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.

aimlessly, considering stopping for

It was his parents.

his attention drawn to a

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 immersed in the

barely registering his parents’ voices on the

behind

He drove off quickly, but soon parked his car in the nearest lot and stepped

2194 Then he saw Dylan appear next to Laura, easily dispersing

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

got into a black

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

figure too,

the past. Don't

nodded in

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

an item

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

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

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 a cigarette, sinking back into his

pondered cynically about Laura and Dylan. Did it matter? He and Laura couldn't be

for a wife, usually not overly demanding- Resolved, Edwin finished his cigarette, started the car, and

in Duefron, the family 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?

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

from Cecilia, he quickly quieted down, always respectful of his

servant offered Edwin dry

said, “Since Mr. and Mrs. Garcia are 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

we're just freeloaders.” Vanessa offered a small

Peter looked confused.

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

Lina then gestured for Edwin to

an adult, you seem to forget your limits.” Her words carried an underlying message,

family interaction, feeling slightly like an outsider amidst their warmth

Lina headed towards the kitchen, Edwin discreetly

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

How is she doing?” “She's doing quite welll” Edwin ventured further, “And Laura and

dished out some food into a plate,

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

one thing, but Vanessa bringing it up and being

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

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

found

walked her

the world with an intense brilliance, enabling them to see

not wearing

a stylish dark blue cashmere

against the car

pocket, lighting one as the red tip glowed in the night.

nature of business! Nevertheless,

couldn't help but harbor a trace of

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

it's because I'm the client, and you're

2197 Vanessa, not quite ready to drop

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

pretty and excellent. There's no need for

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

are business partners, Vanessa,”

our engagement, you might want

bit her lip and climbed

vehicle accelerated into the night, skidding slightly as it passed

lingered for a moment before eventually returning to the hall.

while Peter and Lina, already clad in their coats, were

nuisance. She couldn't let him linger any longer, so she said

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

joined in with a few words

observed his son with a profound and

wife outside. He exchanged

hands in his pockets, Edwin

paid no heed to her words. It was unusual

ascended the stairs. Edwin trailed behind,

tones, Cecilia murmured, “Your father

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