Ch. 430: Mr. Edwards’ Unraveled Life Chapter 430

Chapter 430

The arrow thudded into the tree, its cold, sharp tip sending a shiver down Norah’s spine. She stood frozen, her heart racing, unable to snap out of the shock for what felt like an eternity.

Baimo’s brow furrowed as he scanned the dense woods. Whoever had been hiding in the shadows knew their plan had failed and quickly retreated, not daring to linger. They were clearly afraid of being discovered by him.

"Are you alright?" Baimo asked, his voice laced with concern as he turned to Norah, ignoring his own safety.

Norah’s eyes were wide, her mind racing. The arrow had been aimed straight at her head—someone wanted her dead. But why? The village was heavily guarded, and yet, someone had taken the risk to try to kill her. Who had she crossed? Who saw her as such a threat?

"Norah," Baimo called again when she didn’t respond.

Finally, Norah snapped out of her daze. She glanced toward the direction the arrow had come from, but it was pitch black. Even if the attacker had fled, there was no trace left behind.

"I’m fine," Norah said, her voice steady despite the lingering fear.

Baimo released her, and Norah walked over to the tree, pulling the arrow free. It was an ordinary arrow, nothing distinctive. No clues to be found.

"Did you notice anything?" Norah asked, looking up at Baimo. She wondered if he had seen something she hadn’t.

Baimo shook his head. "I sensed something was off, but thankfully, you’re unharmed."

Norah gripped the arrow tightly, her eyes locked on Baimo. She was wrestling with a question, unsure whether to voice it.

Baimo noticed her hesitation. "Is there something you want to ask me?"

Norah took a deep breath. "Do you know why I came to the Yi tribe?"

Baimo’s expression turned serious. "You haven’t explicitly said. How would I know?"

"I came to find a friend," Norah began, her tone heavy. "And to uncover a secret about myself."

Baimo’s eyes darkened. "A secret about you? Do you think the Yi tribe holds the answers?"

Norah hesitated, then decided to lay her cards on the table. "Actually, I’m here to find the Pharaoh."

Baimo froze, a flicker of surprise crossing his face. Norah caught it—he hadn’t expected her to be so bold.

"The Pharaoh?" Baimo chuckled, though it sounded forced. "Norah, why do you think you can find him here?"

Norah pressed on. "The villagers say you have a strong connection to the Pharaoh. And beyond that, I want to know who you really are."

Baimo crossed his arms, studying her with a curious gaze. "What do you think my identity is?"

"You’re not just a simple man," Norah said. "You have wealth, and in a place like this, wealth usually comes with power. But you’re kind to the villagers, so I don’t think you’re a bad person."

Baimo laughed softly. "Aren’t you worried I might be hiding something?"

"Even if you are, it doesn’t seem to harm anyone. And honestly, you don’t strike me as the type to be evil," Norah said firmly.

Baimo’s smile faded slightly. "What does this have to do with the person who tried to kill you? Or are you just curious about me?"

Norah twirled the arrow in her hand before handing it to him. "Whoever shot this wanted me dead, not you. If they wanted to kill us both, they could have. But they didn’t. That means they know you—and they’re afraid of you. They didn’t want you to see who they were. That tells me your identity isn’t simple."

Baimo took the arrow, his lips curling into a faint smile. "You’re sharp. I’ll give you that."

"So, you know who it is?" Norah asked.

Baimo didn’t answer directly.

Norah pressed further. "It’s someone you’re protecting, isn’t it?"

Her accuracy seemed to unsettle him. Baimo’s expression grew serious. "Knowing too much can be dangerous," he warned. "But since you were hurt because of me, I won’t let it happen again."

Norah shrugged. "Don’t worry. I’m not easy to kill."

"Let’s go," Baimo said, gesturing for her to follow.

As they walked, Norah noticed how Baimo had sidestepped her question about the Pharaoh. He was deliberately avoiding it. That only made her more suspicious. If he had no connection to the Pharaoh, why dodge the topic? She decided to keep a closer eye on him. He might be her best lead.

When they reached the village, the villagers greeted them with relief. "Ms. White is back!" someone called out.

Kevin emerged from the crowd, his eyes immediately locking onto Baimo. "Why were you gone so long? I was about to come looking for you," he said, his tone sharp.

Norah explained, "I fell asleep and lost track of time. Let me introduce you. This is Baimo, the village teacher. And this is Kevin."

Baimo extended his hand with a polite smile. "Hello. I’ve heard you saved the village. Impressive."

Kevin’s demeanor was cold, but he shook Baimo’s hand. "I’ve heard about you too. But you don’t seem like you’re from around here."

Baimo nodded. "I came to teach the children. I’m not from the village."

Kevin’s eyes narrowed. "That makes your background hard to verify."

Norah stepped in, sensing the tension. "It’s late, and I’m starving. Have you eaten yet, Kevin?"

"I was waiting for you," Kevin replied, his tone softening slightly.

"Great, let’s eat together," Norah said, turning to Baimo. "You should join us. You haven’t eaten either."

"Sure," Baimo agreed without hesitation.

Kevin’s jaw tightened, but he said nothing.

As they prepared the meal, Baimo offered to help. Kevin stopped him with a hand. "You’re a guest. Just sit."

The meal was simple, typical village fare. Norah watched Baimo closely, noting how he ate without complaint, his manners refined, almost aristocratic. He didn’t fit the image of a humble village teacher.

"Is there something on my face?" Baimo asked, catching her stare.

Norah flushed. "No, I just thought you weren’t eating enough. Here, have some more." She quickly served him more food, trying to mask her curiosity.

Kevin, sitting nearby, grew visibly irritated. Norah was too focused on Baimo to notice.

After the meal, Baimo bid them goodnight and left. Norah watched him go, her mind racing. If Baimo knew who had tried to kill her, he might lead her to them. She decided to follow him the next day.

"Have you seen enough?" Kevin’s voice cut through her thoughts, cold and sharp.

Norah turned, realizing she’d been staring after Baimo for too long. Kevin’s expression was dark, his jealousy barely concealed. She sighed, knowing she’d have to tread carefully. But for now, her focus was on Baimo—and the secrets he might be hiding.