As Phoebe shifted her gaze back to him, her voice took on a cutting edge of sarcasm. “Since you’re not bothered, why are you here interrupting my shopping spree?”

Theodore responded with a smile so radiant it seemed to compete with the brilliance of the summer sun itself. He playfully reached out, gently pulling at the bottom of her shirt. “I wanted to see if you’re still mad at me.” “Mad?” Phoebe scoffed mockingly. “I wouldn’t dare. If you’re looking for an argument, I might as well continue my shopping indoors.”

Just as she made to leave, Theodore caught her arm and pulled her back gently. He’d been rough a few days ago and intended to make amends. Like a scene from a teen drama, he hugged her from behind, a tender and romantic gesture to try and calm her.

Phoebe’s heart skipped a beat involuntarily as she tried to wriggle free, but Theodore didn’t leave her an inch of space to escape.

He rested his chin in the crook of her shoulder, softening his voice, “Can’t we make up?”

It was probably the closest he’d ever come to showing vulnerability. His voice, warm and deep, held a reluctant command. Phoebe’s struggle ceased.

Her heart felt as though it was soaking in water-tender and aching. To her dismay, her eyes immediately reddened.

“Why are you sweet-talking me? Go charm your high school sweetheart. She can do no wrong, and I can’t do anything right.”

She wasn’t necessarily angry anymore, but she couldn’t stop herself from complaining about all the injustice she was facing at his hands.

Theodore knew she was still hung up on what he said before. He said, “I promise not to interfere with QUEEN Entertainment’s operations anymore.” Phoebe was skeptical, “Really?”

Theodore placed his hands on her shoulders, turning her to face him and looking down into her eyes, “I always keep my word; don’t you know that by now?” Phoebe felt her resolve wavering but managed to hold back. She delicately extricated herself from his hold, asserting, “I’m not going back.”

Theodore’s intention had been to persuade her to return to her position under Vanessa-a role Phoebe had decisively chosen to leave behind. She had always prided herself on keeping her personal feelings separate from her professional life. No matter how unpleasant Vanessa’s behavior was, Phoebe had never allowed it to interfere with their working relationship.

However, the situation had shifted. Vanessa had repeatedly taken Phoebe’s efforts for granted, and now, Phoebe found herself unable to continue planning Vanessa’s future without feeling resentful-a stark contrast to her previous impartiality. Theodore was not perturbed by Phoebe’s occasional outbursts; in fact, he found them rather charming. To him, they signified that she was full of life and passion, a departure from the impassive stillness that had once defined her. Leaning casually against the wall, he observed her with a composed and easy gaze. “How about I buy you a new purse?”

Phoebe responded immediately, “No, thank you. I’ll buy my own.”

“Maybe I could interest you in a gourmet meal?”

“No, that won’t be necessary.”

“What about a piece of jewelry? A car? A house?”

With an exasperated yet playful roll of her eyes, Phoebe turned away from him.

This time, Theodore did not reach out to stop her. He simply stood up straight and followed her at a leisurely pace, like a shadow that was always there but never intrusive. He matched her every step-if she quickened her pace, he did too; if she slowed, he adjusted his stride to suit. Phoebe was aware of his presence yet didn’t look back. Despite herself, a smile began to form on her lips as she walked on.

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