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

It was his parents.

mechanically, his attention

white down 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 rosy from the cold and excitement, fully

Edwin watched, barely registering his parents’ voices

a car honking behind him

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

2194 Then he saw Dylan appear next to

her face. Dylan affectionately ruffled her hair and helped her

a black Hummer

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

tall figure too,

past. Don't

simply nodded in

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

and Dylan an item now?

are you coming?” Edwin's brow furrowed at

had agreed to a partnership. Why was she at his home now? “I'm tied up with

my foot! I can hear other cars on the street. Come back now! We're all waiting for you for dinner!” After ending the call, Edwin lit

it matter? He and

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

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

teased Edwin playfully, “Quite the adventurer, aren't

Cecilia, he quickly quieted down, always respectful of his wife in public

servant offered Edwin dry

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 and see you and Edwin. We can’t always involve the

freeloaders.” Vanessa offered a small smile

Peter looked confused.

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

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

gentle tone, “Were you really so captivated by a snowball fight? You're soaked! Even as an adult, you seem to forget your limits.” Her words carried an underlying message, which Edwin understood all

observed the family interaction, feeling slightly like an

headed towards the kitchen, Edwin discreetly followed

of the kitchen, 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

ventured further, “And

2196 As she dished out some food into a plate,

But remember, what's in other’s plate 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

with Laura was one thing, but Vanessa bringing it up

she had to maintain composure in front of Vanessa

Edwin softly apologized.

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

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

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

found

she left, Edwin walked her to

the late hour, the pristine snow illuminated the world with an intense brilliance, enabling them to see each

not wearing a

stylish dark blue cashmere sweater,

car door, her

pack of cigarettes from his pocket, lighting one as the red tip glowed in the night. Vanessa, comprehending his unspoken message, chose not

of business! Nevertheless, she hadn't

help but harbor a

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

it's because I'm

2197 Vanessa, not quite ready to

enough? In your heart, where do I fall

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

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

business partners,

to mislead your emotions. As for our

lip and

night, skidding slightly as it passed through

a moment before eventually

Peter

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.

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

joined in with a few

son with a

Mark rose to accompany Peter and his wife outside. He

With his hands in his pockets, Edwin followed his

her husband's stern expression, Cecilia couldn't resist remarking, “Don’t be too harsh!” Mark paid

stairs. Edwin trailed behind, but

hushed tones, Cecilia murmured, “Your father appears

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