Chapter 1176: Birthday (1) Laird Gets Angry

Little Bunny accompanied Theodore back to Kensbury City on Saturday. Since her divorce, she rarely returned, her dislike for Theodore keeping her distant from Nicholas as well. Seeing Nicholas at home filled her with guilt; she shouldn't burden an innocent child with adult problems. However, she was now determined to reconcile with Theodore and spend more time with Nicholas.

Nicholas was overjoyed to see his mother and immediately began playing with Little Bunny. Theodore observed their interaction, regretting past failures to cherish such moments. He'd left them home alone while he was out, a decision he now deeply regretted.

"Theodore, come to the study," Laird said sternly, after greeting Little Bunny.

Theodore followed, the door closing behind them. Laird's expression hardened. "Are you handling Addison's case?" he asked directly.

Theodore was startled. Only he and his father should know about it. Yet, Addison had been released without charge despite evidence of drug use. Someone had interfered, and suspicion inevitably fell on Theodore.

Laird saw the silence as confirmation. He slammed his hand on the desk, startling Theodore. "Do you have any sense of propriety? Our family supports the Wells family's rule. We act for the nation, not just ourselves! You abused your power!" he roared.

Laird's anger frightened Theodore, but he could only listen to his father's harsh reprimand.

"Turn yourself in!" Laird commanded, his tone devoid of gentleness. "Let the law decide."

Theodore spoke. "Dad, I was wrong. I abused my power. To please Little Bunny, I intervened. I wanted her, and I used despicable means to achieve that. Also, Addison's drug use was a first offense; Northfield's laws are lenient, but the consequences for him as an artist were severe. I gave him a chance."

"That's still breaking the law!" Laird retorted, ignoring Theodore's explanation.

Theodore pressed on. "Before you make me turn myself in, consider this: Oscar trusts me implicitly. My arrest would cripple him and undermine our family's support of the Wells family. If you force my surrender, Oscar will learn beforehand and may abandon us, leaving him in an untenable position." He spoke swiftly and logically. He wasn't usually so astute, but the presence of two exceptionally intelligent individuals had often rendered profound thought unnecessary. His carefully considered actions were usually flawless. Today, each point struck a nerve with Laird.

Laird stared, speechless, cornered by his son's words. He couldn't let Theodore's actions go unpunished, yet he couldn't refute his logic.

"Dad, I admit my wrongdoing. I'll accept any punishment." Theodore added, knowing that self-surrender would expose Addison again, ending his career and disappointing Little Bunny.

"Punishment? How should I punish you?" Laird asked coldly.

"By the family's laws," Theodore said, kneeling.

Since he couldn't force a surrender, Laird would enforce family rules. He retrieved an iron whip.

Theodore gritted his teeth. Though frequently punished as a child, the iron whip was rarely used now. He anticipated the pain.

Just as Laird raised the whip, he said, "It's my birthday; guests arrive soon. Bruises would be a spectacle. We'll discuss this later."

Theodore nodded, aware his father wouldn't let the matter drop.

"Write a commitment letter first," Laird ordered.

Theodore complied. "If you repeat this mistake, I'll disregard your points and report you to the authorities."

"Okay," Theodore replied, knowing he would never repeat his actions. His self-respect, conscience, and faith forbade it.

He composed a carefully worded pledge. Once Laird was satisfied, Theodore left the study.

A cheerful sound echoed in the hall—Susan's arrival. Seeing Theodore's somber demeanor following Laird, she smirked. "Did Mr. Wold beat you again, Theodore?"

Theodore glanced at her. She seems silly, yet her insight is surprisingly sharp, he thought, realizing nothing escaped Susan's notice.