Phoebe sat up straight, watching Theodore approach the desk. They were separated by it, one sitting, one standing, staring at each other. Theodore leaned forward, hands on the desk. “Phoebe, you’ve been ignoring me.”

Phoebe shivered, avoiding his gaze. She noticed the scabs on his hand-scratches she had made in fear days ago.

“What do you want?” she asked, teeth clenched.

“I want you,” Theodore replied.

Phoebe almost choked with anger. “Theodore, Vanessa’s back. Why are you still after me?”

He leaned closer, his breath hot on her face. “Didn’t you say she was injured and couldn’t satisfy me?”

Phoebe wanted to scratch his face but held back. “What do you want? To have me and Vanessa both?

“Why not?” Theodore shot back.

Phoebe stood abruptly, hands on the desk, glaring. “Dream on. I’d rather stay single forever than share a husband.”

She thought, ‘What era is this? Does he think he’s an emperor?’

Theodore’s anger seemed to fade. He became calmer.

Phoebe sat back, feeling a bit more at ease.

Theodore traced his fingers on the desk, cleared his throat, and sat down. “Last night, I watered the plants. Your cactus froze to death.” Phoebe was speechless.

She sensed a hint of flattery in his words, like an arrogant cat showing goodwill.

Since Theodore was trying to make amends, Phoebe decided not to fight. “Really?”

Theodore looked awkward, his eyes wandering. “How about we go to the market at noon and buy a new cactus?”

Phoebe was surprised. She knew refusing might anger him again. “Let’s see at noon. I might not be available.”

Theodore didn’t get angry. He grinned. “I’ll pick you up at noon. There’s a good restaurant near the market. We can try it.”

Phoebe lowered her eyes. “We’ll see.”

Theodore took her vague response as agreement. He left, looking pleased.

As he exited, John entered, placing documents in front of Phoebe. “Ms. Ziegler, please sign here.”

Phoebe didn’t look up. “Just leave them. How’s Claire doing on set?”

“She’s not a pro, so it’s tough. But she understands well. Her aide says she needs fewer takes and gets along with the cast,” John replied.

Phoebe nodded, satisfied. “Ambitious girls usually have good skills. I’ll call her assistant when I get a chance.”

“Okay,” John replied.

Phoebe looked at the documents but noticed John hadn’t left. “What’s up?” she asked.

John hesitated but couldn’t help himself. “Ms. Ziegler, have you reconciled with Mr. Reynolds?”

Theodore had stormed in angry but left looking pleased, as if soothed.

Phoebe awkwardly cleared her throat. “Not yet.”

“Really?” John looked skeptical. “Ms. Ziegler, don’t forget how he treated you in the hospital. That kind of jerk…” “John,” Phoebe gently interrupted. “I know you’re worried, but I can handle it.”

John pursed his lips together. “I’m sorry, Ms. Ziegler. I overstepped.”

“It’s okay. Go back to work.” Phoebe returned to the documents. After a while, John’s lingering gaze finally disappeared.

Moments later, the sound of footsteps faded, and John closed the office door behind him. Phoebe sat in a daze for a bit before refocusing on the documents.

At noon, Theodore left work ten minutes early and arrived at Phoebe’s office. She was on the phone with Extraordinary Entertainment, arranging Noah’s upcoming activities.

After ending the call, Phoebe, feeling parched, picked up her cup only to find it empty. Just as she was about to get some water, Theodore pulled a box of yogurt from his pocket and placed it in front of her. “Drink this first,” Theodore advised.

Phoebe looked at the yogurt, feeling like a child. She picked it up and grabbed her bag. “Let’s go,” she said.

They temporarily made peace and walked out of the office side by side, passing by employees. The rumors about Phoebe falling out of favor were instantly dispelled.

As they entered the elevator, Madison hurriedly squeezed in.

“Theodore, where are you going? Please take me with you. I don’t want to eat at the company cafeteria,” Madison said.

Theodore coldly replied, “Order takeout if you don’t want to eat at the cafeteria.”

“Takeout is unhealthy and expensive. Phoebe, take me. I promise to eat quietly,” Madison pleaded, clinging to Phoebe’s sleeve.

Phoebe didn’t want to be alone with Theodore either, so she nodded. “Alright!”

Madison immediately let go, wiping her hands on her coat pocket as if she had touched something dirty.

Phoebe didn’t notice Madison’s small gesture. When the elevator reached the basement level, Theodore’s car was parked in its spot. He walked over and opened the passenger door. “Phoebe, get in.” Phoebe glanced at him and got in. As she fastened her seatbelt, Theodore walked around the front of the car and got into the driver’s seat.

When Theodore fastened his seatbelt, his hand brushed against Phoebe’s, sending a small electric current up his spine.

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