Chapter 973: Salem Wants a Mom

Little Bunny and Addison left hurriedly. Theodore, emerging to see them depart, was visibly upset. Hazel, noticing his distress, rushed to him. "What happened?!" she exclaimed.

"I'm going back," Theodore replied before leaving. Hazel attempted to follow, but he stopped her. "Don't follow me!"

His words caused Hazel to blush with awkwardness. Many people remained in the room, and she couldn't risk becoming the subject of ridicule if Theodore, who had openly pursued her, rejected her. So she didn't press the issue, though she wouldn't give up on him.

By the time Theodore left the private room, Little Bunny and Addison had already driven away. Anger flared within him. "Damn it! How could she flirt with another man in front of me? Are they going to spend the night together?!" he fumed, kicking the railing so hard it made a loud noise. He couldn't understand the intensity of his anger.

The next day, Oscar awoke at 9 AM, much later than usual. He'd stayed up late reading about amnesia; his phone still displayed a related webpage. His reflection revealed bloodshot eyes and dark circles—a stark contrast to his usual appearance, as life had seemed rather dull lately.

After his morning routine, Oscar meticulously chose an outfit. He tried on several suits before finally settling on black sportswear, adding a duckbill cap and a mask.

Salem and Una awaited him in the living room. Una, upon seeing him, exclaimed, "Daddy!" Her voice was sweet and clear. Oscar immediately scooped her up. Salem, though also standing, remained respectful.

"Have you had breakfast?" Oscar asked.

"Nope," Una replied excitedly. "Sal said you'd play with us today! So we waited for you!"

Oscar looked surprised. Salem quickly explained that neither of them was particularly hungry.

"I'm starving," Una contradicted, her statement revealing their fabricated excuse. Salem blushed, embarrassed by his sister's honesty, which was further confirmed by the loud rumbling of his stomach.

"But we wanted to eat with you, Daddy," Una insisted, her adorable expression adding to her plea. "Aren't we great?"

"Yes, you are," Oscar replied, smiling despite his internal guilt.

He carried Una and approached Salem, who blushed at his sister's earlier revelation. "Sorry, I kept you waiting," Oscar apologized, patting Salem's hair.

"You should have slept longer," Salem replied thoughtfully, his maturity surprising Oscar. "You don't get much rest."

"Let's go have breakfast," Oscar said.

"Yay! Breakfast!" Una cheered.

The three sat down to a meal served by Max.

"Max," Oscar began.

"Yes? Master Wells," Max replied.

"I'll take them out later for lunch. Just prepare dinner this evening."

"Okay," Max said. "Today's young master's birthday; I'll prepare a special dinner."

Oscar nodded.

"Sal, it's your birthday?" Una asked, surprised. She didn't remember birthdays well, including her own.

"Yeah," Salem replied, wiping his mouth. He ate quietly and with impeccable manners.

Oscar, though short on time, had arranged different upbringing methods for Salem and Una. He'd been stricter with Salem, training him as the family heir. He hadn't reviewed the training's results until now, surprised and conflicted by the boy's excellent progress. Hannah's request to care for their son weighed heavily on him; he wasn't sure if he'd fulfilled his promise.

"Sal, I want to give you a birthday gift!" Una exclaimed cheerfully.

Salem smiled. "I don't need a gift; I'm happy as long as you and Dad are with me."

"But you should get a birthday gift!" Una insisted, turning to Oscar. "Am I right, Daddy?"

"Yeah," Oscar nodded.

"Daddy, do you have a gift for Sal?" Una asked.

Oscar's lips pursed. He'd forgotten Salem's birthday several times and hadn't prepared a present.

"What would you like, Sal?" he asked.

"Sal's gonna say he wants nothing," Una predicted, pouting.

Salem nodded in agreement. He had everything he needed, being born into a noble family. Then, looking at Oscar, he blurted out, "I want a mom."