A Second Chance With My Billionaire Love

Chapter 2141 “Good morning, Miss Thomas,” Tina greeted with practiced ease.

“I'm Mr. Steve's secretary, Tina Adams.” Laura raised a curious brow.

Edwin had used ‘Nelson Steve’ as an alternate name, and Tina had been instructed to call him that only in Laura's presence.

The reason? It remained a mystery.

Laura looked stunning, draped in a loose-fitting man’s shirt. Her lean calves were accentuated against the fabric.

Tina's eyes kept drifting back to her.

Edwin, sensing Tina's lingering attention, said with a touch of irritation, “Go wait in the car.” Once the door closed behind Tina, Edwin's gaze settled on Laura, taking in her apparent discomfort.

Softening, he asked, “Did last night's birthday surprise sit well with you?” Her cheeks flushed in response.

Spotting her bare feet, he quickly fetched a pair of slippers.

“No more wandering shoeless,” he admonished gently.

“I've got a meeting about an acquisition. We'll spend some quality time later tonight.” Laura's silent response was a prolonged, intense gaze.

A childhood accident had left her with aphasia; and even after receiving treatment overseas, words seldom escaped her lips. Aside from her parents, she was mostly ensconced in her own world. That was until Nelson entered her life.

Their relationship had spanned a year, with Nelson introducing her to this apartment three months back.

She'd essentially moved in, with her studio relocated here, immersing herself in work. Nelson didn't always stay the night due to his demanding job.

The fondness in Laura's eyes as she looked at Edwin was palpable.

He was about to depart, but seeing the longing in her gaze, he couldn't resist pulling her into a tender embrace.

EE oT TR SE i Koos “I've got some new recipes planned for tonight.” Laura nestled closer, nodding her understanding.

Edwin's gaze settled on Laura.

Chapter 2142 Though she was a year his senior, she was so sheltered, thanks to Peter and Lina's overprotective parenting. Laura wasn't acquainted with the nuances of household chores, nor was she keen on mingling in social circles.

She exuded an innocent naivete he rarely encountered, reminding him of someone he couldn't quite place.

Smoothing out his suit, Edwin made his exit.

Once inside the car, Tina shot him a knowing look, noticing the tousled state of his hair.

It was obvious they had a quick session before he left.

Tina remarked, “Miss Thomas is truly captivating. She's not at all how I pictured her.” Diving into the acquisition details, Edwin's attention momentarily wavered as he questioned, “How did you picture her, then?” Wearing a knowing smile, Tina responded, “Given Miss Thomas’ intricate and I her as modern and vintage-styled designs, pegged edgy. But in person, she’s delicate; reminds me of a gentle creature that just tugs at your heart.” Edwin gave a half-laugh, signaling Tina to tread lightly with her words.

Being the perceptive woman she was, she swiftly shifted gears, diving into work chatter.

As the clock struck eleven, Edwin's latest achievement became the talk of the town. At 26, he had risen to the top, becoming the primary shareholder of the Lewis Group.

A massive 12 billion dollar asset shuffle put him in the spotlight.

Over the next couple of years, he had big plans to revamp the Lewis Group and reintroduce it to the market.

That evening, the Lewis Group threw a grand party in honor of this significant milestone.

Edwin, with his newfound status, was the center of attention.

High-profile celebrities and socialites gravitated towards him, but he maintained his distance, always having an eye for the finer things.

‘When Edwin's phone buzzed, Mark's name flashed on the screen.

Edwin greeted him with a grin.

After exchanging a few words, he shared some of his ambitious plans.

Mark, usually hard to impress, genuinely admired Edwin's assertive tactics.

“It's only chapter one,” Edwin remarked, an air of nonchalance in his voice.

Once the call ended, Tina approached with an update.

“Mr. Evans, your appointments for the day are wrapped up. You deserve some rest after today’s whirlwind.” Feeling the weight of the day on his shoulders, Edwin handed Tina his drink and loosened his tie.

Chapter 2143 “I can feel the fatigue. Let the former executives of the Lewis Group know we're meeting at nine tomorrow,” he instructed, already making his way out.

A sleek black Rolls-Royce awaited him outside. Chris Shelton, ever the punctual chauffeur, held the door open for him.

Chris caught sight of Edwin and promptly opened the car door, a gesture of respect.

Edwin slipped inside gracefully.

As he settled, Tina leaned closer, her voice gentle yet professional, “Good night, Mr. Evans.” Edwin simply nodded, his thoughts already drifting elsewhere.

A memory flickered-his promise to Laura about a homemade meal. He glanced at the time and sighed, realizing it was far too late.

The rich aroma of perfume encircled him.

Swiftly, he handed over his jacket to Tina, instructing, “Send this to dry-cleaning.” For amoment, Tina looked taken aback.

But before she could process, the limo's door clicked shut and the vehicle glided away.

ANGELA'sLIBRARY Edwin's voice broke the silence after a while.

“Pull over at the next corner; pick up some wontons at that restaurant.” Chris, well-acquainted with the routines and preferences in Edwin's life, grinned.

“Ah, Miss Thomas’ favorite?” Receiving no response, Chris focused on the road while Edwin sank into deep contemplation.

Memories flooded back; the chance encounter with Laura overseas and his deliberate efforts to win her heart.

looks, and knowledge about her, it wasn't challenging

put too much into

Edwin's thoughts meandered to the recent conversation with his father. There was an impending meeting with the Smith heiress on Saturday. Potentially, an alliance could be formed with her, which would mean ending

intention to juggle a lover post-marriage. Laura, as endearing as she was, wasn't part of his long-term plans. In fact,

mental image of Laura, vulnerable and heartbroken, unsettled him.

delicate, the type to weep at

is way

2144 Holding a takeout box, Edwin shot

mused internally, letting Laura into his family villa? The place his parents

home, he switched on the lights and moved towards the northern workroom, where he found Laura engrossed in her

was oblivious to his presence, Drawing closer, Edwin lightly brushed her

design. Her voice a blend of frustration and surprise, she muttered, “This is your doing.” Acknowledging the blame with a soft, “It is,” Edwin wrapped his arms around her, lifting her effortlessly

brushed against Laura's trim

didn’t you? Why would you do that?” His

irritation, Laura hugged his neck and murmured, “I had some breakfast.” Angela's Library Edwin shot her a

showed Laura a lot of

couch, draping a blanket

your jacket?”

searching for a

to shift the topic with ease, and Laura's curiosity was momentarily

began to prepare her dinner.

the urge to return to her sketches and sensing his lingering frustration, shuffled in

his culinary magic, Laura found herself

wrapped her arms around his waist, and on a

you eat?” she

His response came tersely.

“I did”

you'd be back early.” Turning off the stove, Edwin turned and locked eyes

undeniably attractive, but she sensed a depth she couldn't

but there was so much she didn’t know about him, and she

and probing, broke the

you just let yourself starve? Would you continue Like that indefinitely?” Laura

new territory

welled up in her eyes. After what felt like an eternity, she whispered, “You'd always return.” Something in Edwin's expression shifted, but before Laura could discern it, he tilted her chin upward, sealing their lips in a fervent embrace. In a

woolen blanket was

Laura clad in an oversized black shirt; her

with a passionate

Their intimacy deepened.

concluded, Laura found herself in

It was quite dim.

truth, Laura harbored a fear of the dark, especially in confined spaces, which left her

couldn't forget how her sitter

woman's return, she completely

damp confinement for

they eventually discovered her, Laura was on the brink of

Laura found

to shower, yet the twenty-six-year-old man

eyes and all she

was

gently brushed her fingers against his handsome face

found himself

reveal his true name, Edwin Evans.

the room was

trousers from the

Laura draped herself in the blanket,

blush of

heart raced with

marked her birthday, and now he presented her

hoarse smile and encouraged her, “Go ahead, open it.” The gift was meant for her the previous night, but

mood, he finally presented it to her.

a glance at him before lowering her head, her hands trembling slightly as she

inside the box was a

diamond itself measured two carats, with the surrounding smaller diamonds artfully arranged to

exuded a

of surprise, accompanied by a subtle hint of disappointment. Yet, she was a person content with even the smallest kindness shown to her. Swiftly, she lifted the necklace to her neck and asked, “Is it

gazed at her, his voice growing even hoarser

cigarettes on the bedside table, extracted one, and lit it. As he carefully secured the necklace around her neck, Laura expressed her discomfort,

took a long drag, exhaling a

he extinguished

her with

Unable to resist, he tenderly ran his fingers

hair possessed a unique charm. It was jet-black, fine, and velvety, cascading over her

ebony hair sprawled like a dark contrast against

with a deep

the bathroom to wear

it all the more because it was

a meal,

of his frequent attention during their intimate moments; he'd often

complexion turned as red as a ripe

join Edwin for dinner. Despite the mixed motives behind Edwin's actions, he generally treated her well. Her self-sufficiency

he was there, he took charge of

food and stored it in the fridge, ensuring she could

fact

in the dining room, Laura nibbled at her meal in

window, silently puffing on a cigarette. Despite the stack of documents awaiting his attention, his interest in them

gaze inadvertently

bent his head to tap the cigarette's ashes, a growing

days remained

had to end things with

a breakup. More accurately, he planned

He had manipulated her, kindling her feelings for him