Forbidden Passion

Lisa immediately noticed Theodore's classy vibe and the platinum Patek Philippe on his wrist, smiling as she squinted.

Without missing a beat, Lisa pulled out a rare platinum bag from the display case and laid it on the table. "Sir, this is our latest rare platinum bag, which is very popular right now. The lady can try it on." Phoebe glanced over. It definitely looked fancier than a regular bag.

"No need for this stuff. My mom won't use it. Just get her some fruit. She'll be happier," Phoebe said.

Theodore looked at her. "We'll see after we buy it. Stop stalling and try this one."

Phoebe was speechless.

Theodore was in a spending mood. Phoebe knew arguing would just bruise his ego. She reluctantly picked up a dark green leather bag.

As Phoebe was about to head to the mirror, Lisa had someone bring over a full-length mirror. "Ma'am, check this out. You look perfect in dark green. It really suits you."

Phoebe was surprised. She'd been to Hermès many times and even attended private sales but never knew they could move a mirror right in front of her.

She glanced at Theodore, lounging on the sofa with his hand on the backrest, his platinum Patek Philippe gleaming under the light.

She got it-it was the power of money.

Phoebe looked at herself in the mirror. She was wearing a white turtleneck and a yellow coat. The dark green bag made her look very elegant. She turned to Theodore. He frowned, lifted his chin, and pointed at a magenta bag. "Try this one. It looks nice."

Lisa quickly handed over the magenta bag. Phoebe took it, looked in the mirror, and said, "Gaudy."

Theodore replied, "I just like seeing you with brighter colors. You're always in black, white, and gray. Why look so old-fashioned?" Phoebe shot back, "Are you here to pick a gift or criticize me?"

"Who advised you against collaboration? Bring out some more vibrant colors for her to experiment with," Theodore instructed.

Lisa went to the storeroom and brought out several light-colored bags, including Hermès' classic platinum bags and other youthful styles. Phoebe actually liked the dark green one, but it was too pricey. If she bought it, Evelyn wouldn't dare use it, and it would just gather dust.

However, Theodore was set on spending money. Phoebe became a doormat, trying on all the bags Lisa brought out.

Theodore was pleased with Phoebe's cooperation. He pointed to a few brightly colored bags. "These ones, deliver them to the Imperial Apartment tomorrow. We'll take the dark green one today." "Don't..." Phoebe tried to stop him, but Theodore shot her a warning glance. She bit her lip and stayed quiet.

Lisa beamed with joy. "Alright, Mr. Reynolds, please leave an address, and we'll deliver them tomorrow."

Theodore went to pay and came back with the packaged bags. Phoebe was still heartbroken. She roughly calculated that Theodore had spent at least two hundred thousand dollars in no time. Money really was something!

Theodore walked over to Phoebe, wrapped his arm around her waist, and they left with a satisfied smile under Lisa's envious gaze.

As they exited the boutique, Phoebe sighed, "My mom's gonna be thrilled."

After all, she'd been trying for three years, and Theodore had always been lukewarm towards her. They occasionally went to the Golden Apartment for dinner, and she was the one who always bought the gifts. Phoebe didn't want to owe Theodore too much, so she usually just got fruit baskets. Evelyn never said anything, probably guessing Phoebe had prepared them.

"A bag can make her that happy? Evelyn's easy to please," Theodore said.

Hearing him call her mom Evelyn made Phoebe uncomfortable. She tried to break free from his embrace, but Theodore held her waist tightly.

Phoebe frowned. "Don't hold me. It's hard to walk."

Theodore tightened his grip and whispered in her ear, "How about I carry you? You're so light. It wouldn't be much effort."

Imagining being carried by him made Phoebe's scalp tingle. She quickly said, "Then just hold me."

At least she still had her dignity.

As they passed a jewelry store, Theodore had a sudden impulse and led Phoebe inside. Phoebe couldn't stop him. "What are we doing in a jewelry store?" Theodore replied, "Looking at necklaces."

Theodore asked to see necklaces, so a salesperson promptly brought them to the necklace section. Phoebe was speechless after seeing the beautiful necklaces and their prices.

"Sir, what style are you looking for? Is it for this lady?" the sales associate asked politely.

Theodore smiled faintly. "No, it's for her mother. Something simple and elegant."

"Alright." The sales associate went to get some necklaces.

Theodore sat Phoebe down on a stool. "Pick something nice for Evelyn. Who knows when I'll be in a good mood again."

Phoebe rolled her eyes. "Even without these gifts, you're still the best in Evelyn's eyes."

"That's not enough. I need to do something tangible. You try them on. I'll look around," Theodore said and walked away, browsing the store casually.

Phoebe watched his back, feeling a headache coming on.

Soon, the sales associate brought out a few diamond necklaces, all very simple in design.

Phoebe had to admit that this jewelry store really understood women. The designs were all very beautiful, even for someone like her who wasn't into jewelry. She felt a strong urge to buy.

She tried on several, all equally beautiful, but after looking at the prices, she chose the cheapest one and asked the sales associate to wrap it up.

Just as Phoebe was about to pay, Theodore returned with another sales associate, who was holding a deep blue velvet tray.

Phoebe squinted at the dazzling items on the tray. As they got closer, she realized they were rings, designed like crowns, elegant and regal with a touch of girlish charm.

She vaguely remembered that the wedding rings worn by a celebrity couple at their highly publicized wedding were from this brand.

Phoebe's heart started to race uncontrollably. 'Why is Theodore bringing rings? Could he be planning to buy one for me?'