Chapter 1008: The Lunch
Miguel and Michelle rose excitedly, their tear-filled eyes catching Besse's attention. The disappointment in their gaze was palpable; she wasn't the Hannah they expected. A shared glance offered each other silent comfort.
Susan, ever lively, quickly diffused the tension. She rushed to greet them warmly, her enthusiasm momentarily silencing Manuel's attempts to intervene. "Did you see Sal's performance? Amazing!" she exclaimed. Miguel and Michelle readily agreed, their own emotions still raw from Salem's recitation. Even Susan, in her excitement, didn't forget to praise Salem, much to his embarrassment. Una, beside him, playfully questioned her own merit, prompting Susan's assurances and affectionate praise.
The atmosphere in the luxurious private room was convivial. Salem, remembering his father's words about Besse's attendance, stole glances at her, his shyness preventing immediate approach. After a time, Susan's question broke the comfortable silence: "Aren't we going to eat?" Everyone sat on the sofas, awaiting the arrival of the food. "Theodore's on his way," Oscar replied calmly.
Susan, ever the instigator, suggested, "Since everyone's here, why don't we call Little Bunny?" Curiosity filled the room. "I messaged her," Susan explained, "she's filming nearby. Let's see if she wants to join." Her intent was clear—to observe Theodore's reaction. Oscar nodded silently, Manuel, as always, compliant.
Besse, finally breaking the silence, asked, "Who's Little Bunny?" Oscar, surprised by her question, quietly replied, "Theodore's wife."
Besse's eyes widened. "No one else knows," Oscar added, "just us few. They're good at pretending," Besse remarked. "It's not pretending," Oscar clarified, "they don't get along well, rarely see each other. They live separate lives." He added with a wry smile, "Susan enjoys stirring things up." Besse chuckled, despite Oscar's own earlier tacit agreement with Susan's suggestion.
A cheerful Susan announced, "She's finishing early and will be here in twenty minutes!" A sly smile accompanied her words.
Little Bunny, after finishing a scene, received Susan's call. She informed her agent and assistant, "I'm going to lunch with a friend." The agent's reaction changed upon hearing it was Susan Johnson.
Little Bunny's career hadn't been easy. Opportunities were snatched, a common occurrence, yet unsettling. Her agent, equally frustrated, often voiced his complaints about other artists' actions. Little Bunny simply wanted to focus on her acting.
Seeing her impatience, the agent shifted topics. "Remember the Addison rumour? Let's do another one."
"I refused."
"It's just for publicity. Aren't you in a movie? Same thing."
"I'm married. I'm not good at this; it would ruin my career."
The agent, skeptical of this excuse, pressed, "Who are you married to?"
Little Bunny couldn't reveal Theodore's identity. The agent's bluntness highlighted the agency's insistence on this publicity stunt. Little Bunny remained silent, gazing out the window.
The agent, despite the conflict, expressed her admiration for Little Bunny's pragmatism, wanting to help her achieve greater success.
"Honestly, if you played the game, you'd be at the top," the agent sighed. "You shouldn't be losing to those without class."
Little Bunny remained silent; the agent, believing she acted only in Little Bunny's best interests, said no more.
Soon, Little Bunny arrived at the hotel, her appearance carefully concealed. As she exited the car, the agent cautioned, "Be careful. Call me if you're caught." Little Bunny nodded and entered the building. As she reached the elevator, a familiar voice stopped her.
"Hold on."