Ch. 272: Mr. Edwards’ Unraveled Life chapter 272

Chapter 272

Norah stood frozen, her eyes widening at the sight before her. A massive swimming pool stretched out before her, sparkling under soft, ambient lighting.

Before she could fully process the scene, a loud splash echoed through the room. Startled, she instinctively raised her hands to shield her face from the sudden spray of water.

When the water settled, her gaze shifted toward the pool. A figure emerged, gliding effortlessly through the water. The swimmer’s powerful strokes and taut physique hinted at years of disciplined exercise.

Her mind reeled. Isn’t the president of Schultz Group supposed to be in his fifties? she thought, scrutinizing the familiar contours of the man's broad shoulders and athletic frame.

As he swam closer, her breath hitched. When the man finally surfaced, water dripping from his face, Norah’s heart sank.

“You?” she gasped, her voice laced with disbelief.

Kevin Edwards stood there, confident as ever, wiping water from his face. His deep-set eyes locked onto hers, a flicker of amusement in them.

“Why not me?” he replied smoothly, the corner of his lips curling into a faint smile.

Norah’s expression darkened, her voice sharpening. “Where’s the president of Schultz Group? I came here for a professional interview, not to deal with your games.”

Kevin turned away, his movements deliberate and unhurried. Resting his elbows on the pool’s edge, he reached for a nearby glass of red wine, swirling it leisurely before taking a sip.

“Why are you silent?” Norah pressed, growing more impatient. “I’m here on assignment, not for your amusement.”

Kevin finally spoke, his voice deep and steady. “Always so focused on work, Norah. Do you ever relax?”

Something clicked in her mind. Her lips parted slightly as realization dawned. “Wait… are you saying—”

Kevin turned his head slightly, cutting her off. “You guessed it. Schultz Group is mine now.”

Her eyes widened, her emotions a mix of shock and frustration. All that research, all the preparation... for this?

“What are you trying to pull?” she asked, her tone sharp. “Why didn’t anyone tell me?”

Kevin shrugged casually, as though her irritation was of little concern. “Business is business. Expanding one’s portfolio is hardly a game.”

Norah clenched her fists, fighting to keep her composure. Focus, Norah, she reminded herself. This is work, not personal.

With a deep breath, she smoothed her expression and assumed a professional tone. “Mr. Edwards,” she said firmly, “I wasn’t informed that the interview would be with you. Let’s proceed with the questions.”

Kevin raised an eyebrow, a faint smirk on his lips. “And if you’d known? Would you have come?”

Norah straightened her posture, meeting his gaze squarely. “I’m here because my editor-in-chief sent me. You know I take my work seriously.”

Kevin’s smirk deepened. “You used to give everything for others. What’s changed?”

Norah bristled at the jab but didn’t respond. She wasn’t about to let him derail the conversation.

Kevin leaned against the pool’s edge again, his chiseled chest glistening under the light. “If you’d told me earlier that you wanted to interview me, I would’ve saved you the trouble of chasing rumors.”

Norah averted her eyes, her cheeks warming despite herself. Professionalism, Norah. Focus.

“Let’s get started,” she said, preparing her recorder. “But first, Mr. Edwards, could you step out of the pool and get dressed? It would make this interview more appropriate.”

Kevin tilted his head, feigning confusion. “Doesn’t a good journalist adapt to their surroundings? Shouldn’t you be prepared for anything?”

Norah gritted her teeth, fighting the urge to roll her eyes. “I’m new to XNGY, Mr. Edwards. I appreciate your patience as I gain experience.”

Kevin’s arms rested on the pool's edge, muscles taut as he leaned slightly forward. The veins in his forearms were pronounced, his commanding presence impossible to ignore.

“Then come closer,” he said, his voice low and steady.

“What for?” she asked, her tone clipped.

“An interview,” Kevin replied, his deep gaze unwavering. “Isn’t that what you’re here for?”

Norah hesitated, her instincts screaming at her to keep her distance. Yet, her professionalism won out. She squared her shoulders, adjusted the recorder clipped to her blouse, and took a cautious step forward.

“Fine,” she said, her voice steady. “Let’s begin.”

Before she could ask her first question, the sound of a splash shattered the moment.

In an instant, Kevin’s long arm shot out, wrapping around her waist with surprising force. With a single, fluid motion, he pulled her into the pool.

Water engulfed her as she struggled to process what had just happened. The world became a blur of cool liquid and muffled sounds.

When she surfaced, gasping for air, her eyes locked onto Kevin’s. He was already grinning, his expression unapologetically mischievous.

“What are you doing?” she sputtered, her voice rising in indignation.

Kevin’s chuckle rumbled low in his chest, his eyes gleaming with amusement. “Adapt, Norah. Isn’t that what you just said?”