Chapter 1148: Theodore's Revenge, Heartbreaking Pain

Addison froze, his hand stiffening. He hadn't expected Little Bunny's words—words that so deeply wounded his pride. Did her career and status mean more than anything else? He laughed coldly. He'd been the fool. He'd assumed Little Bunny was a victim of Theodore's advances, forced into submission. He'd pitied her, wanting to protect her, to offer her warmth. The truth was far different: Little Bunny craved Theodore's status, his power, the elevated position it afforded her. He had been utterly wrong.

For years, he'd heard tales of her hard work, her clean reputation, unlike other female celebrities. He'd believed her a good girl, needing rescuing. He'd overestimated himself, profoundly.

Lowering his hand, a smile masking his tears, he conceded, "I'm sorry. I thought I could have you, but I couldn't."

Her heart ached unbearably, but in Theodore's presence, she couldn't show any softness toward Addison. She said, "Perhaps you misunderstood. Everything's clear now, Mr. Chasey. Please don't overthink it."

"I won't," he replied.

Little Bunny endured her pain silently as they watched Addison approach Theodore. "Mr. Wold," Addison began, "it was a misunderstanding. I'd been drinking, and I tried to take advantage of her. She resisted until I threatened to spread rumors unless she kissed me."

Bang!

Theodore punched Addison, the force sending him sprawling. Little Bunny stood nearby, her hand over her mouth in fear. Addison's face swelled instantly. He had a movie to shoot; his face couldn't be ruined. Little Bunny dared not intervene, only watching as Theodore, consumed by rage, continued his assault.

"If you ever try that again," Theodore snarled, "this will be nothing. You'll wish you were dead."

Addison writhed in pain, his body curled into a fetal position. Little Bunny's eyes were moist and red, brimming with unshed tears.

Theodore turned to Little Bunny, who, meeting his gaze, quickly looked away from Addison. Appearing calm, she approached Theodore, taking his hand. It wasn't a lover's reluctance to let go, but a desperate attempt to stop the beating.

"Theodore, let's go," she said, forcing a smile.

Theodore looked at her, his expression unreadable. He cupped the back of her head and kissed her hard. Little Bunny, unprepared for this public display, felt revulsion, yet she reached up, her arms encircling his back. She closed her eyes and responded, her first initiative in a kiss—but for another man.

Theodore's kisses grew rougher, a punishing declaration of possession.

Addison watched, his earlier assumptions crumbling. Little Bunny wasn't merely passive; with Theodore, she was proactive. He'd overestimated himself. What was he compared to Theodore—a powerful figure who could easily destroy his career? The idea of saving Little Bunny now seemed ludicrous. He stumbled to his feet, his face devoid of expression, and left without a word.

Theodore released Little Bunny, his gaze searching hers. Her forced smile barely masked the pallor of her face.

"Should I deal with him?" he asked, looking into her eyes.

Fear flickered in Little Bunny's eyes.

"So you think I believe this act? That you have nothing to do with him? That you don't like him?" He wasn't a fool. He saw through her charade, her desperate attempt to protect Addison.

A tear escaped Little Bunny's eye. Was it helplessness, fear for Addison, or exasperation with Theodore?

Theodore caught the tear with his finger. "Who are you crying for?"

Addison? Was she saddened by his threat?

"What do you want me to do, Theodore?" she asked, her voice calm despite the tears streaming down her face.

"Do you want me to give up acting?" she whispered, the question laced with agony. The thought of Theodore forcing her into a corner, ultimately destroying her, haunted her.