Vanessa, teary-eyed, looked at Theodore and said, “Theodore, this feels like a dream.”

Theodore calmly replied, “Drink some water.”

Vanessa took a few sips, easing her dry throat. Once done, Theodore helped her back onto the bed.

He placed the cup on the nightstand and sat back down.

After a brief silence, he asked, “Vanessa, why did you fall from the wire?”

Vanessa’s hand tightened under the blanket. She had anticipated this question.

“I don’t know,” she replied.

Theodore squinted.

Vanessa avoided his gaze, feeling exposed. She licked her lips and said, “Ms. Ziegler warned me before I came to the set.” “What did she say?” Theodore asked.

“She threatened me, told me to be careful not to fall. I’m not accusing her, and I’m just scared,” Vanessa said.

Theodore raised an eyebrow. “Are you saying Phoebe tampered with the wire?”

Vanessa bit her lip, her voice trembling, “I don’t know.”

Theodore stared at her, realizing she wasn’t the same person he remembered.

If Lawton and the others hadn’t figured out the cause of the accident, he might have believed Vanessa and confronted Phoebe.

Just like he had suspected Phoebe earlier.

“Vanessa, Phoebe wouldn’t do that. Even if she had issues with you, for the company’s reputation and my $500 million investment, she wouldn’t. You should know that,” Theodore retorted. Vanessa looked shocked.

Theodore stood up, his expression cold. “Rest. I’ll have a nurse take care of you.”

“Theodore!” Vanessa called out, but he left without looking back. She fell back onto the pillow, wincing in pain, her face pale.

She clenched her fist and slammed it onto the bed.

‘Damn it, why doesn’t Theodore believe me? Where did it go wrong?’ she thought.

Phoebe had checked into a hotel near the hospital. After her shower, there was a knock on the door. She glanced at the clock, thinking, ‘It’s midnight; who could it be?’

She hesitated, then asked softly, “Who is it?”

“It’s me!” Theodore’s voice came through, stunning her.

She unlocked the door, and Theodore pushed his way in.

As the door closed, he pressed her against the wall and kissed her.

Phoebe, startled, turned her head away. Theodore’s lips landed on her face, cool from the night air, making her shiver.

Theodore’s eyes darkened. He held the position for a moment before standing up straight and looking around.

“Why are you staying here?” he asked.

Phoebe, nervous, swallowed hard and said, “It’s close to the hospital.”

Theodore turned to look at her, his eyes dark in the dim light.

His voice was hoarse, “Phoebe, have you thought about how to beg me?”

Phoebe was speechless.

Theodore’s eyes flickered with a predatory fire.

She knew what he wanted, even if she didn’t understand why.

Phoebe resisted internally. Theodore still smelled like the hospital, but she couldn’t refuse.

The thought of making Claire a supporting role in Hank’s movie was enough to keep her compliant.

Phoebe whispered, “Take a shower. I don’t like the smell of disinfectant.”

Suddenly, she felt herself lifted off the ground and slung over Theodore’s shoulder.

His broad shoulder pressed into her stomach uncomfortably. “Together,” he said.

“I’ve already showered,” she retorted.

“Then shower again,” he replied.

Phoebe couldn’t understand Theodore. He loved Vanessa, yet he was here with her. Didn’t he care about fidelity?

Or did he think that since she was his wife in name, he could do whatever he wanted?

Lying on the hard hotel bed, with Theodore pressing on her, Phoebe doubted her back would survive the night.

Theodore nuzzled her neck, making her shiver. He chuckled, “Not sleepy yet?”

Feeling his hand slip under her clothes, Phoebe quickly grabbed it. He seemed like a devil in disguise.

Afraid he’d continue, she hurriedly said, “Let Claire join the crew tomorrow.”

Theodore’s hand froze, then he withdrew it and moved away from her.

Without his weight, she should have felt relieved, but instead, she felt a bit lost.

After a long silence, she heard him softly say, “Okay.”

Later, Theodore turned his back to her, and Phoebe did the same.

To be on different wavelengths described their situation perfectly.

The next morning, when Phoebe woke up, Theodore was already gone. She lay in bed, staring at the ceiling, feeling lost. After a while, she got up to wash.

She called Claire’s agent to inform her that Claire should prepare to join the shoot.

Claire, who was with her agent, was overjoyed. “Phoebe, is it really me?”

Phoebe smiled. “Yes, the supporting role in Hank. Do your best.”

“Phoebe, I love you so much. I’ll do my best and not let you down,” Claire said excitedly.

She never expected this role to fall to her.

Phoebe chatted with Claire a bit more. Just as she ended the call, the doorbell rang. She opened the door to find John standing outside. “Ms. Ziegler, good morning.” “Good morning; give me a moment.” Phoebe opened the door wider and went inside to pack her luggage. They had a flight back to Kedora in the afternoon.