Phoebe, standing slightly apart, witnessed their intimate embrace and heard Vanessa’s fervent declaration of love. A sharp pang of agony twisted in her heart. Indeed, they seemed to be a perfect pair, as if the universe had meticulously intertwined their paths together.

Theodore had founded QUEEN Entertainment solely for Vanessa, pouring in half a billion dollars, all to let her bask in the limelight, to make her his queen.

It was a grand gesture of love that could easily ignite the green-eyed monster in anyone.

Phoebe, on the other hand, was nothing more than an unplanned detour. If it wasn’t for that one fateful night, if it wasn’t for the child, their lives might have remained separate parallel paths, never destined to cross one another.

Phoebe’s eyelashes fluttered down as a wave of pain rushed over her, constricting her chest and making it difficult to breathe. She couldn’t bear to remain in this agonizing situation any longer. Without looking back, she turned on her heel and began to walk away.

“Phoebe!” A voice echoed behind her.

Her fists clenched tightly, she paused and responded with a frosty tone, “Is there anything else you require, Mr. Reynolds?”

Theodore’s gaze followed her retreating figure, a sudden frown forming on his handsome face. It was evident that she was indifferent to him. Even with Vanessa in his arms, Phoebe remained unresponsive.

His jaw tightened as he commanded, “Coordinate with Director Hank. Vanessa’s acting classes need to be scheduled. We commence production next month. Time is of the essence.”

Phoebe’s back stiffened as she retorted, “Perhaps you should focus more on keeping Miss Fitzroy content. As long as she doesn’t make any mistakes, my end is perfectly managed.”

Vanessa, still clinging to Theodore’s neck, chimed in with a coyly timid voice, “Don’t fret, Miss Ziegler. Theodore has generously invested in my cinematic debut. I won’t disappoint him.”

She deliberately highlighted the investment to ruffle Phoebe’s feathers. Internally, she gloated: “Theodore may be your husband, but while you spend your own money, he showers me with millions for my dream. Who do you think he values more now, Phoebe? Can’t you see?”

“That’s very reassuring,” Phoebe retorted.

Without another word, she exited the office, stepped into the elevator, and stared at her reflection on the cold stainless-steel walls her eyes red and filled with unshed tears.

Swiftly wiping away her tears, she averted her gaze, attempting to convince herself that it didn’t matter, yet the pain persisted. As the elevator doors slid open, she took a deep breath, held her head high, and strode out with an air of confidence.

Once Phoebe had departed, Theodore immediately pulled Vanessa’s hand away from his neck. Taking a step back, he advised, “Hank’s films are renowned and commercially successful. Prepare diligently and seize this opportunity; it will guide you to your desired destination.”

Vanessa stood there, momentarily stunned; what she craved most was him.

Yet, she didn’t dare voice her desires, fearing that if she did, Theodore might outright reject her, leaving her adrift and aimless with nothing left.

Biting her lip, she managed to utter, “I’ll devote myself to studying acting, aiming for immediate success. Then, Theodore, may I request something of you in return?” “What is it?” Theodore inquired.

Vanessa shook her head, “I can’t reveal what it is right now. But please, just say yes, Theodore. Consider it as motivation for me.”

Left with no other option by her relentless pleading, Theodore finally acquiesced, “Very well. If you achieve stardom with your debut film, I’ll consent.”

With this assurance, Vanessa’s face lit up with joy, and she enthusiastically vowed, “Theodore, I’ll pour my heart and soul into acting.”