Ch. 521: Mr. Edwards’ Unraveled Life Chapter 521

Chapter 521Keeping Cooper here would only benefit him, not harm him.

"I know what you're thinking," Pharaoh said, his voice low and measured. "You believe that having Cooper with you will make Mousse think you're truly defenseless. But remember, there’s always someone smarter, someone more cunning. Don’t underestimate him."

He paused, his expression grave. "Mousse is the president of Country S. If he didn’t have some serious skills, he wouldn’t be where he is today."

Norah fell silent.

She hadn’t considered that.

"Then Cooper stays with you," she finally said. "Kevin and I will take the lead this time."

"If everything goes well, you can come back for him," Pharaoh assured her, his voice rough but firm. "Norah, I’m trying to make up for everything I’ve done wrong. Trust me—even if it costs me my life, I won’t let anything happen to him."

Norah took a deep breath. She could see how much Pharaoh cared for Cooper.

"Dad…"

She reached out and hugged him tightly.

Pharaoh patted her shoulder, his voice trembling. "Daughter, it would be best if you stayed in the Yi tribe. But I know your heart isn’t here, and I can’t force you to stay. Just promise me you’ll be careful. I can’t bear to lose you again…"

His words broke off, choked with emotion.

When Pharaoh first learned Norah was going to be a war correspondent, he’d been fiercely against it. But Baimo had convinced him otherwise.

Norah was a strong, independent woman—a thorny rose. Once she set her mind to something, nothing could stop her.

Pharaoh had done everything he could to protect her, even stationing Baimo and others in the Craggaville army to keep her safe. They’d thought she’d be secure within Craggaville’s borders.

But they hadn’t counted on Mousse’s reach being so far.

At first, when Calvin brought Norah back, Pharaoh had been determined to spoil her, to make up for lost time. He’d wanted to teach her everything—shooting, martial arts, anything she needed to protect herself.

But when he discovered the truth—that she wasn’t his biological daughter—he hadn’t been angry. Instead, he’d felt a deep sorrow. He’d nearly killed her, and his Julie—his real daughter—had continued to suffer outside.

"I know I’ve left a lot undone," Norah said, her voice thick with emotion. "But I’m not going to let myself die. I promise."

The two of them talked for a long time, but eventually, Pharaoh had to leave.

Norah wasn’t a child anymore. She was in her thirties, capable of making her own decisions. And she had Kevin by her side.

Pharaoh couldn’t stay with her forever.

After he left, Kevin approached Norah.

"Everything settled?" he asked, his voice low and steady.

"Yes."

Kevin pulled her into his arms, his hand gently stroking the back of her head. "If you’re not sure, we can—"

"Kevin," Norah interrupted, her tone firm. "I’ve made my decision. Don’t try to talk me out of it now."

She knew what he was going to say. Kevin was worried, afraid of what might happen.

But she was determined. No matter what, she would face it with him. She wouldn’t let him back out.

"Alright," Kevin said softly. He cupped her face in his hands and kissed her, his touch tender but insistent.

Norah responded, her emotions overwhelming her.

In that moment, nothing else mattered.

…

Cooper was a smart, obedient child. When Norah explained the situation to him, he understood immediately. He took her hand and said slowly, "Mom, I’ll wait for you here… and Dad too."

His words hit Norah and Kevin like a dagger to the heart.

"Yes," they said in unison, their voices thick with emotion. "We’ll come back for you together."

Their throats tightened, and their eyes stung, but they couldn’t turn back now.

Cooper watched them leave without crying.

Pharaoh, ever patient, turned to him. "What do you want to do, Cooper? Do you want to play, or would you like to go to school?"

At five years old, most children in the Yi tribe were in their final year of kindergarten, preparing for first grade. But Cooper had never been to school because of his health.

Still, children crave playmates and friends.

Cooper tilted his head, his eyes hopeful. "Grandpa, I want to… go to school," he said slowly.

Pharaoh was thrilled. Baimo had once been a teacher in the northern part of the Yi tribe, so Pharaoh thought he’d be the perfect person to start Cooper’s education.

But when Baimo suggested one-on-one tutoring, Pharaoh shot him down. "Cooper wants to go to school, not be locked up in a room. What’s the point of bringing him to you if you’re just going to teach him alone?"

Baimo tried to explain. "I just thought he should get used to learning first. Then—"

"Then what?" Pharaoh interrupted. "My grandson is smart. He’ll catch up quickly. He doesn’t need to be coddled."

But Baimo had a point. Cooper had just undergone major surgery and wasn’t fully recovered. He’d also been isolated for so long, with no friends or social interaction. Throwing him into a classroom right away might be too much.

"Fine," Pharaoh relented. "Find a few kids his age and let them get to know each other here first. If it goes well, then we’ll send him to school."

Baimo agreed and quickly arranged for several children to visit. They’d been warned not to upset Cooper, but curiosity got the better of them.

One child couldn’t help but ask, "Are you really the son of the eldest lady and that man with all the identities? You look… kind of sick. Are you sure you can handle school?"

The others stared, their small faces filled with doubt.

Cooper, however, just looked back at them calmly. He was ready for whatever came next.