Phoebe snagged a flight online, dead set on heading to the repairman''s hometown to get some answers. This whole thing had been eating at her, making her restless and messing with her sleep and appetite.


    If she didn''t get to the bottom of it, she''d never find peace.


    With New Year was around the corner, flights were a nightmare to book. Every ticket before the New Year was gone. Phoebe checked out the train options and scored a ticket for three dayster.


    Three dayster was the day before New Year''s Eve. No matter how the investigation went, she''d be spending New Year''s away from home. If she gave Evelyn a heads-up, Evelyn would definitely shut it down. So, Phoebe kept it on the down-low, nning to deal with the falloutter.


    She set everything up in secret, counting down the days to leave, but fate had other ns.


    Morning light poured through the floor-to-ceiling windows.


    On the big bed, Phoebey on her side, with a warm body pressed against her back. An arm was draped over her waist, and her legs were tangled up with Theodore''s, like they were glued together.


    Opening her eyes, Phoebe stared nkly at the dust dancing in the sunlight. Ever since Evelyn made her move back to the Imperial Apartment from the hotel, Theodore had been finding all sorts of excuses to sneak into her bed. Theodore shifted behind her, nuzzling his chin into her neck, his voice muffled, "You awake?"


    Phoebe grabbed Theodore''s wrist, trying to move his hand, but he just hugged her tighter, their bodies fitting together perfectly.


    Phoebe was speechless.


    Theodore rubbed his chin against her neck, his voice sleepy, "Stay with me a bit longer, I''m so tired."


    Even if Phoebe had any sleepiness left, it was gone now, "I remember locking the doorst night. How did you get in?" she asked.


    "I used a key. Babe, you''re so cold, leaving me alone in that empty room on such a chilly night," Theodore mumbled, half-asleep, with a hint of whining. Phoebe''s heart skipped a beat at the word "babe," her pulse racing. She closed her eyes and slipped out of Theodore''s embrace.


    "I''m gonna freshen up." Phoebe got out of bed and darted into the bathroom, afraid she might soften up again.


    She''d been hurt by Theodore too many times; she couldn''t and wouldn''t let her guard down easily.


    Phoebe leaned against the cold bathroom tiles, gathering her thoughts. She walked to the sink, sshed cold water on her face to wake herself up. After freshening up, Phoebe put on some light makeup, changed her clothes, and headed out.


    The smell of food wafted from the dining room. Theodore was standing at the entrance with a bowl of medicine. Seeing her, he handed it over.


    "Mom called, told me to make sure you take this every day," he exined.


    Phoebe frowned at the bowl of medicine. Lately, just the sight of it made her feel queasy. She wanted to skip it whenever she could.


    Unable to keep tabs on her from afar, Evelyn had tasked Theodore with making sure Phoebe took her meds.


    For the past few days, Theodore had been bringing her medicine three times a day, making sure she drank every drop before letting up.


    Phoebe didn''t hesitate. She took the bowl and downed the medicine in one go. Her body was her own, and she didn''t want to spite Theodore at the cost of her health. After drinking the medicine, her face scrunched up in bitterness.


    Theodore said calmly, "Open your mouth."


    Seeing Theodore reach out, Phoebe mped her mouth shut. But then, something sweet touched her lips.


    Instinctively, she opened her mouth, and a piece of candy slipped in, sweet and fragrant, washing away the bitter taste of the medicine.


    Phoebe took a breath, staring nkly at Theodore. For a moment, he seemed so close, yet so far away.


    Theodore raised an eyebrow at her gaze, "Why you looking at me like that? What''s on your mind?"


    Phoebe snapped out of it, shook her head, and walked into the dining room.


    After a few steps, her wrist was grabbed. Theodore whispered in her ear, "Phoebe, you''ve been running on fumestely. When we get a break, let''s find a quiet ind and chill for a few days." Phoebe''s lips pressed tightly together, "I''m not going anywhere. I want to stay with my mom."


    With Donovan just passing away, Evelyn''s mood must still be low. If she didn''t stay with Evelyn during the New Year, Evelyn would feel even worse.


    "Why not bring Mom along?" Theodore suggested.


    Phoebe didn''t respond. She knew Theodore didn''t like traveling with elders. Yet he suggested bringing Evelyn along.


    Feeling a bit overwhelmed by the unexpected reply, Phoebe was first surprised by his offer, then she realized she might have been used to being taken for granted; there was nothing usual about such an invitation..


    "No need. It''s crowded everywhere during the New Year. My mom doesn''t like noise and crowds. Taking her on a trip wouldn''t make her as happy as letting her y cards." Phoebe coldly withdrew her hand and walked into the dining room. Theodore watched her back for a few seconds, then quickly followed and sat beside her.


    They ate breakfast in silence. Until they left, neither of them broke the ice.


    The temperature had risen in the past few days, with continuous sunny days melting all the snow. The ground was a bit damp. They crossed the street and arrived at thepany entrance.


    It was rush hour, and employees hurried into thepany, greeting Theodore and Phoebe as they passed.


    "Good morning, Mr. Reynolds!"


    "Good morning, Ms. Ziegler!"


    Phoebe nodded slightly, "Morning, everyone!"


    The busy morning began with the hustle and bustle of people. Phoebe methodically handled her work.


    Carol brought in some documents. Seeing Theodore wasn''t in the office, she lowered her voice and said to Phoebe, "Ms. Ziegler, Bishop is here at thepany. They say he''s here to ask Mr. Brandon Reynolds for money." Phoebe''s eyes narrowed.


    No wonder Theodore rushed out after a phone call. It turned out Bishop was here.


    Bishop owed the bank billions of dors. With no money in hand, he would definitelye to Brandon for help. But given Brandon''s attitude towards Marlowe and Bishop that day, he might not give Bishop any money. This was a Reynolds family matter, and Phoebe didn''t want to get involved.


    "Okay," Phoebe replied.


    Carol excitedly said, "The boardroom downstairs is live-streaming. Do you want to watch?"


    Before Phoebe could refuse, Carol dragged her watch themotion.


    Carol continued, "Bishop actually dared toe to the Reynolds Group. He asked Mr. Brandon Reynolds for a billion dors. Mr. Theodore Reynolds refused, saying he would never give him a billion dors no matter what." Phoebe was speechless.


    Theodore, in his high position, remained outwardlyposed, often concealing his emotions. For him to say something like that, he must really dislike Bishop.


    Carol called, "Mr. Theodore Reynolds and Bishop are fighting. Mr. Theodore Reynolds got punched. Ms. Ziegler, where are you going? Aren''t you going to watch?"


    Hearing that Theodore got punched, Phoebe couldn''t sit still. She stood up and rushed out of the CEO''s office.