking, "You sound upset. Do you want me to come over?"

to meet, and Vanessa

the whole world opposed her being with Theodore, she

white villas, parked the car, and got out wearing

phone, she didn't notice someone coming her way and bumped into them. Her phone fell to the ground. Without bothering to pick it up, she immediately apologized to the person she had collided with. "I'm so sorry; did

she froze. The person was a delicate-looking woman, probably around Mrs. Reynolds's age, with well-maintained skin and

her was the man supporting the woman-it was Brandon. They were in a pose that was

at her, and Vanessa quickly lowered her head, the cap hiding most of her face.

asked

don't be so nervous. You scared the poor girl," the woman's voice was tender and carried a hint of reproach, indicating an extraordinary relationship between

brow relaxed as he said, "Glad you're okay. Young

being recognized, Vanessa disguised her voice and apologized,

one last glance before walking away with his arm around

far enough away, Vanessa bent down to