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.

was driving aimlessly, considering stopping for

It was his parents.

mechanically, his attention drawn

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

his parents’

honking behind him pulled him back to

beep- He drove off quickly, but soon parked his car in the nearest lot and stepped out for a closer

Then he saw Dylan appear next to Laura,

affectionately ruffled her hair and helped her up from the

black Hummer and drove

in the passenger seat, caught sight of Edwin. She remained

figure too, offered a light

in the past. Don't dwell on it,”

simply nodded in

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

one question — Were Laura and Dylan an item

are you coming?” Edwin's brow furrowed at the mention

by women. Vanessa had agreed to a partnership. Why was she at

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

Laura and Dylan. Did it

not overly demanding- Resolved,

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

playfully, “Quite the adventurer,

quickly quieted down, always respectful of his wife

offered Edwin dry

Garcia are here, I'm quite surprised Laura isn't. She's quite a talented designer.” Peter, ever forthright, said, “That kid's busy!”

might think we're just freeloaders.” Vanessa

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 Mark

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

with a 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

feeling slightly like an outsider amidst

the kitchen, Edwin

expression softened, and she said gently, “Ask what you want to ask.” Edwin hesitated

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

she dished out some food into a plate, pressing

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 her cryptic ways. If Laura owed you anything, she’s

but Vanessa bringing it up

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

Edwin softly apologized.

voice, “I'll stay away from Laura. And I'll

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

a multitude of

also found it quite

left, Edwin walked her to

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

wearing a coat.

stylish dark blue cashmere

leaned against the car door,

pocket, lighting one as the red

of business! Nevertheless, she hadn't anticipated

help but harbor a

don't you think your attitude is

saying, “Perhaps it's because I'm

not quite

your heart, where do I fall short compared to her?” Vanessa

no need for comparisons.” Vanessa was beginning to feel

to her? Can't you

partners,

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

bit her lip and climbed

vehicle accelerated into the night, skidding slightly as it passed through the

a moment before eventually returning to

servants were busy cleaning up the table, while Peter

to give 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 not scolding

Aren't you afraid your father

the situation, also joined in with

Mark observed his son with a profound

pause, Mark rose to accompany Peter and his wife outside. He exchanged a

With his hands in his

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

2198 He slowly ascended the stairs. Edwin trailed behind, but he felt his sleeve

Cecilia murmured,

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