Forbidden Passion

Grace's face lit up like a Christmas tree when she saw Phoebe. "Phoebe! What brings you to the hospital?" she blurted out.

But just mentioning the hospital seemed to put a damper on Grace's mood, and her smile faded.

"Just handling some stuff. Hey, how's your mom doing? Any better?" Phoebe asked, remembering Grace's mom, Alva, was battling liver cancer.

"Mom's still going through chemo. I come here whenever I can to keep her company," Grace said, then glanced curiously at the woman standing next to Phoebe. Taylor looked super classy and put-together, about the same age as Alva but aging like fine wine, with just a few lines around her eyes.

As Grace checked out Taylor, Taylor was also giving Grace the once-over. Grace was around the same age as Madison, with delicate features that seemed kinda familiar. "And who might this be?" Taylor asked.

Phoebe jumped in, "Mom, this is Grace, an artist signed with Queen Entertainment. She's got a supporting role in Evan's new movie."

"Evan, the famous actor?" Taylor, who loved her TV dramas, perked up at the name.

"Yep," Phoebe confirmed.

Taylor gave Grace a warm smile. "If you're acting with Evan, you've got a bright future. Keep at it."

Grace felt a weird sense of déjà vu with Taylor, like they'd met before, even though they hadn't. "Thanks. Acting's my dream, and I'll work hard to make Phoebe proud," Grace said sweetly. Taylor nodded. "You two chat. I'm off to the restroom."

After Taylor left, Phoebe and Grace kept talking in the hallway. "Your scenes with the crew are almost wrapped up, right? What's next?" Phoebe asked.

Grace looked down, clearly bummed out. "Mom's condition's gotten worse. She needs surgery soon, but I'm broke. I need more roles fast, or I can't cover her medical bills." "How much do you need? I can lend it to you," Phoebe offered.

Grace's head snapped up, shaking it like crazy. "Phoebe, you've already done so much for me. I can't take your money."

"It's not a gift. Once your mom's better, you can pay me back when you start earning again, okay?" Phoebe insisted. "But..." Grace hesitated, feeling super touched by Phoebe's kindness. "Phoebe, if you were a guy, I'd marry you."

Phoebe laughed, "Cut it out. I don't date younger folks."

Grace was genuinely moved, tears welling up. "Phoebe, why are you so good to me?"

The Sullivan family's relatives, fearing they would be asked for a loan if they reached out, were quick to say they were busy whenever the Sullivans called, giving them the cold shoulder. But Phoebe didn't just stick around; she offered a helping hand when Grace needed it most. Grace would never forget that.

Phoebe patted Grace's shoulder. "Because you deserve it. I'll go settle the medical bills. You talk to the doctor and set up the surgery. Alva can't wait any longer."

"Thanks, Phoebe." Grace gave Phoebe a tight hug, then quickly let go and dashed off.

After a few steps, Grace stopped, made a heart shape with her hands above her head, and bent her knees slightly. "Phoebe, love ya!"

Phoebe couldn't help but laugh. She watched Grace run off, then turned to see Taylor coming out of the restroom, unsure how long she'd been standing there. "Mom," Phoebe called out.

Taylor withdrew her gaze. "Grace is quite the lively one. It's impressive how she stays so positive and kind despite everything."

Phoebe hesitated. "Mom, did you hear all that?"

Taylor nodded.

Phoebe quickly explained, "Mom, I'll use my own money to cover her mom's medical bills. I won't touch Theodore's money, promise."

"You silly girl." Taylor sighed. "You're doing a good thing by helping her. I'm not so strict that I'd forbid you from using Theodore's money."

Phoebe smiled sheepishly. "I'm sorry. I just thought that hundreds of thousands in medical bills is no small amount."

"Problems that can be solved with money aren't real problems. But Phoebe, it's better to help from the source. Don't let your good intentions backfire," Taylor advised. Phoebe was too kind-hearted, and Taylor worried her kindness might be taken advantage of.

"I get it, Mom. Grace is a good person. I just don't want her stressing about money," Phoebe said earnestly.

Phoebe had been through financial struggles herself and knew how tough it could be.

"I trust your judgment, and Grace seems sincere. I believe in your instincts," Taylor said.

Phoebe smiled.

Phoebe and Taylor headed back to the ICU entrance, where Phoebe immediately noticed Vanessa sitting next to Theodore, her eyes red from crying. Taylor and Phoebe exchanged a glance.

It seemed Marlowe's presence had agitated Taylor, which in turn affected her view of Vanessa. Taylor used to think Vanessa was beautiful and talented, and if Theodore and Phoebe ever split, Vanessa would be a good match for Theodore. Taylor had even regretted that Theodore missed out on the elegant and gracious Vanessa when he chose to marry Phoebe, the housekeeper's daughter. But now, seeing Vanessa's pitiful act, Taylor's face turned cold.

Taylor wondered why she hadn't noticed before how annoying Vanessa was, always hovering around Theodore, a married man, like an irritating mosquito. "Vanessa, why so sad? Who upset you?" Taylor asked.

Vanessa wiped her tears and stood up, looking pitifully at Taylor. "I'm just worried about Brandon's condition. I couldn't help it. I'm sorry, Taylor."

"Why apologize to me? I should thank you for being so concerned about Brandon's health. But with your leg injury, you shouldn't be running back and forth. Just stay with Sophia. If anything happens, Theodore won't be able to handle it," Taylor said.

Vanessa's expression froze, staring blankly at Taylor.

Taylor's attitude towards her had been unfriendly in the morning, and now she was making sarcastic remarks, hinting that Vanessa shouldn't come around anymore.

A flash of anger crossed Vanessa's eyes, but she lowered her head and put on a pitiful look again. "Taylor, I'm just worried about Theodore and wanted to check on him. I didn't mean to cause any trouble."