Chapter 1015: A Bad Example

"Stay clean?" Nicholas was even more confused.

"That means," Little Bunny explained, "the place you just told Mom about—no one else can see it, except the girl you like."

"Mom can't see it either?"

"No," Little Bunny said seriously. "Even when you grow up, Mom can't see it. And in the future, you must not be like your father."

"What's that mean?" Nicholas looked curious.

Little Bunny hesitated, unsure how to explain promiscuity to a six-year-old without causing harm.

"Does Dad often show himself to other girls?"

"Mm-hmm," Little Bunny nodded.

"What's wrong with showing others?" Nicholas asked, puzzled.

"It will become dirty," Little Bunny blurted out.

"Huh?" Nicholas was even more confused. "Would being looked at make it dirty?!"

She couldn't explain further, setting down the hairdryer and touching his clean hair. "Anyway," she said, "remember what Mom said: you need to be a clean little boy. People will dislike you if you're dirty."

"Do you think Dad is dirty?" Nicholas persisted.

"We're going to eat now," Little Bunny said, avoiding the question.

"Does Mom hate Dad?"

"Nicholas!" Little Bunny pretended to be angry.

Nicholas pouted. "I just want to tell Mom that I also hate Dad. I won't be like him; I'll love being clean."

Little Bunny felt a warmth spread through her. Fearing Nicholas would follow Theodore's path, she had subtly implanted these thoughts in him.

"Mom knows you're a good boy," she said. "Let's go eat dinner now, before Grandpa waits too long."

"Okay."

Little Bunny took Nicholas's hand and they left the room. Laird only began serving dinner after seeing them arrive. The family sat together—a rare occurrence.

The dining table was quiet.

Theodore felt uneasy. "Why isn't anyone talking?"

"Eat first, then talk," Laird replied coldly.

Theodore felt like an outsider. While Laird, Nicholas, and Little Bunny passed dishes, he felt invisible.

"Why does today's food taste so bad?" Theodore complained.

"You don't have to eat it if you don't like it," Laird said, not even looking at him.

Theodore seethed with anger.

"Young master," a servant interjected, "didn't you say you wanted rabbit meat? I bought fresh rabbits and cooked them to your liking. Don't you like it?"

"When did I ever say that?" Theodore snapped at the servant.

"Last time… about four years ago," the servant replied.

"You remember something from four years ago? Your memory's too good!" Theodore retorted sarcastically.

"Because you come back so infrequently, I remember everything," the servant explained.

"Do I have to thank you for caring so much?" Theodore asked, his tone strange. "Unlike someone, I come back every year or two, and still get a sour face."

"If my face stinks, then don't come back!" Laird retorted.

Theodore pursed his lips. He couldn't win against his father, nor could he afford to offend him.

"I'm not eating anymore," he said, putting down his utensils.

"If you're not eating, get off the table!" Laird declared.

Theodore stormed off.

"Young master, what kind of rabbit meat do you like? I'll make it for you tomorrow," the servant called after him.

"Are you stupid?" Theodore turned, snapping. "I meant Little Bunny! What do you think I wanted?"

The servant blushed crimson, mortified.

Little Bunny heard everything but remained outwardly unaffected, pretending not to understand.

Theodore left the dining room without another word, returning to his bedroom instead of leaving the house, leaving Little Bunny disappointed.

"Don't worry about him," Laird said, noticing her gaze. "Let's just eat."

"All right," Little Bunny smiled faintly.

Dinner was more harmonious without Theodore.

After dinner, Little Bunny played with Nicholas until 9 PM, then prepared him for bed. She only had one visit a week.

"Mom, are you leaving tomorrow morning?"

"Yes."

"When will you be back?"

Little Bunny hesitated. "Nicholas, would you like to come with me to my place next time I pick you up?"

"Where's your place?" Nicholas asked.

"It's… where Mom lives," Little Bunny replied vaguely. "Can you live with Mom there?"

"Okay," Nicholas nodded. As long as his mother was there, it didn't matter where they were.

"It's late. Go to sleep. You have school tomorrow."

"Night night."

"Night night."

Nicholas obediently closed his eyes. Little Bunny sang softly until he fell asleep.

After Nicholas was asleep, Little Bunny hesitated at Theodore's bedroom door. She could share a bed with Nicholas if she wished. Finally, she opened the door.

Theodore sat on the bed, playing a game. He glanced up. "Is Nicholas asleep?"

"Mhm."

"This big kid still needs coaxing to sleep," Theodore said dismissively.

Little Bunny walked towards the bed resolutely. "Theodore, let's talk."

"In a moment," he replied, engrossed in his game.

Little Bunny sat on the couch, scrolling through her phone.

Finally, he put down his phone and looked at her. She seemed more attractive than ever. He got off the bed. She stood as well, and he embraced her, kissing her deeply.