After Phoebe swallowed her medicine, her face turned pale from bitterness.

She almost retched several times, but held it back, not wanting to give the two onlookers any satisfaction.

She took a frying pan out and placed it on the stove, then fetched a steak, broccoli, eggs, and butter from the refrigerator.

The kitchen was semi-open, and as Phoebe began to cook the steak on one side, Theodore was applying ice on Vanessa on the other side near the fridge.

When Phoebe entered, Theodore withdrew his hand, leaving Vanessa to apply the ice herself. He leaned against the sink, silent.

The atmosphere was awkward, but no one left the kitchen, as if leaving first would mean admitting defeat.

As the oil heated up, Phoebe put the steak in the pan. The oil sizzled as it hit the water, and the aroma of the meat began to fill the room. Phoebe skillfully cooked the steak while blanching the broccoli in boiling water. In less than ten minutes, dinner was ready.

She was meticulous in her plating, having been trained and berated by a certain someone for two and a half years. Even if an egg was not fried to his liking, he would find an excuse to lash out. She had no choice but to improve her culinary skills.

She picked up a knife and fork and carried the steak towards the dining table. Theodore furrowed his brows, and as Phoebe was about to pass by him, he grabbed her arm.

“Did you only prepare food for yourself?”

Phoebe scoffed, “What, am I supposed to cook for you two as well?”

Theodore’s face darkened, “Phoebe, when we have guests at home, it’s basic manners to give them something to eat as well. Didn’t your mother teach you better?” He was taking a direct jab at her upbringing.

Phoebe took a deep breath, feeling increasingly frustrated. Was Theodore really determined to make her suffer in front of Vanessa even this late into the night?

“Guest? Does she even consider herself a guest? It seems like she can’t wait to move in.”

“Phoebe!” Theodore swung his arm, and the plate in Phoebe’s hand fell to the ground with a crash, scattering the steak, eggs, and broccoli all over the floor. Phoebe looked at the mess on the floor as her fists clenched tightly.

She lifted her head, pointing her beautiful eyes, filled with rage, at his handsome face, “Theodore, are you looking for trouble?”

Theodore was more than just looking for trouble; he wished he could strangle her then and there, “Phoebe, are you getting bolder? You dare to talk to me like this?”

Phoebe had spent the afternoon dealing with the trouble Vanessa had caused and apologizing left and right. She barely had a moment to breathe before she found Vanessa in her home once again. Even worse, Theodore was only adding to her troubles.

It was impossible for her not to lose her temper.

Her chest began to heave violently and the air around her seemed to thin, making it hard for her to breathe. She gritted her teeth and turned to leave.

Once again, her arm was gripped by a strong hand. This time with so much force that Phoebe felt like her bones were about to be crushed.

“Don’t make me repeat myself. Cook with manners.”

Phoebe really wanted to pick up the steak from the floor and throw it in his detestable face, but she held back, especially with Vanessa standing there, waiting for a show. She wouldn’t give Vanessa the satisfaction. She shook off Theodore’s hand and went to the fridge to get the ingredients.

So, he wanted her to cook, fine, she would cook. As long as they could swallow it, she would cook every meal for them!

Seeing her obey, Theodore’s stern face softened slightly. He walked over to Vanessa and said, “Dinner will take a while longer. Let’s go out first.”

“Theodore,” Vanessa glanced at Phoebe, hesitating, “Leaving Miss Ziegler alone to cook doesn’t seem right. Should I stay and help her?”

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