Chapter 1172: Compromises

Little Bunny's words were ironic to Theodore. She was willing to sacrifice everything for Addison. Did she not realize this would only enrage him further, prompting even crueler actions?

"I feel Addison is suffering because of me, not for any other reason," Little Bunny explained, sensing Theodore's mood. "When I said I wanted to be with you, it wasn't for Addison. You moved me; I felt you'd changed. If Addison's situation is resolved, our relationship won't be affected. I don't want to carry guilt toward Addison forever. I want to be honest with you."

Theodore remained indifferent. He didn't care about her sincerity; what good would it do? If she didn't like him, he couldn't change her mind. Overthinking would only humiliate him. He might as well deceive himself.

"Did Addison tell you he started using drugs because of you?!" The sarcasm was evident.

"Addison wasn't always like this. I'm not defending him, just viewing him fairly," Little Bunny replied calmly.

"I'm not questioning Addison's drug use, I just wanted to say..." Theodore paused, looking at her intently. He wanted to say Addison might not be as perfect as she believed. If Addison didn't want her help, why reveal his addiction? He knew the consequences. But in her eyes, Addison was infallible. Theodore didn't want to shatter her image of him.

As he paused, Little Bunny's phone rang.

"It's my agent," she said, glancing at the caller ID.

"Answer it," Theodore said, leaning against the headboard, smoking a cigarette.

The agent was clearly upset. "Little Bunny, I told you not to get involved with Addison! Now you're all over the news. Were you happy when they arrested him last night after someone exposed him?!"

Little Bunny clutched the phone. She thought only Laird's men, Addison, and she knew about her visit. But she'd told Addison's agent. A vague suspicion formed in her mind.

"Do you know what people are saying? That you're romantically involved with Addison, that you're close, that you might even be using drugs!" the agent raged. "You're driving me crazy! The brand merchants are calling again. Little Bunny, behave! Stop worrying about Addison! Don't interfere anymore!" The agent hung up.

Little Bunny checked the news. The footage of her visit was reported factually. But the comments were inflammatory. Two dominated: that she and Addison were romantically involved, and that she also used drugs and visited him to prevent exposure. The news was trending, demanding a response.

Little Bunny was angry. Addison's agent had set her up. Handling Addison's situation poorly would implicate her. Success would clear them both.

Theodore took a drag of his cigarette, watching her flushed face.

"What's wrong?" he asked.

Little Bunny showed him the news. Theodore's cold laughter intensified. Little Bunny had risked her reputation for Addison, perhaps even her body, judging by her actions the previous night.

"Alright, since I slept with her, I should compensate her," Theodore mused. Since she chose Addison, he'd give her what she wanted.

He returned her phone, got dressed, and left without a word. Little Bunny didn't know if he was helping. She didn't dare ask, letting him disappear for the day.

That night, she called. He answered coldly.

"Theodore, are you coming back tonight?" she asked gently.

"Concerned about my return?" he retorted sarcastically.

"I made dinner, and I'm waiting," she said calmly, sensing his displeasure.

"No need. I have things to do," he replied curtly.

"When will you be back? I'll wait for dinner," she insisted.

"Don't wait. I'll be late."

"I'll wait, no matter how late," she insisted.

Theodore tightened his grip on the phone. He couldn't refuse her kindness. He hung up.

Back at his office, after a long day dealing with Addison's case, he felt conflicted. Even with his power, the situation was complicated. A compliant solution was needed to get Addison out safely, but any such solution was illegal.

He lit another cigarette when Oscar burst in, joking, "Still here? Suddenly diligent?"

Theodore shrugged, keeping Addison's affairs secret. It was embarrassing, and he didn't want Oscar involved. Oscar was already overburdened managing the country; showing favoritism would be disastrous. Oscar had nothing to do with this mess.