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.

for a meal,

It was his parents.

mechanically, his

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

his parents’ voices on

car honking behind him pulled him back

beep, beep- He drove off quickly, but soon parked his car in the nearest lot and stepped out for a

he saw Dylan appear next to Laura, easily dispersing the

her face. Dylan affectionately ruffled

a black Hummer and

Edwin. She remained silent though, her

Edwin's tall figure too, offered a

all in the past. Don't dwell on it,”

nodded in

to his own car,

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

Edwin's brow furrowed at the mention of Vanessa being at his

had agreed to a partnership. Why was she at

waiting for

cynically about Laura and Dylan. Did it matter? He and Laura couldn't

usually not overly demanding- Resolved,

fixing his clothes, walked into the hall. Mark immediately commented on his wet attire, “Where have you been? You were not snowball-fighting with others, were you?” “Just

teased Edwin playfully, “Quite the

at a glance from Cecilia, he quickly quieted down, always respectful of

offered Edwin

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

think we're just freeloaders.” Vanessa offered a

Peter looked confused.

today!” Lina shot back playfully, “And you're usually so smart, but you're really thick today!” Peter Laughed, turning

Lina then gestured for Edwin to take a seat, helping

by a snowball fight? You're soaked! Even as an adult,

observed the family interaction, feeling slightly like an outsider amidst their warmth

towards the kitchen,

want to ask.” Edwin hesitated before asking, “Laura's back in town,

Edwin ventured further, “And Laura and Dylan-How are they together?” “They're good,” Lina

some food into a plate, pressing it down firmly, she handed

Your path is 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,

one thing, but Vanessa bringing it up and being sarcastic

welled up in Lina's eyes, a mother’s heartache evident, yet she

Edwin softly apologized.

away from Laura. And I'll speak with

his mind drifting to the image of Laura laughing in the snow, wishing he could be there instead, even in the freezing

and the house was bustling with a multitude of people,

also found

walked her to her

illuminated the world with

not wearing

stylish dark blue cashmere sweater, appearing both handsome

leaned against the car

pack of cigarettes from his pocket, lighting one as the red tip glowed in the night. Vanessa,

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

help but harbor a

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

“Perhaps it's because

2197 Vanessa, not quite ready to

heart,

for comparisons.” Vanessa

her? Can't you even humor

are business partners,

mislead your emotions. As for our engagement, you might want to reconsider

and

skidding slightly as it passed through the

a moment before eventually returning

were busy cleaning up the table, while Peter and Lina, already clad in their coats, were ready to

“Allow me to give you a ride.” Lina, far from desiring his company, was relieved to be rid of the nuisance. She couldn't let him linger

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

also joined in with a

with a profound

accompany Peter and his wife outside. He exchanged a few words with them before returning. He then gestured

upstairs.” With his hands in his pockets, Edwin followed

resist remarking, “Don’t be too harsh!” Mark paid no

Edwin trailed behind, but he felt his sleeve

hushed tones, Cecilia murmured, “Your father appears

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