Ruby declared with a grave seriousness, “Theodore and Vanessa were deeply in love, and yet you insisted on getting in between them. If not you, then who is the mistress?” Phoebe was taken aback. She hadn’t anticipated such archaic notions to persist in this day and age, and she had no desire to engage in a debate with Ruby over them. She pondered, ‘Everyone is aware of the truth. They’re merely attempting to brand me as a home-wrecker to justify their derogatory labeling of me as a mistress.”Ruby, stop sending me these boring iamges in the future,” Phoebe retorted, promptly ending the call and blocking Ruby’s number. She deleted the message, tossed her phone onto the bed, and anxiously raked her fingers through her damp hair. Grabbing a shawl, she descended the staircase. As she rounded the corner of the stairs, she caught sight of Madison ascending, causing her to halt in her tracks. Madison breezed past her, paused a step above, and turned to cast a glance at Phoebe’s profile. She murmured, “Phoebe, you needn’t wait up for my brother to return each night. If you’re unable to sleep, feel free to join me for a chat.”Madison’s tone was laced with barely concealed glee. It was clear that she too was aware of Theodore’s rendezvous, and it was even plausible that she was colluding with Vanessa to deceive Theodore. Phoebe pursed her lips and watched as Madison ascended the stairs, humming a cheerful tune. Phoebe was left speechless. At times, she found Madison’s thought process utterly incomprehensible. What had Vanessa offered her to secure such unwavering loyalty?She continued her descent and as she passed the Digital Chill Zone, she heard Lady Reynolds’ laughter emanating from within. The older woman must have won a wager and was reveling in her victory. Phoebe chose not to intrude and instead, exited the mansion. The night air was crisp, carrying a hint of chill. She wrapped the shawl around her shoulders and ventured out. She couldn’t pinpoint the reason for her late-night excursion; she simply felt claustrophobic within the confines of her room.The Reynolds Mansion was expansive. To one side lay a sprawling lawn, while fruit trees dotted the other. A serene lake graced the property. The wind rustled through the fallen leaves as she aimlessly meandered. She had left her phone behind and her watch lay discarded on the bedside table, removed during her shower. Unaware of the time, she continued her aimless stroll around the mansion.She had lost track of time when she noticed the headlights of a car illuminating the road outside the mansion. She squinted, her heart pounding in anticipation. Could it be him returning?However, the car lights flickered at the intersection and continued onward, gradually disappearing along the mountain road. Her heart sank in disappointment.She tore her gaze away and stood dazed for a moment before deciding to return. Why should she wallow in misery while others reveled in joy?Phoebe steeled herself and strode forward. As she neared the intersection, the glare of approaching car lights blinded her momentarily. She paused by the roadside, wondering who could be returning at such a late hour.At that moment, it didn’t even cross her mind that the occupant of the car could be Theodore. Subconsciously, she had convinced herself that Theodore was out enjoying himself with Vanessa. The black car pulled up beside her, and the window rolled down slowly. The man inside tilted his head towards her and quipped, “Are you trying to frighten people with your disheveled appearance in the dead of night?”Phoebe was taken aback. She couldn’t believe her ears and wondered if she was hallucinating. She leaned in to peer into the car, and the headlights revealed the handsome face of the man.It was Theodore!Phoebe’s heart fluttered wildly, as if deprived of oxygen. In a hoarse whisper, she queried, “How… how did you come back?”

Theodore’s expression hardened. “Get in the car!”Phoebe hesitated for a moment. The villa was still a considerable distance from the intersection. Eventually, she obliged, opened the car door, and slid into the passenger seat.

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