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

It was his parents.

his attention drawn to a

engaged in a snowball fight with children. Her boots were damp from the snow, but she seemed indifferent, her face rosy from the cold

Edwin watched, barely registering his parents’

a car honking behind him pulled him back to

car in the nearest lot and stepped out

2194 Then he saw Dylan appear next to Laura, easily

her face. Dylan affectionately ruffled her hair and helped her up from the

into a black Hummer and drove

Edwin. She remained

figure too, offered

past. Don't

nodded

returned to his own car, his shoes and

one question — Were Laura and Dylan an item now? The phone in

are you coming?” Edwin's brow furrowed at

to a partnership. Why was she at his home now? “I'm tied up with work,” he

Come back now! We're all waiting

and Dylan. Did it matter? He and

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

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 snowball-fighting with others,

Edwin playfully, “Quite the adventurer,

2195 But at a glance from Cecilia, he quickly quieted down, always respectful of

servant offered

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

just freeloaders.” Vanessa offered

Peter looked confused.

shot back playfully, “And you're usually so

I've spoiled her too much!” Lina then gestured for Edwin to

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

slightly like an outsider

headed towards the kitchen, Edwin discreetly followed

you want

doing?” “She's doing quite welll” Edwin ventured further, “And Laura and Dylan-How are they together?” “They're

into a plate, pressing

isn't for you. 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, but you also need to handle Vanessa and her cryptic ways. If Laura owed you anything,

thing, but Vanessa bringing it up and

a mother’s heartache evident, yet she had to maintain composure in front

Edwin softly apologized.

voice, “I'll stay away from Laura. And

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

a multitude of people, yet an oddly eerie atmosphere hung

found it quite

Edwin walked her to

hour, the pristine snow illuminated the world with an

wearing a

dark

car

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

the nature of business! Nevertheless, she hadn't

help but harbor a trace of

think your attitude is a bit too cold?” Edwin slowly exhaled

because I'm the

quite ready to drop

not attractive enough?” Not outstanding enough? In your heart, where do

excellent. There's no need for comparisons.” Vanessa was beginning

comparing me to her? Can't you even humor me a bit?" Edwin stubbed out his

partners, Vanessa,” he reminded

As for our engagement,

lip and

vehicle accelerated into the night, skidding slightly

lingered for a moment before eventually returning to

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

girl to drive home alone in this snowy weather... Aren't you afraid your father will reprimand

of the situation, also joined in with a

observed his son with a profound and

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

his hands in his pockets, Edwin followed his father

too harsh!” Mark paid no

ascended the stairs. Edwin trailed behind, but he

tones, Cecilia murmured,

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