Ch. 42: Mr. Edwards' Unraveled Life chapter 42

Chapter 42Seeing this, Tessa took the wine and said, "Mr. Lopez, Ms. White doesn’t drink, so I’ll drink on her behalf."

Mr. Lopez frowned. "That’s not right."

Tessa felt embarrassed. With little social experience, she was nervous and unsure, afraid of making a mistake.

"Norah, you can’t let your assistant drink for you."

Since both women were present, Mr. Lopez felt emboldened and spoke less politely. "Norah, you represent Mr. Edwards. If Mr. Edwards were here, he’d drink with us. How can you refuse? Since you’re here, you should join us. Let me fill your glass. Let’s enjoy ourselves tonight."

Others chimed in, "Norah, don’t be rude. Mr. Lopez offered you a drink, so accept it. Stop making excuses!"

"Don’t ruin the mood. If Mr. Edwards finds out you didn’t handle this well, you’ll be in trouble!"

Norah disliked these situations. Even if Kevin could drink, it didn’t mean he would be forced. They treated Kevin with respect, so why did they think they could take advantage of her just because she was a woman?

Norah could tolerate a lot at work, but not this kind of humiliation.

Mr. Lopez pushed the wine glass to her lips, insisting, "Norah, drink up!"

Seeing this, Tessa, feeling disrespected on Norah’s behalf, teared up. "Ms. White…"

Norah turned her head away, refusing. "She said she can’t drink."

Mr. Lopez’s expression darkened as he slammed the wine glass onto the table. The force shattered it, spilling red wine everywhere and startling Tessa.

"Norah, we’ve treated you well. Why are you acting all high and mighty?" Mr. Lopez, emboldened by alcohol, became angry. "Whatever Mr. Edwards gives you, we can too. How much do you want? Is this enough?"

He pulled out a stack of money and slapped it onto the table. "This should cover your drink!"

Then, laughing, he tossed another stack in front of her. "Here’s more. Kneel and lick my shoes!"

The others laughed even louder, adding insults. "Norah, you’re just Mr. Edwards’ secretary. We only respect you because of him, but don’t take yourself too seriously! No matter what, you’re just a toy to Mr. Edwards. Do you really think you’re some kind of noblewoman?"

Norah was deeply insulted.

To them, she wasn’t respected for her skills but seen as someone who got ahead by seducing men.

"Norah, stop pretending. Didn’t you come here to drink with us? Is this money not enough?" Mr. Lopez taunted with a grin.

Norah took a deep breath, trying to stay rational. With so many people, they were outnumbered and needed to stay calm.

She stood up, facing the group with a cold tone. "Since Mr. Lopez doesn’t want a pleasant meal, I’ll take my leave. You can enjoy yourselves."

Norah turned to leave, but Mr. Lopez grabbed her hand. "Where do you think you’re going? You haven’t had a drink yet!"

His touch repulsed her. She pushed him away. "Mr. Lopez, please respect yourself!"

"Respect? You’re just Kevin’s secretary. Who knows how many times he’s slept with you? Offering you a drink is already a favor. Don’t be ungrateful!" Mr. Lopez sneered. Norah’s repeated refusals had tested his patience. He grabbed her, saying, "Whatever Kevin gives you, I can too. I’ll get you a villa so you won’t have to worry about anything. Being with me is much better than being with Kevin…"

"Get out!" Norah couldn’t take it anymore and slapped him hard. "Don’t touch me!"

Mr. Lopez, enraged, glared at her. "You little b*tch! How dare you hit me? I’ll kill you!"

Tessa was terrified.

Norah, worried about Tessa’s safety, quickly pushed her toward the door. "It’s dangerous here. Get out!"

Tessa, frightened, asked, "Ms. White, what will you do?"

Norah, though scared and trembling, knew she had to stay behind. "Go call for help. Don’t hesitate, just go!"

Though timid, Tessa listened to Norah.

"Run? You think you can run, you b*tch?"

Mr. Lopez chased after them and grabbed Norah’s hair.

Her neatly tied hair came loose, the pain numbing her scalp as he slapped her across the face.

The slap left her dazed, disoriented.

When she regained her senses, she found herself pressed against the table, Mr. Lopez’s large belly pinning her down, the stench of alcohol overwhelming her.

She felt sick, panic rising, but she forced herself to stay calm and struggled. "Get off me! If you touch me, Kevin won’t let you get away with it!"

Mr. Lopez laughed cruelly, seeing her only as a toy. "Kevin and I have business together. He wouldn’t ruin that over a woman. Don’t kid yourself. Even if you scream, no one’s coming to save you."

Norah’s head burned with fear, but her heart turned cold.

Mr. Lopez was partly right. Kevin, being a businessman, would likely weigh the costs, and he might not stand by her.

Norah’s eyes stung with tears, feeling utterly helpless.

As Mr. Lopez’s hand reached her chest and he grinned triumphantly, Norah nearly gave up. She wanted to die rather than endure the humiliation.

Just as she was about to surrender, letting her hands fall limp, she closed her eyes.

"Ah——"

Suddenly, the weight pressing down on her lifted.

She heard a pained scream. Blinking through her tears, her vision blurred, she saw a figure.

Then, a warm coat was draped over her, a familiar scent calming her fear.

Overwhelmed, tears streamed down her face. At that moment, she felt utterly fragile. She threw her arms around his waist, crying out almost uncontrollably, "Kevin!"