Chapter 970: The Female Lead
"Stealth mode," Oscar added, "don't let the kids find out."
"All right."
Being a child in the Wells family wasn't easy, Theodore mused.
"Do you need me to follow over there tomorrow?" Theodore asked.
"No, just don't die in bed tonight."
Theodore rolled his eyes. "I'll arrange things," he said before hanging up.
Oscar replaced the phone and extinguished his cigarette. He sat in silence for a moment, then searched "amnesia" on Google.
The club was crowded. Theodore, diligently completing a task Oscar had assigned minutes earlierโa confidential matter, as he was the only one presentโdemonstrated his ability to blend conscientiousness with enjoyment. Afterward, he joined his friends for drinks. Their conversation turned to The Ballad, a newly popular television series.
"I heard they're next door," one friend said.
"The Ballad? The hit show?"
"Yeah, they're having a party tonight."
"Who's there?"
"The director and lead actors, probably."
"Is Little Bunny there?"
Theodore, initially disinterested, perked up at the mention of Little Bunny.
"Probably. She's known for her dedication; she attends everything she can."
"I've heard that too. I've met tons of people in showbiz, but never her. And I hear she's a good drinker," one man said with a sly smile.
"More than a good drinkerโshe's brilliant," another chimed in, mirroring the first man's smirk. They exchanged a knowing glance.
"Theodore, we're going next door. Want to come?"
Theodore, reluctant to overindulge given Oscar's absence, hesitated.
"Nah, I've got things tomorrow. Don't want to drink too much."
"It's cool. No pressure."
"Do I look like I'd refuse a drink?"
"You're right."
"So, you're not coming?"
"You guys go ahead. I'll be leaving soon."
"Actresses are way hotter than street girls," one insisted. "Do you know Little Bunny? She's a natural beauty."
Theodore looked at the man.
"No plastic surgery," the man clarified. "Most actresses have work done. I remember onceโฆ her nose was crooked! I panicked! I haven't touched a woman in a week. I still can't forget it."
"You said that last time," the other man chuckled. "Still haven't stopped sleeping with dolls? Your self-control's gone again."
"Didn't you say Little Bunny's all-natural? I volunteer to verify it for the media!" he exclaimed, his face alight with excitement.
Theodore's anger flared.
"I don't believe it. They must have something done. I saw a love sceneโฆ her back, her waistโฆ amazing!"
"Sometimes they make surgery look natural."
"Let's go! Let's see!"
They started to leave, then noticed Theodore's grim expression. They exchanged a look. "Theodore, come with us. Leave whenever you want."
Theodore slammed his glass down, startling them. He was furious.
"Where?" he demanded.
"What?!"
"The Ballad."
"Two doors down. Come on, I'll take you there."
Theodore followed, seething at the crude objectification of his wife. He felt a violent urge to punch those two men.
They entered the lively party. The moment Theodore arrived, all eyes turned to him. The director rushed over. "Captain, welcome!"
"Theodore, in private."
"Couldn't do that, sir," the director replied humbly.
Everyone knew Theodore enjoyed himself, but his status ensured respectful treatment, even in jest.
"Mr. Wold, then."
"Yes, Mr. Wold," the director responded eagerly. "Please, sit."
Everyone's attention focused on Theodore. The female stars, except Little Bunny, vied for his attention. Little Bunny, unexpectedly encountering Theodore after a brief reunion days prior, felt acutely uncomfortable, especially as she looked different from her on-screen persona. She didn't want him to recognize her.
"Let's raise a glass to Mr. Wold!" the director announced.
According to showbiz protocol, the leads went first. Little Bunny sat with the male lead, Addison Chasey, discussing the script.