In the International Finance Center, Phoebe and Cindy were attending an Hermès tea party, an event graced by the socialites of Kedora. The two of them sat at the back, watching as the elegant and poised saleswomen showcased thetest


    styles and colors. Cindy lowered her voice to a whisper.


    "Phoebe, have you been in a bad moodtely?"


    Phoebe, intently perusing the new arrivals and jotting down notes on the ones she liked, replied without looking up, "No, what''s up?"


    "You used to be a workaholic. There were months when I wouldn''t see you at all, and getting you out for a meal was a challenge," Cindy remarked.


    Phoebe had indeed been very busy in the past. But it wasn''t just with work.


    For a long time after her miscarriage, Theodore was haunted by the reasons behind it. Whenever anything remotely rted to Edward came up, he would fly into a rage.


    His way of dealing with it was to punish her without restraint, regardless of the situation. During that time, she developed a psychological shadow, wanting to avoid him yet not daring to, as reality wouldn''t allow it.


    Later, she stayed close to him almost every moment, thinking it would prevent his arbitrary behavior. However, Theodore proved to be an unpredictable tyrant.


    One second he might be smiling at her, and the next, he could be punishing her in the strangest of ces over the most trivial of reasons.


    "I''m on vacation recently."


    Cindy tilted her head, "That''s rare for someone as busy as you. But aren''t you the head of QUEEN Entertainment? Just a few days ago, yourpany was in the news for something negative. Can you really afford to take a break now?" "Whether I can afford it or not, it''s not my ce to worry."


    After saying this, Phoebe frowned at her,"I''m trying to rx for a few days, can you not kill my vibe?"


    Cindy immediately raised her hands in surrender, "Alright, alright, my bad. Let''s just enjoy the exhibition."


    Phoebe''s lips curled into a slight smile as she continued to browse the exhibition.


    After a while, there was amotion at the entrance. The socialites seated at the front whispered among themselves while blushing and gazing toward the door, as if a world-ss heartthrob had just appeared.


    Out of curiosity, Phoebe followed their gazes.


    Then she saw a tall, striking man stride in, radiating a glow that brightened the entire store. He ignored the various looks of astonishment and curiosity, his hawk-like dark eyes quickly scanning the crowd before locking onto his target. He walked over with purpose.


    Phoebe met his gaze for a second and knew he wasing for her. Just as she stood up to flee, her wrist was caught by a warm,rge hand. "Where are you going?"


    All around, curious eyes turned their way, making Phoebe reluctant to be the center of attention. She turned and walked outside. "Let''s talk outside."


    Theodore wasn''t one to air private matters in public, and with Phoebe recently bing more uncontroble, a confrontation here could leave them both with no way to step down gracefully. Outside, the August sun poured down fiercely, the weather hot and dry.


    Phoebe found a cool spot in the shade of a wall and stood there, looking at the impably dressed man in front of her. He was in a sharp suit, a formal business attire, exuding a sense of noble restraint. "What are you doing here?"


    Theodore seemed much more at ease in front of her, leaning casually against the wall with his hands in his pockets.


    "Enjoying your shopping these past few days?"


    His tone was teasing, more affectionate than interrogative.


    Phoebe, with an icy expression, looked off into the bustling street and retorted, "I''ve spent less than a million dors of your money, Mr. Reynolds. Does that hurt?"


    Theodore watched her, a deepugh escaping him, "No, you can spend freely. It doesn''t bother me."