Ch. 486: Mr. Edwards’ Unraveled Life Chapter 486

Chapter 486

"I don't want it. If I go over there, where would I even find the time to spend money?" Norah protested, shaking her head.

Jack's expression turned serious. "Norah, didn’t you say that we will always be your parents? That means we're family, and isn’t it natural for parents to support their children?"

Gwen added softly, "Norah, once you're there, you’ll inevitably run into situations where you’ll need money. Think about the poor, the injured children, the elderly—if you see them struggling, wouldn’t you want to help?"

Jack's voice was calm, no longer filled with grief but rather deep understanding.

Norah hadn't expected them to think about things from that perspective. She opened her mouth to respond but found herself at a loss for words.

Gwen reached for her hand. "Take it. This is just a small token from us. If you use it to help others, then maybe the heavens will watch over you in return. We just want you to come back safely."

After a moment of hesitation, Norah finally accepted the bank cards. She had initially planned to keep her trip a secret from them, but she realized that hiding it would only make them worry more. It was better to be upfront.

To her surprise, they understood her completely. If she refused the money, they wouldn’t feel at ease.

The meal that followed was warm and filled with love.

Jack and Gwen kept piling food onto Norah’s plate, reminding her, "When you’re over there, take lots of pictures and send them to us. Video call when you have time. And if you ever want to come home, just come back. Don’t force yourself to endure anything alone, okay?"

Norah nodded, feeling a deep sense of gratitude. They weren’t rich or powerful, but to her, they were the best parents in the world.

Since Norah was heading into a war zone as a correspondent, she couldn’t take much with her. They had already told her everything they needed to say.

Finally, Jack and Gwen watched her leave.

On the drive back, Norah turned to Karina. "I have a plan, and it doesn’t involve you coming with me. You have your own life to live, and your own dreams to chase. Go be with the person you love."

Karina looked stunned. "Norah, what are you talking about? You’re going into a war zone! How can you tell me not to follow you?"

Norah smiled gently. "I’m not pushing you away. I just want you to live your own life. You and Levi... you two have a chance. When the time comes, you’ll get married, and I’ll definitely come back to attend your wedding."

Karina’s eyes welled up. "How can you joke about something like that? Levi and I aren’t even together, how can you talk about marriage? And don’t think you can just push me aside. I didn’t recognize you in the beginning because Archer injected you with poison and failed to protect you. I lost you once, and now—"

"Karina, you’ve already done so much," Norah interrupted, pulling her into a hug. "You’re not a prophet. You can’t blame yourself for everything that happened. You’ve suffered enough."

Norah knew what Karina had endured. When she was rescued from the slave camp, she had been covered in scars and had lost her memory. The pain she had endured was unimaginable.

Karina clenched her fists. "You’re going to be a war correspondent, but I can be there to protect you. If you're in danger, I can—"

Norah shook her head. "Karina, you have your own path. Don't worry. I made this decision, and I know how to protect myself."

Karina knew Norah too well. Once she set her mind on something, no one could change it. Outwardly, she didn’t argue, but deep down, she had already made her own decision—she would find a way to stay by Norah’s side. Not just for herself, but for Kevin. And for Jace.

With everything settled, Norah set off for Country S.

Five years later.

Norah had become an experienced war correspondent. That day, as usual, she was reporting on the latest developments in the northern part of Country S.

But halfway through, the sky turned crimson from the flames of war.

The battle she was supposed to cover was suddenly overshadowed by a larger conflict. With no other option, she evacuated with the army. The sound of gunfire rang through the air, and it wasn’t clear how much time had passed before the fighting finally ceased.

Once it was safe, Norah resumed her reporting and then joined the soldiers in the rescue efforts.

That was when she saw him—a child trapped under a collapsed concrete slab. A small table beneath had barely kept him from being crushed. His face, covered in dust, was the only part of him visible.

Without hesitation, Norah rushed over to help.

As she approached, the child looked up at her with wide, frightened eyes and whimpered, "Mom..."

Her heart clenched.

Norah had spent five years in Country S, witnessing countless tragedies and saving many lives. But she never expected that single word—Mom—to hit her like a crushing weight. It felt like invisible hands had tightened around her chest, making it hard to breathe.

She didn’t have time to process the emotions surging through her. She immediately started removing the debris, but the slab was heavy, and she was struggling.

The child's legs were pinned. He reached out, grabbing her tightly. "Mom, don’t leave me... Please, don’t go... I missed you so much..."

Norah instinctively pulled him into her arms, holding him close. That was when she realized—he was a little boy.

She gently stroked his back. "Don’t be afraid. I’m here. Just hold on a little longer—I’ll get help."

Raising her hand, she called out, "I need help over here!"

Nearby soldiers, searching for survivors, spotted her and rushed over.

Within moments, several men in military uniforms arrived. They worked quickly, lifting the debris with practiced efficiency. In just a couple of minutes, the boy was finally free.

Norah exhaled in relief as she watched them carefully pull him out. The soldiers from Country S glanced at one another, their expressions unreadable.

Before she could process anything further, another group of soldiers approached.

Leading them was a man wearing a silver mask, striding toward her with purpose.