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.

his charm, looks, and knowledge about her, it wasn't challenging to captivate

he wondered if he'd put too

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

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

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

was delicate, the type to weep

the vehicle pulled up to Edwin's apartment, Chris, his driver, remarked, “Your villa is way closer to your

a takeout box, Edwin shot Chris a piercing look that

his parents once called home? Absolutely impossible!

switched on the lights and moved towards the

his presence, Drawing closer, Edwin lightly brushed her chilled legs, concern

so underdressed?” Startled, Laura's hand jerked, marring her design. Her voice a blend of frustration and surprise, she muttered, “This is your doing.” Acknowledging the blame with a soft, “It

together, Edwin's hand brushed against Laura's trim

both breakfast and lunch, didn’t you? Why would

his neck and murmured, “I had

someone not particularly easy-going, he certainly showed Laura a lot

her onto the couch, draping a blanket over

jacket?”

paused, searching

to shift the topic with ease,

Edwin began to prepare

her sketches and sensing his lingering frustration, shuffled in behind

work his culinary magic, Laura found herself drawn

and on a rare whim, let her fingers brush

eat?”

His response came tersely.

“I did”

silence stretched between them until she ventured, “You mentioned you'd be back early.” Turning off the stove,

the kitchen's soft lighting, his features were undeniably attractive, but she sensed a depth she couldn't

so much she didn’t know about him, and she hesitated to probe

voice, deep and

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

new

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 whirlwind of emotions, she found herself Lifted

woolen blanket was slowly

clad in an oversized

her with a passionate

Their intimacy deepened.

passionate encounter concluded, Laura found herself in

It was quite dim.

the dark, especially in confined spaces, which

couldn't forget how her sitter locked her in the storage room as she

return, she

and damp confinement for

Laura was on the brink of

dark, Laura found solace in Edwin's presence; fear began to

the twenty-six-year-old man was brimming with energy. She made a

and all she could

2146 Edwin was

against his handsome face and, in a low, husky voice,

found himself

reveal his true name, Edwin Evans. However, he refrained, instead channeling his inexplicable emotions into their intimate

the room was

shower. Upon his return, he felt revitalized. Retrieving his trousers from the foot of the bed, he produced a velvet box and playfully brushed

the blanket, perching on the edge

bore the faint blush of post-lovemaking contentment

heart raced

marked her birthday, and now he presented

it possibly contain a ring? Edwin offered a gentle, hoarse smile and encouraged her, “Go ahead, open it.” The gift was meant for her

he finally

before lowering her head, her hands trembling slightly

box was a

two carats, with the surrounding smaller diamonds artfully arranged

a distinctly

content with even the smallest kindness shown to her. Swiftly, she lifted the necklace to her neck and asked, “Is it beautiful?”

at her, his voice growing even hoarser than

the necklace, though he found himself inexplicably irked. He reached for a pack of cigarettes on the bedside table, extracted one, and lit it. As he

took a long drag, exhaling

he extinguished

her

for you. Are you hungry?” Unable to resist, he tenderly ran his fingers through her long, lustrous

charm. It was jet-black, fine, and velvety, cascading over

hair sprawled like a dark contrast against the pristine, snow-white pillow, creating

him with a deep

shirt and hurried to the bathroom to wear

it all the more because it was a gift

to share a

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

complexion turned as red as

her face with cold water, Laura rushed to join Edwin for dinner. Despite the mixed motives behind Edwin's actions, he generally treated her well. Her

he took charge

stored it in

she remained below 10@ pounds, a fact that always struck

dining room, Laura nibbled at her meal in

the stack of documents awaiting

inadvertently

profound complexity. He bent his head to tap the cigarette's ashes, a growing sense of unease weighing on

remained

that time frame, he had to end things with

More accurately, he planned to abruptly abandon

manipulated her, kindling her feelings for