Ch. 114: Mr. Edwards’ Unraveled Life chapter 114

Chapter 114“Some people are just born bad,” whispered a relative. “James died such a tragic death—killed by his own niece. It’s a shame.”

“What did the police say? Is this the end of it?”

“His life was just taken and buried like that, and nothing came of it,” another muttered.

“It’s so unfair. Norah gets all the benefits in the end.”

These comments made Gwen’s face tighten with anger. “They talk too much, even though we’re all family,” she grumbled.

Norah remained unaffected; she was used to people gossiping behind her back. Gwen turned to her and said, “Don’t listen to them. We’ll leave after paying our respects.”

They stepped out of the car, feeling the accusing stares. It was clear what these looks meant—they were not welcome here.

Norah headed toward James’s mourning hall. The photo displayed was of him in his younger days. Inside, Linda and her daughter Sierra were sobbing, their faces pale and exhausted. But the moment they saw Norah, Linda’s grief turned to fury.

“How dare you show your face here, Norah!” Linda shouted, her eyes red with anger. “You’re a murderer! If it weren’t for you, your uncle would still be alive. Why didn’t the police arrest you, you heartless witch?”

Others held Linda back, but Norah could feel the hatred in her eyes. Still, Norah stayed composed.

“I’m sorry for my uncle’s death,” she said calmly, “but I didn’t kill him. Please, let’s not speak nonsense. Our family is also grieving.”

But Linda wouldn’t listen. “Grieving? You don’t care at all!” she spat. “Your uncle was your father’s brother, and you let him die like this. Do you know what that means?”

Linda turned to Jack, her voice trembling with rage. “How could you, Jack? How could you let this happen to your own brother? Are you satisfied now?”

Jack kept his eyes on the photo, silent.

Linda continued, “And you, Norah! If you had just given him some money, this wouldn’t have happened. A human life meant nothing to you!”

More relatives joined in. “It’s true, Norah. If you had helped, this disaster could’ve been avoided. How do you expect your aunt and cousin to live now?”

“You’re so cold-hearted!” another relative accused. “We’ve heard the stories about your family. You didn’t even invite us to your wedding!”

Jack, tired of the gossip, finally spoke up. “We came here to pay our respects to my brother, not to entertain your rumors. You don’t know what happened, so stop talking!”

Linda, seething with rage, yelled, “Get out! You’re not welcome here! Your family is cursed!”

Others started pushing them toward the exit. “Go back to your big city and leave us alone!” they shouted. “James was just a stepping stone for you!”

Norah, trying to keep her cool, replied, “Fine, we’ll leave. But the real killer is still out there.”

She glanced at Linda. “Aunt, if you truly want justice for Uncle, you should—”

Before she could finish, Sierra grabbed a kettle and hurled water at Norah.

“You killed my father!” Sierra screamed, her voice breaking. “All he ever did was ask you for help, and you drove him to this! You’re the reason he’s dead!”

Norah felt the cold water soak through her clothes, and the icy stares of her relatives pierced her. How did it come to this? When did kidnapping become justified?

She wiped her face, realizing that the root of all this was Linda and Sierra.

Jack stepped in, shielding Norah. “James’s death is a tragedy, but let’s not forget he made mistakes too—”

“You’re his brother!” someone shouted. “How could you say that?”

The crowd’s anger shifted from Norah to her entire family. They refused to listen to reason, their accusations growing more hysterical.

Norah, seeing the chaos, decided she couldn’t just stand there. Spotting a water hose nearby, she turned on the faucet.

Water sprayed over the crowd, and they screamed in shock.

“Only you are allowed to speak nonsense? Are you all calm now?” Norah demanded.

“Are you insane, Norah?” a relative yelled.

“I’m not crazy—you all are!” she shot back.

Amidst the commotion, a deep and stern voice cut through the air.

“Norah is not a murderer,” the voice said firmly. “She is a victim. If you refuse to listen to the truth and prefer to spread lies, this isn’t justice—it’s cruelty.”

The room fell silent as everyone turned toward the voice.