Forbidden Passion

Chapter 507 Lipstick Mark

Theodore's hand, just hanging there, suddenly went stiff. He yanked Vanessa's arm and pulled her back, then took a slow step away.

"Vanessa, chill. We've got the best heart docs in the country here. They'll do everything to help your mom. No need to freak out," he said, trying to calm her down.

Vanessa lost it, covering her face and sobbing. "It's all on me. I knew she just had heart surgery, but I still fought with her. I'm such a terrible daughter. Theodore, if something happens to my mom, I can't go on." "Don't talk like that," Theodore said softly.

Vanessa peeked at him through her fingers. She knew Theodore was all tough on the outside but had a soft spot inside. Out of all Sophia's students, he was the one who still cared.

That's why he was so busy when Sophia got sick.

And she could only use Theodore's sense of duty to keep him close. This was a golden opportunity, and she couldn't let it slip.

"Theodore, thanks. I thought we were done and you wouldn't care about my stuff anymore." Vanessa forced a smile. "Anyway, thanks. I won't bother you, and I won't let Ms. Ziegler get the wrong idea."

Theodore, sounding indifferent, said, "I'll keep an eye on Sophia's condition. If you need anything, just tell me. Don't worry about bothering me."

"Okay." This was what Vanessa had been waiting for. She hid the excitement in her eyes and said, "It's late. You still have work today. Let me see you out."

Theodore glanced out the window. The morning light was just peeking through. He'd spent the whole night at the hospital. He rubbed his temples and stopped Vanessa.

"You've been up all night, too. No need to see me out. Go stay with your mom. I'm out," Theodore said.

Vanessa held back the urge to follow him. She stood there, watching him leave. Only when he was out of sight did she let a smile creep onto her face. 'Mom's illness came at just the right time,' she thought.

first rays of sunlight hit her face

heard the door open. Ollie suddenly stood up, staring at the door. Seeing a

Phoebe was speechless.

but now

sitting dazed on the sofa with a thin blanket over her waist. He frowned. "Why didn't you go back to your room

over. Seeing her dazed look, his heart softened. "I brought breakfast. Go freshen up and come eat." Phoebe looked up at the breakfast in his hand. She smelled the aroma and stood up, only to see a lipstick mark on

seeing her standing still,

a word. As she walked towards the bathroom, she caught a whiff of strong floral perfume-Vanessa's usual scent. Phoebe's heart took a nosedive. She kept walking but stopped at the bathroom door, turning to Theodore. "Were

much of it. "Yeah, why?

his casual attitude like she had no right to ask. She smirked. "Nothing, just that you've got a

the dining room and started unpacking the food. He replayed Phoebe's tone in his head, feeling like something

must've gotten the wrong

collar and saw the lipstick mark. Frowning, he left the dining room and went

closed door, feeling super uncomfortable

from outside, "Sophia's really sick and got rushed to the hospital last night. I was up all night with the

things worse. He sighed, turned, and went to the master bedroom. By the time Phoebe came out, Theodore had changed clothes and was sitting at the dining table

down and started eating in silence. The breakfast didn't taste

"Take it easy; no one's gonna

swallowed her food in a few bites, feeling a lump in her throat. She took the dishes to the kitchen and loaded

came out, Theodore was already

for a morning meeting, while Phoebe went to her office. Not long after, Carol

Theodore's wife, Carol felt she should stick

hit the infirmary?" Carol placed the