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."

words, asking, "You sound upset. Do you

and Vanessa hung up,

world opposed her being with Theodore, she would persist. She

estate of small blue and white villas, parked the

ground. Without bothering to pick it up,

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

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

hiding most of her face. She wasn't

alright?" Brandon asked

woman's voice was tender and carried a hint of reproach,

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

disguised her voice and apologized, "I'm really sorry;

woman nudged Brandon, who gave Vanessa one last glance before walking

they were far enough away, Vanessa bent down to pick