Ch. 225: Mr. Edwards’ Unraveled Life chapter 225

Chapter 225

"Sister Maxine, who is this Norah, anyway? She actually had the nerve to argue with you—it’s unbelievable. If she refuses to give you respect, won’t the whole office just laugh at you? You’ve got to put her in her place!" Maxine’s devoted follower fanned the flames of discord.

Maxine’s eyes darkened with determination. "I’m not letting her off the hook. She’ll fall in line, and when she does, she’ll come crawling back to me, begging for mercy."

Meanwhile, Norah had taken one of the company cars out for an assignment.

Emani, riding along, couldn’t contain her astonishment. "Ms. White, you really went head-to-head with Maxine? Are you out of your mind? Everyone here, except the editor-in-chief, bends over backward to stay on her good side."

Norah kept her eyes on the road, unfazed. "I wasn’t trying to stir things up. I just spoke the truth. I don’t want trouble with anyone."

"But now you’ve got it," Emani warned. "Maxine doesn’t take insults lightly. She’ll target you for sure."

Norah shrugged. "Nobody stays on top forever. Sure, she’s in her prime now, but she’s burning bridges left and right. When she falls, and she will, everyone will rush to stomp her into the ground."

Emani hesitated, then asked, "Are we heading straight to the orphanage now?"

"That’s the plan," Norah replied. "The editor-in-chief wants us to visit. We’ll buy some supplies and get reimbursed later. It’s part of a public outreach initiative."

"You think they’re planning something bigger?" Emani asked, curiosity piqued.

"Probably. My guess is they want to feature the orphanage in a station program—maybe even a variety show or a special segment. Publicity like that could boost ratings and leave a lasting impression."

After a moment of silence, Emani asked, "Did the editor-in-chief say that?"

"Not directly," Norah admitted. "It’s just a hunch based on how many questions they asked. But I could be wrong."

The drive to the orphanage took about 20 minutes. As they arrived, a troubling sound greeted them: the sound of children crying.

Norah’s heart sank as she took in the scene. The orphanage’s gate hung awkwardly from its hinges, rusted and half-detached. The place looked as though it had been ransacked.

Emani gasped. "This place looks like it’s been stuck in the past twenty years—or worse."

Without a word, Norah got out of the car and hurried inside. The hall was in chaos. Children were huddled together, clinging to one another for comfort. The dean, visibly shaken, was trying her best to console them.

"Don’t worry, my darlings," the dean said, her voice trembling but resolute. "I’ll protect you. No one will hurt you while I’m here."

Her coat, patched and worn from years of use, was torn. Her hair was disheveled, and bruises marred her hands.

"Dean," Norah called out as she approached. "What happened here?"

The children ran to Norah, crying, "Auntie, the bad people hurt the dean and the teachers! They even took our food!"

Norah’s jaw tightened as she surveyed the wreckage. Supplies scattered, broken furniture, and the terrified children clinging to her told the story all too clearly.

"Ms. White, you’re here." The dean greeted her with a strained smile, though a hint of guilt flickered in her eyes.

"Are the kids okay?" Norah asked urgently.

The dean nodded. "They’re fine, but one of the teachers was hurt."

"Did you call the police?" Norah pressed.

The dean’s face went pale, and she shook her head vehemently. "No, we can’t. They threatened us—said they’d hurt the children if we called the police!"

"Unbelievable," Emani muttered. "They’re monsters. Who could do something like this to children?"

The dean’s voice broke as she explained, "They said we were stepping on someone’s turf. They warned us not to let you come here anymore, Ms. White. They said if you do, they’ll make us suffer."

Norah’s stomach churned with anger and guilt. "This is my fault," she said. "I didn’t think they’d stoop this low."

"No, Ms. White," the dean said firmly. "Thanks to you, the children got to eat meat for the first time in ages. But it seems you’ve upset someone powerful, and now they’re trying to punish you through us."

Emani cut in, her face red with fury. "It has to be Maxine! She’s using this to force you into helping her with that project!"

Norah’s expression hardened. "Dean, I promise I’ll handle this. I’ll make sure the children can live safely and eat well again."

The dean’s eyes filled with gratitude. "Thank you, Ms. White. You’ve done so much already."

Norah knelt down to hug the children. "Don’t worry," she said softly. "Auntie will make things right."

As they drove away, Emani turned to Norah. "So, what’s the plan? If the orphanage is dragged into this, you’ll never finish the project. The editor-in-chief will tear into you, and your career will be over."

Norah’s eyes narrowed. "Call Maxine. Tell her I want to meet."

At the café, Maxine strutted in, arriving deliberately late. She smirked as she spotted Norah waiting for her.

"Well, well," Maxine drawled, taking a seat and lighting a cigarette. "What’s so urgent that you called me?"

Norah kept her composure despite the irritating smell of smoke. "Was it your doing? The orphanage?"

Maxine feigned innocence. "What are you talking about? I don’t involve myself with your little charity projects."

Norah’s voice turned cold. "Who else could it be? You’re desperate to pin your failures on someone else."

Maxine’s smile vanished. She leaned forward, her tone sharp. "Watch your mouth, Norah. You’re the one who needs me right now."

Norah met her gaze, unflinching. "Let me remind you of something, Maxine. I’m not just anyone. I’m Kevin’s wife. So, by messing with me, you’ve also picked a fight with him. Are you sure that’s a fight you want?"