Ch. 216: Mr. Edwards’ Unraveled Life chapter 216
Chapter 216
Maxine adjusted her posture and replied confidently, "XNGY. I'm from XNGY TV Station!"
Kevin's attention sharpened at the mention of the station.
Seeing his interest, Maxine’s spirits lifted. She eagerly stepped past the bodyguards and presented her ID. "Mr. Edwards, I’m a reporter from a reputable station. I’ve interviewed countless prominent figures. If you agree to this interview, I promise it will enhance your reputation and bring immeasurable benefits..."
She dove into her well-rehearsed pitch, extolling her expertise and the opportunities she could bring him.
Kevin’s expression darkened, but not for the reasons Maxine expected. The name of her station had triggered thoughts of someone else—Norah.
What was she doing at XNGY TV Station?
Kevin found it puzzling that someone with her skills and connections had opted to start over in such a competitive environment. She’d already proven herself by his side, reaching heights others could only dream of.
Yet now, she was grinding away at a TV station, exposed to the petty rivalries and cutthroat dynamics of the field.
As Maxine continued to talk, Kevin’s thoughts wandered further. Was she struggling there? Being bullied? The thought unsettled him.
"Mr. Edwards?" Maxine’s voice cut through his musings, jolting him back to the moment.
Kevin fixed his gaze on her, his tone as cold as steel. "Does your station assign all the good opportunities to you?"
Maxine froze, unsure how to interpret his sudden shift in tone. She forced a smile. "Mr. Edwards, I earned this opportunity through my hard work."
Kevin’s lip curled in disdain. "Then find someone more suitable."
Before Maxine could react, the car door slammed shut, leaving her stunned.
She stood there, disbelief etched on her face. This wasn’t how things were supposed to go. Kevin’s initial interest had seemed like a victory. Now it was slipping through her fingers.
"Mr. Edwards! Please wait!" she called out, banging on the car door as it drove away.
Her two assistants rushed to her side.
"Sister Maxine, are you okay?" one asked, noticing her stumble in her high heels.
Maxine grimaced, her ankle throbbing. She waved them off, frustration bubbling to the surface. "Why would he reject me? Does XNGY have someone better suited for this than me?"
Her assistants exchanged uneasy glances.
"Sister Maxine," one ventured cautiously, "didn’t Mr. Edwards say something about finding a suitable person? Maybe he was referring to..."
Maxine’s glare cut her off. "Are you implying I’m not suitable?"
The girl paled. "No, no! You’re the most qualified!"
Still fuming, Maxine bit her lip, pacing. She couldn’t let this slip away.
Then, her other assistant hesitated before speaking up. "Sister Maxine, I heard that one of our newer employees used to work for Mr. Edwards..."
Maxine stopped in her tracks. "Who?"
"Norah. She used to work directly for him. Maybe she can help."
Maxine’s eyes narrowed in thought. She had dismissed Norah as inconsequential, but this revelation changed things. If Norah had connections to Kevin, it explained why the editor-in-chief had entrusted her with certain responsibilities.
The next day, Maxine stormed into the office, heading straight for Norah’s desk.
Norah was busy drafting an article to help an orphanage at risk of shutting down. She had planned to use the TV station’s platform to amplify the issue, but her focus shifted as Maxine approached.
"Norah," Maxine said curtly, arms crossed, "your former boss was Kevin Edwards, right?"
Norah looked up calmly. "Yes. Why?"
Maxine leaned closer, her tone dripping with authority. "You and I will work together on his interview."
Without hesitation, Norah replied, "I’m sorry, I can’t. I have other priorities."
Maxine’s face hardened. "Do you have any idea what you’re turning down? Most people would kill for the chance to collaborate with me. I’m offering you an opportunity, and you’re acting like it’s nothing!"
Norah stood, meeting Maxine’s gaze evenly. "I understand perfectly. And I still decline."
Gasps rippled through the office as Maxine’s assistants chimed in.
"Why would you say no?" one asked incredulously. "Do you even realize how rare this chance is?"
"Exactly! People dream of working with Sister Maxine. She’s the most renowned journalist here!"
Maxine smirked, feeding off their admiration. "Norah, do you have any idea who I am? The stories I produce get millions of shares. Your refusal shows how short-sighted you are."
Norah tilted her head, unbothered. "If your reputation is as great as you say, why are you asking for my help? Shouldn’t you be able to handle this interview on your own?"
Maxine flushed, caught off guard by the directness of Norah’s question.
Before she could respond, Norah continued, her tone sharp. "You’re only approaching me because you know I worked closely with Kevin. You think I can leverage that connection to secure the interview for you. And once I do, you’ll take all the credit. Am I wrong?"
Silence fell over the room as Norah’s words hung in the air.
Maxine’s jaw tightened, her composure slipping. "Watch your tone, Norah."
Norah grabbed her bag and prepared to leave. "If you want Kevin’s attention, earn it yourself. I don’t work for you."
With that, she walked out, leaving Maxine fuming in the middle of the office, her assistants scrambling to console her.