Chapter 423: Try Your Best!

"Nobody gets a free ride around here," Laird said disdainfully. "We have a venture capital company, working nine-to-five. You can work there. Marketing director—the position's yours; you can start tomorrow."

"Dad, you know I don't like this kind of routine work," Theodore replied, unhappy. He was not only getting married soon, but the rest of his life felt preordained.

"Whether you like it or not is none of my concern. You will do as I say!" Laird's tone left no room for argument.

Theodore felt close to an emotional breakdown.

"I'm not finished," Laird continued. "You must be home before 6:00 p.m. Special circumstances can be reported in advance. A valid reason might allow a later return, but any unauthorized lateness will have consequences."

Theodore, feeling despondent, dared not object.

"Fourth," Laird continued, his expression serious, "no illicit relationships with other women. If I find out, I'll break your legs!" Theodore believed him.

"That's all for now," Laird said. "I'll add more later if I think of anything."

He immediately did. "By the way," he said to Little Bunny, "you're an actress, right?"

"Yes," Little Bunny replied, nodding.

"Cancel all your work today and terminate your agency contract. Just tell me how much you need."

"Yes," Little Bunny responded.

"Theodore, accompany her to pack her belongings and handle her affairs," Laird ordered. "Now, I have something to discuss with Master Oscar alone."

Theodore quickly rose. Little Bunny also stood and left the hall with him.

As they entered the car, Theodore's pent-up frustration erupted. He roared his anger. Little Bunny watched, silent. He eventually calmed down.

In the quiet car, Little Bunny summoned her courage. "I'm sorry, Mr. Wold. I never intended for this to happen. I never expected your father to let me keep the baby and marry you."

Theodore was furious, but he knew she was blameless. Her behavior today proved she was not manipulative; she, too, was unaware. He had no reason to blame her.

"I'm sorry," Little Bunny repeated, receiving no immediate response.

"It's not your fault," Theodore said. "I was careless; I forgot my father always has people watching me."

Laird's distrust meant constant surveillance. Theodore hadn't considered this when dealing with Little Bunny's situation. He never imagined his ambitious father would allow her to keep the baby. He'd underestimated his father's capacity for cold calculation. Had he known, he would have been far more cautious.

Regret gnawed at him.

Little Bunny looked at him, surprised by his lack of blame. Most would assume she'd plotted this. Many women would covet the chance to marry a Wold heir. She feared his misunderstanding, fearing a bleak future. Yet, despite his anger, he didn't lash out at her.

For the first time, she found him not entirely unlikeable. At least he didn't throw a tantrum.

"Mr. Wold, I don't want this role. I can't take it anymore. Your father won't let me work, and I'm sorry for causing you so much trouble."

"It's my fault," Theodore replied, disinterested. "If you can't do it, give it to someone else. It's easy enough for me."

"I can give it to someone else?" she asked incredulously.

The implication of his simple statement was immense; the opportunity represented a precious boon for struggling actors.

"Yes," Theodore confirmed.

"Thank you, Mr. Wold. Thank you so much," Little Bunny exclaimed, thrilled.

She'd been friendly with Caroline since joining the company. Caroline's career hadn't progressed well. Little Bunny saw the role as a significant opportunity, a potential breakout part. She decided to give it to Caroline, hoping to help her friend. Moreover, if Caroline's career took off, she could potentially offer support after her divorce from Theodore.

Thinking of Gabby, Little Bunny felt no guilt. If Gabby hadn't stolen her role, she wouldn't be in this situation.

Preoccupied, she rode in silence. The car arrived at her apartment.

"Do you need my help?" Theodore asked.

"No, I don't have much."

"I'll send the driver with you."

"No, I can manage myself," Little Bunny said. "I don't want too many people to know about us."

Theodore, anticipating their eventual divorce, agreed.

Back at the apartment, Gabby practiced yoga, Caroline her lines.

"All right, you don't have a role. It's boring listening to your practice. Can't you be quiet?" Gabby snapped.

Caroline flinched, preparing to retreat to her room.

"Caroline," Little Bunny called.

"Hi, Bunny, you're back," Caroline greeted her brightly. "Did you go out for an audition this morning?"

"No," Little Bunny said, pulling Caroline into her room.

Gabby watched, smiling sarcastically, deeming them both failures destined for obscurity.

"I want to move out, Caroline," Little Bunny said.

"Why?" Caroline asked, surprised.

"I won't be in the entertainment business for a while."

"Why? What happened? Didn't we agree to succeed together?"

"Relax," Little Bunny reassured her. "Maybe I'll be back in a year or two."

"Are you being kept by someone?" Caroline guessed, boldly.

"No, I'm just taking a break," Little Bunny said, withholding the truth. In show business, friends could betray each other for a juicy story.

"I just want you to know I hope you do well, become a successful actress," Little Bunny said.

Caroline was reluctant to see her go.

"Try your best!" Little Bunny said with a smile.

"I'll wait for you to come back!" Caroline replied, smiling.

Little Bunny nodded. She knew she would return. She and Theodore wouldn't last.