Ch. 185: Mr. Edwards’ Unraveled Life chapter 185

Chapter 185Tessa and Elodie screamed in terror as the chaos escalated.

Fortunately, Norah’s car was sturdy, withstanding the impact without breaking entirely. However, the men outside weren’t backing down.

“Stop her! Don’t let her escape!” one of them yelled, his voice full of fury.

They surrounded the vehicle, pounding on it relentlessly. “You think you can run after hurting us? Let’s see you try! Get out of the car!”

Elodie, pale and trembling, clung to her seat as tears streamed down her face. Tessa, equally frightened, turned to Norah. “Ms. White, what do we do now?”

Norah’s heart raced, but she tried to project calm. “Don’t worry,” she said, checking the time. “Help is on the way. Just hang tight.”

The men outside grew more aggressive, their fury fueled by desperation. “Driving such a fancy car and trying to bribe us with a measly thousand bucks? Do you think we’re fools?”

They kicked and smashed at the car. The window glass began to crack, shards flying into the cabin.

“We have to do something!” Elodie sobbed. “This is my fault. I’ll go out there. I can’t let this escalate because of me.”

Norah shot her a firm look. “Stay put. This isn’t just about you anymore. We’re in this together.”

With a loud crash, the side window gave way. Glass scattered, and the men shouted triumphantly, “Get out, or we’ll drag you out!”

At that moment, the piercing wail of a police siren echoed through the alley.

“They called the cops! Scatter!” one of the men yelled, panic flashing across his face.

Dropping the stones in their hands, they bolted in all directions.

The police car screeched to a stop at the alley’s entrance. Officers spilled out, shouting commands. “Stop! Don’t move!”

Norah let out a shaky breath, relief washing over her. She had managed to hold on just long enough.

“Are you all okay?” she asked, her voice still steady despite the adrenaline coursing through her veins.

Elodie nodded, though her face was tear-streaked. “I’m fine… but you… your face…” She gestured to Norah’s cheek, which was scratched from the shattered glass.

Norah waved it off, dabbing at the cut with a tissue. “It’s nothing. The important thing is that we’re safe now. Let’s get you home.”

Elodie bit her lip, her guilt evident. “If it weren’t for me, none of this would’ve happened. Thank you for saving me.”

Norah smiled faintly. “I usually see you acting tough, but you were pretty scared back there.”

Elodie lowered her head, her voice soft. “I deserved that. I’ve treated you terribly, but you still helped me. I don’t understand why.”

Norah’s expression softened. “Let’s just say I couldn’t stand by and do nothing. Your grandfather would be heartbroken if anything happened to you.”

A female officer approached the group. “Are you all okay? What happened here?”

“These men were addicts,” Norah explained. “They were trying to rob us.”

The officer nodded. “We’ll handle it. Don’t worry—they won’t get far.”

She glanced at Norah’s damaged car. “Your window’s broken. I’ll arrange for a tow. Why don’t you ride back with us in the police car?”

Norah agreed. “That works. Thank you.”

As they rode in the police car, Elodie sat quietly, hugging herself. Norah handed her a bottle of water. “Here, drink this. It’ll help calm your nerves.”

Elodie took a sip but ended up choking, still shaken.

“Take it slow,” Norah said gently.

After a moment, Elodie murmured, “Thank you… for everything. If you hadn’t stepped in, I don’t know what would’ve happened.”

Norah shrugged, trying to keep things light. “I’m just surprised you didn’t fight back. I thought you’d be more fearless.”

Elodie managed a weak smile. “I know I’ve embarrassed myself. Twice, actually. I don’t blame you if you think less of me.”

“Let’s get you home,” Norah said, steering the conversation away. “Your grandfather must be worried sick.”

But Elodie suddenly remembered something. “Jamie! My phone and bag are with her. I don’t know where she went!”

Norah frowned. “Weren’t you with her before this? How did you end up alone?”

“She said she had something to take care of, so I wandered off. We were supposed to meet for dinner.”

Norah’s suspicion grew. “You were in danger, and she didn’t show up? That doesn’t seem right.”

Elodie shook her head. “Jamie’s my best friend. She wouldn’t abandon me. She probably doesn’t know what happened.”

Norah bit her tongue. Elodie’s sheltered upbringing left her blind to people’s motives. She decided to let it go, for now.

When they arrived at the company building, Elodie surprised Norah by asking to come inside. “Grandpa always says I should spend more time with you and Kevin. I’ve never been to his office before.”

Norah raised an eyebrow but didn’t argue. “Fine, but don’t cause trouble.”

As they stepped out of the car, Norah noticed Kevin striding toward them, his face etched with worry. His sleek car was parked nearby, suggesting he had rushed here.

“Mr. Edwards, do you need to go somewhere—” Norah began, but Kevin interrupted by grabbing her arm.

She stumbled forward, colliding into his chest as his hands tightened around her. His gaze locked on her face, and his voice dropped to a deep, urgent tone.

“What happened? Why is your face scratched? I called you, but you didn’t answer!”