Forbidden Passion

Outside the dressing room, staff and extras were gathered. Seeing Patrick walk out with a cold expression, Vincent's assistant immediately approached him, looking apprehensive.

"Mr. Winston, is Ms. Croix okay?"

Patrick's indifferent eyes glanced over, staring at him for a few seconds until the assistant felt uncomfortable. Then he spoke, "My personal makeup artist doesn't need anyone else's concern."

The assistant's face changed dramatically. "I-I was just asking on Vincent's behalf. Can she still play games tonight?"

It seemed Patrick had overestimated Vincent. Cindy was so badly hurt, yet that fool

was still thinking about playing games with her. Chasing someone like this, he was bound to fail sooner or later.

"She doesn't have time."

"Thanks." Seeing Patrick's unfriendly expression, the assistant didn't dare stay long and quickly turned to report back to the adjacent dressing room.

Patrick walked to the first-floor kitchen, where the chef was preparing dinner.

The sudden sandstorm had disrupted the filming schedule, leaving everyone stuck in the house with nothing to do but browse Facebook, play games, and wait for dinner.

As Patrick entered the kitchen, the chefs recognized him and immediately became so nervous they didn't know what to do with themselves. "Patrick, the kitchen isn't a place for you. Please leave."

Patrick rolled up his sleeves, looking indifferent. "Mind if I make a sandwich?"

The chef nodded immediately. "Yes, we just made some this afternoon for the night shift crew. What kind would you like?"

Patrick thought for a moment. "I was thinking of making a ham, lettuce, and cheese sandwich on whole wheat bread. Do you have those ingredients?"

"Yes, we have everything you need. But if you prefer, we can make it for you." The chef was very nervous; after all, the person in front of him was a big star they rarely saw.

Patrick noticed how uneasy the kitchen staff were and decided to ease their nerves. "Thanks, but I think I'll let you handle it. Could you make two of those sandwiches for me?"

"Absolutely, Mr. Winston. We'll have them ready in no time," the chef replied, eager to help.

Patrick gave a polite nod and turned to leave.

Back in the dressing room, Cindy was standing in front of the vanity, poking her nose. "Broken, not broken, broken, not broken?"

Patrick leaned against the door, arms crossed, watching Cindy mutter. He said coldly, "If you keep poking it like that, it'll break even if it wasn't broken."

Cindy turned around sharply, glaring at him. "All you do is stand there and say mean things. What good does it do you if my nose is broken?"

"A lot of good. I like seeing you in pain," Patrick said with a smile.

"You're such a jerk!" Cindy retorted.

Cindy stopped poking her nose and sat on the sofa. Remembering the sandstorm that had swept through the city, she picked up her phone to call Phoebe.

Phoebe had just seen Theodore off. She was sitting on the bed, watching Ethan drink milk and thinking about how to deceive Theodore when her phone vibrated.

She picked it up and saw a video call invitation from Cindy.noveldrama

She answered, and after a moment of flickering light, Cindy's face appeared. Phoebe immediately noticed her swollen nose and laughed.

"Cindy, what happened to your nose?"

Hearing her laugh, Cindy said seriously, "I was worried about you, and all you do is laugh at me."

Phoebe couldn't help but laugh. "It's really funny. How did you hurt your nose?"

"It's a long story. How are things on your end?" Cindy asked.

"I took Ethan, Hubert, Boris, and Noomi..." Phoebe began, but Cindy interrupted, "Wait

a minute, the signal here is bad. I can't hear you clearly."

Phoebe immediately understood that Cindy probably couldn't talk freely. She said, "Alright, I'll hang up and text you."

After ending the video call, Cindy quickly sent a string of text messages. [Patrick is next to me. It's inconvenient to talk. Let's chat by text.]

Phoebe quickly replied, telling Cindy about Theodore coming to the eco-park and wanting to take Hubert, Boris, and Noomi as his godchildren.

Cindy was shocked.

GlamGuru: [Is Theodore out of his mind?]

Phoebe didn't know if Theodore was crazy, but she felt like she was about to lose it.

Mia: [What should I do? If I really let the kids accept him as their godfather and he finds out the truth, he'll definitely kill me.]

GlamGuru: [Don't panic!]

Mia: [What is he thinking? He's only met them once, and he wants to make them his godchildren!]

GlamGuru: [Is he testing you?]

Mia: [I think so too. If he's testing me, the kids' true identities will be exposed sooner or later. Should I go and confess to him?]

GlamGuru: [If you go and confess, there's only one outcome.]

Mia: [What outcome?]

GlamGuru: [He'll take it out on you in bed. Just be mentally prepared; you can confess

to him anytime.]

Phoebe read this and remained silent for a long time.

Mia: [Can't we think in reverse? If he finds out Hubert, Boris, and Noomi are mine, he

might cut ties with me and never bother me again.]

GlamGuru: [Given how often he's been showing up around you lately, he's very

interested in you. Cutting ties is impossible.]

Phoebe threw her phone on the pillow, feeling increasingly confused. She lay back on the bed, thinking.

Confess or not confess?

That seemed to be the question.

Next to her, Ethan finished his milk and fell asleep with the bottle in his mouth. Worried he might develop buck teeth, Phoebe pulled the nipple out of his mouth.

Phoebe got out of bed with the bottle and went downstairs to wash it.

The living room on the first floor was dimly lit by two wall lamps, casting a warm, cozy

glow. Outside, the wind howled, but inside, it was a peaceful haven.

She walked to the kitchen island and saw a broad back. She stopped abruptly.

Theodore had just finished his shower, his hair still damp, making him look less intimidating. She really didn't want to face him right now.

Just as she turned to leave, Theodore's voice came from behind.

"Do you hide every time you see me? Am I that scary to you?"

Maybe it was the bad weather, but Phoebe detected a hint of loneliness and desolation

in Theodore's voice. She paused and then walked over.

She sat across from Theodore and saw a tray in front of him, holding an ice bucket with a half-empty bottle of whiskey.

Theodore lifted his eyes to look at her, his gaze sweeping over her. "Care to join me for a drink?"