Chapter 954: Oscar, Manuel, and Theodore

Little Bunny said, "I heard Karami's two chief designers, Doyle—the face of Karami—and Besse, a rising star, will be at the event. You could try arranging a meeting with them and securing the first order for their new collection."

Susan was intrigued. Karami haute couture was notoriously difficult to obtain; it required connections as well as money. A personal meeting might open future opportunities. Excited, Susan readily agreed, "Please reserve tickets for me. I'll be there on time."

"Sure thing," Little Bunny replied.

"What about Theodore? Did you invite him?" Susan asked.

Little Bunny chuckled lightly. "I haven't seen him in two or three years."

"You mean you didn't see him when you visited Nicholas?" Susan asked incredulously.

"He wasn't in Kensbury City when I visited Nicholas."

Susan understood. Theodore was notoriously unreliable in matters of love.

"We're used to it," Little Bunny continued nonchalantly. "Next time I see him, I'll remind him about our divorce."

Susan responded unenthusiastically. Theodore's success and influence notwithstanding, living with him would be a nightmare.

"Anyway," Little Bunny interrupted, "I have to go on stage. Next time you attend one of our events, I'll treat you and Mr. Johnson to dinner."

"Sounds good," Susan sighed, hanging up. Theodore would get his comeuppance eventually.

"Auntie, was that Little Bunny?" Una asked curiously.

"Yes! She promised me an autographed photo for you," Susan smiled, warmed by Una's excitement.

"Hooray! Auntie rocks!" Una jumped excitedly.

Una's innocence made Susan restrain her complicated feelings.

Before 5 PM, Susan returned Oscar's apartment with Salem and Una, hesitant to be out too long. Entering the living room, her face paled. Manuel was waiting. She wondered how long he'd been there.

Not only Manuel, but Oscar had unexpectedly finished his shift early, and Theodore was also present. The three were chatting and drinking tea when Susan arrived with Una and Salem.

Their reaction was unremarkable, but Una was thrilled. She ran to Oscar, calling, "Daddy!"

Oscar hugged Una tightly. Susan felt uncomfortable watching Una's spoiled behavior in Oscar's arms. Salem, however, remained calm and accustomed to this family dynamic; he even doted on Una.

"Uncle Manuel, Uncle Theodore," Una announced from Oscar's embrace, actively greeting them.

The little girl was undeniably charming. Even Manuel couldn't resist hugging her.

"Ahem!" Susan coughed.

Manuel's hand retracted. Theodore teased, "Manuel, you're henpecked!"

Manuel blushed.

"Henpecked is better than irresponsible," Susan sneered, taking Salem's hand and walking toward the sofa.

"Susan, you're like a hedgehog. Did I provoke you?"

"I represent all women, eliminating harm for the people."

"Susan!"

"Susan," Manuel tried to gently stop her.

"Manuel, you're helping him!" Susan pouted. She looked at him incredulously, her face full of grievances. Manuel was speechless; her acting was improving daily.

"Do you want your son to lose his father after he's born?" Susan threatened. Manuel pursed his lips.

Theodore was surprised. "You're pregnant?!"

Oscar also seemed shocked. Everyone stared at Susan. She rolled her eyes.

"Is that unusual? What's so shocking?" Susan asked.

It seemed only their wives could get pregnant. Oscar didn't have a wife; he'd be alone. Theodore was about to be ousted by his wife. They were undesirable, but she didn't care.

"How long?" Theodore asked.

"Not even three months," Manuel replied.

"You didn't tell us for three months?! Manuel, you're a bad brother!" Theodore exclaimed. "I was going to invite you out for drinks tonight! It's been ages since I've had a drinking contest with Susan!"

"Maybe next time," Manuel brushed him off.

"Too bad!" Theodore joked. "I thought you were ill! Oscar and I were going to take you to the hospital!"

"You're the one with problems!" Susan retorted. "Manuel's fine, better than all of you!"

Theodore complained, "Can't you stop being so protective of your husband?!"

"Jealous?!"

"Don't make me laugh; only Manuel would die on a crooked neck tree."

"Who are you calling crooked neck?!" Susan fumed.

"Susan, the doctor said don't get angry," Manuel cautioned.

Susan and Theodore always fought, but always reconciled after drinking together. Manuel admired their childishness.

Manuel said, "I'll take Susan back to Kensbury City."

"Eat before you leave?" Theodore asked.

"No thanks, my mom's waiting," Manuel replied.

"Okay," Oscar agreed, understanding the pressure on Manuel.

"Well, I'll go first."

"Mm-hmm."

Manuel carefully escorted Susan. Theodore watched them leave, thinking that the previously unreliable couple had exceeded expectations with their enviable relationship.

"I never expected things between Susan and Manuel to turn out so well," Theodore sighed.

Oscar remained silent.

"Oh right," Theodore said, producing an invitation. "A Karami invitation to their new product launch. Interested? The chief designer is someone…you should give him some face, even if the brand itself doesn't matter much."