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.

crashed on the sofa in the middle of the night. When the first rays of sunlight hit her face

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

Phoebe was speechless.

but now

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

Phoebe looked up at the breakfast in his hand. She smelled the aroma and stood up, only to see a lipstick

her standing still,

her gaze away without a word. As she walked towards the bathroom, she caught a whiff of strong floral perfume-Vanessa's usual scent. Phoebe's

much of

pressed her lips together, seeing his casual attitude like she had no right to ask. She smirked. "Nothing, just that you've got a lipstick mark on your collar." With that, she pushed

unpacking the food. He replayed Phoebe's tone in his head,

must've gotten

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

the closed door,

hospital last night. I was up all night with the cardiologists, working on a treatment plan. Vanessa was

it might just make things worse. He sighed, turned, and went to the master bedroom. By the time Phoebe came out, Theodore

in silence. The breakfast didn't

easy; no

her throat. She took the

Theodore was already waiting

Theodore headed straight to the conference room for a morning meeting, while Phoebe went to her office. Not long after, Carol came in

felt she should stick close to Phoebe

Maybe you should hit the infirmary?" Carol placed the documents