Chapter 1009: He's a Loser

Little Bunny paused as Theodore entered, breathing heavily. He’d been caught in traffic and was half an hour late, as Oscar’s message had warned. Stepping into the elevator, he found the floor button already pressed. Turning, he saw a woman inside, wearing a duckbill cap, sunglasses, mask, and loose clothing that barely concealed her striking figure.

"Are you sure you're going to this floor?" Theodore asked.

This was their dinner reservation, arranged by Theodore himself.

Little Bunny nodded hesitantly. She realized it might not be just she and Susan, but couldn't turn back. She didn't want to see Theodore, yet didn't want to disappoint Susan.

Theodore dismissed her with a curt "Whatever." He wasn't feeling charitable; even if they rode up together, he figured she'd be dismissed eventually.

The elevator arrived. Theodore exited quickly; Little Bunny followed moments later. Restaurant staff stopped her for identification, but Theodore passed unhindered.

Theodore turned, snorted at the woman, and entered the private room.

"I'm sorry I kept you waiting," Theodore apologized, seeing the assembled guests. "I was stuck in traffic. I'll punish myself with extra drinks."

"Don't flatter yourself. We weren't waiting for you," Susan began.

"Then why didn't you start?" Theodore thought it a weak excuse.

"We were waiting... for Little Bunny!" Susan exclaimed, noticing her friend, now without her disguise. Hat, sunglasses, and mask were gone.

Little Bunny smiled at Susan, then greeted the others, who looked surprised but relieved.

"Hi, Susan," she said politely, feeling awkward under their scrutiny. She then greeted everyone in the room.

She was surprised to see Besse.

"Mr. Wold," Little Bunny greeted formally.

"..."

Theodore felt uncomfortable. Wasn't she his wife? Why the formality?

Susan laughed. "No wonder no one believes you're a couple, with this distance between you two."

Little Bunny blushed; Theodore glared at Susan.

Manuel intervened, "Now that everyone's here, let's eat."

"Okay," Susan agreed eagerly. "I'm starving!"

"You didn't have to wait long," Little Bunny said.

"No worries," Susan said. "Theodore just arrived too."

Little Bunny felt a warmth spread through her.

They sat down to a lavish meal. Susan, talkative as ever, began before they’d even started eating. "Firstly, congratulations to Salem and Una! Let's raise our glasses!"

Everyone obliged.

"Sal," Susan turned to him. "A few words? The poem about your mother—yours, or your teacher's help?"

Salem, shy and self-conscious under the spotlight, answered modestly, "It was done with my teacher."

"So it was your idea?" Susan pressed.

"Yes."

"Do you miss your mom?" Despite knowing better, Susan asked another sensitive question.

Salem nodded. "Yes."

His honesty moved everyone, including Besse, who’d been observing Salem but held back due to the crowd. His words resonated deeply with her.

She pursed her lips, lost in thought. She’d just received a message from Doyle; he’d be in the capital tonight. Karami's internal affairs were settled. They’d agreed to remain silent, letting the world slander them while they investigated secretly.

She felt surprisingly unexcited about Doyle's return. Perhaps she wasn't used to relying on others.

"Besse," Susan called twice.

Besse started, smiling awkwardly. "What's up?"

"Let me introduce you to Miguel and Michelle," Susan said. "Salem's grandparents. You haven't met."

"Yes," Besse replied politely, rising and raising her wine glass. "Nice to meet you, Mr. and Mrs. Cooper."

"Hello, dear!" the elders replied, raising their glasses. "For a second, we thought you were our daughter."

Besse laughed lightly. "Commander, Susan, and Manuel have all made that mistake."

"You're too similar," Michelle added. "I almost couldn't tell the difference."

Besse was unsure how to respond, noticing Michelle's hidden pain, which mirrored a discomfort in her own chest.

"Are you Oscar's girlfriend?" Michelle asked bluntly.

Susan, drinking nearby, nearly choked, covering her mouth as Manuel gently patted her back, fearing her cough might trigger his heart condition.

"Be careful! The doctor said coughing is dangerous," Manuel cautioned.

Calming down, Susan retorted, "He's a loser."