Chapter 974: Susan’s Provocation

"I want a mom."

Salem's words made Oscar's heart skip a beat. He'd always considered his son responsible and well-behaved, so this unexpected request caught him off guard.

"I want a mom too," Una quickly agreed, sensing Oscar's hesitation. "Other kids have moms. They pick them up from kindergarten. Why don't Sal and I?" Una's indignation was palpable; she and her brother often envied other children with mothers.

"Do you want a mom?" Oscar asked, after a long silence.

"Yes!" Una replied eagerly.

Salem nodded in agreement. They both wanted a mother, someone to care for their dad, who often seemed lonely and unable to fully care for himself.

"I can't promise you anything right away, but I'll try my best," Oscar said gently.

"Is it hard to find a mom?" Una asked, puzzled. "Isn't there supposed to be one when we're born?"

Oscar hesitated. He'd never discussed their mother with them before, perhaps avoiding the topic or simply not realizing its significance until now. He'd assumed they didn't expect her presence. He looked at the children, sensing their unspoken questions about their mother's absence.

"She'll come back," he finally said.

"How long?" Una asked impatiently.

"I can't guarantee that," Oscar replied honestly.

Disappointment clouded both children's faces. Finding their mother, they'd assumed, wouldn't be difficult.

"After breakfast, Dad will take you to the amusement park," Oscar announced, quickly shifting the conversation to something more positive. He couldn't make false promises.

"Amusement park?!" Una's eyes lit up. "We're going to the amusement park!"

Oscar smiled and nodded.

"Yay! I want to ride the carousel!" she exclaimed.

"Okay, okay," Oscar said, patting her head. Una's exuberance surprised him; Cian, her brother, was far less outgoing. Perhaps, if not for his responsibilities, Cian would be more like Una.

After breakfast, Oscar took the children out, accompanied only by their driver, though unseen protection surrounded them. In the car, his phone rang.

"Theodore," he answered.

"You've left already?"

"Mhm."

"Want me to meet you?"

"No, just focus on work."

"Tell Salem happy birthday for me."

"Okay."

Theodore hung up. Susan, meanwhile, had been relentlessly calling Theodore. She finally reached him after Oscar's call ended.

"What's so urgent?" Theodore said irritably.

"Who were you talking to? You've been busy all day!" Susan's annoyance was evident.

"Do you think I'm free all day? I'm very busy." He'd managed to avoid female company the previous night, but still slept poorly, troubled by the thought of Little Bunny with another man. His agitation grew with each passing thought.

"But it doesn't matter," Susan said with a sly smile. "You'll get what you deserve."

"You should be the one who gets what she deserves! I'm doing everything for Northfield. If I die from overwork, the country will mourn me!"

"I'm talking about your womanizing, asshole."

"I don't want to fight with you in the morning!" Theodore snapped.

"Do you think I have nothing better to do than fight with a big belly? I called to tell you, Theodore, you've been cheated on! Ahahaha!" Susan's laughter was exaggerated, almost cruel. She clearly reveled in his misfortune.

"You're the one who got cheated on," Theodore said, speechless.

"Manuel is different. He only has me. You're just dirty!"

"Susan!"

"Are you ashamed? Just read the news. Karma's a bitch!" Susan laughed and hung up.

Theodore, reluctantly, checked the news. A headline caught his eye: "Little Bunny and Addison Chasey's romance suspected exposure." He usually ignored such articles, even those about Little Bunny, but this time, he cared. The accompanying photos depicted intimacy – car rides, hotel entrances.

Damn!

Theodore's rage was uncontrollable. Susan then sent a message: "Did you see that?"

He ignored it, but she followed up with photos of Addison Chasey, adding: "He looks more handsome than you."

Theodore's fury was overwhelming. He slammed his phone onto his desk with a loud bang. His secretary, entering to report on business matters, quickly retreated upon seeing his state, assuming his frustration stemmed from Mr. Commander's absence.