Grace was on the floor, trying to pick up the tray, feeling humiliated. Suddenly, a swollen hand grabbed the tray before she could. Startled, Grace looked up and saw a familiar, beautiful face.

Phoebe tossed the tray into the recycling bin, grabbed some napkins, and handed them to Grace. “Wipe yourself off,” she said softly. Grace took the napkins and whispered, “Thanks.”

Phoebe noticed Grace’s eyes, which looked a lot like Theodore’s, and was a bit surprised. It was rare to see such a resemblance.

“Come on, get up. The floor’s cold,” Phoebe said, extending her hand to Grace, who hesitated, eyeing her hand.

Phoebe smiled. “Does my hand look scary? It’s just a little frostbite from the chilly northern weather.”

Grace saw Phoebe’s calm expression, not embarrassed at all. “I have some good ointment for frostbite at home. I’ll bring it tomorrow,” Grace offered. “Thanks,” Phoebe replied.

Phoebe helped Grace up. “When I was at your place for dinner, I heard you were in school. Why are you working now?”

Grace was surprised Phoebe remembered. “My mom’s sick. I need money.”

Phoebe raised an eyebrow. “Got it. Which department are you in now?”

“I just signed with Queen Entertainment. Ms. Ziegler, can you help me? I really need the money,” Grace pleaded, holding Phoebe’s hand.

Grace had heard Queen Entertainment had great prospects and that Phoebe had recently made Noah and Claire famous. She hoped Phoebe would notice her and help her rise to fame quickly to pay for her mom’s treatment.

After signing the contract, Grace discovered that Vanessa was the new talent director, and Phoebe had been relocated to the Reynolds Group headquarters a week prior. Despite her regrets, Grace had no choice but to press on anxiously. Phoebe looked her over. Grace had an exceptional appearance, and with the right grooming, she could attract a lot of fans just with her looks.

“I heard you’re an art student?” Phoebe asked.

Grace nodded. “Yes, I study vocal music, but I’ve been learning ballet since I was a kid.”

“No wonder you have such a good presence. If I had met you earlier, I might have been able to help you achieve your dreams,” Phoebe said, hesitating.

Queen Entertainment was no longer under her control. If she went to Vanessa, it would only harm Grace. Plus, with Madison targeting Grace, it would be tough for her to succeed.

Grace looked at her anxiously. “Ms. Ziegler, please help me. I’ll do anything to make money.”

Phoebe smiled. “Don’t worry. Let me think about it. Change your clothes first. Even if an opportunity comes, you won’t be able to seize it like this.”

Grace nodded. “Okay.”

Phoebe patted her shoulder and went back to her seat. Carol glanced at her. “Ms. Ziegler, you’re really kind.”

Phoebe looked up. “Are you mocking me?”

“How could I dare?” Carol said. “But how do you know her? Miss Reynolds has been targeting her lately, and there’s a scene almost every noon. We’re all used to it.” Phoebe frowned. “Every noon?”

“Yeah, I don’t know what Grace did to tick off Miss Reynolds. This past week, she’s either had soup dumped on her or her head shoved into a tray.”

Phoebe paused mid-bite. Madison might be arrogant, but bullying a stranger like Grace seemed out of character.

“Didn’t anyone try to stop her?” Phoebe asked.

“At first, yeah,” Carol said, sipping her soup nonchalantly. “But Miss Reynolds mentioned Mr. Reynolds. We’re all under their thumb, so even if we don’t like it, we don’t dare interfere.” “So everyone just watches her get bullied?” Phoebe asked, incredulous.

Carol raised an eyebrow. “We were waiting for you, the righteous one, to show up. Why else would I invite you to the cafeteria? To save Grace from her misery.”

Phoebe glared. “So you planned this all along.”

Carol smirked. “Mr. Reynolds dotes on you.”

Phoebe was left speechless. As she watched Grace limp out of the cafeteria, a memory flashed before her eyes: Madison being harassed by Grace’s father, Mason, outside the market. A sense of foreboding gripped Phoebe, signaling that something was about to go awry.

After lunch, they went back to the CEO’s office. Phoebe thought for a moment and sent a message to Evan. He was probably still mad at her since he didn’t reply for a long time. Phoebe placed her phone on the desk. Suddenly, the office door swung open. She looked up to see Theodore striding in.

He was carrying a paper bag. Seeing her, he walked straight over and placed it on her desk.

Phoebe looked up. “Is this for me?”

Theodore leaned against the desk, looking effortlessly elegant in his suit. “Open it and see.”

Phoebe found a red cup inside, containing a succulent plant cake so realistic that if she hadn’t smelled the cream, she might have thought it was a real plant.

“So cute. Where did you get it?” Phoebe asked.

Theodore propped one hand on the desk. Seeing her happy, he couldn’t help but smile. “After a business dinner, I saw a waiter bringing out desserts. I thought you’d like it, so I had one made for you. Try it.”

Phoebe noticed the hotel’s logo on the bag. She took out a spoon and unwrapped it but hesitated. “It’s too cute. I can’t bear to eat it.”

Theodore chuckled, “Well, in that case, let me help out. I’ll take the first bite, and then you can follow suit.”

Phoebe shot him a playful glare. “No way! You got this for me. I want to savor it all by myself.”She wanted to take a picture to remember it, but with Theodore still there, she felt embarrassed. She knew he’d tease her for being unsophisticated. Phoebe scooped a bit of cream from the edge and tasted it. The dessert was sweet but not overly so, much better than ordinary cake.

“Mm, it’s delicious,” she said happily.

Seeing her delighted expression, Theodore’s smile deepened. His hand on the desk tightened unconsciously.

Suddenly, he leaned down, pressing one hand on Phoebe’s neck, making her look up. He lowered his head and kissed her, licking the corner of her lips.

The sweet taste of cream spread on his tongue, and he couldn’t help but deepen the kiss.

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