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.

stopping for a meal, when his phone

It was his parents.

his

boots were damp from the snow, but she seemed indifferent, her face rosy

watched, barely registering his parents’ voices on

of a car honking behind him pulled him

parked his car in the

appear next

to his arm, laughter lighting up her face. Dylan affectionately ruffled her hair

soon got into a black Hummer and drove

seat, caught sight of Edwin. She remained silent though, her lips pressed

tall figure too,

the past. Don't dwell on it,” he

nodded

his own car, his shoes and trousers wet from the snow.

swirling with one question — Were Laura and Dylan an

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

Why was she at his

waiting for you for dinner!” After ending the

pondered cynically about Laura and Dylan. Did it

wife, usually not overly demanding- Resolved, Edwin

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

Edwin playfully, “Quite the adventurer,

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

servant offered Edwin dry

“Since Mr. and Mrs. Garcia are here, I'm quite 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

think we're just freeloaders.” Vanessa offered a

Peter looked confused.

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

for Edwin to take a seat, helping him

as an adult,

feeling slightly like

the kitchen,

she said gently, “Ask what you want to ask.” Edwin hesitated before asking, “Laura's back in town, isn’t she?” “Yes, she is,” Lina

further, “And Laura

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

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

but Vanessa

heartache evident, yet she had to maintain composure in front of Vanessa

Edwin softly apologized.

voice, “I'll stay away from Laura. And I'll speak with Vanessa." “That's for the best,” Lina said,

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

was bustling with a multitude of people, yet an oddly eerie

found it quite

left, Edwin walked her

with an intense brilliance, enabling them to see each other's faces

not wearing

shirt beneath a stylish dark blue cashmere sweater, appearing both

against the car

retrieved a pack of cigarettes from his pocket, lighting one as the red tip

of business! Nevertheless,

help but harbor a trace of

is a bit too cold?” Edwin

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

Vanessa, not quite ready to

enough? In your heart, where do

for comparisons.” Vanessa was

consider comparing me to her? Can't you even humor me a bit?"

are business partners, Vanessa,” he reminded

our engagement, you might want to reconsider it,” Edwin

her lip and climbed

into the night, skidding slightly as it passed through the

for a moment before eventually returning to the

Peter and Lina, already clad in their coats, were ready to

retrieved his coat and said, “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 any longer, so she said with a smile, “It’s okay.

to drive home alone in this snowy weather... Aren't you

joined in with

his son with a profound and

and his wife outside. He exchanged a

his hands in his pockets, Edwin followed his father

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

trailed behind,

tones, Cecilia murmured, “Your father appears quite

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