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

It was his parents.

mechanically, his attention drawn

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

registering his parents’

car honking behind

beep, beep- He drove 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 the

into a black Hummer

Edwin. She remained

tall figure too, offered a light

in the past. Don't dwell on

simply nodded

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

mind swirling with one question — Were Laura and Dylan an item now?

Vanessa's here celebrating with us. When are you coming?” Edwin's brow furrowed at the mention of Vanessa being

a partnership. Why was she at

cars on the street. Come back now! We're all waiting for you for dinner!” After ending the call, Edwin lit a cigarette, sinking back into his

Did it

overly demanding- Resolved, Edwin finished

lively today, Mr. Owen. Mr. and Mrs. Garcia are here too!” Edwin, fixing his clothes, walked into the hall. Mark

Edwin playfully, “Quite the adventurer, aren't

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

servant offered

“That kid's busy!” Lina,

think we're just freeloaders.” Vanessa offered a

Peter looked confused.

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

her too much!” Lina then gestured for Edwin to take a seat, helping him

You're soaked! Even as an adult, you seem to forget

interaction, feeling slightly like an outsider

towards the kitchen,

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

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

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

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

Vanessa bringing it up

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

Edwin softly apologized.

assured her in a low voice, “I'll stay away from Laura. And I'll speak with Vanessa." “That's

his mind drifting to the image of Laura

multitude of people, yet an oddly eerie atmosphere hung in

found it quite

left, Edwin walked her to her

hour, the pristine snow illuminated the world with an intense brilliance,

not wearing a

dark blue cashmere sweater,

car door,

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 message, chose not to press the

business! Nevertheless, she hadn't anticipated Edwin being

harbor a trace

attitude is a

because I'm

2197 Vanessa, not quite ready to drop

Not outstanding enough? In your heart, where do I fall short

and excellent. There's no need for comparisons.” Vanessa

you even humor me a

are business partners, Vanessa,”

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

lip and climbed into the

vehicle accelerated into the night, skidding slightly as it passed

lingered for a moment before eventually returning

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

rid of the nuisance. She couldn't let him linger any longer, so she said with a smile, “It’s okay. Peter can drive.

Aren't you afraid your

situation, also joined in with

his son with a

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

in his pockets, Edwin

expression, Cecilia couldn't resist remarking, “Don’t be too harsh!” Mark paid no heed to her

slowly ascended the stairs. Edwin trailed behind, but he felt

tones, Cecilia murmured, “Your father appears quite

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