Ch. 266: Mr. Edwards’ Unraveled Life chapter 266

Chapter 266

Norah's heart sank as she opened the door. Standing in front of her was someone she hadn’t expected.

“What are you doing here?” she asked cautiously.

Her wariness was palpable. She barely knew him—they’d only crossed paths once because of Bianca. His sudden appearance felt too coincidental.

Jace, noticing her apprehension, replied calmly, “I live next door now.”

Norah blinked in confusion. “Next door?”

He pointed to the open door adjacent to hers. “I’m your new neighbor.”

It took a moment for Norah to process. The previously vacant apartment had a new occupant, and it was Jace.

“When did you move in?” she asked, still suspicious.

“This morning,” Jace answered simply.

Norah tilted her head, recalling the place she’d visited him at previously. “I thought you lived where you work.”

“I do stay there sometimes, but I needed my own space,” he explained with ease.

His composed demeanor seemed genuine, but Norah couldn’t shake the feeling of unease. Their encounters were beginning to feel too coincidental.

Sensing her hesitation, Jace added, “Relax, it’s pure coincidence. I promise I mean you no harm.”

Norah softened slightly, but she wasn’t entirely convinced. “Why did you knock on my door, then?”

He held up a bowl of large, almost black strawberries. “I brought these for you. It’s a neighborly gesture. I grew them myself.”

Norah’s curiosity piqued as she took in the unusual strawberries. “What kind are these? I’ve never seen ones this dark before.”

“They’re called Black Pearls,” Jace said, his tone casual.

Norah couldn’t help but smile a little. She loved strawberries, and these were unlike any she’d tried before. “You grew these yourself?”

He nodded. “I’ve got a farm with some unused land. I decided to plant strawberries there—several varieties, actually. If you’re interested, I could show you the place sometime.”

Norah hesitated. His friendliness felt a bit too personal, but she couldn’t outright refuse. “Maybe someday.”

Then, as if remembering something, she said, “Wait here.”

She hurried back into her apartment, leaving Jace standing by the door. He waited patiently, a small smile playing on his lips.

When Norah returned, she held out two bottles of fresh milk. “It’s nothing fancy, but this is the milk I drink. It’s richer and creamier than most. I thought you might like it.”

Jace accepted the bottles with a warm smile. “Thank you.”

Norah nodded. “You’ve helped me before, and I won’t forget it.”

“I wouldn’t call it a favor. You paid for the information,” Jace replied smoothly.

“It wasn’t just any information—it was crucial.” Norah’s tone softened. “I appreciate it.”

Jace glanced at the milk bottles in his hands, his expression unreadable. “What if I told you I deliberately approached you?”

Norah froze, caught off guard by his words. Her eyes narrowed slightly. “Why would you say that? What could you possibly gain by approaching me? I’m just an ordinary person.”

He met her gaze, his brown eyes calm yet revealing a flicker of something deeper. “Maybe nothing.”

Before she could press him further, a familiar voice called out.

“Norah!”

Norah turned and saw Gloria waving enthusiastically as she approached.

“Gloria!” Norah greeted her friend with a bright smile.

Gloria pulled her into a quick hug, stepping back to study her. “It’s been ages! You look like you’ve put on a little weight. You’ve been eating well, huh?”

“Have I?” Norah self-consciously touched her face, unsure.

Gloria’s attention shifted to Jace, who stood quietly nearby. Her eyes widened as she took in his tall frame, sharp features, and gold-rimmed glasses. “Wow, Norah! First Kevin, and now this? Your luck with men is incredible. He’s gorgeous.”

Norah immediately corrected her. “Don’t get any ideas. He’s just a neighbor.”

Jace nodded politely. “Hello.”

Gloria grinned. “I’m Gloria, Norah’s friend.”

“Nice to meet you,” Jace replied, his tone courteous.

Gloria clapped her hands together. “Well, what are we standing here for? Let’s go inside. Norah, I just got off a flight, and I’m starving. Please tell me you have food.”

Norah laughed, already heading back into her apartment. “Of course. Come on in.”

She glanced over her shoulder at Jace. “Have you had breakfast? You’re welcome to join us.”

Jace smiled faintly. “I’d like that.”