Forbidden Passion

Phoebe glanced up, pointed at the payment line, and motioned for Lori to check it out. "Get the legal team on the phone and see if this payment is a mistake." Lori, sounding doubtful, replied, "Ms. Ziegler, you think they messed up?"

"We agreed on $4 million last night. If there's an error, we need to fix it ASAP. Go on, hurry."

Lori nodded and left.

After Phoebe finished going through the contract, Lori came back. "Ms. Ziegler, the legal team from "Ice and Fire" confirmed the payment is correct."

"Alright, the contract's good. Let the legal department know they can proceed." Phoebe handed the contract back to Lori, about to give more instructions when there was a knock on the door. Phoebe looked up to see Noah standing there, wearing sunglasses and a casual suit. He took off his shades and grinned, "Phoebe, am I interrupting?"

"Noah. You can talk to Ms. Ziegler." Lori quickly exited with the contract, closing the door behind her.

Noah strolled in, leaned against the desk, and looked down at Phoebe. "I heard you went with Wesley to an audition yesterday. I didn't get that kind of treatment." Phoebe thought she detected a hint of jealousy in Noah's voice.

"Did Alfonso not take care of you?"

Phoebe had Alfonso looking after Wesley, which meant less time for Noah. But Noah didn't really need Alfonso's help anymore; he could handle things himself. "No." A flicker of hurt crossed Noah's face.

Noah knew Phoebe always saw him as a little brother despite his countless hints of romantic feelings, she always played dumb.

Sometimes Noah really resented Phoebe. She was smart, but she always ignored his feelings.

Phoebe smiled, "Wesley is new and doesn't know the ropes. He needs someone experienced to guide him. Alfonso has a lot of experience, so I trust him with Wesley." Noah could tell Phoebe was trying to reassure him, worried he might be upset.

Noah drummed his fingers on the desk. "I don't want to play a high school student. I want to play Nicholas."

Noah had read the script. Nicholas was a tough, masculine character with an innocent face but a fighter's spirit. The script described Nicholas as muscular and full of testosterone. Compared to the high school role, Noah wanted to play the hunk, to show Phoebe his manliness.

Maybe then, she wouldn't see him as just a little brother.

Phoebe rubbed her temples, speaking gently, "Don't be ridiculous."

"I'm not being ridiculous," Noah said seriously. "Even Claire's first role was a female general. Why should I play a high school student?"

Phoebe blinked, a slight smile on her face. "Your recent outfits have a business vibe. Is that why?"

Noah had started in a boy band, usually dressing casually and trendy. But lately, he'd been wearing shirts and suits, looking more like a city professional.

Phoebe initially thought it was Alfonso's idea, but now it seemed like Noah himself was tired of looking too young and wanted a more mature style.

Phoebe saw through Noah's little scheme right away, and his cheeks turned red. "No, I just figured I shouldn't always look the same."

Phoebe squinted and sighed after a moment. "Noah, the role of Nicholas doesn't suit you. You started in a boy band, and to your fans, you're always an idol. If you suddenly play a muscular, tattooed guy, have you thought about how shocked your fans would be?"

Noah wanted to change his acting path, but it had to be gradual. Otherwise, the contrast would be too much, and the fans wouldn't accept it.

Noah, sounding frustrated, said, "I don't want to be an idol. I want to be a man."

Phoebe's shoulders shook with suppressed laughter. "Who can take away your right to be a man?"

Noah felt so embarrassed. What had he just said?

Seeing Phoebe's eyes filled with laughter, her lively expression made his heart skip a beat.

He felt that embarrassing himself in front of Phoebe didn't matter, as long as it made her happy.

Noah's shoulders slumped in defeat. He was really done for. After secretly loving Phoebe for so many years, he was increasingly unsatisfied with just seeing her. He wanted to hug her and kiss her.

If he kept thinking like this, something bad would happen. Noah suppressed the little spark in his heart and didn't dare to look at Phoebe's face.

Phoebe looked up at him. "Are you hot?"

Noah snapped back to reality, met her clear and pure gaze, then quickly looked away. "No."

Phoebe stared at the blush on his cheeks and said calmly, "Then why are you blushing?"

Noah stood up as if electrocuted and walked out without a word. "I have an appointment later, Phoebe. See you."

Phoebe watched his retreating figure and shook her head.

Noah had just turned 25 this year. Although he dressed maturely, he was still a kid at heart.

Phoebe thought of something and pressed the intercom. "Lori, sign Wesley up for a fitness class. Before 'Ice and Fire' starts filming, make sure he builds up his chest and abs." Lori was speechless.

The character Nicholas was supposed to look lean in clothes but muscular when shirtless. Given that he was always in dangerous situations and fighting the toughest battles, if he didn't have the physique, even Phoebe wouldn't want to watch. After hanging up the phone, Phoebe tried to recall if Wesley had any chest or abs when he tore his shirt last night. But all she could remember was Theodore's cold, handsome face.

In the afternoon.

Lori found a personal trainer for Wesley at the gym downstairs. The trainer did a body assessment for Wesley.

Wesley usually ran, so he had a fit body, but his muscle mass was low.

The trainer made a 30-day training plan for Wesley, aiming to increase muscle mass. During this time, Wesley had to strictly follow the trainer's diet plan, consuming more protein and reducing carbs.

When Wesley thought about having to say goodbye to his favorite food, he almost cried on the spot.

When Lori went upstairs to report to Phoebe, she was laughing so hard she was bent over.

Phoebe couldn't help but laugh too. "Tell him he can have his favorite food once a week, but no more than that."