Ch. 434: Mr. Edwards’ Unraveled Life Chapter 434

Chapter 434

"Arlene is missing? How could she just disappear?" Norah's heart tightened.

Ahshan sobbed uncontrollably. "I don't know! Sister Arlene went to the mountains to hunt wild boars, and she never came back. She's gone..."

Norah frowned. "Why was she hunting wild boars?"

"For food! She said there was no meat at home, so she wanted to bring one back to cook. Teacher Norah, what should we do? Where do we even start looking?" Ahshan cried so hard that tears and snot mixed together.

Norah forced herself to stay calm, but something felt off. "Where are your parents?"

"They went into the mountains to look for her and haven't returned yet."

"Then we’ll go too." Norah made a quick decision. "The more people searching, the better. Let’s get help."

"Teacher Norah!" Ahshan wiped her tears and said, "I saw Captain Edwards take some men out. Is it too late?"

Norah stepped outside to check. More than half of the village’s vehicles were gone.

She had no idea what Kevin was up to, but now wasn’t the time to dwell on it.

Her only concern was Arlene’s safety.

Even though she had lived here for a while, the villagers knew the terrain and surroundings better than she did. If Arlene was missing, something must have gone wrong.

On normal days, she wouldn’t worry too much. But this... this was different. They were always cautious. The only real danger was if she had fallen off a cliff.

But Arlene wouldn’t venture into risky areas. Would she?

Norah couldn't afford to wait any longer. "Let’s go find Arlene. Someone should stay behind to inform your parents when they return. If we find her, that’d be ideal."

There was no time to waste.

Kevin had already warned her before leaving that he wouldn’t be around. He had a mission, and it couldn’t be delayed.

"Okay." Ahshan wiped her face, trying to hold back her tears.

Norah grabbed her hand, and together, they headed toward the mountain.

Several villagers had already started searching. About a dozen of them were gathered.

The mountain was vast. Even with a dozen people, it could take all day to find Arlene.

"Let’s split up," Norah instructed. "We’ll meet back here later."

"Got it."

With that, they set off in different directions.

The mountain trails were rugged, filled with the dangers of poisonous snakes and insects.

People moved in pairs for safety.

Norah lacked experience in the wild, so she paired up with a man who frequently ventured into the mountains to catch snakes and insects. She felt safer with him leading the way.

They called out Arlene’s name repeatedly, but there was no answer.

Only the sounds of birds and insects responded.

"Ms. White, there’s a fork in the road ahead. If we want to cover more ground quickly, we should split up. But if you’re scared, we can stick together."

Norah had grown accustomed to this place. She wasn’t overly afraid of poisonous creatures. "It’s fine. We’ll split up. This path looks narrow—it shouldn’t take too long."

"Alright. If anything happens, just yell. The sound carries in the mountains, so I should hear you."

"Got it."

Norah took a separate path.

Arlene was an innocent girl with a good heart. She always gave generously, never hesitating when she cared about someone. Perhaps her pride made her want to prove herself by hunting a wild boar.

Norah had to find her. She wouldn't return without her.

Her anxiety deepened when she suddenly sensed movement nearby.

"Who’s there?"

She quickly looked up, scanning the dense trees. No one was in sight.

Her expression darkened.

She didn’t back away. Instead, she took a few bold steps forward before stopping. Her voice was steady, yet cold. "Come out. I know you’re there."

A muffled sound followed.

Then, Arlene stumbled from behind a tree—her hands tied, her face pale, struggling with tears in her eyes.

Norah’s chest tightened. Behind Arlene, a man stepped forward and smirked. "I’ve been waiting for you. If you don’t want her dead, stay quiet and come here."

Norah met his gaze and laughed mockingly. "You went through all this trouble just to lure me out? You could’ve just asked."

"Catching you in the village isn’t easy. We had to be creative." Owen, the man who had once tried to assassinate her, smirked.

If he failed this time, going back empty-handed would mean facing severe consequences. He had timed everything perfectly—Kevin was gone, and Arlene was the perfect bait.

Norah’s eyes narrowed. "So, you were the one who tried to kill me before?"

Owen’s patience was running thin. He pressed a knife against Arlene’s throat. "Enough talking! Get over here!"

Norah raised her hands in surrender, moving forward slowly. "Alright. Just be careful with that knife. Don’t hurt Arlene."

Arlene’s eyes widened in horror. She shook her head frantically, tears spilling over.

Owen yanked the cloth from her mouth. "Speak."

Arlene sobbed. "No! Don’t come! They’re after you, not me! Don’t let them take you! I’m fine!"

"If I don’t, you’ll die." Norah’s voice was calm. "Arlene, it’s alright. Stop crying. Just go home safely. Don’t make your parents worry."

"Let her go," Norah said to Owen. "I’m the one you want. Don’t harm the innocent."

Owen shoved Arlene aside and immediately bound Norah’s hands.

Arlene watched in despair, her voice trembling. "I’m so sorry. If I hadn’t come to the mountains, this wouldn’t have happened. I didn’t know... I didn’t think something like this could happen. If anything happens to you, how will I explain it to Captain Edwards? I have to go with you."

"No," Norah said firmly. "Go home. Now. Don’t be reckless. If you don’t leave, they might hurt you, too."

Arlene hesitated, torn between staying and running for help. But she knew—if no one reported this, Norah would have no chance. Swallowing her fear, she turned and ran back toward the village without looking back.

Owen watched her leave and chuckled. "People are selfish. No matter how brave they act, when it comes down to it, they’ll always choose to save themselves."

Norah didn’t struggle. As soon as Arlene was gone, she felt relieved.

If you don’t enter the tiger’s den, how will you catch the tiger?

She had no choice but to face this on her own.

"Why did you try to assassinate me?" she asked, keeping her voice steady. "Now that you’ve caught me, where are you taking me? And if you’re not killing me right now, does that mean you have other plans?"

Owen rolled his eyes. "You talk too much."

Norah smirked. "Who’s behind this? Journi? Baimo’s little sister?"