Ch. 135: Mr. Edwards’ Unraveled Life chapter 135
Chapter 135
Kevin's dark eyes narrowed with a cold edge. "Where exactly are you searching for someone?"
Norah had managed to find help quickly, but now came the challenge of extracting it from him.
He hadn’t given permission, yet she had meticulously orchestrated everything.
She assumed she must have triggered his anger somehow but hadn’t expected it to be this serious.
Norah pushed Kevin gently. “Just standard recruitment and screening, Mr. Edwards. Don’t you trust Scarlet?”
“If you don’t want to work here anymore, you’re free to resign. You can be Mrs. Edwards at home,” Kevin’s voice was low and controlled.
With a slight shift, Norah looked up, their eyes meeting, locked in silent conflict.
Her expression hardened. “Why? Do you think all I want is to stay home as Mrs. Edwards? Have you forgotten what you said when we married? Stick to your role, don’t step out of line, and after three years, we’d divorce. Why can’t you just let me go?”
“Enough!” Kevin clenched his jaw, his patience fraying.
He couldn’t bear hearing the word “divorce” one more time.
Norah didn’t want to argue further. “Understood, Mr. Edwards. If there’s nothing else, I’ll head back to my desk. I haven’t been feeling great lately, so if there are events, you should call Scarlet.”
Distance was all she needed now.
Kevin didn’t release her immediately, a bitter smile playing on his lips. “So, should I thank you for setting everything up so perfectly?”
“It’s my job as your secretary,” Norah said, refusing to engage.
“Embarrassing me in front of a new hire?” His brows furrowed, the confidence in his eyes unyielding.
Norah met his challenge. “Fine, I’ll guide her through it. Just tell me how long you’re giving her.”
Kevin’s tone was cold. “It’s not about my timeline. It’s about how quickly she picks things up.”
“Understood,” Norah replied quietly, avoiding further conflict.
“You’re dismissed,” Kevin said, turning his back, afraid that lingering any longer might make him lose control.
“Got it.” Norah stepped out.
Outside, Scarlet noticed Norah and approached with a couple of documents. She quickly grasped what needed to be done.
…
The Gingras banquet was held at a prestigious seven-star hotel in the city. The guests were clad in opulent attire, moving through a sea of glitz and glamor.
Kevin arrived with Norah, Kian, and Scarlet in tow.
Norah and Kian were known as Kevin’s trusted allies. The sight of Scarlet’s unfamiliar face sparked quiet whispers among the attendees:
“Mr. Edwards usually keeps his circle small. Is he grooming someone new? Is Secretary White being phased out?”
“She’s been with him for a while. Could it be that she’s aiming for a higher position, maybe even carrying his child?”
“If so, she’d be the definition of success—a secretary turned wife and mother. Even separated, Mr. Edwards would still take care of her.”
“But what if she upset him and is being replaced? The wealthy always prefer the fresh over the familiar.”
“Could be, but Secretary White is undeniably striking.”
…
Unaware of the scrutiny, Norah focused on introducing Scarlet, per Kevin’s instructions.
Scarlet, sensing Norah’s exhaustion, stepped up to handle most of the evening’s duties, shielding Norah from excessive interaction and drinks.
Scarlet’s confident handling of questions won praise from their business partners.
“Mr. Edwards, where did you find such a gem?” one guest marveled.
With a practiced ease, Scarlet replied, “Mr. Lacroix, there’s an old saying: ‘The stone from another mountain can polish jade.’”
She deftly framed herself as the stone, shaped and polished by Kevin and Norah, while also appealing to Mr. Lacroix’s interest.
The comment garnered appreciative smiles all around.
Even Norah couldn’t deny Scarlet’s skill; it wouldn’t be long before she had Kevin’s full trust. That was fine. Kevin would still have someone capable when she stepped away.
Mr. Lacroix laughed, “Mr. Edwards, the younger generation truly surpasses the old.”
Kevin’s gaze flicked to Norah, but she remained composed, showing no reaction.
Scarlet’s rapport with Mr. Lacroix continued seamlessly, while Norah, feeling fatigued, moved to a small table to rest. Before she could sit, a man approached, champagne in hand.
“Secretary White.”
Dressed in a sleek silver-gray suit and black-rimmed glasses, it was Mr. Jacques.
Norah nodded politely. Mr. Jacques was from the construction sector, known for competing with others on a public project Kevin had bid for.
“If you’re looking to discuss a project, Mr. Edwards is over there,” Norah said, hoping to excuse herself.
To her surprise, Mr. Jacques blocked her path. “Secretary White, I’m not here for him. I’m here for you.”
“For me?” She blinked, puzzled. “Mr. Jacques, I’m stepping down soon. Talking to me won’t help—Edwards’ policies are strict. I can’t act without his approval.”
“I’m not here to discuss business,” Jacques interrupted, reaching for her hand.
Norah pulled away, alarmed. “Mr. Jacques, you’re drunk. Show some respect.”
“I’m not drunk,” he retorted, his eyes glinting with an unsettling intent. “You’re leaving Edwards soon. With your experience, who else would take you? But I would. I can give you opportunities.”
His gaze was predatory.
Norah tried to sidestep, but he blocked her, closing in just as she thought she was out of options.