Ch. 431: Mr. Edwards’ Unraveled Life Chapter 431

Chapter 431

Kevin’s expression darkened. "What kept you with Baimo all afternoon?"

Norah shrugged. "I told you—I fell asleep there."

Kevin frowned, clearly frustrated. "Why didn’t you come back to sleep? You’re a single woman, and he’s a single man. People will talk."

Norah bristled at his tone. "Single woman? I have a child, and Baimo and I are just friends. Who cares about gossip? This isn’t the old days. Why are you so backward in your thinking?"

Kevin’s lips pressed into a thin line, his face stormy.

Norah continued, "Besides, you were gone all morning. I couldn’t even find you. Was I supposed to just sit around and do nothing?"

Kevin sighed. "Let’s drop it. I don’t want to argue."

Norah agreed. Continuing this conversation would only make things worse.

Kevin softened his tone. "I didn’t mean to fight with you."

His apology took the edge off Norah’s anger. She sighed. "I went with Arlene. Baimo left the village for a while, so I stayed to teach the kids. I’m basically a part-time teacher now. That’s all there is to it."

"I see," Kevin said, his voice calm. "Go get some rest."

Norah studied him. He seemed to have let it go, but his suggestion for her to return to her tent felt like a dismissal. After last night, she’d thought he might want to stay close. Clearly, she’d misread him.

"Fine," Norah said curtly before walking away.

Kevin watched her go, his expression unreadable.

Frank approached him. "Ms. White asked where you were this morning. We didn’t tell her anything, but she might start to wonder."

"It’s fine," Kevin said dismissively. "It won’t be long now."

The next day, in the woods.

Owen was on his way back to Journi when he froze, spotting Baimo ahead.

"Owen," Baimo said, his voice cold. "You tried to kill Norah?"

Owen dropped to one knee, bowing his head. "Young Master."

Baimo’s gaze was piercing. "I asked you a question."

Owen hesitated, then admitted, "Yes."

"Where’s Journi?" Baimo demanded.

Before Owen could answer, Journi’s voice cut through the air. "No need to look for me. I’m right here."

She stepped out of her car, her chin lifted defiantly. "Brother, are you really going to scold me over some woman?"

Baimo’s expression was stone-cold. "Journi, you can’t touch Norah."

"Why not?" Journi snapped, her anger flaring. "What’s so special about her? Is she prettier than me? Why do you always favor her?"

Baimo’s eyes narrowed. "Why are you following me, Journi? Can’t you just stay home and play the part of the perfect lady?"

Journi stepped closer, her voice trembling with emotion. "I want my brother’s attention, but you’re so busy with those village kids that you barely even look at me. How can I accept that?"

Baimo’s patience wore thin. "The world doesn’t revolve around you. I’m warning you—don’t touch Norah again. And for the record, I’m not your brother."

Journi’s face twisted in anger. "You’re denying me now?"

Baimo’s gaze was icy. "What proof do you have that you’re my sister?"

"The whole clan accepts me as your long-lost sister!" Journi shot back.

Baimo’s voice was firm. "You’ve been gone for years. Anyone could claim to be my sister. If you know what’s good for you, stay out of my life."

Journi clenched her fists, her body shaking with rage. This was the first time Baimo had spoken to her so harshly. His suspicion cut deep, and his indifference stung even more. She’d tried to win his affection, but he kept his distance, avoiding her at every turn.

Baimo turned and walked away, leaving Journi seething.

"Miss," Owen began cautiously, "perhaps we should—"

"Shut up!" Journi snapped, rounding on him. "This is your fault! If you’d killed Norah, none of this would’ve happened. But you failed, and now my brother’s angry with me. You’re useless!"

Owen bowed his head, accepting her fury.

"Norah," Journi hissed, her voice dripping with venom. "Why does she keep getting in my way?"

She turned to Owen, her eyes blazing. "Do something! This time, I’ll handle her myself. No more mistakes."

Owen hesitated. "If the Young Master finds out—"

"Do as I say!" Journi barked. "My brother might scare you, but he can’t scare my father."

Reluctantly, Owen nodded.

Meanwhile, Norah arrived at the school early, determined to keep an eye on Baimo. She wanted to know where he went when he left the village, especially after yesterday’s attack.

She peered through the window of his house, but the curtains were drawn. It seemed he wasn’t home. Had he gone to confront her attacker?

Norah cursed under her breath. She should’ve gotten up earlier.

"What are you doing?" Baimo’s voice came from behind her.

Norah jumped, turning to see him standing there, amused.

"I was looking for you," she said quickly, straightening up. "I didn’t see you around, so I thought you might still be asleep."

Baimo smiled. "I wake up early every day. I just got back from a run."

"Right," Norah said, trying to sound casual. "You’re into fitness."

"What did you need?" Baimo asked.

Norah scrambled for an excuse. "I was wondering if you’d had breakfast. Want to eat together?"

"Sure," Baimo said. "Why not here?"

"Okay."

"Can I come in?" Norah asked.

Baimo nodded, opening the door for her.

Norah stepped inside, taking in the simple room filled with books. It suited him—quiet, orderly, and intellectual.

"I’ll make some noodles," Baimo said, heading to the kitchen.

Norah followed, her mind racing. She needed to find a way to keep tabs on him without raising suspicion. But for now, she’d play along.