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.

aimlessly, considering stopping for a meal, when

It was his parents.

his attention drawn to a

a snowball fight with children. Her boots were damp from the

barely registering his parents’ voices on the

a car honking behind him pulled

off quickly, but soon parked his car in the nearest lot and stepped out for

saw Dylan appear

affectionately ruffled her hair and helped her up from

soon got into a black Hummer and

passenger seat, caught sight of Edwin.

Edwin's tall figure too,

the past. Don't dwell on it,”

simply nodded

He returned to his own car, his shoes and trousers wet from the snow. It didn’t matter

and Dylan an item now? The phone in Edwin's car rang once more.

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

disliked feeling manipulated, especially by women. Vanessa had agreed to a partnership. Why was she at his home now? “I'm tied

all waiting for you for dinner!” After ending the call, Edwin

Laura and Dylan. Did it matter?

not overly demanding- Resolved, Edwin finished his cigarette, started the car, and

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 snowball-fighting with others, were you?” “Just watched a

Edwin playfully, “Quite the adventurer,

glance from Cecilia, he quickly quieted down, always

offered Edwin dry

ever forthright, said, “That kid's busy!” Lina, more diplomatic, added, “She has her life. We're here to enjoy ourselves and see

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

Peter looked confused.

“And you're usually so smart, but you're really thick today!” Peter

for Edwin to take a seat, helping him with

Even as an adult, you seem to forget your limits.” Her words carried an underlying message,

family interaction, feeling slightly like an outsider amidst their warmth

headed towards the kitchen, Edwin

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

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

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

openly and behind the scenes. She might know something. I can look after Laura, but you also need to handle Vanessa and her

but Vanessa bringing it up

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

Edwin softly apologized.

light of the kitchen, he assured her in a low voice, “I'll stay away from Laura. And I'll speak with Vanessa." “That's for

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

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

also found it quite

Edwin walked her to her

snow illuminated the world with an intense

wearing a

stylish dark

car door,

lighting one as the red tip glowed in the night. Vanessa, comprehending his unspoken message, chose not to press the

Nevertheless,

help but harbor

is a bit too cold?” Edwin slowly exhaled a ring

because

Vanessa, not quite ready to drop

not attractive enough?” Not outstanding enough? In your heart, where do I fall short compared

need for comparisons.” Vanessa

you even humor

partners,

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

and climbed

vehicle accelerated into the night, skidding slightly as it passed

for a moment before eventually returning to the hall.

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

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, I'm

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

the situation, also joined in with a few words

observed his son with a

brief pause, Mark rose to accompany Peter and his wife outside. He exchanged a few words with them before returning. He then gestured

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

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

slowly ascended the stairs. Edwin trailed behind,

hushed tones, Cecilia murmured, “Your father

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