Ch. 143: Mr. Edwards’ Unraveled Life chapter 143

Chapter 143Norah’s breath hitched, but she kept her tone steady. "I’m not pregnant; I just wanted something with a stronger flavor after eating bland food for so long."

Her mother had asked her this before, and Norah had already said she was planning to divorce Kevin. If her mother found out she was pregnant now, things would only get more complicated.

Gwen sighed in relief. "Honestly, it’s for the best. A pregnancy would complicate everything, especially now."

She seemed about to say more, but Jack shot her a cautionary glance.

"Eat up, Norah. You’re young; you’ll have plenty of time to figure all that out," he said, giving her a gentle smile.

Norah nodded and continued eating. Ever since the pregnancy, her appetite had changed, and she found herself getting tired more easily. After dinner, she felt the familiar pull of sleepiness, but just as she was about to lie down, her phone buzzed.

It was Kian.

“Secretary White, Mr. Edwards had a bit too much to drink.”

Norah’s heart dropped. “Where is he?”

"We’re bringing him to the mansion. Scarlet’s with me.”

Scarlet’s name made Norah pause. She knew Kevin had only taken Kian to meet the Jenkins representative.

“Got it. I’ll be there shortly,” Norah replied, pushing aside her weariness.

As she gathered her things to leave, Gwen handed her a couple of bags filled with homemade snacks. "Take these with you! You’re always on the go; it’s good to have something homemade."

Norah accepted them and headed out, taking a cab to Kevin’s mansion. The ride was a blur, and before she knew it, she was at the doorstep.

As she entered, a soft, familiar scent of osmanthus filled the air. In the next room, Scarlet was standing by Kevin, holding a bowl of sour plum soup.

“Mr. Edwards, I made this from Ms. White’s recipe. Give it a try,” she said, her voice chipper.

Norah’s stomach clenched. The sour plum soup, complete with a hint of osmanthus, was something she’d always prepared for Kevin to help him with hangovers. Scarlet must have followed her notes, but seeing Kevin accept it—and even compliment it—stung.

“Not bad,” Kevin commented.

Scarlet’s eyes brightened. “I’m glad you like it, sir!”

Hearing this, Norah tried to keep her expression neutral as she moved closer, and Scarlet spotted her. “Ms. White! You’re here!” she chirped, drawing Kevin’s attention.

Kevin looked at her coolly. “Scarlet, you and Kian go finish up the Jenkins negotiation. Norah, stay.”

Once they were alone, Kevin’s gaze drifted to the bags she’d brought. “What’s all this?”

“I stopped by my parents’ place,” Norah replied, holding his gaze steady.

“Did you happen to see Steven?” Kevin’s voice was calm, almost too calm.

“No, he’s busy, just like the rest of us,” Norah replied, brushing off the question as she walked the bags into the kitchen. When she returned, Kevin was watching her intently.

“Come here,” he said, motioning her closer.

Norah hesitated, but she stepped forward. In one quick move, Kevin pulled her into his arms, his breath heavy with alcohol.

She wrinkled her nose. “You smell like a distillery. Let me go run a bath for you.”

As she moved to pull away, Kevin’s hand caught her chin, tilting her face toward him. “And after the bath?”

“It’s late, and we’ve both had a long day. We should rest,” Norah replied, her voice steady.

Kevin’s eyebrow lifted, amused. “Do you think now that Scarlet is around, you’re free to leave?”

Norah’s chest tightened. She wanted to be free of this, but Kevin’s grip kept her bound.

She exhaled. “I came because you called, didn’t I? My mom sent some snacks if you’re hungry.”

The corners of Kevin’s mouth quirked up in a faint, unreadable smile. “So, Scarlet’s sour plum soup recipe. You teach her that?”

“No, she figured it out herself,” Norah replied, adding, “I gave her a notebook of instructions, but it’s her effort.”

Kevin smirked. “Funny, since I know that touch of osmanthus is your little secret.”

Norah met his gaze, resolute. “As your secretary, she needs to know your preferences. She’ll be handling things for you now.”

Kevin’s expression darkened. “Did I agree to her hiring?”

“You said I needed to make sure things were in place before I leave,” Norah countered. “Scarlet’s competent.”

“Oh, if she’s so competent, should I keep her on?” Kevin’s voice turned cold.

Norah felt the weight of his question but kept her composure. “That’s your decision.”

Kevin’s tone softened, though the intensity in his eyes didn’t waver. “I’ve been traveling a lot lately. I don’t want to deal with strangers in my space. You’d better stick around.”

As he pulled her closer, Norah’s pulse quickened, and a sense of unease settled over her.