Chapter 2191 Edwin watched their figures slowly vanish, staying silent, not calling out- He rationalized his presence, telling himself he just wanted to see her one last time.

Back in his car, Edwin received a call from Tina. Without hesitation, he instructed, “Cancel all my appointments for today.” Tina, surprised by his uncharacteristic disconnection from work, complied.

“Okay, Mr. Evans!” Just as Edwin was about to end the call, Tina added, “Oh, Mr. Evans, Miss Smith called. She said she couldn't reach you all night!" Edwin's brow furrowed.

Vanessa? He had nearly forgotten about her amidst everything.

After the call, he dialed Vanessa's number.

Vanessa, though a skilled businesswoman, adopted a playful tone with Edwin.

“Mr. Evans, you're quite elusive,” she teased.

Edwin was accustomed to such flirtations in the business world, where many women tried different approaches to catch his attention.

Vanessa's flirtation neither bothered nor interested him.

After a pause, Edwin proposed, “Let's meet” Vanessa agreed, though her tone lacked enthusiasm, aware that a business hour meeting was rarely a positive sign.

An hour later, they sat in a cafe downtown.

Edwin didn’t beat around the bush.

“Vanessa, we're not right for each other. I think it's best to end things here,” he stated.

Vanessa, her expression calm, tapped her porcelain cup elegantly.

Looking at Edwin, she remarked, “You're heartbroken.” Edwin's eyes narrowed.

“Have you been investigating me?” With a subtle smile, Vanessa took a sip from her cup.

Chapter 2192 “Naturally, I'd research a potential partner. Knowing about any deep connections helps me navigate.” Edwin urged, “Get to the point” Vanessa, appearing almost amused by the situation, continued, “Laura is quite attractive.

I imagine if not for family issues, you'd have chosen her-* Edwin, losing his patience, stood up to leave.

Vanessa abruptly softened her tone.

“Let's work together, Edwin. I need to take control of my family business, and you need a wife to keep you focused. If you can convince Laura to be your — lover, I'll look the other way.” Edwin's response was icy.

“She would never agree to that.” He was also adamant about not letting Laura be treated with such disrespect.

Vanessa's smile held a trace of sadness.

She had expected a refusal but was taken aback when Edwin acquiesced.

“Let's give it a year. If it works, we can consider an engagement.” Vanessa's lips curved in satisfaction.

“It's a deal, Mr. Evans.” Edwin didn't linger for more conversation. He left swiftly and sat in his car, deep in thought.

After a moment, he took out his phone and opened a photo.

It was of Laura, face covered in cream while attempting to make a cake on Valentine's Day, her laughter infectious.

Edwin had captured that candid moment.

He gazed at the photo for a long while, and then secured it in a private album.

Vanessa was correct. He needed a wife for social reasons.

As Christmas approached, Vanessa called, inviting him to celebrate the holiday together. Edwin, still at his office, pondered the invitation.

Holding the phone, Edwin responded with composure, “Happy Holidays! Unfortunately, I'm tied up with work. Let's plan for another time.”

Chapter 2193 There was a soft sigh from Vanessa.

“Understood. You're always so busy,” she remarked, a tinge of resignation in her voice. After the call, Edwin turned his attention back to his paperwork.

A knock came from the door. Tina's voice followed.

“Mr. Evans, it's time to head home.” Without looking up, Edwin answered distractedly, “I just need to finish this up. It's Christmas, isn’t it? You should head off early.” Tina's face brightened with a smile.

“Merry Christmas, Mr. Evans!” She left, her steps light and cheerful.

Edwin glanced up, catching a glimpse of her in a festive, elegant dress.

His thoughts momentarily drifted.

Christmas — What could Laura be doing? Was she still overseas? He scrolled through his phone, hesitating over a number but ultimately refraining from calling.

Rising from his desk, he put on his wool coat and exited the office.

ANGELA'sLIBRARY Outside, snow gently blanketed the streets.

The holiday spirit was alive, with couples sharing affectionate moments, a common sight in the festive season.

considering stopping for a meal, when his phone

It was his parents.

mechanically, his attention drawn to a scene

and a red woolen hat, playfully engaged in a snowball fight with children. Her boots were damp from the snow, but she

watched, barely registering his parents’

of a car honking behind him pulled him back to

soon parked his car in the nearest lot and

Then he saw Dylan appear next to Laura, easily

affectionately ruffled her hair and helped her up

got into a black Hummer

the passenger seat, caught sight of Edwin.

figure too, offered a light

in the past. Don't dwell on it,”

nodded in

returned to his own car, his shoes and trousers wet from the

swirling with one question — Were Laura and Dylan an item now? The phone in Edwin's car rang once more. This time,

you coming?” Edwin's brow furrowed at the mention of Vanessa being at

had agreed to a partnership. Why was she at his home now? “I'm tied

now! We're all waiting for you for dinner!” After ending the call, Edwin lit a cigarette, sinking

Dylan. Did it matter? He and Laura

wife, usually not overly demanding- Resolved, Edwin finished his cigarette, started

he arrived at a plush villa in Duefron, the family driver greeted him cheerfully, “The house is lively today, Mr. Owen. Mr. and Mrs. Garcia are here too!” Edwin, fixing his clothes, walked into the hall. Mark immediately commented on his wet attire, “Where have you been? You were not

“Quite

Cecilia, he quickly quieted down,

servant offered Edwin dry

surprised Laura isn't. She's quite a talented designer.” Peter, ever forthright, said, “That kid's busy!” Lina, more diplomatic, added, “She has her life. We're here to enjoy ourselves and see you and Edwin. We can’t always involve the

think we're just freeloaders.” Vanessa offered a small

Peter looked confused.

so quiet, but you're really speaking up today!” Lina shot back playfully, “And you're usually so smart, but you're really thick

then gestured for Edwin to take a seat, helping him with

a gentle tone, “Were you really so captivated by a snowball fight? You're soaked! Even as an adult, you

family interaction, feeling slightly like an

headed towards the kitchen, Edwin discreetly

want to ask.” Edwin hesitated before

How is she doing?” “She's doing quite welll” Edwin ventured further, “And

food into a

different now. It seems that Smith girl was dropping hints, both openly and behind the scenes. She might know something. I can look after Laura, but you also need to handle Vanessa and her cryptic ways. If Laura owed you anything, she’s Long since settled that debt.” Linas frustration

was one thing, but Vanessa bringing it up and

heartache evident, yet she had to maintain composure in

Edwin softly apologized.

stay away from Laura. And I'll speak with Vanessa."

disconnected, his mind drifting to the image of Laura

the house was bustling with a multitude

also found

she left, Edwin walked her to

the pristine snow illuminated the world with

wearing

beneath a stylish dark

the car door, her smile

to drive me home, Edwin?" Edwin retrieved a pack of cigarettes from his pocket, lighting one as the red tip glowed in the night.

nature of business! Nevertheless, she hadn't anticipated Edwin being

help but harbor

as a business partner, don't you think your attitude is a bit

saying, “Perhaps it's because I'm the client, and you're

quite ready to drop

heart, where

There's no need for comparisons.” Vanessa was beginning to feel somewhat

are you so unwilling to even consider comparing me to her? Can't you even humor me a

are business partners,

don't want to mislead your emotions. As for our

lip and climbed

skidding slightly

lingered for a moment before

the servants were busy cleaning up the table, while Peter and Lina,

give you a ride.” Lina, far from desiring his company, was relieved to be rid of the nuisance. She couldn't let him linger any longer, so she said with a smile, “It’s okay. Peter can drive. And Edwin,

drive home alone in this snowy weather... Aren't you afraid your father will reprimand you later?” Edwin

the situation, also joined in

son with a profound

a brief pause, Mark rose to accompany Peter and his wife outside. He exchanged a few words with

his hands in

expression, Cecilia couldn't resist remarking, “Don’t be too harsh!” Mark paid no heed to her words. It was unusual for him not to Listen to

Edwin trailed behind, but

Cecilia murmured, “Your father appears quite

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