Forbidden Passion

Evan held the water glass with two fingers, the transparent glass cup accentuating the distinct joints of his fingers, looking particularly elegant and long. He said, "I didn't consider it before, but now I can consider it."

Phoebe fell silent and thought, 'Is Evan so willful?'

She knew that many celebrities, after establishing their own studios, would hold onto the money-making contracts themselves and then split a portion of the contracts, such as business contracts and publicity contracts. These two contracts would be signed with other entertainment companies, firstly to allow this entertainment company to access high-end brands. Secondly, because the other party had sufficient publicity capabilities. Evan might consider signing the publicity contract with QUEEN Entertainment, probably because QUEEN Entertainment had recently successfully launched two new idols, which were typical cases in public opinion. In this way, the studio wouldn't need to hire someone else specifically for publicity and public opinion, which meant, despite being a contract, it was actually a post-work that didn't make money and wasted energy. But for QUEEN Entertainment, no matter what kind of contract, Evan's joining would quickly boost QUEEN Entertainment's reputation.

Phoebe twirled the pearl bracelet on her wrist, pondered for a moment, and said, "Why a publicity contract and not a film and television contract or a business contract?"

Evan chuckled and said, "Miss Ziegler, we are both smart. When I establish my own studio, film and television contracts and performance contracts will definitely be held by me, after all, these are the main profit-making contracts." Phoebe nodded in understanding. "I see. What about the business contract? I think QUEEN Entertainment, relying on the Reynolds Group, can access the heads of blue-blood brands. There are probably not many entertainment companies like ours that have such unique resources."

Evan chuckled softly, his voice filled with pleasure. "You're indeed a qualified businesswoman. Indeed, QUEEN Entertainment has resources to rely on, far surpassing other entertainment companies in the industry."

Phoebe looked at Evan. "So, are you considering signing the business contract with our company as well? You can't make us work hard without any benefits, can you?"

"You are truly a person cultivated by Mr. Reynolds." Evan shook his head with a smile.

In the few meetings between Evan and Phoebe, Phoebe had always been in a disadvantaged position, so he had never considered working with him. However, after today's conversation, he realized that he had underestimated Phoebe.

No wonder Theodore entrusted the vast QUEEN Entertainment to Phoebe's care. It seemed that Theodore had long been aware of Phoebe's undeniable strength. Mentioning Theodore, Phoebe's expression changed. She said lightly, "Let's not talk about Theodore. We are still friends."

Evan chuckled softly. "Alright, let's not mention him."

After the two chatted for a while longer, Evan realized that Phoebe was not just a beautiful businesswoman. She was a Harvard University graduate, truly talented.

In the end, they finalized the profit-sharing ratio for the publicity and business contracts. Phoebe drafted the initial contract on the spot, ordering John to take it to the legal department to print the formal contract after Evan confirmed it was correct.

Phoebe extended her hand, saying, "Mr. DeRoss, a pleasant collaboration!"

Evan shook her hand and suddenly said, "Miss Ziegler, if you ever feel uncomfortable at QUEEN Entertainment, you can join my studio. I sincerely invite you." Before Phoebe could respond, a man's mocking voice came from the doorway. "Daring to poach my subordinate without permission, you're the first one."

Phoebe instinctively pulled her hand back and turned to see Theodore striding in.

Theodore walked to Phoebe's side, half of his body shielding her, protecting her behind him.

Theodore stared sharply at Evan. "If you want to poach my people, dream on."

Evan didn't even look at Theodore. He winked at Phoebe. "Miss Ziegler, let me know when the contract is ready for signing after it's done."

"Alright," Phoebe replied.

Without a glance at Theodore, Evan left.

When only Phoebe and Theodore were left in the office, Phoebe turned and walked towards the desk. As soon as she took a step, her wrist was firmly grabbed by a slightly cold hand.

"What does Evan come for?" Theodore asked.

Phoebe shook off Theodore's hand, turned to look at him, and said coldly, "Mr. Reynolds, I'm working. Can you stop being so capricious?"

Theodore coldly stared at Phoebe. "I'm not being capricious. Evan just tried to poach my subordinate in front of me. You can't say I'm capricious."

"Yes, you're capricious. You take Evan's joke seriously. Do you think I'm someone everyone likes and wants?" There was a hint of self-deprecation in Phoebe's words.

Theodore tightened his lips, staring straight at her as he thought to himself, 'You, Phoebe, is indeed someone many people like. Over the past three years, countless men had set their sights on you, only to be eliminated one by one by me.' In addition, with a deeply affectionate first love in her past and Evan looking at her now, she seemed unaware of her charm.

But Theodore couldn't say that. Instead, he said, "Yes, you're right to think that way. You're so ugly and have no good figure. No one wants you except me."

Phoebe glared angrily at Theodore. "So why are you here? Do you want to hit someone again?"

Theodore knew that the matter of that slap wouldn't be easily forgotten unless he sincerely apologized. But seeing Phoebe's attitude, he couldn't set aside his pride. Gritting his teeth, he said angrily, "I see you're asking for a beating!"

With that, he left without looking back.

Phoebe's stiff posture relaxed, her hand moving to her forehead as she chuckled self-deprecatingly. 'Three years of marriage ends with a simple sentence, 'I see you're asking for a beating'. How ridiculous!' Last night, seeing Theodore drunk, she actually felt a bit sorry. She thought she was truly despicable.

In the following days, she didn't meet Theodore. When the legal department completed the contract, Phoebe noticed that the profit-sharing ratio they had agreed upon in the initial draft had been changed. Phoebe immediately called the legal department and frowned. "I remember I gave John the initial draft with a 40% share for us and 60% for Evan. Why is it now 70% for us and 30% for Evan?" The legal team stuttered and dared not speak.

Phoebe's expression turned stern. "What's going on? If you can't handle such a simple task, you don't need to stay in the company."

The legal team member hurriedly explained, "Miss Ziegler, it is Mr. Reynolds' order. I dare not disobey."

Phoebe was shocked, then coldly smiled. Theodore must be trying to sabotage her cooperation with Evan. She picked up the contract and stood up. "Go back and change the profit-sharing ratio back." "Of course, Miss Ziegler," the legal team member replied.

Phoebe took a few steps, then stopped and turned back the legal team member, saying, "Remember, I am in charge of QUEEN Entertainment. In the future, without my permission, no changes are allowed in any matters concerning QUEEN Entertainment."

Luckily, Phoebe had checked in advance. Otherwise, if Evan had seen the contract, he would have thought Phoebe was insincere, making her the one to lose credibility.