"Phoebe! Are you trying to scare me to death? Why did you run off without a word? I've been searching everywhere! I thought something happened to you!" Kimberley spotted Phoebe from afar and started scolding her."..."When Phoebe didn't respond, Kimberley shook her stiff, icy body.The motion was too sudden. Phoebe raised her head, her eyes filled with a pitiful sadness that tugged at Kimberley's heart."Phoebe, what's wrong? You were fine just a minute ago. Why are you crying now? Did some jerk do something to you?"Phoebe tilted her head back, determined to keep her tears from falling."I'm fine. My eyes are just a bit uncomfortable.""Uncomfortable?" Kimberley frowned. Like hell I believe that. Her instincts as a woman told her something had definitely happened."Are you sure you're okay? If not, let's just head back. I'll stay for another half hour and then leave too.""I'm fine. Let's go back inside." Phoebe sniffled and forced a smile."Really?""Really."***Back at the banque
After sending Hermosa back, Alexander quickly drove to the dinner party. By the time he arrived, Phoebe was already gone.He wasn't truly indifferent, or cold-hearted. Perhaps, it was just that with Hermosa by his side, he didn't want her to misinterpret the situation.When he learned that someone had intervened on Phoebe's behalf, he still felt somewhat down. He pinched the bridge of his nose, thinking, Her heart must have shattered again after that encounter.What was wrong with him? Why did that woman manage to frustrate him so?Phoebe made up an excuse and got off the car midway, wandering the streets alone. Her phone rang for a while before she finally answered."Hello.""Has the dinner ended?" Gavin's deep voice came through.Phoebe responded, her tone more numb than emotional. "It's over.""I left early," she added."Where are you? I'll come pick you up."She glanced at the street signs nearby, naming the street for him."Wait there. I'll be right there."In just a moment, a he
Gavin parked the car by the side of the road and turned to glance at Phoebe. She was sound asleep, her head resting against the car window.Her delicate white face, long curled lashes, and rosy lips made her look like a crystal doll.She was beautiful, stunning enough to make his heart race. Gavin leaned closer and softly pressed his lips against her pale ones.It was a deep kiss.Perhaps his movement disturbed Phoebe, as she slowly opened her eyes and found herself face-to-face with his handsome features.Her eyes widened, realizing he was kissing her.Her cheeks flushed slightly, but she didn't push him away. Instead, she pretended to close her eyes again.Gavin kissed her lips once more, but this time, he didn't deepen it. A light, loving kiss was enough to leave him satisfied.He pulled away and smiled at her, noticing her trembling eyelashes."Awake?"His voice was low and seductive, and Phoebe awkwardly opened her eyes."I'm going back now. Be careful on your way.""Mm." Gavin s
"Phoebe, pack your things and report to the CEO's office now!" the HR manager, Alvis, commanded.Phoebe, who had been carefully organizing documents at her desk, immediately stopped what she was doing and responded, "Got it, sir!""I mean NOW! Don't keep boss waiting!" Alvis urged. Phoebe didn't dare hesitate any longer and hurriedly stood up to gather her belongings.Ten minutes later, she was on the top floor, her arms full of items.The company had been doing well, but for some reason, it was mysteriously acquired by an unknown corporation last week, and with that, a new boss had taken over.The news had shocked the entire staff, including Phoebe. But what puzzled her even more was how she had inexplicably become the new CEO's secretary.Was she lucky or unlucky?On one hand, her salary had doubled, but on the other, she had suddenly become the target of envy and hostility from the female employees.As she stepped out of the elevator and arrived at the CEO's office door, she knocke
Five years ago...Outside a dimly lit, intoxicating bar at night, Phoebe stood with her head lowered, nervously watching the men and women who continuously went in and out of the establishment.It was her first time in a place like this, and the unfamiliar environment already made her feel uneasy. The leering gazes of some of the men nearby only heightened her anxiety, causing her to break out in a cold sweat. She was too scared to even take another step forward."Hey, are you...?" A voice suddenly appeared near her ear, making her heart skip a beat. The man didn't say so explicitly, but the leering look up and down his face said it all.Phoebe timidly raised her head, only to regret coming here the moment she saw the disgusting man standing in front of her. But there was no turning back now.A bitter taste spread in her mouth as she lowered her eyes. Did she even have a choice? She didn't.Her father was still lying in a hospital bed, her brother had accumulated a massive debt due to
On a summer night, the city was ablaze with lights, hosting a world-renowned luxurious yacht party.Phoebe stood still by the window like a beautiful statue, not moving an inch.However, her hands at her sides were clenched tightly, her knuckles pale. The sea breeze brushed her face, but all she could feel was a bone-chilling cold. The moonlit night outside was mesmerizing, yet she had no heart to appreciate it.Watching the elite guests move across the yacht's deck, each of them radiated an aura of wealth and prestige. They whispered in low voices, laughing softly, clinking their glasses in elegant toasts.She smiled bitterly. This was the stark difference between the rich and the poor.The world was never fair, and all she could do was use her body to save her family.Raising her eyes to the empty night sky, her heart filled with a deep sadness. She felt utterly lost."Follow me." A deep, magnetic voice came from behind her.Phoebe closed her eyes and took a deep breath, her chest r
Without warning, darkness engulfed the room, plunging her into a pitch-black world.Power outage?Phoebe's heart clenched, fear and panic consuming her.It felt like a suffocating weight was closing in, making her body tremble uncontrollably.Suddenly, a gust of wind swept past her, and before she could react, a strong arm wrapped tightly around her waist.Her bare back pressed against a firm chest. Even through the fabric of his shirt, she could feel the heat emanating from him.Startled, she let out a cry, "NO..."But the man chuckled darkly, his deep, husky voice breaking the silence of the room. "Don't make a fuss..."His voice was intoxicating, but why did it carry such an overwhelming sense of dominance? The aura of this man was formidable!"You...who are you?" Phoebe mustered the courage to ask, her voice trembling.Though the room was pitch dark, the man's sharp eyes could clearly catch every emotion in her wide, clear eyes—those beautiful eyes, like black pearls, pure and flaw
Two years later.At the art gallery, the staff bustled through the exhibition halls, meticulously preparing for an upcoming grand solo art show."Phoebe! How's the progress on Curtis' exhibition?" A deep voice asked from the other end of the phone."Everything's ready, just waiting for the gallery to open." Phoebe adjusted the outdated glasses perched on her nose. Her long hair was tied into a neat ponytail, giving her a fresh and elegant appearance.After hanging up, Phoebe carefully examined the paintings on the wall. This exhibition was part of Curtis' nationwide tour, and she was fortunate to have been selected as the temporary tour assistant for this world-renowned artist.During a small exhibition, one of Phoebe's own pieces caught Curtis' eye by chance. He appreciated her unique perspective on art, and that stroke of luck made her his chosen assistant.Phoebe had a natural talent for painting.For the past two years, her goal had been to apply to Valleybrook's top art school. H
Gavin parked the car by the side of the road and turned to glance at Phoebe. She was sound asleep, her head resting against the car window.Her delicate white face, long curled lashes, and rosy lips made her look like a crystal doll.She was beautiful, stunning enough to make his heart race. Gavin leaned closer and softly pressed his lips against her pale ones.It was a deep kiss.Perhaps his movement disturbed Phoebe, as she slowly opened her eyes and found herself face-to-face with his handsome features.Her eyes widened, realizing he was kissing her.Her cheeks flushed slightly, but she didn't push him away. Instead, she pretended to close her eyes again.Gavin kissed her lips once more, but this time, he didn't deepen it. A light, loving kiss was enough to leave him satisfied.He pulled away and smiled at her, noticing her trembling eyelashes."Awake?"His voice was low and seductive, and Phoebe awkwardly opened her eyes."I'm going back now. Be careful on your way.""Mm." Gavin s
After sending Hermosa back, Alexander quickly drove to the dinner party. By the time he arrived, Phoebe was already gone.He wasn't truly indifferent, or cold-hearted. Perhaps, it was just that with Hermosa by his side, he didn't want her to misinterpret the situation.When he learned that someone had intervened on Phoebe's behalf, he still felt somewhat down. He pinched the bridge of his nose, thinking, Her heart must have shattered again after that encounter.What was wrong with him? Why did that woman manage to frustrate him so?Phoebe made up an excuse and got off the car midway, wandering the streets alone. Her phone rang for a while before she finally answered."Hello.""Has the dinner ended?" Gavin's deep voice came through.Phoebe responded, her tone more numb than emotional. "It's over.""I left early," she added."Where are you? I'll come pick you up."She glanced at the street signs nearby, naming the street for him."Wait there. I'll be right there."In just a moment, a he
"Phoebe! Are you trying to scare me to death? Why did you run off without a word? I've been searching everywhere! I thought something happened to you!" Kimberley spotted Phoebe from afar and started scolding her."..."When Phoebe didn't respond, Kimberley shook her stiff, icy body.The motion was too sudden. Phoebe raised her head, her eyes filled with a pitiful sadness that tugged at Kimberley's heart."Phoebe, what's wrong? You were fine just a minute ago. Why are you crying now? Did some jerk do something to you?"Phoebe tilted her head back, determined to keep her tears from falling."I'm fine. My eyes are just a bit uncomfortable.""Uncomfortable?" Kimberley frowned. Like hell I believe that. Her instincts as a woman told her something had definitely happened."Are you sure you're okay? If not, let's just head back. I'll stay for another half hour and then leave too.""I'm fine. Let's go back inside." Phoebe sniffled and forced a smile."Really?""Really."***Back at the banque
The banquet hall sparkled with champagne, fine wine, and dazzling lights, creating a scene of vibrant festivity.When Phoebe and Kimberley entered, they immediately turned heads, causing quite a stir. The gazes of the men at the party, bold with greed and unrestrained desire, fell upon them with blatant admiration.Kimberley remained poised and confident, clearly experienced in handling such grand occasions. In contrast, Phoebe's palms were clammy with nervous sweat. The traumatic memories from her past still haunted her, and it had taken a tremendous amount of courage to convince herself to accompany her director tonight.Their objective was straightforward: to promote their company and capture the attention of elite socialites, celebrities, and influential figures. Their striking entrance was meticulously planned to achieve maximum impact.In the car on the way over, Kimberley had advised Phoebe, "If you can't drink, just say you're unwell or make up any excuse, but don't accept dri
At five in the afternoon, Phoebe accompanied Kimberley, the design director, to the event.Being part of the design department, they were meticulous about their attire.Not only did they need to be fashionable and stunning, but their outfits also had to be creative and unique.Donning the latest exquisitely designed gowns, they headed to an elite styling studio.The stylists worked their magic, crafting flawless makeup and elegant hairstyles. Paired with chic jewelry specifically prepared by the company, the two of them stepped out looking radiant, exuding a charm that rivaled international superstars.The perfect blend of sophistication and elegance, Phoebe, in particular, dazzled. With her natural beauty, even a touch of makeup transformed her into a breathtaking vision.The moment she emerged, she captivated everyone's gaze. There was a collective pause, eyes wide with admiration, as if time itself had stopped.Kimberley, a strikin
Phoebe answered the phone, and Gavin's deep voice came through, "Where are you?""I don't know," Phoebe murmured, glancing around. "I'm not sure where I am.""Are you lost?""Seems like it," Phoebe nodded, suddenly realizing she had no idea where she had wandered to."What buildings are around you?""There's a French restaurant.""What's it called?"Phoebe looked up and said, "Jesse.""Alright, don't move. I'll come to you.""Actually, I can just take a cab back," Phoebe said, feeling a little guilty for always bothering Gavin."Wait there," Gavin cut her off before she could say anything more and hung up the phone.Phoebe sat down at a nearby spot, waiting for him. The wind blew her long hair, and the moonlight illuminated her beautiful face. As she looked at the empty surroundings, she suddenly felt very lonely.Maybe it was seeing other people's happiness that stirred her emotions. She felt a mix
Gavin's car was already parked there. Phoebe got in, "Why did you come over at noon?""Not much going on today, so I thought I'd take you to the office.""Gavin, you don't have to pick me up, I can go by myself.""I'm just passing time. Have you eaten?" Gavin smiled faintly."I've eaten." Actually, she hadn't. She just didn't want to be too clingy with him. It seemed like every time she was hurt, he was the one by her side.He glanced at her, a faint smile curving on his lips, "I haven't eaten. Come have lunch with me."She followed him to an upscale French restaurant. Gavin ordered a lot of food, but he never touched any of it, just watching her eat.He always looked at her like this, and she felt embarrassed to eat. She was supposed to be eating with him, but since he didn't touch his food, she ended up eating most of it.Phoebe couldn't help it anymore and looked up, "Why aren't you eating? Didn't you say you hadn't eaten?"
Under the night sky, Alexander stood frozen. He watched her cold, retreating figure, her tiny shoulders trembling, and his heart ached. A complex and conflicting light flickered in his eyes. For a moment, he wanted to rush to her, hold her in his arms.But he resisted the intense urge inside him, reminding himself that he didn't deserve to do that. This was the best outcome. Hermosa was back, and the substitute should exit the stage now. There was no need for further entanglement.He never truly loved her. Whether she was hurt or not didn't matter to him.The step he had just taken halted, and he turned back, coldly getting into the car. He started the engine and disappeared quickly into the dark night.The short journey felt like a lifetime for Phoebe.She didn't know how much strength it took to get home, but the moment she leaned against the door, Phoebe collapsed, sliding weakly down the cold door to the ground.Crying, she hugged her kn
Despite her overwhelming sadness, Phoebe still attended her classes each day.During the day, she appeared perfectly fine. But at night, when she was alone, she cried until her heart broke, until the pain consumed her."Phoebe, let's apply for an internship at Mac Group," Alva suggested suddenly.She already knew about Alexander and Phoebe's breakup. That jerk. Alva had been furious and wanted to confront him, but Phoebe had stopped her. Seeing her friend remain calm reassured her somewhat."But we haven't graduated yet. Isn't it too soon for an internship?" Phoebe asked, confused. They were still far from graduation."I saw a notice about them hiring interns. It's a part-time schedule — afternoons and evenings only — and we get to manage our own mornings. Right now, we only have morning classes, so it fits perfectly," Alva explained. "And listen, this company is a big deal. They hire interns to train for full-time roles after graduation.""But it's not even related to our field.""Wh