Forbidden Passion

Theodore squinted his eyes, staring at Phoebe's figure disappearing before him. He frowned slightly, feeling something was off.

He focused on the business car not far ahead, its windows tinted to prevent peeking inside.

However, it intrigued him, making him want to investigate.

"Mr. Reynolds, the traffic is moving. Do you want to get out?" Jack asked, noticing through the rearview mirror that Theodore's hand was on the car door handle.

Theodore realized his hand was already on the door handle. He quickly pulled it back, his heart racing. Seeing the surrounding cars slowly moving, he exhaled deeply, "Drive."

Someone honked behind them, and Jack quickly refocused, starting the car and following the traffic, gradually speeding up on the highway.

Jack glanced at the rearview mirror, seeing Theodore resting with his eyes closed, clearly having had a rough night.

Last night, he had hidden in the guest room after entering the villa, afraid of disturbing Theodore and Phoebe. He thought Theodore would seize such a rare opportunity.

But in the morning, Theodore came downstairs exuding hostility, looking unapproachable, scaring Jack into silence.

It seemed Theodore didn't get what he wanted last night.

Jack couldn't help but sigh. They had even gone to the eco-park, yet he didn't seize the opportunity.

Back at Lakeview Estates, Ruby was home. Hearing the engine outside, she quickly ran out, seeing Phoebe and the others getting out of the car. Her eyes reddened slightly.

"You're finally back."

Phoebe carried Hubert, Boris, and Noomi out of the car, then took the sleeping Ethan from Evelyn. Turning around, she noticed the bruises on Ruby's neck and frowned, "Ruby, what happened to your neck?"

As soon as she spoke, everyone's eyes fell on Ruby's neck. Evelyn got out of the car, grabbing Ruby's arm to inspect her.

"What happened?"

Ruby avoided their gaze, "It's nothing, I accidentally bumped it yesterday."

"What kind of bump leaves a mark like that?" Phoebe stared at her, seeing her guilty look, growing more suspicious.

The marks on her neck looked like they were from being grabbed. If it were a criminal, Ruby would have said so, unless it was someone close.

Could it be someone from the Adams family causing trouble for Ruby?

"I'll take Ethan inside first." Ruby quickly took Ethan from Phoebe and limped towards the villa.

Evelyn and Phoebe exchanged a glance. "I'll go check on Ruby," Evelyn said.

"Okay."

Phoebe had Hubert, Boris, and Noomi line up to go inside, then helped Elijah carry the oranges and vegetables they picked yesterday into the villa.

After finishing, she was sweaty and went upstairs to take a shower.

After changing clothes, she went to Ruby's room, knocking on the door. Hearing

Ruby's voice inside, she pushed the door open.

Phoebe noticed that Ruby's eyes were red, and she was still wiping away tears.

Phoebe walked over. "What's wrong?"

Ruby wiped her tears with her fingers, "It's nothing. Ethan must have been a bother these past two days."

"Don't say that." Phoebe sat next to Ruby, "I brought you here because I consider you family. Donovan is gone, and I'll take care of you."

Hearing Donovan's name, Ruby's lips moved as if to speak but chose to remain silent. Phoebe looked at the bruises on Ruby's neck, frowning, "These aren't from yesterday, are they? They look a few days old. Ruby, did your parents come?"

Ruby hesitated, "They..."

"I knew it!" Phoebe was indignant, "What are they thinking? They tormented you for three years, and now that you're finally doing better, they come to bully you again. Do they just not want to see you happy?"

"No, Phoebe, you misunderstood..." Ruby tried to explain but was cut off by Phoebe. Phoebe grabbed Ruby's wrist, "Ruby, next time they come, don't meet them alone. I'll go with you. I want to ask them how they can treat their own daughter like this without feeling any guilt!"

Ruby stared at her, suddenly feeling very touched.

Ruby hugged Phoebe tightly, tears streaming down, "Phoebe, thank you. I did many wrong things before. I'm really sorry."

Phoebe didn't expect Ruby to break down. She was stunned for a few seconds before gently patting Ruby's shoulder, "Alright, we agreed not to bring up the past."

"I did many unforgivable things. I'll work hard to atone for them."

Phoebe sighed helplessly.

"Stop crying, or your eyes will swell, and my mom will think I bullied you."

Ruby quickly wiped her tears, looking up to stop herself from crying, "I-I won't cry. If your mom misunderstands, I'll explain."noveldrama

Phoebe shook her head lightly at Ruby's pitiful look, "Stay with Ethan. I'll go downstairs."

"Okay."

Phoebe got up and left the bedroom, closing the door behind her. As she walked downstairs, her phone vibrated in her pocket.

She took out her phone, seeing an unread message on WhatsApp.

Theodore: [Did you mention what I talked about last night?]

Phoebe thought for a moment, remembering what Theodore had mentioned last night, making her head hurt. She leaned against the stair railing, typing a reply. Mia: [I did, but they didn't agree.]

Theodore: [Really? With me as their godfather, the triplets' future would be secure. Who would refuse such a good deal?]

Phoebe stared at the message, reading it several times. Yes, for most people, having their children noticed by the richest man would be a dream come true. Who would refuse such an offer?

But could Phoebe agree?

She closed her eyes, about to type a reply when Theodore sent a video call. Caught off guard, she accidentally answered it.

Seeing the screen, Phoebe quickly walked to the third floor.

"Mr. Reynolds, can you not call me without warning?" Phoebe glared at Theodore in the video.

He had a computer in front of him, seemingly working.

Theodore glanced at her, "Typing is tiring. Give me the triplets' parents' contact info, and I'll talk to them myself."

Phoebe frowned. Theodore didn't seem impulsive; he was determined to be the triplets' godfather. Didn't he already have enough on his plate?