Theodore couldn’t shake the feeling that Phoebe’s smile had a touch of sadness. But could she really be sad? She was usually the one making others feel that way. “Get out!” Theodore snapped.

Phoebe’s eyes looked misty and dull.She cast Theodore a lingering gaze before turning to depart.

Theodore closed his eyes, trying to calm the panic inside him. He pulled Vanessa off him. “Don’t move. Do you want to hurt your leg more?”

Vanessa was pushed back onto the bed. She looked at him with tearful eyes. “I’m sorry, Theodore. I know I’ve caused trouble, but Ms. Ziegler shouldn’t have wished me dead.” Theodore’s irritation grew. “Vanessa, focus on getting better. We’ll talk later.”

Vanessa was stunned, her tears falling faster. “Do you hate me now, Theodore?”

Honestly, Theodore did find Vanessa annoying. He had backed Hank’s movie just to support her, but she messed it up by falling from the wire.

Theodore sat down, staring at Vanessa.

Vanessa felt unsettled beneath his stare.”Please don’t hate me, Theodore. I’ll act better once I’m healed.”

“What do you really want, Vanessa?” Theodore asked.

Vanessa stared at him, forgetting to cry. ‘I just want you,’ she thought. But she knew saying it out loud would push him away.

“I don’t know,” she replied.

“Think before you speak. This is your only chance,” Theodore said.

Vanessa’s defenses crumbled, and she cried harder. “I want to be a superstar.”

“Alright,” Theodore nodded. “I’ll make you a superstar. After that, we’re done.”

Vanessa’s eyes widened in disbelief. “No, Theodore, I…”

Theodore stood up, cutting her off. “Rest and recover. I’ll have someone take care of you.”

He walked out without looking back.

Vanessa watched him leave, struggling to grab him. “Theodore, don’t go. I was wrong.”

A heavy thud sounded behind him, but Theodore didn’t turn back.

Vanessa watched him disappear, her vision blurred with tears. She pounded the ground, screaming in despair.

Medical staff rushed in, lifting her back onto the bed and securing her leg.

Vanessa struggled. “Get out. Theodore, you owe me…”

Fearing she’d hurt herself, the doctor gave her a sedative.

Outside the ward, Theodore breathed a sigh of relief as Vanessa’s screams faded away. He turned to Lawton. “Where is Phoebe?” “Ms. Ziegler’s flight to Kedora is this afternoon. She should be on her way to the airport now,” Lawton replied.

Lawton hesitated. “Mr. Reynolds, Ms. Ziegler hit the bed rail pretty hard earlier. She seemed to be walking funny.”

Theodore frowned. “Mind your own business!”

Lawton fell silent. If Theodore didn’t care about his wife, why should he? Still, he felt bad for Phoebe. She was enduring a lot. “Book a flight to New York,” Theodore said, heading to the elevator.

Lawton quickly followed. “Mr. Reynolds, aren’t you staying with Miss Fitzroy? What if something happens to her again?” Theodore paused and glared. “Lawton, are you too idle lately?”

Lawton backed off. “Not at all.”

Theodore stepped into the elevator. “Then shut your mouth!”

Lawton mimed zipping his lips and gave an OK sign, standing quietly behind him.

When Phoebe got back to Kedora, it was already dark. She and John got off the jet bridge just as another flight arrived.

Passengers were walking out, led by Evan, wearing a black mask that only showed his eyes.

Phoebe recognized Evan’s assistant first, who had delivered shoes to her before.

Evan walked up, snapping his fingers in front of her. “What a coincidence, meeting at the airport. We must have quite the connection.”

Phoebe glanced behind him. A few female fans were taking pictures.

She quickly moved to avoid the cameras. “Where are you coming from?”

“Just had a vacation abroad. What about you?” Evan walked with her towards the exit.

“Lindell Harbor,” Phoebe replied.

Evan raised an eyebrow. “Visiting the set? I heard Mr. Reynolds invested half a billion to support Vanessa. But I also heard Vanessa fall from the wire. This movie is probably done for.” “No way. I’ve already sent someone to take over,” Phoebe said.

Evan and Phoebe spoke quietly. The airport was noisy, and although fans were following, Evan’s assistant and John were between them, so the fans couldn’t hear, only seeing their seemingly intimate gestures. Evan chuckled. “Are you taking charge or taking advantage?”

“What do you think?” Phoebe flashed a smile, hinting for him to stop talking.

Evan got it and laughed, his eyes crinkling. “So, why is your company putting so much effort into supporting a nobody?”

“Must be brain damage,” Phoebe said, exasperated.

Vanessa was indeed a nobody, or rather, hopelessly romantic. To her, resources and opportunities were useless. Only love mattered.

Evan patted Phoebe’s shoulder. “You’ve got it tough.”

Phoebe said, “Mr. DeRoss, are you sure you want to touch me in public? You won’t end up trending tonight?”

Evan replied, “Letting everyone know I have a good relationship with the agency is all benefits and no harm. Why should I be afraid? It’s not like your face is something to hide.” Phoebe said, “Thanks a lot!”

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