Theodore brushed off Donovan’s rambling and shot back, “Where’s Phoebe?”

Donovan, just as icy, replied, “She’s like thirty minutes away from your fancy shindig. If she wants to show, she won’t be late.”

He paused, then added, “If she doesn’t show before the party kicks off, it means she ain’t coming. Mr. Reynolds, how about a little wager?”

Theodore’s brow furrowed. “What did you do to her?”

Donovan sneered, “I’m her brother. You think I’d hurt her? Mr. Reynolds, if Phoebe doesn’t show, I hope you can let her go.”

Theodore’s grip on his phone tightened, his face darkening. “Donovan, where is Phoebe?”

“Not telling. Just give it up.” Donovan hung up, lit a cigarette downstairs, and glanced up at the third-floor window.

He closed his eyes, thinking, ‘Phoebe, please understand. I’m doing this for you. Theodore’s not right for you!’

Back at the Imperial Apartment, Theodore clutched his phone, his face stormy. After a few minutes, he grabbed Phoebe’s dress and stormed out of the walk-in closet.

This party, even if Phoebe didn’t show, he had to.

Theodore carried the dress downstairs where Jack was already waiting in the garage. Seeing Theodore with a pink dress, Jack was shocked. “Mr. Reynolds, is that Mrs. Reynolds’ dress?” Theodore shot him a cold look. Jack shivered, realizing Theodore was in a foul mood, and decided to stay quiet.

Without a word, Theodore got in the car, tossed the dress in the back seat, and rolled down the window, letting the cold wind hit him.

Jack sneaked a few glances, worried Theodore might freeze. Just as he was about to speak, the window rolled up.

He thought, ‘Why’s Theodore acting so weird tonight?’

The car headed to the hotel. Forty minutes later, it pulled up. Theodore stepped out, his long legs hitting the pavement. When he walked in with the dress, the lobby attendant looked surprised. Knowing he was a VIP, they quickly led the way. Theodore asked, “Got a VIP lounge here?”

The attendant quickly replied, “Yes, Mr. Reynolds. Mrs. Taylor Reynolds booked five VIP lounges, one for you and Mrs. Phoebe Reynolds.”

Theodore handed over the dress. “Take this to the VIP lounge. My wife will change there later.”

“Yes, Mr. Reynolds.” The attendant took the dress and escorted Theodore to the banquet hall entrance. Theodore buttoned his suit and pushed the doors open.

Inside, everyone turned to look. They saw Theodore walk in, cool and composed. No one dared meet his gaze.

Taylor came over and patted his back. “Theodore, what’s with the look? Where’s Phoebe? Why isn’t she with you?”

Theodore’s expression softened a bit. “She’ll be here later.”

“Isn’t the company on break today? Why didn’t you two come together? Did you have a fight?” Taylor asked, sensing Theodore’s bad mood.

Theodore shook his head. “Nope.”

“Then call her and tell her to hurry up. This party’s for you two. If she doesn’t show, the whole thing’s a bust,” Taylor said.

Theodore pressed his lips together, trying to keep his cool. “She’ll come!”

“Then stop looking so grim and come help me greet the guests.” Taylor pulled him along.

Not wanting to let her down, Theodore grabbed a glass of wine from a waiter and followed her to mingle.

Time flew by. Theodore was clearly distracted, constantly glancing at the door, hoping to see Phoebe in her pink dress. However, with every passing moment, his hope waned, leaving him feeling increasingly deflated. Taylor noticed and pulled him aside, whispering, “Theodore, be real with me. Did you and Phoebe have a fight?”

Theodore closed his eyes. “No.”

Last night was perfect. Phoebe didn’t push him away at all. If nothing was wrong, she wouldn’t miss such a big deal today.

Taylor saw his cold expression and felt a pang in her heart. “If you didn’t fight, why isn’t she here yet?”

“I don’t know, Mom. I don’t know anything.” For the first time, he couldn’t reach Phoebe and had no clue what was going on.

Phoebe had always been so compliant. Theodore thought he had everything under control. Now he realized that without a phone, he didn’t even know where she was.

Donovan had said she was only thirty minutes away. She should’ve been here by now, but she wasn’t.

Theodore thought, ‘We were so close last night. Why?’

Taylor was about to comfort him when the banquet hall door opened. “Theodore, look, is that Phoebe?”

Before Taylor could finish, she saw a man and a woman at the door, and her heart sank.

Theodore noticed Taylor’s change in mood and looked over. It was Bishop and Marlowe. He narrowed his eyes. “Why are they here? Who invited them?”

Taylor looked at Brandon in the distance. When Brandon saw Bishop and Marlowe, he walked out of the crowd and quickly approached them, frowning. “Who let you in?” Marlowe pushed the wheelchair inside, ignoring the curious stares around her, focusing only on Brandon.

She replied, “Tonight is the Reynolds family’s event. Since all the Reynolds are here, how could we not come?”

Brandon said sternly, “Marlowe, this is not the place for you. I’ll have someone take you home.”

“What? Am I so disgraceful, or are you afraid my presence will upset your precious wife?” Marlowe was no longer the timid woman who once saw Brandon as her world. Now, Marlowe’s eyes were full of aggression and resentment.

Brandon glared at Marlowe angrily. “Go home. Don’t cause trouble here. Bishop, talk some sense into Marlowe. Don’t make everyone uncomfortable.”

Bishop’s eyes flashed with a mocking smile. He watched as the Reynolds siblings and Taylor walked out of the crowd. Bishop suddenly raised his voice. “Dad, I’m your son, too. I just got here, but you’re already eager to send me away?” The room fell silent.

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