Ch. 333: Mr. Edwards’ Unraveled Life Chapter 333

Chapter 333

Karina didn’t speak, simply following Norah inside.

As they stepped through the door, Karina felt a warmth that immediately surrounded her. She looked around at the well-kept interior of the house.

A subtle fragrance filled the air.

The place was carefully furnished, each detail thoughtfully chosen.

It was clear that Norah was someone who truly appreciated life.

Even in a small space, everything felt deliberate and beautiful—someone with a positive, optimistic spirit.

Karina watched her prepare tea.

She couldn’t help but feel a sense of envy toward Norah.

Karina had once had a similar chance at happiness, but Norah had broken free from her constraints and built a good life.

Karina also longed for a life of normalcy.

"Sit," Norah said, noticing that Karina was still standing at the door. She gestured for Karina to come in.

Karina nodded and moved to the couch, sitting down.

Norah set the tea she had brewed on the table.

Karina grasped the cup, the warmth spreading through her hands, and watched as a few petals floated in the clear tea.

How long had it been since she’d lived such a delicate, thoughtful life? Though Karina took pride in her appearance, her life had been anything but gentle.

She sipped the tea, enjoying the faint fragrance that lingered in her mouth. It was a feeling she truly cherished.

"What kind of tea is this?" she asked.

"Jasmine tea."

"It’s delicious," Karina said, savoring the taste. "It lingers on my lips and teeth."

"If you like it, take some with you," Norah offered generously, though it was just an ordinary tea.

Karina took another sip, then set the cup back on the table.

"Is the man with the knife the same one from across the bridge that day?" Norah asked. "Was he poisoned? If they wanted my life, why use this method?"

Karina fixed her gaze on Norah. "You must have noticed—there’s something off about all of this."

Norah’s expression shifted slightly. "If someone wants me alive, does that mean my life is a threat to others?"

"Exactly," Karina replied. "They’re using your life as leverage."

"Is the antidote with your organization?" Norah pressed.

"The real danger isn't here," Karina’s voice became serious. "The people who truly scare me aren’t part of this. Not even Archer, who raised us. The real terror is the Pharaoh—he developed the poison. He’s the only one who knows about the antidote."

A chill ran down Norah’s spine.

"Why is there another person?" she asked, still processing the weight of Karina's words.

Karina gave a helpless smile. "What do you think? I’ve never seen him either. I’ve been forced into situations I can't control. If I don’t comply, it’s my life that’s at stake."

It was a bitter reality.

Before, Karina had thought her survival depended on Jace.

But now, as she shared this experience with Norah, a complicated mix of emotions stirred within her.

She had once been warned—by the organization—that emotions were a liability.

Even family could turn on her.

But she hadn’t been able to shake those feelings.

That’s why she was at the fringes of the organization, where her death would only be met with indifference or exploitation.

"There are many people locked away in the dark, and you managed to escape," Karina said, gazing at Norah. "I really envy you. You’ve managed to live a normal, good life."

Norah, however, seemed unaffected. Her memories were clouded, and she only recalled being kidnapped once.

Could it be that her memory was distorted?

"What about the others?" Norah asked quietly.

"They’re dead," Karina replied coldly.

Her words hit Norah like a stone, sinking deep into her heart.

Norah’s hands trembled involuntarily. "Were they all teenage girls?"

Karina’s response was chilling. "Age doesn’t matter. The survivors were exploited. The dead had their organs harvested... there weren’t even bodies left."

Norah’s face turned pale.

"I don’t know who you are," Karina continued, "but if you managed to escape, it means you're not ordinary. Jace is desperate to protect you... You can’t die. This is his wish, and I’ll make sure it’s fulfilled."

At those words, Norah clenched her fists, her expression turning complex before hardening. "Did you come here just to tell me this?"

Karina sighed. "I think you should be careful. Now that you're pregnant, you need to take care of yourself."

"Is that all? Do you think I’ll thank you for this?" Norah’s cold response took Karina by surprise.

She hadn’t expected Norah to be so resistant to kindness.

Norah’s eyes locked onto Karina’s, a sneer forming. "Everyone says nice things. Don’t forget who gave me the poison. Do you think I’d believe you?"

Karina’s face tightened. "I’m just trying to help..."

"I don’t need your help," Norah shot back. "Leave now!"

With that, Norah shoved Karina out the door.

Karina didn’t resist.

She stood there, confused, before calling out, "Julie..."

"Don’t call me Julie!" Norah snapped. "I’m Norah. Not Julie. If you and Jace had stayed away from me from the beginning, none of this would’ve happened."

Karina’s heart ached at her words.

She couldn’t convince Norah.

Without the antidote, there would be no future.

Jace wouldn’t be like this.

It was all Karina’s fault.

Leaning against the door, she stared at the ground, eyes full of regret. "Norah, you’re right. If it weren’t for me, none of this would have happened."

Meanwhile, Norah’s eyes were red. She’d reached her limit and slowly collapsed.

"I’ll handle everything," Karina continued. "I just hope you’re kind to Jace."

But Norah didn’t respond.

The silence made Karina uneasy.

"Are you listening?" she asked, voice quivering.

Still no reply.

Karina’s anxiety grew. "Norah!"

She knocked urgently on the door.

But Norah had already collapsed, unconscious on the floor.

Karina’s heart raced as she feared for Norah’s safety.

She had to get Jace.

The door was forced open.

Karina rushed in to find Norah lying on the ground.

Without hesitation, Jace lifted her and placed her on the sofa, then pulled out a scalpel and carefully stabbed at an old wound.

Karina couldn’t bear to look, but her eyes welled with warmth as she saw his care for Norah.

No one else could bring warmth to their lives but Jace.

Norah, still weak, muttered in a daze, "Go away..."

Jace, covered in blood and pale, grew more exhausted. He staggered, dizziness overtaking him.

Karina quickly steadied him. "How is she?"

Jace steadied himself for a moment, then his gray-brown eyes met Norah’s unconscious form. "We need to go."

"Won’t you stay and take care of Norah?" Karina asked.

"Norah doesn’t want us here. Don’t bother her!" Jace replied coldly.

Karina looked at him, hesitant. "Could it be that she’s just pushing us away to protect us?"