Phoebe stared nkly at Edward, who had suddenly appeared, while Ondo''s voice echoed in her ear. "Ms. Ziegler, are you okay?" Edward stepped in front of Phoebe, backing up a bit. The truck workers kept apologizing. He waved them off and looked at Phoebe. "Are you hurt?" Edward asked.


    Phoebe snapped out of it, instinctively stepping back from Edward. "I''m fine. What about you? Why are you here?"


    Edward pointed to the Vanderbilt Group''s convoy in the distance. "I came with thepany''s vehicles. I saw you from afar and thought I was mistaken, but it''s really you. Why are you here?" Phoebe looked where he pointed. She hadn''t known the Vanderbilt Group was involved in this effort.


    "Doing good deeds is everyone''s responsibility," Phoebe said.


    Edward smiled, his eyes full ofplex emotions. "It''s a relief to see you looking so lively and well."


    Phoebe red at him. "Do people really say ''lively and well'' like that?"


    Edward raised his hand to ruffle her hair but then withdrew it. "The wound on your forehead has healed. Luckily, it didn''t leave a scar."


    Phoebe touched her forehead. "Yeah, maybe because I''m young, I heal fast. It''s all good now."


    The surface wound had healed, but only she knew if her heart had.


    Edward put his hands back in his jacket pockets. "Alright, you get busy. If you need any help,e to me."


    "Okay," Phoebe replied.


    They looked at each other for a few seconds, then Edward turned and left.


    Phoebe watched him disappear into the distance, his white jacket blending into the snowyndscape.


    She bent down to pick up a box, but Ondo stopped her.


    "Ms. Ziegler, let us handle this. It''s freezing; you should rest in the hotel," Ondo said.


    Phoebe noticed he was holding a can of milk. Her gaze paused.


    Ondo shook the can in front of her, looking pleased. "Mr. Reynolds gave me this milk. It''s still warm from his touch. He''s so considerate."


    Phoebe was speechless.


    She picked up the box and walked away. "Ondo, make sure to drink it while it''s warm. Don''t waste Mr. Reynolds'' kind gesture."


    Ondo watched her walk away, scratching his head. ''Is she jealous of the attention Theodore gave me? But I''m a dude, so I shouldn''t be a threat to Phoebe, right?'' he thought, happily sipping the milk. It was the best he''d ever tasted. "Be careful with the boxes, don''t let them hit Ms. Ziegler," he warned. "Do you know who she is? She''s Mr. Reynolds'' treasure. If you hurt her, be prepared for him toe after you."


    Ondo strutted off, drinking his milk.


    As soon as he entered the hotel, he saw thepany''s art troupe girlsing out. He greeted them with a smile.


    Violet was at the back. When she saw the can of milk in Ondo''s hand, her face turned pale.


    Ondo, clueless, greeted her cheerfully, "Miss Morris, heading to the church for rehearsal? Do your best, I''m rooting for you."


    Violet stared at the milk, feeling mocked. "Ondo, where did you get that milk?"


    Proudly, Ondo said, "Mr. Reynolds gave it to me. He said I worked hard. Mr. Reynolds is so nice."


    Violet heard some snickers from the front, her face paling even more. She bumped Ondo''s shoulder and walked out.


    "Why did she get angry?" Ondo rubbed his sore shoulder, confused.


    Violet walked into the snowstorm, hearing the girls in front whispering.


    "She should look in the mirror. She thought she was getting all cozy with him, but Mr. Reynolds ends up handing warm milk to Ondo instead. It''s hrious."


    "I think she and Ondo are quite a match. Maybe she should lower her standards and pair up with Ondo."


    "Exactly."


    The mocking voices reached Violet''s ears, filling her heart with coldness. She clenched her fists tightly.


    In her mind, Violet contemted, ''If Phoebe, a servant''s daughter, can be a mistress by climbing into bed, why can''t I? Once I secure Theodore''s favor, those who now dare to mock me will soon be at my feet, seeking my approval. Then I''ll deal with them all in my own way!''


    After lunch, everyone was to distribute supplies to various impoverished families. Ondo finished assigning groups but didn''t call Phoebe''s name.


    Phoebe asked, "Ondo, why aren''t Mr. Reynolds and I assigned?"


    Ondo wouldn''t dare let them go out in the snowstorm. If they got sick, his hopes for promotion and a raise would be dashed.


    "Ms. Ziegler, you and Mr. Reynolds should rest in the hotel. Leaders areing this afternoon; you don''t need to visit the families," Ondo said.


    Theodore frowned. "Since we''re here, we should do something meaningful. Staying in the hotel is pointless."


    Seeing Theodore unhappy, Ondo quickly said, "Then you and Ms. Ziegler can join the first group and help carry supplies. But the snowy roads are slippery and the mountain paths are tough. Stay close to Kristoff Kessler." Theodore''s expression softened. He nced at Phoebe. "Let''s go."


    Phoebe nodded. As she passed Ondo, he uneasily tugged her sleeve. "Ms. Ziegler, I need to have a word with you," he implored.


    Phoebe nced at Theodore, who had already headed into the snowstorm, and walked with Ondo to a corner of the hall. She got straight to the point. "Mr. Reynolds didn''te all this way to rx. This isn''t a ce for enjoyment, so don''t make decisions on your own. Whatever needs to be done, include Mr. Reynolds."


    "But it''s freezing out there. I''m worried about Mr. Reynolds'' health." Ondo felt stressed.


    Phoebe said, "Don''t underestimate him."


    With that, Phoebe left the bewildered Ondo and went outside.


    The weather was freezing, especially with the snow wind blowing. Phoebe put on her hood and wrapped a scarf around her face, leaving only her eyes exposed.


    She ran to Theodore''s side. He had already shouldered a basket of supplies, still standing tall and looking handsome.