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.

his attention drawn to a

in a white down jacket and a red woolen hat, playfully engaged in a snowball fight with children. Her boots were damp from the

registering his

a car honking behind him pulled him

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

Dylan appear next to Laura, easily dispersing the

to his arm, laughter lighting up her face. Dylan affectionately ruffled her

soon got into a black Hummer and drove

Edwin. She remained silent though, her

Edwin's tall figure too, offered a light

Don't dwell

nodded in

the distance. He returned to his own car, his shoes and trousers

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

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

to a partnership. Why

street. Come back now! We're all waiting for you for dinner!” After ending the call, Edwin lit a

Laura and Dylan. Did it matter? He and Laura

wife, usually not overly demanding- Resolved, Edwin finished his

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

playfully, “Quite

2195 But at a glance from Cecilia, he quickly quieted

offered Edwin dry

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

think we're just freeloaders.” Vanessa offered

Peter looked confused.

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

her too much!” Lina then gestured for Edwin to take

captivated by a snowball fight? You're soaked! Even as an adult, you seem to

slightly like an outsider amidst

Lina headed towards the

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

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

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

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

one thing, but Vanessa bringing it up and

heartache evident, yet she had to maintain composure in front of Vanessa and everyone

Edwin softly apologized.

“I'll stay away from Laura. And I'll speak with Vanessa." “That's for the best,”

hearing the lively conversations in the hall. Yet, he felt disconnected, his mind drifting to the image of

multitude of people, yet an oddly eerie atmosphere

also found

left, Edwin walked her to her

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

not wearing a coat.

beneath a stylish dark

against the car

you going to drive 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

nature of business! Nevertheless, she

but harbor a trace of

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

spoke with indifference, saying, “Perhaps it's because I'm the client, and you're the

not quite ready to

enough? In your heart, where do I fall short

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

even consider comparing me to her? Can't you even humor me a bit?" Edwin stubbed out his cigarette, offering a faint

partners, Vanessa,”

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

and climbed into

skidding slightly as it passed

a moment before eventually returning to

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

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 not scolding you, but you should be

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

unaware of the situation, also joined

observed his son with a profound and thoughtful

to accompany Peter and his wife outside. He

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

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

the stairs. Edwin trailed behind,

hushed tones, Cecilia murmured, “Your father

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