Ch. 165: Mr. Edwards’ Unraveled Life chapter 165
chapter 165
“Mr. Edwards,” Norah greeted quietly, her gaze dropping.
Kevin walked toward her with a firm stride, his presence imposing, his expression stern. The intensity in his eyes felt like a weight, and Norah wasn’t sure what he meant to say—until he broke the silence.
“Norah, why did you help me?”
The question was blunt, but his voice betrayed a touch of bewilderment, and Norah quickly gathered her thoughts. “Mr. Edwards, I’m your secretary. As long as I work for the Edwards family, it’s my duty to handle things for you.”
Her words were steady, her gaze clear and detached. But Kevin let out a bitter laugh, a faint trace of sarcasm on his lips. “So, you’re just that devoted an employee?”
Norah lowered her head. “I’m only doing my job.”
The look on her face only fueled the irritation simmering in Kevin’s chest. Why did she seem so calm, so unbothered, especially when he had caught her sharing quiet moments with Anthony? He had expected a little more warmth, even vulnerability. But to his dismay, Norah’s expression remained unreadable.
Kevin’s mouth tightened, his voice a touch colder. “Norah, as an employee, it’s your responsibility. Don’t read into this any further.”
With that, he turned sharply and went into his office, leaving her standing alone, emotions clouded and unresolved.
Inside his office, Kevin lit a cigarette, the smoke curling up as he inhaled deeply. After a tense silence and three cigarettes, he called Kian.
“Do a full sweep of the Edwards family. I want every trace of these ‘opportunists’ out.”
“Yes, sir,” Kian responded briskly, aware that Kevin’s tolerance was running thin.
Kevin’s next destination was a bustling club in the city center. His close friends Cody, Esteban, and Bonian were already there, waiting for him with knowing grins.
“Where’s your better half tonight?” Bonian smirked.
Esteban raised an eyebrow, barely containing his amusement. “Looks like you’re into her, man. It’s written all over you.”
Cody chimed in, adding, “If you’re serious, why don’t you make it official? You’re already together, and if you’re both feeling it, get married, have a kid. Before you know it, the big wedding will be on.”
Kevin’s patience snapped. He grabbed a drink, tuning out their playful teasing. Norah was the only thought running through his mind, but not in the way his friends imagined. She’d risked so much for him, yet she seemed so emotionally distant. What was she trying to prove?
Cody exchanged a glance with Bonian, who nodded in agreement. Seeing Kevin down a few more drinks, Cody took the opportunity to fish his phone from Kevin’s pocket, quickly dialing Norah.
“Sister-in-law, Kevin’s had way too much tonight.”
There was a pause on the line, but then Norah’s voice came through, steady but hoarse. “Where is he?”
“Glow Lounge, Room 409. Can you come get him? I’ve got to run.”
“Alright.”
Cody hung up, pleased she hadn’t brushed it off. After returning the phone to Kevin, he and the others discreetly left, leaving Kevin alone in the dim room. The moment the door clicked shut, Kevin opened his eyes. There was no hint of intoxication in his sharp gaze.
An hour later, Norah finally arrived at Glow Lounge, delayed by heavy traffic. She navigated the hallway’s dim lighting with familiarity—she had often come here during business events with Kevin. Just as she neared Room 409, a figure stumbled in her direction.
The man was tall, broad, and clearly intoxicated. His gaze locked onto her, eyes narrowing. “Well, look what we have here,” he slurred, a smile creeping over his face.
Alarmed, Norah tried to step aside, but he grabbed her wrist. “Excuse me, you must be mistaken—”
Ignoring her words, he pulled her close, intoxicated by the subtle scent of her perfume. “Tonight, you’re mine. Let’s go.”
With that, he hoisted her onto his shoulder, his grip unyielding. Fear surged through Norah’s chest as she struggled against him, her cries for help barely piercing the club’s noisy hallway. “Help! Cody! Cody, help me!”
Her pleas only seemed to aggravate the man. He dropped her back to the floor but kept his hold tight. “Enough with the shouting,” he growled, raising a hand to strike her.
A sharp crack echoed through the hall as his palm connected, and Norah felt a sting spread across her cheek. The man, smirking, loosened his belt, ready to lash out again. Desperate, Norah shielded her face, preparing for the worst.
But the next blow never came. Instead, there was a loud crash, and the man was flung backward, colliding with the wall. Standing in his place was Kevin, eyes blazing with fury, his presence fierce and unyielding.
Kevin’s gaze locked onto hers, and without a word, he extended his hand. Norah hesitated only a second before taking it, his grip firm as he pulled her to her feet. She stumbled forward, instinctively clutching his chest, his heartbeat strong and steady against her ear.
For a brief moment, they stood close, her breath hitching as she felt his protective warmth surround her.