Forbidden Passion

Chapter 421 Phoebe is Missing

Phoebe had a long dream where she was still Theodore's secretary at the Reynolds Group.

She found herself in the president's office lounge, unsure why she was there. She remembered Theodore dragging her in at noon, thinking she had lost something and went to look for it while he was away. But her luck ran out. Theodore, who was supposed to be at a lunch meeting, came back unexpectedly, trapping her in the lounge; she was too scared to come out.

Phoebe then heard Theodore talking to someone. The voice was familiar-it was Patrick, a rising star in the entertainment industry and Theodore's friend.

She couldn't recall their conversation at first, but one question from Patrick stood out. He asked Theodore, "Since you keep her around, isn't it because you're in love with her?"

The word 'love' made Phoebe's heart race. She knew they were talking about her. She held her breath, waiting for Theodore's answer.

After what felt like forever, though it was only seconds, Theodore finally responded, "Love? That's too pretentious. Does she even deserve it?"

Phoebe woke up with her heart aching, feeling empty. Tears rolled down her cheeks as she stared at the familiar ceiling.

She thought, 'Why did I humiliate myself by asking if Theodore loved me? He already gave me the answer, so why hadn't I learned my lesson?' Dragging herself out of bed, she got dressed and left the bedroom. The living room was a mess; Theodore was already gone. Standing in the empty living room, her own screams echoed in her ears. She closed her eyes, unwilling to remember more. Phoebe walked to the cat house where Ollie was hiding, clearly frightened. When Ollie saw her, its fur stood on end. With difficulty, Phoebe squatted down and hoarsely said, "Ollie, don't be afraid. I'll take you away from here."

She opened the cat house and reached in. At first, Ollie bared its teeth, but after a while, realizing she wasn't a threat, it tentatively extended a paw into her palm.

Ollie cautiously watched Phoebe, ready to retreat at any moment. But Phoebe stayed still, and eventually, Ollie felt reassured and licked her palm.

Phoebe gently picked Ollie up. She took nothing but her phone and left the Imperial Apartment with Ollie.

Phoebe was missing!

out the next afternoon. When he came home, the place was empty, devoid

but couldn't find her. He called her,

by the third, fourth, and fifth days, with Phoebe still missing, he couldn't stay calm anymore.

here. Did you

disheveled, Theodore recalled the events of that day but dodged the main issue. "Mom, I'll end the call now. If you hear anything about Phoebe, let me

wanted to say more, but

"Well, look who it is. Never thought

his lips together. "Phoebe

wised up and left you, huh? Good for

stared at her. "Cindy, don't think that just because

Cindy retorted. "What? Beating Phoebe wasn't

for

lost her and now you're asking me?

friend. If you don't know, who

would I?" Cindy snapped. "Worried now?

Theodore warned, enunciating each

intensity. "Theodore, I've disliked you for a long time. If it weren't for

Theodore's patience

find her yourself? I don't know," Cindy said, turning to go inside. As she was about to

here," Cindy