Ch. 170: Mr. Edwards’ Unraveled Life chapter 170
chapter 170
Norah asked Kevin, "Could we move up the trip to Foutumsally?"
Kevin’s eyes darkened, a hint of coldness flickering as he regarded her in silence through the smoke curling up between them. He seemed puzzled; Norah and Steven appeared close, yet here she was, requesting to leave sooner.
“If you’d rather cancel, that’s fine,” she said, catching his hesitation. “Mr. Edwards, do you have anything else?”
Kevin’s attention shifted as he replied coolly, “Make me a cup of tea.”
“Yes, sir,” she said, bringing him a fresh pot within minutes.
Then, he added, “Join me at Red Leaf Villa tomorrow night.”
Norah simply nodded and left the room. But as she did, a group chat notification popped up from her classmates: Class reunion rescheduled for tomorrow at 9 PM.
She remembered Kevin’s request to join him at Red Leaf Villa to meet with Jamie, so she quickly messaged her friend Micah: “I won’t make it tomorrow. Sending $5,000 for you to transfer to the class president.”
Micah replied with a quick “Got it” and then added, “Take care of yourself.”
To him, her absence made sense. Pregnant and avoiding evening events with alcohol would be understandable, even responsible.
An hour later, as Kevin passed her office on his way out, he didn’t say a word, but his message buzzed in her phone: “Dinner’s ready.” She texted back a simple “Got it.”
Leaving work on time, she headed to the grocery store, where she paused, surprised to see Kevin’s image flashing across a display screen in the supermarket.
Dressed in a black designer suit, Kevin looked poised and authoritative beside Bianca, who wore a white dress and delicate makeup as she stood before a row of cameras. Bianca smiled slightly as she addressed the crowd: “I wanted to clarify a few things. Secretary White gave me the tonic soup as instructed by Aunt Siena Edwards. There was no poisoning. I simply had a reaction to the ingredients. These are my medical reports. I apologize for any misunderstanding.”
As she bowed to the cameras, Norah shook her head. If Bianca was genuinely sorry, she could have apologized directly. This press conference was clearly for the public.
A reporter cut in, “Ms. Lynch, if this wasn’t intentional, why did it take two days to clarify? And why isn’t Secretary White present?”
Bianca swayed slightly before Kevin’s hand found her waist, steadying her. Looking pale under the bright lights, she tried to sound remorseful, saying, “I didn’t mean for Secretary White to face harassment. I only just received my medical report.”
Kevin’s eyes met the camera, his stare sharp and protective. “There’s no poisoning or malice here,” he said firmly, “and I’d appreciate it if we keep the reporting fair.”
Norah watched as Kevin stood by Bianca’s side, exuding calm strength, projecting a security she’d never experienced with him. The contrast stung. Only Bianca could draw out this side of him.
Just as she turned away from the screen, another question rang out: “Mr. Edwards, are you here as a spokesperson or a friend of Ms. Lynch?”
Kevin answered bluntly, “Both.”
Norah felt a weight settle on her chest as she watched the screen, her pulse racing when a final reporter asked if wedding bells were in their future. Bianca, smiling demurely, held onto Kevin’s arm. “That’s private. We’ll share any news when the time is right.”
Unable to watch any longer, Norah turned her attention back to shopping.
The couple’s black-and-white attire complemented their image perfectly—talented, sophisticated, and undoubtedly admired. When a woman behind her snapped, “If you’re not buying, please let others through,” Norah quickly grabbed a shopping bag and left.
Later, on the drive back, Bianca turned to Kevin, her voice tentative. “Kevin, I’m sorry for answering on my own. I thought it’d help shift focus off Norah.”
Kevin’s response was barely audible. “Hmm.”
Bianca saw the displeasure etched on his face and added, “Maybe I should apologize to Norah directly.”
“She’s been busy,” Kevin replied curtly.
Accepting his disinterest, Bianca nodded quietly. After a moment’s pause, she said, “Maybe I’ll visit Aunt Siena instead.”
Kevin’s tone was icy. “No one’s stopping you.”
Bianca lowered her gaze, her voice subdued. “I thought maybe you’d prefer I take a taxi.”
Kevin shrugged. “Suit yourself.”
She sighed but gave in. “Then just drop me off at my apartment.”
“Kian, to the apartment,” Kevin ordered, his voice flat.
Half an hour later, the car pulled up to Bianca’s building, her hand resting on the door handle as she took one last look at Kevin, his face a mask she couldn’t read.