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.

and knowledge about her, it wasn't

he wondered if he'd put too much into

thoughts meandered to the recent conversation with his father. There was an impending meeting with the

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

image of Laura, vulnerable and

the type to weep at the smallest

apartment, Chris, his driver, remarked, “Your villa is way closer to your workplace, Mr. Evans. Why not have

box, Edwin shot Chris a

internally, letting Laura into his family villa? The place his parents once called home? Absolutely impossible! Their connection

he switched on the lights and moved towards the northern

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

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 is,” Edwin wrapped his arms around her, lifting her

brushed

skipped both breakfast and lunch, didn’t you? Why would you do that?” His tone mixed

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

not particularly easy-going, he certainly showed

the couch, draping a blanket over

jacket?” Laura

paused, searching for

managed to shift the

Edwin began to prepare

return to her sketches

only in a shirt, work his culinary

on a rare whim, let her fingers

eat?”

His response came tersely.

“I did”

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

features were undeniably attractive, but she sensed a depth

cared deeply for him, but there was so much she didn’t know about him, and she hesitated

deep and probing,

back, would you just let yourself starve? Would

was new

before Laura could discern it, he tilted her chin upward, sealing their lips in a

was slowly pulled

oversized black shirt; her

with a passionate

Their intimacy deepened.

concluded, Laura

It was quite dim.

Laura harbored a fear of the dark, especially in confined spaces,

how her sitter locked her in

the woman's return, she completely

and damp confinement for a grueling

eventually discovered her, Laura was on the brink

of the dark, Laura found

urge to shower, yet the twenty-six-year-old man was brimming with energy. She made a

eyes and all she could

2146 Edwin was out

gently brushed her fingers against his handsome face and, in a low, husky

himself

Edwin Evans. However, he refrained, instead channeling his inexplicable emotions into their

room was bathed in

to the bathroom for a quick shower. Upon his return, he felt revitalized. Retrieving his trousers from the

Laura draped herself in the blanket, perching on

the faint blush of post-lovemaking contentment

Her heart raced

her birthday, and now he

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

finally

cast a glance at him before lowering her head, her hands trembling

box was

the surrounding

a distinctly feminine

hint of disappointment. Yet, she was a person content with even the smallest kindness

her, his voice growing

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

2147 Edwin took a long

he

her with

for you. Are you hungry?” Unable to

charm. It was jet-black, fine,

time they made love, her ebony hair sprawled like a dark contrast against the pristine, snow-white pillow,

him with

the bathroom to wear the pink diamond necklace herself in front of

the more because it was

share a meal,

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

complexion turned as red as a ripe

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

was there, he took charge

his absence, he prepared extra food and stored it in the fridge,

10@ pounds, a fact that always struck Edwin when

dining room, Laura nibbled at her

by the French window, silently puffing on a cigarette. Despite the stack of documents awaiting his attention,

gaze inadvertently fell upon

He bent his head to tap the cigarette's ashes, a growing sense of unease

days remained until

time frame, he had to

wasn't exactly a breakup. More accurately, he

her, kindling her feelings for him