Phoebe was shocked. “Officers, you must be mistaken. Mr. Reynolds is always law-abiding. How could he do something like that?”

The officer wanted to argue, but a stern-looking middle-aged officer beside him nudged his arm, and he stayed quiet.

Phoebe felt uneasy, thinking, ‘If Theodore hired a hitman, who did he kill?’

The elevator quickly reached the top floor. Phoebe led the officers out. Carol saw her and quickly stood up. “Ms. Ziegler, these officers are…” The officers said, “We’re here for Mr. Reynolds. Is he in?”

Carol’s expression was complicated. She nodded. “Mr. Reynolds is in. Officers, this way, please.”

The officers nodded at Phoebe. As she was about to follow, Carol stopped her. “Ms. Ziegler, Mr. Reynolds just instructed that you aren’t allowed in his office.” Phoebe was speechless.

She watched as Carol knocked on the door and led the officers inside, but she didn’t rush to leave.

Phoebe leaned against the secretary’s desk, nervously watching the CEO’s office. Carol came out, brought in two cups of tea, and then came out again.

Seeing Phoebe hadn’t left, Carol whispered, “Ms. Ziegler, did you have another fight with Mr. Reynolds? The past few days have been tough for everyone in the CEO’s office.” Phoebe frowned. “Is it that bad?”

“Even worse. Mr. Reynolds has been sleeping in his office for days. People might think the Reynolds Group is going bankrupt, and he’s working hard to save it. It’s making us all nervous,” Carol complained.

Phoebe looked at the closed office door, wishing she could see through it to know what was being discussed inside.

Seeing Phoebe’s ears practically perked up, Carol said, “Stop staring. The CEO’s office is soundproof.”

Phoebe cleared her throat. “How would I know that?”

Carol gave her a knowing look. “Don’t play dumb. Who was it that came out of the CEO’s office disheveled multiple times? Mr. Reynolds really cares about you. For a man so reserved and distant to joke around with you in the office… Why did you pinch me?”

Phoebe smiled and retracted her hand, looking serious. “I didn’t pinch you. My hand has a mind of its own.”

Carol was speechless.

Seeing Phoebe’s serious expression, Carol almost believed her. But after working together for over three years, they had a good relationship.

Carol said, “What did Mr. Reynolds do to bring the police here? I haven’t heard a thing.”

“If I knew, would I be standing here waiting?” Phoebe said irritably.

Carol gave her a knowing look. “By the way, I heard some gossip. Not sure if it’s true, but word on the street is that Brandon has a love child, older than Theodore by over six months.”

Phoebe was shocked. “Where did you hear that?”

Carol said, “It’s all over the company. A few years ago, some employees saw Brandon having a private meal with the love child but didn’t dare to spread it. I heard the love child had a car accident a few days ago and is still in the hospital. Do you think the police are here because they suspect Theodore had a hand in it?”

Phoebe hadn’t been to the office for two days and was caught off guard by the news of Bishop.

She stared at the CEO’s office door, lost in thought.

Theodore had known about Bishop for a while. They had crossed paths because of her, but Theodore hadn’t acted, meaning he didn’t see Bishop as a threat.

If Theodore caused Bishop’s accident, it must be because Bishop did something to provoke him.

“Ms. Ziegler, Ms. Ziegler?” Carol’s voice snapped Phoebe back to reality. She saw the CEO’s office door open, and Lawton was escorting the officers out. Their expressions gave nothing away.

Lawton escorted the officers to the elevator, watched it descend, and then turned back.

“Mr. Brown,” Phoebe called out. “Can we talk?”

Lawton shook his head. “Ms. Ziegler, sorry, I have matters to report to Mr. Reynolds. If you have questions, ask him directly.”

Phoebe bit her lip. “Forget it. I’m not interested.”

She turned and walked away.

Lawton watched her disappear into the elevator before entering the CEO’s office. Theodore stood by the window, a cigarette between his fingers, looking cold and indifferent. Lawton closed the door and approached Theodore. “Mr. Reynolds, I’ve handled it. The police won’t find any evidence. They were just here for routine questioning.” Theodore took a drag of his cigarette and exhaled slowly, sneering. “I didn’t expect he still had the energy to stir things up. We went too easy on him.

“He wants to make a big deal out of it. I heard he’s contacted the media to accuse you of hiring a hitman. I think he wants to expose his love child’s identity,” Lawton said worriedly. Theodore’s expression was mocking. “You underestimate him. His ambition is big.”

Bishop’s commotion was just to force Brandon to acknowledge him publicly. Then, as a legitimate heir, Bishop could rally the Reynolds Group’s shareholders to his side, undermining Theodore’s power. Since taking over the company, Theodore had made many enemies. The shareholders were on edge, looking for someone to rein him in.

“What do we do now? Let him continue?” Lawton was worried. “We underestimated Bishop’s shamelessness. We should have dealt with him thoroughly.”

Theodore glanced at him. “Lawton, don’t be so ruthless. Just wait.”

Lawton said, “But…”

Theodore raised his hand to stop him, his voice cold. “Leave me alone.”

Lawton pursed his lips and turned to leave.

After a few steps, Lawton paused. “Mr. Reynolds, Ms. Ziegler was outside earlier. Should I let her in?”

“Did you let her in to see me laugh?” Theodore’s voice grew colder. “Tell her to leave and not show up in front of me.”

Feeling the oppressive atmosphere, Lawton quickly left the office. He scanned the area but didn’t see Phoebe and sighed softly.

Phoebe had just reached the seventeenth floor when she saw Daisy standing by the elevator, seemingly waiting for her. She frowned. Daisy walked up quickly. “Ms. Ziegler, Brandon needs to see you.”

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