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.

rays of sunlight hit her face through the big

Just as she was thinking this, she heard the door open. Ollie suddenly stood up,

Phoebe was speechless.

wasn't as good as Ollie, but now she took it back.

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

up and come eat." Phoebe looked up at

still, looked confused. "What's

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

of it. "Yeah, why?

had no right to ask. She smirked. "Nothing, just that you've got a lipstick mark on your collar." With that, she pushed open the bathroom

the dining room and started unpacking the food. He replayed Phoebe's tone

gotten the

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

was brushing her teeth. She turned to the closed door, feeling super uncomfortable and not wanting to

to the hospital last night. I was up all night with the cardiologists, working on a treatment plan. Vanessa was there, too." Phoebe bit

to the master bedroom. By the time Phoebe came out, Theodore had changed clothes and

started eating in

it easy; no one's gonna

her throat. She took the dishes

out, Theodore was already waiting by the

morning meeting, while Phoebe went to her office. Not long after, Carol came in

wife, Carol felt she

placed the documents