Chapter 1010: Too Humble

Susan's blunt words embarrassed Oscar and Besse. Just as Besse was about to explain, Susan calmly stated, "Besse has a handsome, talented fiancé. She doesn't like Oscar."

Manuel pretended to cough.

Susan, displeased, retorted, "I didn't say anything wrong."

Michelle quickly attempted to defuse the tension. "I haven't seen Oscar bring a lady to dinner in years, I thought..."

Susan interrupted, "Michelle, do you support his second—no, third—marriage?"

Oscar pursed his lips. Theodore, on the sidelines, wore an amused expression. Manuel, suffering from a headache, anxiously awaited Susan's next remark.

"I support it," Michelle said. "Many things weren't Oscar's fault. He's lived alone for years, and Salem and Una need a mother. If someone suitable comes along, of course I support it."

Susan, touched, replied, "Michelle, you're too kind. If I were you, I would never forgive him for..."

Manuel, unable to bear it any longer, covered her mouth. He had previously confided in Michelle and Miguel about Oscar's past sacrifices for Salem, revealing his sincerity and leading to their family's reconciliation.

Susan stared at Manuel, wide-eyed.

Manuel swiftly changed the subject. "Let's eat before our food gets cold!"

Everyone began eating to ease the awkwardness.

During dinner, Theodore unexpectedly asked, "When will you return to work, Oscar?"

Oscar eyed Theodore suspiciously. "Do you need something?"

"I want to return to Kensbury City," Theodore replied. "I haven't seen my father or son in a long time; I miss them."

A flicker of conscience seemed to have surfaced.

Oscar readily agreed. "You can go. I'll be returning tomorrow."

"Really?" Theodore exclaimed.

"Yes," Oscar confirmed. "I'll leave after dinner."

"When are you leaving? Should we see you off?" Theodore asked Michelle and Miguel.

"We plan to stay for two days," Michelle replied. "To spend more time with Sal."

Theodore readily agreed, then turned to Little Bunny. "What about you?"

Little Bunny, quietly eating, hesitated. Unfamiliar with everyone and uncomfortable with the tense atmosphere, she felt uneasy being singled out.

Theodore impatiently repeated, "Are you returning? To see Nicholas?"

"I have two more rehearsals tomorrow," she replied. "I need to go back and practice my lines."

"Can't you rehearse in Kensbury?" Theodore's tone was irritated.

Little Bunny frowned. What was wrong with him?

Theodore accused her, "How long has it been since you've seen our son?"

Little Bunny avoided an argument, simply nodding. She visited at least once a week, but Theodore rarely did.

Theodore remained silent, inexplicably irritated by her earlier refusal.

Susan defended Little Bunny. "Theodore, how dare you blame her? When was the last time you saw your son?"

"That's why I'm making changes now," he justified.

"Your changes don't obligate everyone else," Susan retorted. "Your ego is enormous!"

"Do we have some kind of grudge?" Theodore exclaimed. "We always argue!"

"I am justice personified," Susan declared.

Their bickering lightened the mood. After dinner, everyone departed.

Michelle and Miguel left with Salem and Una, leaving Besse feeling a sense of loss.

Theodore gestured towards his car, where Little Bunny waited. "We're leaving, too."

"Don't bully Little Bunny," Susan reminded him before they drove away.

Theodore ignored her. Susan watched them go, muttering, "I feel like he's going to eat her alive."

Manuel urged Susan into their car. In the quiet car, Besse announced, "Doyle's going to the capital; I won't be returning with you."

Oscar, Susan, and Manuel looked at her.

"Thank you," Besse said to Oscar.

Oscar replied coolly, "When Doyle returns, he can stay in the courtyard. There are many rooms."

Susan was impressed by Oscar's generosity, his accommodation of Besse and even her lover.

"No thanks," Besse declined.

Oscar stated indifferently, "You have a court hearing; avoid trouble."

Besse hesitated.

Oscar continued plainly, "I'll be busy. If you need help, ask Manuel." His detachment was clear.

Besse understood.

"Take me to work first," Oscar instructed the driver, "then take them home."

"Yes, Commander," the driver replied.

Besse gazed out the window, feeling guilty over Oscar's excessive kindness. She silently agreed to his arrangement.

Oscar exited first. Susan finally spoke, "Besse, if not for your fiancé, I'd set you up with Oscar. He's not so bad..."

His kindness toward Besse made her feel he was too humble. Besse remained silent, wanting no further discussion. Susan, understanding, asked, "When will Doyle arrive?"

"In about an hour," Besse replied.

"Perfect! Let's pick him up."

"I'll take a taxi," Besse said.

"We could check out a handsome guy along the way," Susan joked.

"..."