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,

It was his parents.

his attention drawn to a scene

boots were damp from the snow, but she seemed

registering his parents’ voices on

behind him pulled

his car in the nearest lot and stepped

2194 Then he saw Dylan appear next

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

into a black Hummer and drove

Edwin. She remained silent though, her lips pressed

tall figure too, offered a light

the past. Don't dwell on it,”

simply nodded in

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

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

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

feeling manipulated, especially by women. Vanessa had agreed to a partnership. Why was she at his home

“Work, my foot! I can hear other cars on the street. Come back now! We're all waiting for you for

and Dylan. Did it matter? He and Laura couldn't

for a wife, usually not overly demanding- Resolved, Edwin finished

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 commented on his wet attire, “Where have you been? You were not snowball-fighting with others, were you?” “Just watched a snowball fight,” Edwin replied with a slight

teased Edwin playfully, “Quite

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

offered Edwin

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 and see you and Edwin. We

we're just freeloaders.” Vanessa offered a

Peter looked confused.

today!” Lina shot back playfully, “And you're usually so

too much!” Lina then gestured for

you really so captivated by a snowball fight? You're soaked! Even as an

feeling slightly like an outsider

Lina headed towards the kitchen, Edwin discreetly followed

expression softened, and she said gently, “Ask what you want to

Edwin ventured further, “And Laura and Dylan-How are they together?” “They're good,” Lina replied

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

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 after Laura, but you also need to handle Vanessa and

but Vanessa bringing

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

Edwin softly apologized.

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

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

was Christmas, and the house was bustling with a multitude of people, yet an oddly

also found it

Edwin walked her to her

the world with an intense

was not wearing a

shirt beneath a stylish dark blue cashmere sweater, appearing

the car door, her

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

was the nature of business! Nevertheless,

harbor a trace of

a business partner, don't you think your attitude is a bit too cold?” Edwin slowly exhaled a

“Perhaps it's because I'm

quite ready to drop

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

need for comparisons.” Vanessa was beginning to

you so unwilling to even consider comparing me to her? Can't you

are business partners, Vanessa,” he

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

lip and climbed into the

night, skidding slightly as it passed through

before eventually returning to

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

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

alone in this snowy weather... Aren't you afraid your father will reprimand you later?” Edwin clearly grasped her

also joined in with a few words of

his son with a profound and

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

in his pockets, Edwin

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

2198 He slowly ascended the stairs. Edwin trailed behind,

Cecilia murmured, “Your

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