Chapter 928 Brian Tests Phoebe
Brian rested one hand on the steering wheel, unsure of how to break the news to Phoebe about his situation with Bianca.
There were countless couples in the world who end up resenting each other, and it was never just one person's fault.
The car fell into silence.
Before long, they arrived at a private restaurant.
It was Phoebe's first time here, and she found the serene environment a pleasant escape from the city's hustle and bustle—a perfect spot for a meal.
As they entered, the restaurant owner seemed familiar with Brian and promptly led them to a private room.
After Brian ordered, they exchanged a few pleasantries, and the food was served quickly.
Brian scooped a piece of chicken into Phoebe's bowl. "You gotta try the chicken here; it's something special."
Phoebe picked up her fork and took a bite, nodding lightly. "Yeah, it's tender and flavorful. Good!"
Brian smiled. "I love eating with you; it makes the food taste even better."
Phoebe chuckled.
They chatted and ate, but eventually, Phoebe couldn't eat anymore.
She set down her fork and laughed, "Guess I'll be eating nothing but salads for the next three days."
Brian looked her over. "You're already so slim. Seriously, eat more. Winter's coming, and you'll need some extra weight to stay warm."
Phoebe laughed. "Christmas is around the corner, and there are so many events. I need to keep my figure in check. If the paparazzi catch me looking chubby, it'll be a disaster."
"You girls always think being skinny is beautiful. Look at those actresses in Hollywood; they're skin and bones. What's attractive about that?" Brian frowned in disapproval.
Phoebe replied, "Actors need to look good on camera. Even a little weight shows. Maintaining a figure is just the basic requirement."
Brian sighed. "You always have a ton of reasons ready for me."
Phoebe laughed again.
Brian stared at her, then suddenly sighed. "I wish we could go back eight years. You and Edward were so good together. We all thought you'd get married, have kids, and grow old together."
"Brian,"
Brian interrupted her. "Don't stop me. I might only have today to tell you about my regrets."
Phoebe stayed silent, letting him continue.
"You two were perfect together, a handsome couple. I think about how great you looked together. I used to imagine if you had kids, they'd be stunning."
Phoebe listened, feeling a bit melancholic, not because of her and Edward's current situation, but reminiscing about those lost youthful days.
Brian sighed deeply. "I know it's pointless to talk about this now. Things have changed, but I think about the past. Phoebe, Edward's not doing well lately."
Phoebe pursed her lips.
With Brian's lead-in, it was hard for her to remain indifferent. "What's wrong with him?"
"He's become too eager for success. You know Kedora is planning a new tech district, right? It's supposed to be the future landmark of the city."
Phoebe nodded.
She had heard some rumors but didn't have the funds to invest in real estate or compete with the city's business moguls.
She could only watch and see who would eventually secure the prime land.
In her view, fewer than twenty companies could bid for Kedora's project.
After various stringent criteria, fewer than half would make it to the final bidding.
Brian continued, "Recently, the financial investigation team moved into the Vanderbilt Group, causing our stock prices to plummet and severely damaging the company. Now is the time to recuperate, but Edward insists on bidding for the tech district's landmark building."
Phoebe didn't know if the Vanderbilt Group was financially strained, but the investigation hadn't found any issues.
The stock drop caused a significant financial hit, but it hadn't shaken the company's foundation.
Brian, coming to her with complaints, seemed suspicious.
She didn't believe Edward hadn't informed the Vanderbilt family about Donovan's survival and the investigation's connection to him.
If Brian knew Donovan was targeting the Vanderbilt Group, his intentions today were questionable.
She lowered her gaze, feeling a chill in her heart.
When did their relationship become so complicated, with every action having a motive and an agenda?
"You guys aren't a real estate company. Bidding for land is quite sudden. This isn't something you and Edward can decide alone; it needs board approval and shareholder agreement, right?" Phoebe asked.
Family businesses especially required senior board members' consent for every decision, often making it hard to act freely.
Brian nodded. "That's true, but I'm worried about Edward. His impatience will lead him astray. Phoebe, I..."
Before Brian could finish, there was a knock on the door.
They turned to see Theodore standing at the entrance, looking dapper.
"Am I interrupting?" Theodore asked politely.
Phoebe was surprised to see him. "Are you dining here too?"
"Yeah, with some company executives next door. I heard Ms. Ziegler, who made headlines with Patrick on Facebook, was here, so I came to check. Are you done talking?" Theodore walked in and sat next to Phoebe.
Brian's brow twitched. "Mr. Reynolds, long time no see. You look great, truly a man in high spirits."
"Thanks to Edward's generosity, Phoebe agreed to reconcile with me. Right, Phoebe?" Theodore placed a hand on Phoebe's chair and looked at her.
Phoebe felt awkward and forced a laugh. "Have you finished eating?"
"Almost. Mr. Vanderbilt, if you don't mind, I'll take Phoebe over to meet the others. They're old colleagues and eager to see her." Theodore's tone was affectionate.
Phoebe felt a bit uneasy.
Was Theodore upset? She had discussed this with him.
Brian knew he couldn't say much with Theodore present, so he smiled politely. "You two seem inseparable. Alright, Phoebe, we'll talk next time."
Theodore escorted Phoebe out, sending Brian off.
He then led her to the other room, where familiar faces greeted her.
These were senior executives from the Reynolds Group, people Phoebe often interacted with before.
She felt comfortable among them.
Everyone greeted her warmly, and Phoebe responded with nods.
Theodore sat beside her, asking gently, "Did you eat enough earlier? Do you want more food?"
Phoebe shook her head. "No, I'm full. You all continue; don't mind me."
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