Theodore glanced at Patrick and said, “If I knew where she was, would I be waiting here like an idiot?”

Realizing Phoebe was missing, he immediately sent people to look for her.

That morning, after leaving with the cat, Phoebe called a Uber to Cindy’s house.

Then she vanished. Days went by, and her phone stayed off. Theodore checked; she hadn’t left the country.

Before Phoebe disappeared, only Cindy had seen her and knew where she was.

Seeing Theodore’s serious look, Patrick laughed and said, “Your wife’s missing, and you come to Cindy’s house to wait. No wonder she’s mad enough to want to chop you up.”

Theodore replied, “I can wait. If you don’t want me here, ask her where Phoebe went. Once I get an answer, I’ll leave.”

“You’re something else,” Patrick said, glaring. After a moment, he gave in. “Fine, I’ll ask.”

Patrick walked to the bedroom door, which was locked. He knocked and said, “Cindy, open up. Let me in.”

In the living room, Theodore heard Patrick’s humble tone and felt oddly satisfied. He thought, ‘No matter how tough they are outside, they turn into kittens in front of the women they love.’

A thud sounded, followed by Cindy’s haughty voice, “Get lost. I won’t tell him. Isn’t he supposed to be so capable? Let him find her himself.”

Patrick touched his nose and coughed to hide his embarrassment. He called, “Cindy.”

Silence from the bedroom.

Patrick stood there for two minutes, then shrugged at Theodore. “She won’t say. You should go. I’ll call you if I find out anything.”

Theodore’s lips tightened. Even Patrick couldn’t handle Cindy. Unless he captured and starved her for days, she’d never reveal where Phoebe was. He stood up and asked, “Patrick, who’s really in control here?”

Patrick was speechless.

As Theodore passed him, he patted his shoulder and said, “I’m waiting for good news. Don’t let me down.”

Patrick angrily swatted his hand away, wanting to retort, but seeing the red veins in Theodore’s eyes, he held back.

Patrick asked, “Is it worth it?”

Theodore met his gaze but said nothing, then left.

Once Theodore was gone, Patrick knocked on the bedroom door again. “Cindy, Theodore’s gone. Come out. Let’s talk.”

After a few seconds, the door opened. Patrick slipped in and grabbed Cindy’s waist.

Patrick’s hand was warm, and Cindy’s waist felt a burning sensation. She instinctively wanted to escape.

But it was too late.

Patrick’s other hand brushed past her neck, almost gripping her throat. He held Cindy firmly and whispered in her ear, his voice deep and hoarse. “Are you getting bold after a few days without discipline?”

Patrick usually didn’t talk like this. He was gentle and refined, never using violence against women, as long as they didn’t push his limits.

Cindy blinked her innocent eyes. Even with Patrick’s hand around her throat, she wasn’t scared. Instead, she dared to tempt fate with reckless bravery. “So, how are you going to discipline me?” she asked.

Patrick tightened his grip, a flash of anger in his eyes. “Don’t push me. You won’t like the outcome.”

“Really?” Cindy’s gaze turned icy. “Do you know how miserable Phoebe looked when I saw her? She had bruises on her neck, holding a cat.”

She raised her head, offering her neck to Patrick’s hand. Tears streamed down her face. “Just like where you’re gripping now. Go ahead, use some force. Show me how painful it has to be to leave such clear marks.” Patrick’s hand trembled.

Cindy’s eyes curved in a mix of a smile and a cry, her tears carrying an intense allure. “Aren’t you good brothers? Even your habit of choking women is the same. Come on, choke me harder.”

Patrick’s fingers stiffened. He looked down at Cindy, her face wet with tears that stung his eyes.

He lowered his head and gently kissed away her tears, whispering, “Cindy, don’t cry. When you cry, you don’t look like her.”

Phoebe’s resignation quickly spread within Queen Entertainment, and news that Vanessa would take over also circulated. Everyone was amazed.

Phoebe hadn’t been to the company for days, solidifying the rumor. Ambitious employees began planning for their future. Vanessa, recovering from her injury in Kedora, was in a once-quiet hospital room that had become quite lively.

Many employees came to see her, making her feel like the center of attention.

After everyone left, Ruby sat in a chair, peeling an apple and sighing. “People in the workplace are so realistic. Now that they know you’re taking over Queen Entertainment, they’re all trying to get on your good side.” Vanessa leaned against the headboard, her face glowing. “It’s the same everywhere.”

Ruby cut the apple into pieces and handed it to her. “Have some apples. Once you’re discharged, you’ll be Ms. Fitzroy. We won’t have to deal with Phoebe anymore.”

Vanessa forked a piece of apple into her mouth, chewing as she spoke, “Is Phoebe really missing?”

Since Phoebe’s disappearance, Theodore hadn’t come to see Vanessa. Even when they met in Taylor’s hospital room, he only nodded at her, rarely speaking.

“I heard Mr. Reynolds sent people everywhere to find her, but there’s no news. Where do you think she could be?” Ruby asked.

In today’s information age, it was hard for Phoebe to hide, but a week had passed, and no one knew where she was.

Vanessa sneered. “I don’t care where she is. She’d better die out there and never come back.”

Ruby glanced at her. “Vanessa, if Phoebe really dies, she’ll become the one in Mr. Reynolds’ heart. He’ll never forget her.”

“What does it matter? As long as Phoebe dies, no one can stand in my way,” Vanessa said venomously.

Ruby’s hand trembled, nearly spilling the fruit plate. She steadied herself and tentatively asked, “Vanessa, did you hire someone to deal with Phoebe behind my back?”

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