Ch. 128: Mr. Edwards’ Unraveled Life chapter 128

Chapter 128

Kian was caught off guard by Norah’s decision. He’d seen her progress at Edwards' over the years, step by step. After working together so long, it felt abrupt for her to suddenly leave. But it was her choice.

“Are you sure about this?” he asked.

Norah’s smile was calm, her eyes steady. She didn’t need to explain; some things had to be let go. It was her way of taking care of herself.

“I’m sure,” she replied, glancing up at the sky where birds circled. She craved freedom. “I can’t stay with the Edwards family forever. I need to explore more of the world.”

Kian nodded, respecting her decision. “I hope you find happiness.”

“I will,” Norah said, her smile unwavering.

Just then, Kevin walked out of the hospital room, catching them mid-conversation. His sharp eyes darted between them, an unspoken tension crackling in the air. Kian’s posture stiffened, and he forced a smile. “Mr. Edwards.”

Norah turned to face Kevin. His gaze was cold and intense as he looked at Kian. “Have you met this year’s performance targets yet?”

Kian blinked, momentarily confused. “Uh… It’s not the end of the year yet, sir.”

Kevin’s expression darkened. “If you haven’t, expect a 20% deduction from your bonus.”

Kian’s heart sank. Twenty percent meant three months' worth of salary. What had he done to deserve this sudden reprimand?

Norah’s brow furrowed slightly. She wasn’t sure what had triggered Kevin’s irritation, but there was no use questioning it. Employees couldn’t argue with the boss’s decisions.

Bianca stood at the door, watching the exchange. She gave Kevin a longing look, then glanced at Norah, her expression smug as if to assert her importance in Kevin’s life.

“Kevin, when will you come see me again?” Bianca’s voice was soft, almost pleading.

Kevin paused, his voice detached. “Depends.”

“I’ll be waiting,” Bianca replied, her eyes shining with hope.

Kevin responded with a simple, “Mm.” Norah noted the subtle dynamic but kept her thoughts to herself.

Kevin turned to leave. “Let’s go,” he said.

The car was waiting outside. Kevin stopped by the door, casting a glance at Norah. “Aren’t you going to open the door for me?” he asked, his tone neutral but his eyes probing.

Norah hesitated, caught off guard. Opening doors wasn’t her usual role. Before she could react, Kian, sensing the awkwardness, hurried out of the car and opened the door for Kevin. “Apologies, Mr. Edwards. That’s on me.”

Kevin said nothing, slipping into the back seat with a stony expression. Norah followed him into the car, feeling the distance between them more acutely than ever. Since her return, everything felt colder, as if Kevin was deliberately keeping her at arm’s length. Maybe it was because of Bianca.

The silence in the car was suffocating. Kevin scrolled through his tablet, his face blank. “I’ll drop you off,” he said without looking at her.

Norah shook her head. “No need. My car is still at the station. You can leave me there, and I’ll drive myself home.”

Kevin’s jaw tightened, his eyes flicking to her before he turned off the tablet with more force than necessary. The gesture spoke volumes.

Ten minutes later, they reached the station. Norah stepped out, not lingering or saying goodbye. The car pulled away, Kevin’s expression stormy as he watched her walk away without a backward glance.

“Drive,” he ordered, voice cold. Kian, sensing the tension, quickly complied.

The next morning, Kevin arrived at the office before anyone else. He buried himself in paperwork, but a restlessness gnawed at him. When Kian walked in, carrying a cup of coffee, he did a double-take seeing Kevin so early.

“Mr. Edwards,” Kian said, setting the coffee on the desk.

Kevin glanced up. “Where’s Norah? Why isn’t she here? Does she think she can skip work and still get paid?”

Kian hesitated. He remembered Norah’s words from the previous day. “Sir, yesterday was Secretary White’s last day. She resigned.”

Kevin’s brow furrowed. “Why wasn’t I informed?”

“She handed her resignation directly to HR,” Kian replied, watching as Kevin’s grip on his pen tightened.

Norah had quit—without saying a word to him.

Kevin’s expression darkened as he processed the news. Kian shifted uncomfortably and added, “Sir, don’t forget today’s your scheduled visit to the Civil Affairs Bureau.”

Kevin’s eyes hardened. “Why?” he snapped.

“Today’s the day for your and Secretary White’s divorce proceedings,” Kian reminded him.

Kevin didn’t respond, his silence heavy and unreadable.