Ch. 435: Mr. Edwards’ Unraveled Life Chapter 435

Chapter 435

Owen's expression darkened. "How do you know that? Who told you?"

Norah narrowed her eyes, feigning mystery. "I know a lot. Why else do you think the people behind you are so desperate to get rid of me?"

Owen's face twisted in realization. "It was the young master, wasn’t it? You’re a scheming woman, manipulating him like that."

His hostility toward Norah intensified.

Norah smirked. "And yet, you don't say a word about how cruel your young lady is."

"Don't you dare talk about Miss!" Owen snapped, pressing his knife against Norah’s neck. His voice was low and dangerous. "You're running your mouth when you're about to die. I can end this right now."

Norah's breath hitched, her body instinctively freezing. But she kept moving forward, following Owen as he led her out of the woods, step by step. He knew this place well.

Trying to keep him talking, she said, "You got out of here pretty fast. Must mean you've walked this path plenty of times."

Owen scoffed. "I grew up in these mountains. This forest is nothing. I know every inch of this land."

"How much longer until we get there?" Norah asked.

Owen shot her a cold look. "Not your concern. Keep quiet."

Fine. If he wasn't going to answer, she wouldn’t push. The terrain was rough, and with no transportation, they had no choice but to travel on foot. Sweat dripped down Norah’s back as she trudged forward, her mind racing. Why did Journi hate her so much? Was it really just jealousy over her brother?

A sharp voice broke the silence.

"Did you bring that woman back?" Journi's tone was laced with irritation. "I ask you to do one simple thing, and you keep failing. Useless!"

Owen lowered his head. "Miss, I brought her."

Journi’s expression shifted instantly. The anger vanished, replaced by a smug satisfaction. "Well, at least you didn’t disappoint me this time. Otherwise, you would've paid for it."

She had no problem killing people here—it was just a matter of how much she enjoyed it. And the thought of slowly torturing someone she despised? That was far more appealing.

A wicked smile curled her lips as she stepped forward.

Sure enough, Norah saw Owen leading her toward a group of people. Some were kneeling, fresh red slap marks on their faces, evidence of Journi’s cruelty. Even the servants trembled in fear.

Journi was dressed in the traditional Yi tribe attire, the exotic patterns standing out. But Norah wasn’t focused on the clothing—there was something eerily familiar about her face.

Owen bowed his head. "Miss, the job is done."

"I see." Journi barely acknowledged him before walking up to Norah and slapping her hard across the face.

Norah’s head snapped to the side, her ears ringing.

"What are you looking at? Kneel!" Journi’s voice was sharp, demanding absolute obedience.

Norah met her gaze, recognizing the twisted satisfaction in her expression. She was enjoying this—relishing the feeling of having Norah at her mercy.

A burning sensation spread across Norah’s cheek, but she forced herself to stay composed. Instead, she lifted her head and studied Journi’s face. "Do I know you?"

Journi stiffened. "What are you talking about?"

Norah tilted her head, amusement flickering in her eyes despite the pain. "Strange. You went through all this trouble to capture me, and for what? Just to slap me?" She paused, then smirked. "Let me guess—you hate that your brother treats me better than he treats you. Are you that jealous?"

Journi’s eyes flared with rage. "Nonsense! Why would I ever be jealous of you? You're nothing but a lowly country girl. I am a noble lady, respected by everyone. You? You’re beneath me!"

Norah chuckled, but her mind was still turning. "Then why do you want me dead? If I don’t even know you, what’s your real reason?"

"Stop staring at me!" Journi snapped, shifting uncomfortably under Norah’s piercing gaze.

Norah’s voice dropped to a murmur, as if she were piecing something together. "Journi... Is that really your name? Or... did you take someone else’s place?"