Chapter 881 Stalemate
Theodore was so close to her that his breath tickled her ear, making her feel a bit uneasy.
Especially when he said Mom in such an affectionate tone, something he had never done before.
Phoebe tried to calm her racing heart and thought for a moment. "Maybe there's still some hope."
Harper had come back to life, but after so many years without returning to reunite with them, Evelyn must have some resentment in her heart.
As long as that resentment was resolved, accepting Harper would be just a matter of time.
"You're so unsure?"
Phoebe glanced at him. "After all, no one can truly understand a woman's mind. If she doesn't want to forgive, there's nothing we can do."
"And what about you?" Theodore suddenly asked.
Phoebe was taken aback, not understanding why the conversation about Evelyn and Harper had suddenly shifted to her.
"What?"
Theodore remembered being questioned by Harper downstairs and realized he and Phoebe had never discussed what happened three years ago.
He knew that if they didn't talk about it, the issue would always be between them, occasionally surfacing to hurt them.
Theodore pressed his lips together, feeling a rare bit of nervousness. "Back then, you insisted on the divorce because you couldn't forgive me for saving Vanessa first. Can you forgive me now?"
Phoebe stared at him, stunned.
After a moment, she finally spoke. "Do you think I didn't forgive you because you saved her and abandoned me?"
Theodore was taken aback by her question. "Isn't that the reason?"
Phoebe looked at him for a long time, then suddenly took the towel back from his hand, stood up, and turned her back to him, her voice cold. "Mr. Reynolds, think it through before you ask me."
Her sudden coldness left Theodore at a loss.
He stood up and followed her, placing his hands on her shoulders to turn her around, staring seriously into her eyes. "Phoebe, why are you angry?"
Seeing his confused expression, Phoebe felt a bit disappointed. She thought Theodore had been circling her recently because he had figured things out.
It turned out he hadn't.
"I'm not angry, just a bit tired. Mr. Reynolds, go back to your room." Phoebe shook off his hands and went to the bathroom to dry her hair.
When she came out with her hair dry, Theodore was no longer in the bedroom.
She stood there for a long time before walking to the bed and lying down.
The night passed without a word.
The next morning, Phoebe had to go to work. She got up early, got ready, and left the bedroom.
The door next to hers opened, and they exchanged a glance.
Theodore was the first to look away and head downstairs.
Phoebe had raised her hand to greet him, but he walked away without looking at her.
Feeling awkward, she lowered her hand, thinking Theodore had quite a temper.
Downstairs at the dining table, Phoebe helped Evelyn set the breakfast. She hesitated for a moment before sitting next to Theodore.
She placed a sandwich on Theodore's plate and said, "My mom's sandwiches are really good. When I was a kid, I could eat four in one go."
Before she finished speaking, the sandwich was back in her bowl.
Theodore took one himself and bit into it, puffing up his cheeks.
Phoebe was speechless for a moment, then picked up the sandwich and bit into it, chewing as if she were biting Theodore.
Evelyn looked at them both. "Are you two having a spat?"
"No!"
"No!"
They answered in unison.
Evelyn sighed. "Well, you're in sync. Since you're not fighting, eat properly. Don't take it out on the sandwiches, or I'll think I added too much salt today."
Phoebe quickly finished her sandwich, drank her milk, grabbed her tote bag, and left.
As she left, she deliberately slammed the door loudly. The dining room fell silent, and Evelyn looked at Theodore, who was quietly eating.
Theodore's serious demeanor was quite intimidating, making Evelyn hesitant to joke with him.
She hesitated for a moment and cautiously asked, "Theodore, are you and Phoebe..."
"I've had enough. I'm heading to work."
Evelyn watched his departing figure, feeling that the sandwich in her hand had lost its flavor. What were they fighting about now? They had only been peaceful for a few days.
When Theodore went outside, the black Mercedes had already driven away, leaving only a gust of wind that made him feel uneasy.
He had tossed and turned all night, unable to figure out why Phoebe was angry.
They had been affectionate when he picked her up at the airport, so why had her attitude suddenly turned cold? Women's minds were too hard to understand.
Theodore gritted his teeth and got into his car.
During the morning meeting, everyone in the conference room knew Theodore was in a bad mood. He had already scolded several department heads.
After that, those reporting their work were very cautious, only saying things that would please Theodore, and the atmosphere in the conference room improved a bit.
Finally, the meeting ended. As soon as Theodore left, everyone collapsed into their chairs, as if they had just survived an ordeal.
Theodore returned to his office, and soon someone knocked on the door.
Already feeling irritable, he suppressed his anger and said, "Come in."
The door opened, and Christopher walked in, seeing Theodore's gloomy expression and looking puzzled. "Theodore, what's wrong? Are you in a bad mood?"
Theodore hadn't expected him to come and adjusted his emotions, gesturing for him to sit. "What brings you here?"
Christopher pulled out a chair and sat across from Theodore at the desk. "I was nearby for some business and thought I'd come by to have lunch with you."
"What do you want to eat? I'll have my secretary order something." Theodore said indifferently.
Since they had become adults, Christopher rarely came to have lunch with him, knowing he was busy. Two times a year was considered a lot.
Later, Christopher started his tech company and was even busier, rarely having time to come specifically for lunch.
Thinking about it, they hadn't had lunch together outside in several years.
Christopher quickly said, "No need. I know a great restaurant nearby. I've already made a reservation."
Theodore raised an eyebrow, seeing that Christopher had come prepared. It was probably not just about lunch.
"Let's go now."
The weather was perfect for walking, not too hot or cold.
Christopher was a bit shorter than Theodore, but both were good-looking, attracting the attention of young girls who almost walked into lampposts.
Christopher scratched his head. "Theodore, did you fight with Phoebe?"
"Why do you ask?" Theodore glanced at him.
Christopher pointed at his face. "It's shown all over your face, waiting for someone to comfort you. Theodore, Phoebe has a lot of admirers now. Edward is still pining for her, and Evan is deeply in love. If you keep this up, you might lose her."
Theodore gritted his teeth. "Are you too free?"
Christopher wanted to make a funny face at him. "I'm not free. I'm here to give you advice so you don't regret it if Phoebe gets taken away."
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