Vanessa suspected that Phoebe was mocking her, and she had evidence. “Miss Ziegler, even if I lost the battle of words, Theodore loves me.” Phoebe stood up. “Our business is done, Miss Fitzroy, you may go.”

Vanessa stormed out, slamming the door behind her. Not long after, John entered with some documents and saw Phoebe rubbing her temples. He asked, “Miss Ziegler, did Miss Fitzroy start another argument with you?”

Phoebe lowered her arm. “It’s nothing, John. Please give me the documents.”

John handed the files to her and walked with her to the office desk. He said, “Miss Adams, I have arranged a dinner appointment for you with the Publicity Department Minister of Three Kittens. It will be at Maple Leaf Town Taste, at 7 p.m.”

Phoebe remembered that before falling ill, she had to discuss changing the spokesperson with Three Kittens. Her illness had delayed the progress. “Alright.”

“Furthermore…” John reported an hour’s worth of work progress. Exhausted, Phoebe leaned back in her chair, lost in thought. Vanessa’s words sunk into her heart when she was distracted. That night, Theodore indeed stayed at Vanessa’s house until dawn.

Phoebe took a sip of coffee from her mug, the taste of coconut latte bitter enough to sting her throat, making her heart feel bitter too. She desperately tried to admonish herself not to care. But damn it, she cared.

As darkness fell early, Phoebe arrived on time at Maple Leaf Town Taste’s private room at 7 p.m. The Publicity Department Minister of Three Kittens had already arrived. They shook hands.

“Phoebe, you’re becoming more beautiful. I heard you got promoted. Congratulations,” he said.

“Thank you, Mr. Scott. Let’s sit and talk.” Phoebe took her seat, gestured for the server to bring a bottle of fine red wine.

Mr. Scott was Phoebe’s senior in school. She was chosen as the Publicity Committee member of the Student Union, and their relationship had always been good. They discussed some past memories and then moved on to today’s topic. Phoebe said, “I fell ill recently, which caused a delay in many things. Regarding the spokesperson we discussed last time.”

“You were sick? No wonder you didn’t look well. Phoebe, take good care of yourself. Don’t risk your life like that,” he said.

“It’s nothing. Who doesn’t get sick?” Phoebe smiled and brought up the spokesperson again.

“You know Noah Myers from our company, right? He recently participated in a talent show and gained a lot of popularity. It’s only been four episodes, and he has already reached second place on the new artist chart. He has great potential. Since your company is investing in this show, it’s perfect to have him endorse your products.”

Mr. Scott said, “Noah Myers indeed has good popularity. Many girls from our company vote for him. The young man’s future is limitless. However…”

“Mr. Scott, what concerns do you still have?” Phoebe leaned over and poured him a glass of red wine, but he held her hand. “Phoebe, you don’t have a boyfriend now, right?”

Phoebe calmly glanced at him, thinking that she didn’t have a boyfriend, but she had a husband. “What do you mean by that, Mr. Scott?”

“Actually, back in school, I really liked you. But at that time, you had a boyfriend, so I didn’t say anything. I heard you and Edward broke up several years ago. I wonder if I have the honor to date you?” Mr. Scott’s hand slid gently on her back. Phoebe pulled her hand back, suppressing the urge to get up and leave. “Mr. Scott, you know I don’t like mixing business with personal matters.”

Mr. Scott, undeterred by the rejection, picked up his red wine and leaned back in his chair, savoring it slowly. His sparkling eyes were fixed on Phoebe, as if he were tasting her instead of the wine.

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