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.

for a meal, when his phone

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 immersed

registering his parents’ voices

behind him pulled him back

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

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

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

into a black Hummer

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

noticing Edwin's tall figure

all in the past. Don't dwell on

nodded

car vanish into the distance. He returned to his own car, his

and Dylan an item now? The

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

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

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

it matter? He and Laura

overly demanding- Resolved, Edwin finished his cigarette,

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,

quickly quieted down, always respectful

servant offered

forthright, said, “That kid's

might think we're just freeloaders.” Vanessa offered a small

Peter looked confused.

playfully, “And you're usually so smart, but you're really thick today!” Peter Laughed, turning

for Edwin to take a

by a snowball fight? You're soaked! Even as an adult, you seem to forget your limits.” Her

interaction, feeling slightly like an outsider amidst their warmth

the

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

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

As she dished out some food into a plate, pressing it down firmly, she

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 settled that debt.”

past with Laura was one thing, but Vanessa bringing it up and being

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

Edwin softly apologized.

the warm light of the kitchen, he assured her in a low voice, “I'll stay away

he felt disconnected, his mind drifting to the image of Laura laughing in the snow, wishing he could be there instead, even

a multitude of people, yet an oddly eerie atmosphere hung

also found it

Edwin walked her

with an intense brilliance, enabling them to

not wearing

shirt beneath a stylish dark blue cashmere sweater, appearing both handsome and

against the car door, her smile

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 not to press the issue

the nature of business! Nevertheless, she hadn't anticipated

but harbor

is a bit too cold?” Edwin slowly exhaled a ring

spoke with indifference, saying, “Perhaps it's because

not quite ready to drop the

outstanding enough? In your heart, where do I

for comparisons.” Vanessa was

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

business partners, Vanessa,” he reminded

As for our engagement,

and climbed into the

the night, skidding slightly

lingered for a moment before eventually returning to the

the table, while Peter and Lina, already clad

coat and said, “Allow me 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

Aren't you afraid your father will reprimand you later?”

joined in with a

Mark observed his son with a profound and

a brief pause, Mark rose to accompany Peter and his wife outside. He exchanged a few words with

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

“Don’t be too harsh!” Mark paid no heed to her words. It was unusual for

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

Cecilia murmured,

The Novel will be updated daily. Come back and continue reading tomorrow, everyone!

Comments ()

0/255