Ch. 218: Mr. Edwards’ Unraveled Life chapter 218

Chapter 218

Kevin’s tone was dismissive, but his actions spoke volumes. While the Edwards family had a long history of philanthropy, Kevin had never personally gotten involved like this. Norah pressed again, “It’s not that I’m the only one who could have come here. But I arrived first, and then you show up right after, delivering supplies? That’s too much of a coincidence. If you insist it wasn’t you, I won’t push.”

She had more pressing matters to handle and wasn’t interested in sparring with Kevin, especially since his dissatisfaction with her was palpable.

Kevin, however, didn’t like being brushed off so easily. Watching her act indifferent toward him only deepened his irritation.

Suddenly, a chorus of little voices broke the tension.

“Uncle! Uncle!”

Norah turned to see over a dozen children racing toward them, their tiny legs pumping with determination.

“Uncle!” they called again, their faces lighting up with pure gratitude. They crowded around the car window, gazing at Kevin with wide, curious eyes.

“Thank you, Uncle! You’re amazing!”

Kevin froze. He wasn’t used to being surrounded, let alone by a swarm of children. The noise, their messy clothes, and the dirt-smudged faces—it was all too much. His expression darkened, his body language radiating discomfort and rejection.

Norah watched, half amused and half concerned. She was sure Kevin wouldn’t appreciate this kind of attention. After all, he’d never struck her as someone who enjoyed the company of children. In fact, she couldn’t recall a single instance of him being gentle with anyone’s kids.

Worried the children might accidentally provoke him, Norah stepped in quickly. “Hey, you shouldn’t disturb this uncle. Let’s head back inside.”

One boy clung to her sleeve and exclaimed, “But Sister, this uncle brought us all those supplies! We have to thank him properly!”

“Yes! Thank you, Uncle!” The group of children bowed in unison, their gratitude sincere.

Kevin’s brows furrowed even more as he surveyed the scene. Then, his gaze shifted to Norah, and his voice turned cold. “They’re calling you ‘Sister’ and me ‘Uncle’? Either they call you ‘Aunt,’ or they start calling me ‘Brother.’ Pick one.”

The children blinked up at him, confused. “Why?”

Kevin stepped out of the car, his tall frame casting a long shadow over the small crowd. The kids craned their necks to look up at him, their faces a mix of awe and fear.

“There’s no why,” he replied firmly. “You have two options: If she’s your sister, I’m your brother. If I’m your uncle, then she’s your aunt. Got it?”

His authoritative tone and imposing stance were too much for the little ones. One child burst into tears, and soon the rest followed, their cries echoing through the air.

“Uncle is so scary! Is Uncle a big bad wolf?” one of them wailed, clutching Norah’s skirt for safety.

Kevin stiffened, completely caught off guard.

Norah crouched down, pulling the children into a comforting hug. “Okay, okay, don’t cry. Uncle isn’t a big bad wolf—he’s a good guy! Didn’t he just bring you all those supplies? You’re the bravest kids ever. Crying isn’t cool, right?”

The children sniffled and wiped their tears. “We’re brave! We won’t cry anymore!” they declared, though they still eyed Kevin warily.

Kevin coughed awkwardly and took a step closer, but the children scrambled behind Norah like startled ducklings.

“Go inside,” he said gruffly. “There’s a big bad wolf outside. Better get to safety.”

The kids took his words literally and darted back toward the orphanage.

Norah followed them, chuckling softly. Watching Kevin interact with the children was unexpectedly endearing. There was a certain vulnerability to his frustration, and she couldn’t help but smile.

Left alone, Kevin turned to his driver. “Do I really look that terrifying?”

The driver hesitated before responding, “Terrifying? Not at all, Mr. Edwards! You’re… imposing, that’s all. Very dignified!”

Kevin frowned, clearly unconvinced, and walked into the orphanage.

“The big bad wolf is here!” one child whispered dramatically, earning giggles from the others.

The dean quickly intervened. “What big bad wolf? This man is a kind-hearted benefactor! Thank him properly!”

“Thank you, Uncle!” the children chimed obediently, though the title made Kevin visibly bristle.

“Call me Brother,” he corrected, his voice low but firm.

The dean blinked, taken aback by the unusual request, while Kevin turned back to the children, his tone softening. “Didn’t you say you haven’t had meat in a while? Well, this time, you’ll get to eat plenty!”

“Brother! Brother!” they cheered, their excitement palpable.

Kevin’s expression finally relaxed. Hearing them call him “Brother” instead of “Uncle” was oddly satisfying.

Norah stood to the side, watching the scene unfold with a mixture of amusement and disbelief. Kevin, usually so composed and aloof, was now negotiating titles with a group of kids. The contrast was both ridiculous and strangely heartwarming.

As the children explored the supplies, the dean repeatedly expressed her gratitude. “Ms. White, thank you for your efforts! And Mr. Edwards, I never imagined someone of your stature would personally care about our orphanage. You’ve made an incredible difference.”

Norah nodded. “Don’t worry, Dean. I’ll report everything truthfully so that more people can see the need here. Together, we can make a bigger impact.”

As she and Kevin prepared to leave, the children and staff gathered to see them off.

Norah turned to the dean. “You’re not alone in this. There’s strength in numbers, and I’ll do my best to ensure these kids have a brighter future.”

The dean’s eyes shimmered with gratitude. “Thank you, Ms. White. And Mr. Edwards, thank you for going out of your way. On behalf of the children, I’m truly grateful.”

Kevin offered a polite nod, but his gaze lingered on Norah as they walked to the car. For once, she seemed at peace, her usual guarded demeanor replaced by genuine compassion. It was a side of her he hadn’t seen before, and it stirred something unfamiliar within him.