Ch. 453: Mr. Edwards’ Unraveled Life Chapter 453

Chapter 453

The gun in Norah’s hand didn’t faze Baimo in the slightest.

In a flash, Baimo struck, his hand snapping against Norah’s wrist with precision. The black pistol clattered to the ground with a sharp clang. Baimo’s grip shifted to her neck, his voice low and commanding. “Kevin, I know your people are here. I’ll let you leave now. But if you want warmth, bring Jace in exchange.”

Baimo had reached a point where holding Norah hostage was more strategic than capturing a handful of others. Norah’s voice cut through the tension, raw and urgent. “Kevin, go! Now!”

Kevin’s eyes locked onto Norah’s, a storm of emotions swirling in his gaze—reluctance, defiance, and a deep, unyielding resolve.

But the relentless barrage of artillery fire outside left no room for hesitation.

A large force stormed in.

Levi and Frank quickly located Kevin using their tracking systems. “Captain Edwards,” Levi said, his tone urgent but controlled, “orders from above—avoid conflict with the Pharaoh for now.”

“Kevin, go!” Norah’s voice rang out again, sharper this time.

Kevin was dragged away, his protests muffled by the chaos.

Soon, the scene fell into an uneasy calm, though the aftermath was a wreckage of shattered plans and broken resolve.

Baimo released Norah, his tone almost casual. “You’ve got some fight in you. Ever thought about learning grappling techniques?”

When he’d grabbed her wrist earlier, Norah had fought back—a simple self-defense move, but one that hinted at potential. With training, she could reach a formidable level.

Norah’s response was icy. “Not interested.” She turned her back on him, her mind racing with worry for Kevin. She knew him too well—he’d dive headfirst into danger for her, and now he’d stop at nothing to find Jace. She couldn’t let that happen.

Baimo watched her, words lingering on the tip of his tongue. But in the end, he swallowed them back.

Kevin’s Side

Kevin fought like a man possessed, even turning his fury on Levi. But Levi and Frank knew they couldn’t let him spiral. Working together, they subdued him, finally carrying him away while he was off guard.

When Kevin came to, he was back at the military camp. He bolted upright, his first thought to go after Norah.

Levi stopped him. “Captain Edwards, we get it. You care about Ms. White. You want to save her. But you’ve got a bigger responsibility now. You can’t keep charging in like this.”

After Kevin’s stunt, the Pharaoh’s forces would be on high alert.

“Then we fight!” Kevin’s voice was a low growl, his face twisted with rage.

Frank stepped in, his tone measured. “Captain Edwards, our orders are clear—no clashes with the Pharaoh. We’re here for peacekeeping, not to intervene in the Yi tribe’s internal conflicts.”

Kevin’s eyes darkened. “So you’re saying we just leave Norah there?”

Norah was a citizen of Craggaville. Her detention—whether public or private—was unacceptable.

“That’s not what I’m saying,” Frank clarified. “We’re just urging caution. We can negotiate. The Yi tribe won’t risk a conflict with our nation.”

Their country prioritized peace. A direct attack could spark chaos, drawing in allied forces and potentially igniting a global conflict.

Levi added, “Captain Edwards, we’ll find a way to get Ms. White out. But we need to think this through.”

Kevin’s mind raced. Baimo had mentioned the poison—he knew about it and had hinted at an antidote. That meant Baimo was connected to Jace. If anyone could negotiate Norah’s release, it was Jace.

After a tense silence, Kevin dialed Jace’s number.

The phone rang for what felt like an eternity before Jace answered, his voice weak. “What is it?”

“Norah’s been captured by the Pharaoh,” Kevin said, his voice low and heavy.

Jace’s response was immediate, his voice cracking with anger. “What did you say? You promised to protect her!”

Kevin didn’t respond. Guilt and frustration lodged in his throat, suffocating him. Norah’s capture was a failure on his part. If he’d been stronger, none of this would’ve happened—not the poison, not the separation from their child.

“Baimo wants you,” Kevin said finally.

Jace’s reply was curt. “Understood.”

The line went dead. Kevin didn’t need to explain further. Jace would move heaven and earth for Norah.

Norah’s Side

Norah was kept in Baimo’s quarters, far from the slave camp. She was given the best meals, even new clothes. Baimo’s intentions were clear—he wanted Jace, and he was using her to control Kevin.

She ate and changed without protest. There was no point in making things harder for herself.

What she didn’t expect was a visit from the Pharaoh himself.

The masked figure was unnerving, his presence radiating menace. He studied Norah, his voice dripping with disdain. “I never imagined my forces could be brought to their knees by your husband. And you—you’ve managed to catch my son’s attention. Impressive, for someone of your... standing.”

Norah glanced at him briefly before looking away. A masked man held no interest for her. She knew enough about him to feel nothing but contempt.

Her silence and the flicker of disgust in her eyes didn’t escape the Pharaoh. But before he could say more, Baimo strode in, positioning himself protectively in front of Norah.

“Norah is under my protection,” Baimo said, his voice cold. “If you’ve got time to spare, focus on your experiments. Keep your hands to yourself.”

The Pharaoh didn’t respond. His masked face revealed nothing, but Baimo’s defense of Norah spoke volumes.

“I merely spoke to her,” the Pharaoh said, his tone mocking. “You’re awfully tense. If something happens to her, will you die for her?”

Baimo’s expression hardened. “I don’t have time to argue with you in front of outsiders.”

The Pharaoh left without another word, but his visit left a lingering unease.

For Journi, the Pharaoh’s appearance was a red flag. If the Pharaoh knew Norah was with Baimo and did nothing, what did that mean? Even Kevin had been allowed to leave unharmed.

Was Baimo showing favor to Norah—and by extension, Kevin? Or was there some deeper agreement at play? The questions hung heavy, unanswered.