Ch. 226: Mr. Edwards’ Unraveled Life chapter 226

Chapter 226

"Fanciful as it sounds, I don’t believe a word of it," Maxine scoffed.

Norah, still technically married to Kevin, thought to herself, I am his wife in name, at least for now. Sharing this truth with Maxine might be her easiest way forward, even if Maxine didn’t believe it.

Maxine smirked. "If I help you, will you promise to stay out of the orphanage’s affairs?"

After a long moment of consideration, Norah realized that the best way to minimize her losses was to cooperate this once. What happened after that would depend on Maxine’s ability to negotiate.

Maxine’s mocking tone cut through Norah’s thoughts. "Stop pretending, Norah. Just set up the meeting."

For Maxine, getting Kevin to agree was a straightforward task. She brushed aside Norah’s hesitation. "Don’t overthink it—it’s business. If this works out, it benefits both sides. Plus, the orphanage will be better off. If it doesn’t, it’s not my problem."

Norah’s tone remained steady. "Fine. I’ll help you get the meeting."

Maxine raised an eyebrow, her smirk widening. "You’ve been married to Kevin for years. Surely you can find an excuse to get him to meet. Prove your worth, Norah. If you can’t manage this, forget about making waves at the TV station. You’ll stagnate there forever."

Her words dripped with condescension, her demeanor exuding the arrogance of a victor. Leaning closer, she added, "Consider this a life lesson. It might sting, but it’s the truth."

Norah didn’t flinch. "I don’t need lessons from you," she replied calmly.

Maxine chuckled. "I’ll be waiting for your good news."

With that, she left, confident that Norah would fall in line. Completing this task would secure Maxine the editor-in-chief role she had long coveted—a culmination of her years of relentless ambition.

After Maxine left, Norah stayed behind, sipping her coffee and scrolling through her phone. She paused at Kevin’s WhatsApp chat, her finger hovering over the screen. She hadn’t messaged him yet. Do I really want to do this? she wondered.

Emani, who had kept quiet during Maxine’s confrontation, finally let out her frustration. "I told you she’d stoop to any low to get what she wants! Did you really agree to help her, Norah? I get that you might need to reach out to Kevin, but why should I have to endure her nonsense?"

Norah’s reply was cool and measured. "She won’t get the chance."

Emani frowned. "What do you mean? Are you saying you can’t arrange the meeting, or that Kevin won’t agree? Either way, isn’t it still going to blow back on you?"

"If I reach out, Kevin won’t agree," Norah said, her voice calm but firm. "And once I’ve done my part, she won’t have any leverage to use against me."

Kevin despised being manipulated, and Norah knew it. Maxine’s overconfidence would likely backfire. Still, Norah had to be strategic.

Emani sighed. "It’s so unfair. Maxine’s so resourceful—why doesn’t she just find someone else to handle Kevin? Why put all this on you?"

"She wants to make an example out of me," Norah replied. "She wants everyone in the department to know that no one can defy her."

Emani hesitated, then asked, "Norah, earlier you said you were Kevin’s wife. Is that…true?"

Norah paused, shutting off her phone. "It’s true, but not for much longer."

"Let’s go. We need to get back to work," she added, cutting off further questions.

Emani, stunned, grabbed her things and followed. She still couldn’t fully grasp what Norah meant—it felt like a yes and no at the same time. Norah’s abruptness left no room for clarification.

When they returned to the office, Maxine and her clique were already celebrating.

"Sister Maxine, you really nailed it this time!" one of her cronies gushed. "You’re amazing!"

"When’s the meeting with Kevin?" another asked excitedly. "I’d love to tag along—I’ve never been around someone so high-profile before!"

Maxine, basking in their admiration, snorted arrogantly. "It’ll happen in the next couple of days. I’ll bring both of you along so you can observe how I handle things. Watch and learn!"

Her words oozed pride. She wasn’t just showing off; she wanted to cement her dominance. "Kevin isn’t like anyone else. He’s a powerhouse in the capital. Securing an interview with him is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity."

"Sister Maxine, you’re incredible!"

Even other colleagues joined the bandwagon, eager to stay in her good graces. "Maxine, if you pull this off, you owe us all a celebratory dinner!"

Maxine laughed, basking in their flattery. "Don’t worry, I’ll remember everyone who supports me."

"Can’t wait to see you lead us into the future!"

Their enthusiasm was nauseating, and Emani’s face turned green with frustration. She muttered to Norah, "This is unbearable."

Norah, unbothered, overheard Maxine’s thinly veiled jab. "Unlike some people who make empty promises and embarrass everyone, I always deliver."

One colleague played along. "Who embarrassed you, Maxine?"

Maxine glanced at Norah, her smirk sharp. "No one worth mentioning. I’m generous like that."

As she passed Norah’s desk, she whispered, "Don’t forget—set up that meeting with Kevin in the next two days."

Norah didn’t respond. She simply opened WhatsApp and typed a message to Kevin.