Chapter 1173: Guilty

"Are you going to work as usual?" Oscar refused Theodore's cigarette and asked.

"Do you have something to do?" Theodore replied.

"I plan to go to Kensbury City with Salem," Oscar said.

"To see Hannah?" Theodore chuckled.

Oscar didn't deny it.

"Hannah should still be smitten with you, right?"

Oscar felt helpless. "No," he admitted. "I've been to Kensbury City twice, and didn't see her. Maybe with Salem, there's hope."

"Good luck."

"You should leave work early too," Oscar said. "Little Bunny's in trouble, according to the news. If you want to win her back, help her."

"Okay," Theodore nodded.

"I'll go first."

"Bye."

Oscar left.

Theodore felt melancholy. Oscar trusted him implicitly, yet he was engaging in illegal activities. He knew, however, that if he didn't help Little Bunny rescue Addison, she would carry the guilt forever. He picked up the phone. "Find someone else to take responsibility and unify their statements. Addison took drugs while incapacitated, maliciously framed by someone else."

"Yes, sir," the voice replied, hesitantly. "Sir, are you sure about this?"

"I'll take responsibility if anything happens."

"That's not what I meant, sir. I just..."

"Just do it. Find someone else to take the blame and ensure their silence."

"Yes, sir."

Theodore hung up, sighing. He hadn't used his power illegally until today. He wondered if Little Bunny would one day kill him. After finishing work, he left, thinking of Little Bunny waiting at home. Despite his earlier bad attitude, he didn't want her to wait too long.

He drove faster than usual, only to find an empty apartment. Frustrated, he laughed at himself. He always took Little Bunny's words seriously, but she was merely perfunctory. Their intimacy felt like a formality, even in bed.

Tired, Theodore lay on the couch, waiting. He didn't know how long he waited before hearing the door open. He remained still, sensing someone approaching. It was Little Bunny's scent. She carefully covered him with a blanket.

"I'm back," he said, startling her.

"Did I wake you?" she asked.

"No, I wasn't sleeping," he said, sitting up.

"When did you get back?"

"A few minutes ago."

"Did you eat?"

"What about you?"

"Not yet," she said.

Theodore stared at her.

"My agent called about Addison's incident," she explained. "It's affecting endorsements. I had to give a statement. It took longer than expected because my agent wasn't satisfied with the videos. You said you'd be late, so I didn't call."

"Um."

"I'll heat up dinner," Little Bunny said, heading to the kitchen, embarrassed.

Theodore watched her go, wondering about their relationship. Was there hope? What was she thinking? Was she merely trying to please him?

Little Bunny, heating their meal, was lost in thought. Her statement protected her reputation, but severed ties with Addison. If Theodore hadn't helped Addison, she'd be the ungrateful one. But she couldn't ask him anymore. Saving Addison was a violation, and he shouldn't abuse his power. He had his own concerns.

She finally understood. Owing Addison something was a temporary obligation. Their relationship with Theodore would return to normal.

Little Bunny called enthusiastically, "Theodore, come eat!"

He joined her at the table.

"I heard you like these dishes, so I found some recipes online," she said excitedly, arranging the plates. "Please try them. Let me know if they need improvement."

Theodore looked at her, sensing she was trying to tempt him.

"Go ahead," she urged.

He took a bite of the dry-fried pork. It was crispy and tender, intensely flavored. Better than most restaurants.

He couldn't reject her, especially seeing her effort, and the tears in her eyes from the chili.

"I took care of Addison's situation," he said.

Little Bunny froze.

"How?" she asked.

Theodore chuckled softly. "How do you think?"

Little Bunny felt an inexplicable pain, realizing her debt to Theodore.