Phoebe handed Ollie to Theodore and headed to the kitchen. Evelyn was cooking and quickly shooed her away.

“Go keep Theodore company; there’s nothing you can do,” Evelyn said.

Phoebe leaned against the counter, watching Evelyn stir-fry. “We’ll take Ollie back with us later.”

Evelyn glanced at her. “Just leave it here. You two are so busy; how will you have time to feed it?”

“But didn’t you say you didn’t like it?” Phoebe asked.

Evelyn paused. “It’s well-behaved when it’s not being naughty. Besides, you’re planning to get pregnant, so it’s not a good idea to keep a pet.”

Pondering her recent trip and the people she had met, Phoebe lightly tapped the counter.

“Mom, I’ve let it go,” Phoebe said.

Evelyn didn’t catch that. “What did you say?”

Phoebe shook her head. She had moved on from the past and wouldn’t dwell on it anymore. “Nothing, I said I love you,” Phoebe replied.

Evelyn’s spatula fell to the ground. She quickly picked it up and rinsed it, her eyes a bit moist.

“You silly child, why so mushy?” Evelyn said, pretending to be annoyed but feeling happy inside.

Phoebe had always been reserved, unlike other kids who were affectionate with their parents. Hearing Phoebe say such things suddenly made Evelyn wonder if she had been replaced.

Phoebe smiled. “I’ll take the food out and tell them to wash up for dinner.”

“Go on, always causing trouble here,” Evelyn said, waving her hand, her eyes moist. She stood by the stove until she smelled something burning.

“Oh no,” Evelyn quickly stirred the burnt food. “I told you, you always cause trouble. The food is burnt; I’ll make another batch.”

Phoebe watched Evelyn’s busy figure, smiling slightly. It turned out that reconciling with oneself and family wasn’t that hard.

After dinner, Evelyn wanted them to stay at the Golden Apartment.

However, Theodore had a morning meeting the next day, and it would take an hour to drive from the Golden Apartment. He would need to get up early.

“I’ll come visit you when I catch a break,” Phoebe said.

“Alright then, make sure to apply medicine to your hands when you get back. Otherwise, you might get frostbite again next year,” Evelyn said, noticing Phoebe’s frostbitten hands during dinner. Phoebe looked at her hands. Theodore had been applying medicine for her, and they were much better.

“I know,” Phoebe replied.

Evelyn saw them off to the elevator and said to Theodore, “Theodore, let me know in advance next time you come, and I’ll make something delicious for you.”

“Sure, we’re leaving now, see you,” Theodore said, carrying the cat carrier and walking into the elevator with Phoebe.

With a sigh, Evelyn waved goodbye as she watched the elevator doors shut. Donovan put his arm around her shoulders. “Let’s go home, Mom. Don’t worry about Phoebe. I think she and Theodore are doing well.” Evelyn was pushed into the house by Donovan. “I’ve always worried about Phoebe. She keeps everything to herself, even if she’s suffering. She’d rather tough it out than tell anyone. I’m afraid she’ll get stuck in her thoughts again.”

“You’re overthinking it. They won’t break up, trust me,” Donovan said.

All night long, Theodore was glued to Phoebe’s side. His eyes tracked her every move. In love, as long as one person kept holding on, the story wasn’t over.

But Donovan had never expected he’d be the reason Theodore and Phoebe’s relationship breaking down.

Back at the Imperial Apartment, Phoebe was so tired she crashed on the couch, not even wanting to move a finger. She put Ollie in the cat house and fell asleep to the sound of his meowing.

Theodore took a quick shower and, not finding Phoebe in the bedroom, came out to see her sleeping soundly on the couch with Ollie curled up next to her.

The scene was heartwarming.

Theodore stood by the coffee table for a moment, feeling moved. He took out his phone, opened the camera, focused on Phoebe’s face, and snapped a picture. He put his phone back in his pajama pocket, walked to the couch, and Ollie suddenly woke up, staring at him warily.

Theodore and Ollie had a brief stare-down before he bent down to pick up Phoebe. The sudden movement made her open her eyes.

Seeing a familiar face, she closed her eyes again and fell back asleep.

Theodore’s heart warmed. He carried her to the bedroom and helped her change into pajamas. The silver ring on her neck was exposed.

Theodore held the silver ring and looked at Phoebe’s swollen hands. He pursed his lips in frustration, grabbed the frostbite ointment, and sat by the bed to apply it for her. Once Phoebe’s frostbite healed, they could wear their rings together.

In the following days, both Theodore and Phoebe were swamped. The trip to help the poor had left Theodore with a lot of work, and it was the end of the year, with countless financial reports and documents to handle. Phoebe had been running around all morning, not even having time to take a sip of water. If she was this busy, Theodore must be even busier.

“Ms. Ziegler, let’s have lunch together,” Carol said, seeing Phoebe finally find a moment to breathe.

Phoebe waved her hand. “I just want to lie down and sleep for a while. I have no appetite.”

“Shall I get you some food?” Carol asked.

Phoebe was about to decline when her stomach growled. She saw Carol looking at her with amusement and said helplessly, “Fine, let’s grab a bite. Can’t work on an empty stomach this afternoon, can I?” Carol laughed. “That’s right. Let’s go to the cafeteria.”

It was freezing outside, and they didn’t want to brave the cold wind, so they decided to eat at the company cafeteria.

By the time they got there, most of the staff had already chowed down and bounced.Phoebe didn’t have much of an appetite. She got her food and sat by the window with Carol. As soon as they sat down, they heard a commotion. Phoebe turned towards the noise and spotted a group of people nearby. One girl resembled Madison, engaging in a heated discussion, while another’s face seemed oddly familiar, triggering a sense of recognition. Madison pointed at the girl. “Grace, I told you not to let me see you again. Don’t you understand?”

Grace bent down to pick up her tray, but Madison stepped on it. “Do you have any self-respect? Why do you insist on staying at Queen Entertainment?”

“I’m bound by contract; I can’t leave.” Grace looked up at Madison, her expression stubborn.

Madison looked into Grace’s eyes, feeling her heart sink. She gritted her teeth and said, “You won’t leave, huh? Well, I have plenty of ways to make you leave Queen Entertainment. Just wait and see.” With that, Madison kicked Grace to the ground and stormed off.

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