John paused and said, “Claire, with your fame, going solo won’t hurt you.”

Claire, worried, replied, “But I just want to stay with Phoebe.”

Claire had accidentally signed with Queen Entertainment. She thought it would take years to get popular, but luck was on her side. Without much effort, she landed a top supporting role in Hank’s movie, and her future looked bright. But, this time, Phoebe wanted to end their contract. Was it because her rise to fame was too easy?

John said, “Who doesn’t?”

Claire looked at John sadly. “Why does Phoebe want to end my contract? The agreement is all in my favor, and I can even claim a penalty fee. Is something wrong with her?”

John avoided her gaze. Phoebe had told him to keep her departure a secret until Claire officially left Queen Entertainment.

John said, “Claire, trust that Phoebe wouldn’t harm you. She also said if you want to sign with another agency, she can help you find a good one.”

Claire’s eyes filled with tears. “Am I the only one being let go?”

John couldn’t look her in the eyes. “I’m sorry. I can’t tell you.”

“I get it. Can I contact Phoebe?” Claire asked, feeling abandoned and wanting answers.

“You can, but keep the termination confidential. If it leaks, you’ll be responsible,” John warned.

Claire’s face went pale. “I understand.”

The termination agreement was in duplicate. Claire didn’t sign it. She handed it back to John. “John, can I think about it overnight?” John nodded. “Okay.”

Claire went to her room and called Phoebe. The phone rang twice before Phoebe picked up. Claire choked up before she could speak. Phoebe probably heard Claire’s sobs and sighed. “John must have seen you. It was my decision. I’m sorry I can’t stay with you.” “Phoebe, why?” Claire asked, tears streaming down her face. Why did Phoebe suddenly abandon her?

Phoebe closed her eyes. “This contract is the best gift I can give you. If you face any problems, contact me. I’ll help as much as I can.”

“But I don’t want to go anywhere. Phoebe, I just want to stay with you. Please don’t leave me,” Claire cried, her voice hoarse.

Phoebe’s heart ached. Parting was so painful. “I’m sorry.”

After the call ended, Phoebe stood by the window, looking at the night-shrouded courtyard. The winter had left the trees bare, a scene of desolation.

Phoebe wiped her eyes and sighed softly. Saying goodbye to Claire was hard enough. If Noah called to ask why, it would be even harder.

For some reason, the first time Phoebe saw Noah, she felt a sense of deja vu. Noah seemed very much like a child she had met when she was a tutor. But their last names were different.

Phoebe had a restless night, drifting in and out of dreams. One moment she was carrying young Theodore out of the mountains, the next she was teaching a class with Noah in the front row, who then turned into Theodore. The scenes shifted rapidly. She was pressed against a patterned carpet, and Theodore whispered seductively in her ear.

A knock on the door startled her awake. She sat up abruptly, the cold early winter air making her shiver and break out in goosebumps.

The knocking continued. She pressed her throbbing temples, put on a coat, and walked out of the bedroom.

Ollie, startled by the noise, had retreated to its cat house. Seeing her come out, it jumped out and meowed around her feet. Phoebe picked it up and went to open the door.

Noah stood outside, his eyes red, with a flustered John behind him.

Phoebe frowned. “What’s going on? Doesn’t your group have a performance in Lindell Harbor tonight? Why are you back?” Noah, overwhelmed with emotion, couldn’t hold back when he saw Phoebe. He stepped forward and hugged her tightly. John’s eyes widened in shock.

Phoebe was stunned. What was happening? She glanced at John, who appeared just as shocked as she was.

Phoebe’s hands froze in mid-air. Noah was holding her so tightly she could feel his strong, rhythmic heartbeat against her chest. This position was too intimate.

If Theodore saw this…

Phoebe hurriedly pushed Noah’s shoulders. “Noah, let go of me. I can hardly breathe.”

Noah’s eyes were filled with tears and panic. When he saw the termination agreement with John, he couldn’t sit still for a second.

Phoebe was going to leave him, just like he had to leave back then.

They had finally reunited, and he hadn’t even had a chance to do anything for Phoebe. How could she just walk out of his life?

Noah said, “Phoebe, I won’t terminate the contract!”

Phoebe was stunned. Noah had come because of the termination. She pushed Noah away forcefully and said sternly, “Did you leave the event in Lindell Harbor just to tell me this nonsense?” Noah was taken aback.

When Phoebe was serious, it made him instinctively feel uneasy and scared.

Phoebe’s expression turned cold. “John, book him a return ticket immediately. If he’s not on stage tonight, he doesn’t need to see me again.”

“Phoebe!” Noah finally found his voice. “I don’t understand. Why don’t you want me anymore? Is it because I didn’t perform well?”

Phoebe rubbed her forehead. “The company terminating your contract and making you a free agent is beneficial for you. How does that mean I don’t want you?”

“I don’t want to be a free agent. I just want to work for you and make money for you,” Noah said stubbornly.

Phoebe glared at him. “If you were my brother, I’d hit you. You don’t even know what’s good for you. All my efforts for you are wasted.”

Noah looked down at Phoebe, his eyes shining with a fervor he didn’t even realize. “Then hit me. Wherever you are, that’s where I’ll be. I want to work for you for the rest of my life.” Phoebe was speechless.

She pointed at Noah, laughing in exasperation. “John, personally take him back to Lindell Harbor. Also, bring back the signed termination agreement. I don’t want to waste words with him.”

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