Ch. 111: Mr. Edwards' Unraveled Life chapter 111

Chapter 111

Norah's words had an effect.

James seemed to be swayed. Despite his actions, Norah was still his niece, and he had his own concerns about being manipulated by others.

He glanced at the woman beside him, who was growing increasingly anxious and angry. "She's trying to turn you against me! If it weren't for my plan, do you think Norah would be offering you money right now? We’re partners!" she snapped.

James knew his goals clearly, despite everything. He looked back at Norah and said, "Norah, give me the password, and I promise she won't hurt you."

Norah hesitated, unsure whether to trust him.

Suddenly, the sound of cars approaching outside made James panic. He grabbed Norah, pressing the knife to her neck, his voice trembling with fear. "There are people outside!" he exclaimed.

Norah's heart raced as she felt the cold blade against her skin. The woman beside them said urgently, "She’s stalling for time! She’s led you into a trap!"

"Norah, you’re betraying me!" James said through clenched teeth, his eyes wild with desperation.

Norah, barely able to breathe, shook her head. "No, Uncle, I didn’t. You tied me up—I haven’t been in contact with anyone! I just want to survive. I'll give you the password, just please put the knife down."

"If you let her go, Kevin won’t let you walk away!" warned the woman in the background.

James was torn, unsure of who to believe. He knew, though, that Norah was his strongest bargaining chip.

Suddenly, the door burst open with a loud crash. James tensed, his grip tightening on the knife. "Norah, give me the password and tell them to back off, or I swear I'll hurt you!" he yelled.

Norah's eyes darted to the entrance. The room’s dim light was broken by the sudden sunlight flooding in. She squinted, but recognized the tall figure striding in without hesitation.

"Let her go!" came a stern, unyielding voice.

Norah’s eyes widened in shock. Kevin had come to save her. He looked battered and bruised, yet unwavering. She felt both grateful and guilty, realizing that he risked everything to rescue her.

James, sweating and trembling, pressed the knife harder to Norah’s neck. "Stay back!" he shouted, clearly terrified.

Kevin locked eyes with James, his voice steady but urgent. "Tell me what you want. I’ll give you anything—just let Norah go."

James’s desperation showed. "I want money! Fifty million!"

Kevin nodded without hesitation. "Fine, I’ll transfer the money right now. Just don’t hurt her."

As Kevin reached for his phone, Norah’s heart twisted. She couldn’t believe he would offer such a huge amount without a second thought—just to save her. The realization of his loyalty and sacrifice hit her deeply.

James, seeing the transaction complete on his phone, couldn’t believe his eyes. His greed was now satisfied, but he hesitated. "How do I know you won’t come after me once I let her go?" he asked, doubt in his voice.

"There’s a car outside. Take it and drive away," Kevin replied, his tone calm but resolute. "I won’t stop you."

James, still holding Norah as a shield, edged toward the car. He tried to justify himself to Norah. "I’m sorry, Norah. I didn’t want to hurt you. If you’d just given me the money sooner, this wouldn’t have happened. Now that I have the money, my family won’t need to trouble yours anymore."

Norah's emotions were conflicted as she listened to his words. She felt a pang of sorrow. Despite everything, he was her father's brother—a man her family once cared about deeply.

With a final push, James shoved Norah away and jumped into the car. Norah stumbled, but Kevin was there to catch her, steady and protective.

"Are you okay?" he asked, checking her neck for injuries.

Norah nodded stiffly, unwilling to lean too heavily on him, afraid of causing him further pain. Kevin's touch was gentle but firm as he assessed her wound. "It’s not too deep," he said, relieved. "We’ll get you to the hospital, and then—"

Before he could finish his sentence, a sudden, deafening explosion shattered the air.

Norah’s heart stopped for a moment. She turned just in time to see the car James was in engulfed in flames.